I've been a Blockbuster Online subscriber for over 3 years now (egad!)
and have always found it to be a better deal than Netflix. Both plans
send movies through the mail, 3 at a time by default. You may keep them
as long as you want; when you mail one back, they send out the next
movie on your list. Blockbuster has always offered some free in-store
rentals as part of the deal - so if you want something spontaneously,
you can get it without waiting. They used to send 2 coupons a month for
in-store rentals, now they simply allow you to exchange your mailed
movies for movies in the store. This is a good deal - they still mail
you a new movie, but you get one from the store right away as well.
They save a little postage, and get you into the store, where you might
just spend some additional $ (though I don't...shhh.) Limited to 5
exchanges per month.Lately, however, Netflix has become more
attractive. The current 3 at a time plan from Netflix is $3/month
cheaper than Blockbuster's ($16.99 v. $19.99.) Netflix has also started
including unlimited streaming movies over the internet (Windows only.)
No local store movies, but streaming seems more convenient. Rumor has
it their turnaround is quicker as well. I can believe that; I exchanged
3 movies in a store on Saturday, and as of mid-day Monday, the website
shows nothing new shipped out.I'm giving this more thought than it's
worth, as usual, but I may make a switch soon. Stay tuned...P.S. Apple
has started renting movies on iTunes. Their system is, as one would
expect, more attractive than that of their competitors. They're also
unique in offering high definition (HD) content. They're also more
expensive (no subscription and $3.99 per movie, or a little more for
HD.)

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Posted By Josh Powell to Josh at 1/28/2008 12:33:00 PM