Blockbuster

[El Duderino]

I've heard for some time now that Blockbuster is going out of business thanks to Netflix, Redbox and Gamefly. There's only 1 blockbuster left here all the rest of them shut down. So do they still get in new games at the blockbusters that are still around? And if they're going out of business, what's to stop people from just getting a movie or a game and not returning it, I mean what can they do if they go out of business? I know they stopped late fees, not sure if they still have a no late fee policy though. Anyone know anything?

 

[wuher da brewer]

There are more than a few here that haven't shut down and say they aren't going any where. One is a clearance center, but still operates as a regular blockbuster.

 

[darthgordon]

Currently, I think they've just had to downsize considerably to stay afloat. Starbucks has done the same to a lesser degree.

 

[EvilRocketeer]

blockbuster deserved it...they treated their cliental like crap..it finally caught up to them...karma i tell you

 

[Guri]

The Blockbuster next to our grocery store closed shortly after a $1 a DVD vending machine was put into the grocery store (and all others withing a close vicinity)

A year later and that DVD vending machine in the grocery store next to the old Blockbuster was replaced by a Blockbuster $1 a DVD vending machine.

Essentially, they put out of commission the machine that contributed to their own store closing.

I think they aren't going out of business, just adjusting their model according to the market.

 

[Solo4114]

Yeah, I think they've closed the bulk of their brick-and-mortar stores and done away with the whole "late fee" rental system. God I blew SO much money at Blockbuster with that...until I discovered Netflix, that is.

I'd bet they maintain their online and vending machine presence.



As for Starbucks...sheesh, you want to talk about an unsustainable business model... There was a period of time a few years back where, I'm convinced, you'd be able to go into any small New England town and find a Starbucks at each corner of the Town Square.

 

[Betamin]

I use Blockbuster online, and like that I can take movies that I got in the mail back to the store up to 5 times a month (on the plan that I have) and get free rentals from the store. Can't do that with Netflix or Redbox.

 

[BDK]

They downsized quite a bit, but aren't going under quite yet.

There still quite a few stores in the Pittsburgh area, they closed the ones that were just scrapping by and just opened one up a year or so ago.

 

[TK1536]

NetFlix rules.
With more and more content available for streaming (which i can view on either my Blu-Ray player or Apple TV), I can see us cutting the Cable TV cord next.

 

[niennumb1]

I love Netflix, but their "HD" Streaming movies suck. I have a big plasma TV and these movies look more atrocious via streaming than DVD.

 

[sycor]

I love Netflix, but their "HD" Streaming movies suck. I have a big plasma TV and these movies look more atrocious via streaming than DVD.

Are you sure you are getting HD? Movies in HD streaming look great on my 55 inch.

 

[jackdoud]

I thought I heard a few weeks ago that they finally declared bankrupcy...

 

[Forsaken]

I will not shed any tears if they totally drop off the planet.
The only downside is people loosing jobs they might rely on.

AL

 

[themanwoaname]

i prefer blockbuster brick and mortar to netflix and redbox. i like reading the back of a dvd or game before i decide to rent it. the walk deciding which movie to rent, saying "no that movie looks bad" or "yes lets watch that one" is part of the fun.
i still have 2 in my current town, not near as close proximity as id like there used to be 4. in my home town i lived 5 minutes from one until it turned into a matress barn, now its 10 mins out of the way for 2.

 

[Funky]

I remember all the times I was charged by them for not rewinding. (or at least when they said I didn't)
I remember when all the times I was charged late fees because they closed 10 minutes early (before their deposit boxes).
I remember getting charged 99.99 for a tape I left in a hot car and it melted. Sure it was my fault, but how can they charge me 99.99 for a tape I could pick up at K-mart for 20.00?

The last time I walked into a BB was 6 months ago when the one around the corner from me was closing and I went in on their last day when every single DVD they had left was 1.00. I walked away with 78.00 worth of entertainment. So yes, I made back my money but how many millions have they made of nickle and diming us for years with petty charges?
Screw them. I'm so bitter towards them that (and yes, I have actually done this at least 4 times) when I have time and I'm driving by a BB, I stop for the sole pourpose of going in and asking when are they closing their store. :lol

 

[Minder Thr33]

I love Netflix, but their "HD" Streaming movies suck. I have a big plasma TV and these movies look more atrocious via streaming than DVD.

It could be your connection/other users using the same network, etc. From what I understand, Netflix adjusts its quality to your internet speed, so that the lag will be minimal (if any). Personally, HD streaming looks a bit better than network HD tv, but not as good as blu-ray

 

[darthgordon]

That was the problem with Blockbuster. I don't need the convenience of getting movies online. In fact, getting movies is usually a last minute decision that doesn't give me the time to wait on shipping. I enjoy the experience of walking around and selecting something.

I don't like paying 7 dollars for renting an old movie. I don't need it for 5 days. I don't like late fees that are as much as the rental. God forbid something happen to their movie in your possession. A 15 dollar movie costs you a 100 to replace.

Of course, I realize that Redbox and Netflix can charge far less because they don't need to rent and operate a building. They don't need to pay as many employees.

 

[CeSquared]

I also have the Blockbuster Online service. $20 a month for unlimited rentals plus 5 in-store exchanges. To be honest, their systems suck so every time I bring 3 movies in to exchange and get 3 in return, their system only registers it as 1 exchange. I've gotten 6 movies this month already and it only shows I've exchanged 2. No surprise they are struggling with crappy software.

They also have some deal with some studios that they get a 30 day exclusive window to carry their movies before Netflix.

 

[Wes R]

We never had one around here. All the chains are gone for the most part except Family Video who is doing well, the rest are small mom and pop places. Giant Eagle (grocery chain) where i used to rent stuff all the time tore out all its rental areas and now only sells a few movies now and then. There is a Red Box on every corner.

 

[Darius Alucard]

I thought they were going under too, but that's not the case yet (at least in this area).

As stated by others, they have downsized their stores, but they also changed up their routine.

Rentals are 3 nights for $3 and they have some deal to get some new releases weeks ahead of RedBox and NetFlix.

They bought out a dvd vending company and now do it themselves with Blockbuster Express machines. That coupled with their online service let them stay afloat and be able to compete in both markets.

I actually don't care much for them as a company, but the one closest to me has nice employees that are actually knowledgable and I still like being able to just pick something up on a whim instead of waiting for it to arrive.