NetFlix versus Blockbuster

[mttskates]

This poll has probably already been addressed, but I would like to see the difference. How many people are using Blockbuster Online versus Netflix? I started with Netflix about a year ago and now that Blockbuster gives you in-store rentals with your online returns, I have moved to Blockbuster. The only difference that I found between the two when I moved was the absence of the friends feature in Blockbuster. But now guess what Lady and gents, Blockbuster has it now. How important would that be to everyone and does anybody want to share queues? :)

[mttskates]

Oops I forgot that they are sponsored by Net Flix.

[masherscf]

The trouble with looking for an honest comparison this is very few people use both services. People tend to like what they use and don't really listen to other opinions.

I use Netflix and love it.

There may be subtle difference in the functionality of the websites. There may be subtle differences in the timing of any delivery. There may even be subtle differences in price. Nevertheless, with the exception of one particular Blockbuster feature, the two services are nearly identical.

The feature of which I speak is the ability to access the brick-and-mortor stores as part of the subscription. This takes the form of periodic free rentals, discounts and video return and exchange. If this feature appeals to you, than Blockbuster is your service.

Otherwise, I like Netflix. The main reason I prefer Netflix at this time is the ability to rent HD-DVDs at no extra cost. This makes the HD-DVD player worth having. If I didn't have access to this rental HD-DVD content, the HD-DVD player would be a waste of money.

[conedude13]

How does the library of available movies compair between Netflix and Blockbuster's thing? I always remember being disapointed with the lack of b-movies and classics that I often found myself going to the "mom & pop" vid stores to get.

I also heard that there is a big difference between the tivo sort of suggestion algorithims. For example, with blockbuster if someone rented Rocky 1 and you rented Rocky 1, and that other person also rented Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. The blockbuster system would then reccomend that you get Attack of the Killer Tomatoes just because that other person rented another movie. I just heard that the Netflix way is more articulate than this, and that this is sort of the sam way that Amazon does their suggestions.

But that was a while ago, so I'm not sure if blockbuster is still doing this or not. I'm going to be giving netflix a try over the summer, just because I don't like going to the blockbuster store due to the stor's crappy selection of movies.

[masherscf]

I also heard that there is a big difference between the tivo sort of suggestion algorithims.

The profiling software for Netflix seems quite good. In fact, a little too good. I've rated over 1000 titles in order to build a profile. The only trouble is that I only seem to get recommendations of movies I've seen or already own. The profiling software seems incapable of extrapolating my developing tastes instead of interpolating what I already like.

Netflix tracks recommendations made my movie critics. Finding a critic that you trust is really the best way to find good movies. An actual human opinion is often the best way to filter what could like from what you won't.

Amazon's profiling software is downright spooky sometimes...

[tokenuser]

I am with Masher on this. For me, the brick and mortar access of Blockbuster sealed the deal.

As for the suggestion algorithms - I don't pay much attention to the recommendations anyway. What I would like is the ability to say which movies I own or have already seen, and for them to never be recommended to me.

[bobafettjm]

I will not use the Blockbuster service, as least not right now. They don't do the in-store part of it up here and it takes longer for the sending and receiving than Netflix.

[conedude13]

Has anyone a preference between the two based on Netflix/BB's movie library? I stopped going to BB because their selection became too limited as their popularity grew. That, and a new release costs 5 bones.

[masherscf]

Has anyone a preference between the two based on Netflix/BB's movie library? I stopped going to BB because their selection became too limited as their popularity grew. That, and a new release costs 5 bones.

The question of availability to the online services is basically moot. Netflix, seems to have nearly every DVD in recent release. However, it does have more copies of some movies. I had to wait a month to get "Captain Horatio Hornblower"

[comhcinc]

i go with netflix. i don't use blockbuster cause they have a history of cesnoring movies.

[masherscf]

i go with netflix. i don't use blockbuster cause they have a history of cesnoring movies.

Oh yes, the NC-17 collection at Netflix. I would not have seen "Orgazmo" any other way.

[comhcinc]

at one point blockbuster censored jaws. this may not be the way they do things any more but it something i will always hold against them

[russell1740]

Although I have not tried netflix, I am using blockbuster. The in-store trading really got to me and I had to go with it.

Even though we should be supporting the TRS by switching over to netflix :D

[mttskates]

Thanks everybody for posting. I think that I will stick with B-Buster at this time due to the fact that the store is close to my house. I would like to use Netflix to supprt TRS but the frequency of movie watching is so steady with BBuster. I will keep an eye out for Stalin type censorship and give 'em a case of "stickinittodamanitis" if I hafta. :)

[imagineer99]

Netflix has a far superior selection. 'Nuff said.

[masherscf]

'Nuff said.

Your superior logic is blinding. The elegant detail of your rebuttal is a masterpiece of literary debate. My complements to you sir.

[carbon-eclectic]

The "brick and mortar" aspect of B-buster's system is very compelling BUT I must say that I simply feel better supporting NetFlix's system. The only reason (but still a very good one) that B-buster has an online rental system is so that they can directly compete with Netflix. B-buster hasn't taken any real initiative of their own to make a customer's experience any better. I feel that supporting Netflix is a way to support a company that sees ways of providing movie content to its customers in new innovative ways rather than just acting in a reflexive manner to match itself up to competitors.