The Future of Film and Television Rental Thread

[GhostPoet]

So...Blockbuster filed chapter 11 and is restructuring. Everyone saw it coming...the chain was far too slow to adapt to the new way of things. But that doesn't mean everyone is going full digital streaming/download yet.

I love Netflix streaming and use it literally every night. But mainly for TV shows and the occassional older movie I've never seen. But for the most part, when it comes to newer films I still do disc...simply because streaming isn't available. I'm sure there will come a time when new films are streamed.

Then there's Redbox...i'll be honest. I never really got into it and it hasn't really been able to make a firm foothold on the market due to limited selection.

I think the "fall" of Blockbuster is a real turning point for the industry. With it's decline, this does make Netflix life easier like some may think. It means competition will be even stronger. Cable companies and others see this as the perfect opportunity to jump in and try to snatch up those many subscribers moving away from Blockbuster. Can they get them before Netflix does? Who knows...

I see this as a boone for Netflix...as it will force them to move a little more swiftly into getting streaming for newer films.

In any case, it's going to be a very interesting next few years for video rental.

Thoughts?

 

[enterthemadness]

I rather rent at the local video store, 1st Run Video here or the Blockbuster here. Netflix and the like require credit cards or debit cards...in fact, so does the two places I mentioned. Thankfully, my parents have some left over. like I can pay in cash...but it's either more in cash to rent without a card on file or I can't rent the games without a card on file. And credit cards are evil, maybe debit as well. I'm a old school cash guy.

 

[GhostPoet]

Wow really? I never carry cash...like...ever. hehe

 

[enterthemadness]

Wow really? I never carry cash...like...ever. hehe

I know one day I'll probably have to have a debit card, but I feel more...at ease with cash.

Hope the Blockbuster here doesn't close. It shouldn't, as this is a military town and all.

 

[GhostPoet]

What's wrong with debit? It just comes out of your checking.

I'd be surprised if Blockbuster closed there, like you said. I think they've closed most of the ones they planned to close.

For me something like Netflix is perfect because I like re-watching certain shows (stargate series, etc...) and watching shows I never got to see the first time around. At least for streaming...for dvd's I find it easier to just put stuff on my queue and let it all ship to me. TV shows through netflix are nice and I don't have to buy the dvd set.

 

[enterthemadness]

What's wrong with debit? It just comes out of your checking.

I'd be surprised if Blockbuster closed there, like you said. I think they've closed most of the ones they planned to close.

For me something like Netflix is perfect because I like re-watching certain shows (stargate series, etc...) and watching shows I never got to see the first time around. At least for streaming...for dvd's I find it easier to just put stuff on my queue and let it all ship to me. TV shows through netflix are nice and I don't have to buy the dvd set.

Don't have a checking account nor want to start up one. I have bank yes, not checking.

Netflix does have a good selection of titles.

 

[amazingfantasy15]

I think Netflix and RedBox are pretty secure right now. Netflix is easy as the movies come right to your door, but it does require you to know what movies you want in a few days. While RedBox is a more spontaneous rental, they all over the place in Chicago, every major supermarket has one, I've also seen them at gas stations and at a couple el stations. Then you add in that you can return them to any RedBox makes it even better. I don't use them much right now, but that's only because most nights I'm not sure I'll be able to watch a full movie, usually have other stuff going on. I like Netflix because you aren't forced to watch it that night.

 

[Prison Mike]

I love Netflix so much I want to take it behind a middle school and get it pregnant.

 

[Immortalfire]

My town has 1 video rental store, and I haven't set foot in it in like, 5 years. I've never used a Redbox, but they seem to do well given their locale in Target, Walmart and the like.

Netflix rules all for me.

 

[Sundancer]

I'm all for Netflix simply because of the storage of titles. Stores always have top get rid of titles, so even "classics" get moved out. It's the prices that drove me away from the store. Why spend money on a DVD rental when I could own it for twice the price?

Libraries can also be great places for "acclaimed" and family films.


What I'm waiting for is theatrical relases to be steramed/downloaded so I don't have to deal with asses texting or talking during the movie