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Blockbuster Drops Prices, Netflix Yawns

By Nate Mook, BetaNews

December 23, 2004, 12:45 PM

Firing the latest salvo in the online DVD rental war, Blockbuster has announced to customers it will lower monthly pricing by $2.50 to $14.99 USD. The cheaper rate takes effect immediately and will last until at least the end of next year, Blockbuster said. But rival Netflix remained unfazed by the news and has no plans to drop its prices.

Netflix lowered its pricing in November to $17.99 USD when faced with growing competition from Blockbuster and retail giant Wal-Mart. However, Netflix says the latest move by Blockbuster indicates the death of the video store is coming; Blockbuster currently offers in-store subscriptions at $24.99 USD.

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By mjm01010101

posted Dec 27, 2004 - 2:08 PM

I've been a member of Netflix twice. The first time was on their introduction. I quit after 3 months because it took too long to get a movie back once I'd sent it.

I'd heard that that issue was fixed and their was a distribution center in my state now, so I decided to try it again. This time, it only took me two months to quit. They raised the price a week after I joined, and three discs within those two months arrived either in shattered pieces or were unplayable/scratched. I don't think I'll try them again, they definately will have a hard time winning me back.

Score: 0

By alister

posted Dec 23, 2004 - 2:05 PM

I tried Blockbuster and was with them for about 3 months and then made the switch to Netflix which I like much better. The turn around time for Netflix is much quicker and I never have a wait for any DVD that I want. Plus with Blockbuster, I got zapped for a late fee with their online video rental thanks to the in-store coupons that they give you for FREE rentals.

Score: 0

By annmariet30

posted Dec 26, 2004 - 1:09 AM

had netflix since summer of 2004..loved the fast shipping!!took one day to ship to me. and one day to ship to them. also they had the moveies in stock,even the new releases that just release that day. got those movies quick when the due date came,even though it said short wait. it still was shipped to me the same day. the prices are great also..not dropping them for nothing...

Score: 0

By Stingray57

posted Dec 23, 2004 - 2:53 PM

All,
I tried Blockbuster their seletion and website sucked. The waits on movies are ridiculous and they are not accurate! They are only dropping the prices because Netflix is killing them.

NetFlix has really good service and I can not say one bad thing about them or their service.

Blockbuster, too little, too late.. you missed the train. You were too busy charging customers late fees for movies that had bee returned on time and rewind fees. - Yeah, I remember that.

Score: 0

By DocMadness

edited Dec 24, 2004 - 5:21 PM

I've also tried both of these services, and by far, Netflix is the better one right now. Faster turn around on movies, better selection, great website, and excellent customer service for those rare times you have a problem.

I think Blockbuster tried to get into it a little too late, and Netflix already has the better ability to get movies out, with several shipping centers across the country to meet the demand.

Score: 0

By alister

posted Dec 25, 2004 - 10:39 PM

Talking about customer service. I tried calling Blockbuster Online's 800 number several times a day for about a week and got nothing but a busy signal. I switched to Netflix shortly afterward and have never looked back.

Score: 0

By 12voltman

posted Dec 27, 2004 - 2:03 AM

I been using netflix for about a year now and have never had a prob with them. They are a great service. Fast to, I send the movies back one day and they get it the next. They send the next video in your que out the same day they get the returns.

I don't go to retail stores and Wal-Mart sux. So Netflix works perfect for me ...

Score: 0

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