Netflix vs. Blockbuster

[ikethegreat]

So I've been renting movies at the local Blockbusters since I was a little kid.  Recently, all 3 local Blockbuster stores near me have shut down for good.  So I've decided to sign up for either Netflix or Blockbuster online.  For those of you who have used either service, how do you like it?  After doing a bit of research, here is my list of Pros and Cons for both options.

Netflix
Pros:
1. I can stream movies directly to my ps3/pc.

Cons:
1. It is the more expensive option @ $18 a month for 2 blurays out at once.
2. New releases come out 28 AFTER blockbuster gets them.
3. No ps3 game rentals.

Blockbuster
Pros:
1.  Cheaper option @ $17 a month for 2 blurays out at once.
2.  I can rent ps3 games as part of the plan for NO additional charge.
3.  Gets new releases 28 days sooner than Netflix.

Cons:
1. No movie streaming via ps3/pc.

After making the list, I'm kinda leaning towards Blockbuster but I kind of wanted Netflix's stream to ps3 ability.  Decisions decisions...

[CrackerTeg]

I've had both and never really had issues with either one. I also have a boatload of Blockbuster's near me so I ended up cancelling Netflix because the wife was forgetful about mailing back the movies this entire time I've been gone. After looking at the pros and cons of each, I'd have to say to go with Blockbuster. The pros of them outweigh Netflix's. It sucks you can't stream to your PS3 but sacrifices would have to be made.

[Mike]

Id probably go with netflix... I watch most of my stuff streaming so I only require one disk at a time... I also dont know that the 28 days sooner is true for everything. I think my netflix is only like $10 or $11 a month.

[wtcii]

I have Netflix. I stream HD instantly. I have had Netflix for a long time. When they first released the instant streaming, the selection sucked. It is much better now. One of my favorite things about Netflix is I can watch it on my iPhone. I'm sure there are apps for most phones. I don't know if blockbuster has that available. Also, you can basically have unlimited devices. All of our Netflix capable devices at home and at school are all connected to the same account. Taxes and all it is 9.62 a month. That is for 1 disc, non bluray, and unlimited streaming. Like Mike, I stream almost all my stuff. My Dad gets a disc occasionally, but he streams too.

[gargantula99]

I've got Netflix. Never had an issue with them until now that I'm traveling and can't stream due to copyright laws.  You can only stream in the 50 states.

[b_beau_09]

Id probably go with netflix... I watch most of my stuff streaming so I only require one disk at a time... I also dont know that the 28 days sooner is true for everything. I think my netflix is only like $10 or $11 a month.

what mike said is true.. blockbuster is actually losing it's "28 days sooner" appeal, read this article http://blog.moviefone.com/2010/12/17/blockbuster-28-days-rental-backfires/

blockbuster (after going through their recent bankrupcy) had to cut costs and basically couldn't afford to keep that sooner window for their online services or kiosks..

I'd go with netflix.  their service and selection is probably the best.. I say probably because I don't use any of those services but netflix has been a staple in the movie rental service for a while and is pretty much the standard model now for online rentals.

[v6sicksspeed]

i've got blockbuster.  For me: games > instant streaming.

[JuStIcE]

For just movies i use the RedBox movie rental. Cant go wrong with $1.09 for a movie rental. Down side is its only a 24hr rental.

[timot_one]

I would choose Netflix for 3 reasons.  First, I don't play video games that much.  Second, I'd rather stream movies.  Third, I've always hated Blockbuster and kinda just want to see them go out of business.

[ikethegreat]

For just movies i use the RedBox movie rental. Cant go wrong with $1.09 for a movie rental. Down side is its only a 24hr rental.

The one time I used RedBox, I noticed that I had never even heard of at least half the movies they offered, and it didn't seem like they carried very many new releases.  Might just have been the one I went to, I don't know.  

Thanks for the opinions guys!  I'm still on the fence about which to choose.  Gonna mull it over for a bit.

[Mike]

I should add I use gamefly also...

[ikethegreat]

You use netflix and gamefly?  Would'nt using blockbuster be cheaper for you since you get movies and games?

[Mike]

Yes and no. less dollars but far less content available.

Netflix - one disk out approx. $10 a month (unlimited online content)

Gamefly 2 games out around $14 a month

Gamefly also gives you the option to buy games (or keep your rentals) at a discounted rate.

[rich]

torrents ftw lol

[unclejud49348]

Netflix > Blockbuster

Netflix has become a powerhouse in the video renting world lately and I really think that they aren't going anywhere. Netflix keeps coming up with better and better ways for you to get movies. Instant streaming is amazing. With your 1 account you can stream off of anything, anytime. I watch movies on my PS3, Xbox, iPad, laptop, and my niece streams movies off my account from her iPod touch.

Blockbuster is coming out of bankruptcy and I'm pretty sure they aren't going to make it. Kiosk rentals has become a real competitor and it makes more sense from a fiscal standpoint. If you want to rent games, get GameFly.

I used to work at Movie Gallery part time, and even with free rentals there I still had a Netflix account. Netflix has an amazing selection of movies and it only takes about 1 business day to get your movies. Once and a while it takes longer but not very often, they are pretty reliable.

Another thing no one has mentioned is that Netflix's customer service is great. I called because I lost my envelopes to mail back my movies and they said "No problem, we'll just send out 3 more movies and just mail all 6 back when you're done". I haven't heard anything about blockbusters customer service but I can testify first hand how accommodating Netflix's CS is.

And the 28 day thing, it's not going to last, but that's just my opinion.