sMoRTy71.comsMoRTy71 - the personal website of Shawn Morton
sMoRTy71.com
sMoRTy71.comThe personal website of Shawn Morton
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Switched to Blockbuster Online
Last week, as my free 2 week trial for Blockbuster Online Total Access was about to expire, I decided to cancel my Netflix membership (again!) and start paying for BB.

In terms of value and experience, BB is actually giving me more than Netflix was. Here is what I am getting now (for the same $ as NF):

1. 3 out at a time
2. Better availability of HD-DVDs than Netflix
3. More movies -- I can trade all of my online rentals for free in-store rentals. The closest Blockbuster is 1 mile from my house (and is on the way to and from my office), so it is super-convenient. Plus, my wife and kids are happier because they can trade in my HD-DVD online rentals for chick flicks and Care Bear DVDs that I would never use a Queue slot for :)
4. Faster shipping -- Trading in an online rental in-store is the same as returning via mail, so my next online rental is shipped out sooner
5. Free games -- They just made free game rentals available using the e-Coupon you get each month

So, everyone is happier, we get more movies and we even get a free game rental. Sure, NF's website is better; however, I have my subscription to watch movies, not use the website. And once Blockbuster starts stocking HD-DVDs in my local store, it will be perfect.

I'll post my impressions after a few more weeks of using Blockbuster; however, I can't see going back to Netflix.
Comments:
Welcome to the Blockbuster world. I've been on Blockbuster for over a year and love it. Sure, they have their downfalls, but overall, much better than NF.
 
The good news is, if you come crying back to Netflix like I did, they'll remember your queue for you.

'course, I don't have all that fancy blu-ray stuff and I'm only renting about two movies a month right now, so my queue will take approximately 5.2 years to clear at my current pace.
 
For anyone who wants to try Blockbuster Total Access
one month free trial (3 DVD out at a time plan)
go to www.blockbuster.com/bbfamily
use promo code: 1557ta
 
Thanks Todd. Just signed up.
 

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