Netflix Shakes Down Blu-ray Renters... Again!
March 30, 2009
Netflix subscribers got a nastygram in their inboxes today when they received notice that, beginning April 27th, they would be charged anywhere from $1 to $9 extra a month for access to Blu-ray titles. Those who opt for the $4.99/mo plan (1 movie at a time/2 per month max) will pay an extra $1, while those who enjoy the $47.99/mo plan (8 movies at a time/unlimited per month) pay a hefty $9 over their normal monthly fee.
Many readers will recall that this isn't the first time Netflix has charged premiums to their subscribers who prefer Blu-ray. Back in October, the popular web-based movie renter announced that they would charge subscribers an extra $1 per month for access to Blu-ray titles, regardless of plan. Their reasoning then was the same as it is today - Blu-ray titles cost them more to buy, so they are passing that charge to you.
What they fail to mention, however, is Blu-ray discs (with their scratch resistant coating) have a longer shelf life than their DVD counterparts, so any long term additional costs are yet to be determined. That they can announce such changes in the shadow of a down economy and while benefiting from ever increasing profits and membership numbers is, well, astounding to say the least.
Netflix's main rival, Blockbuster, does not charge their members for renting Blu-ray titles while maintaining a similar rental scheme. There was a time when the color blue was seen as superior to red. Is history now repeating itself?