Netflix vs. Redbox

[cardero]

It seems Yahoo! News thinks that Redbox could be a threat to the DVD mail rental system Netflix. I don’t think so and here’s why.

* At my current account of 4 out at a time, I accumulate 32-36 movies a month at a monthly rate of about $25.00. To Redbox’s $1.00 charge, I am still getting more movies for less than a dollar.

* Redbox’s strict selection of new releases offers practically nothing against Netflix’s huge selection. Almost any movie can be obtained from a quick Netflix search and even easily downloaded to your computer ready to preview. I know I may be in the minority, but Redbox’s new releases hold absolutely no interest for me at this time.

* Redbox boasts the advantage that it’s films can be dropped off at any of their 12,000 locations. I think there are more mailboxes and post offices than Redbox kiosks.

So what does RF members think? Netflix or Redbox?

 

[Watchmen]

I think Redbox is a definite player and will capture a pretty good size of the pie. To respond to your three points:

1. You are not the typical DVD renter. Most people wil likley find Redbox cheaper.

2. Most people rent new releases. For the most part, I think it's only movie buffs like us who try to get any substantial amount of non-new-releases. That said, my kids wanted to watch the first Harry Potter movie and Redbox was not an option.

3. There are more mailboxes/post offices than Redbox kiosks, but people go to the grocery store or Wal Mart or both frequent enough that returning movies shouldn't be challenging.

Confession time: I neither subscribe to Netflix or rent through Redbox. I'm with Blockbuster Online.

 

[cardero]

As a Blockbuster subscriber Watchmen, you may be able to answer a few questions for me. Since you are correct about me not being a new release renter, I do not have any idea about the turnover rate of new releases with online DVD rental companies. For example, if you wanted to rent a new release and you put it on your queue, is there a long wait for these films or does Blockbuster have enough copies to send to their members quickly, If not, I could see Redbox taking advantage of this circumstance.

This next question really has nothing to do with the OP but I was always curious about it. I am not sure how you will answer it because you are not a subscriber of Netflix. Overall (and in general) how is Blockbuster’s selection of old and new films?

 

[3.14]

the internet beats both of them hands down

 

[Green Gaia]

Netflix, no question. Especially now that they have many movies online to watch. There's just no comparison for me.

 

[doppelganger]

Redbox selection sucks and they rent out of the movie you want so it's frequently a wasted trip. No comparison for me.

 

[Watchmen]

As a Blockbuster subscriber Watchmen, you may be able to answer a few questions for me. Since you are correct about me not being a new release renter, I do not have any idea about the turnover rate of new releases with online DVD rental companies. For example, if you wanted to rent a new release and you put it on your queue, is there a long wait for these films or does Blockbuster have enough copies to send to their members quickly, If not, I could see Redbox taking advantage of this circumstance.

This next question really has nothing to do with the OP but I was always curious about it. I am not sure how you will answer it because you are not a subscriber of Netflix. Overall (and in general) how is Blockbuster’s selection of old and new films?

1. Blockbuster has enough copies of new releases that I have never had to wait for a DVD. I have had to wait for certain "specialty" DVDs. For example, there are LDS-made movies available and every LDS on Blockbuster likely wants these DVDs. However, these DVDs are popular enough nationally for Blockbuster to have many copies. Thus, I end up waiting for these DVDs.

2. The Blockbuster selection seems pretty comprehensive. I can always find the movie I want. That said, you watch many films people have likely never heard of. I don't know if Blockbuster will have those or not. Even if you're not a member, I believe you can check out Blockbuster's selection on line (search for a movie).

 

[zomg]

I've had Netflix for about 2 months now. Before that I would rent a DVD from redbox a few times a month.

Netflix blows redbox out of the water. Because of instant streaming I have been able to watch seasons 1-4 of The Office and watched dozens of other movies. I have also been able to watch seasons 1-3 of House. Redbox does not rent TV shows.

However, for the person who wants only a few movies a month I think redbox is just fine.

 

[BucephalusBB]

the internet beats both of them hands down

At least netflix uses internet just as hard (Don't know about Redbox)

I think that eventually we will all download our movies, but now on this moment getting a disc in your hand is still more popular..

 

[Nanda]

I think sheer laziness will win out - Netflix for the win.

 

[SoyLeche]

I think Redbox is a definite player and will capture a pretty good size of the pie. To respond to your three points:

1. You are not the typical DVD renter. Most people wil likley find Redbox cheaper.

Especially if they utilize the codes that give them a free movie rental for a day that are easily found online. If you know what you are doing you never have to pay for a rental at redbox....

I don't rent movies very often - and Redbox fulfills my needs just fine. I would be tempted to get a subscription to Netflix for the purposes of renting DVDs of tv show I wish I had gotten into, but Hulu.com does that well enough for me for now.

 

[Magic Man]

Redbox does not rent TV shows.

This is a very important point. My wife and I started with Netflix close to a year ago. The best thing for us is the ability to get TV shows, and keep them as long as we need to. We've been working on The Wire for several months, and when we're finished there are several other shows we want to do the same with.

Also, as has been said, Redbox selection sucks. Plus, there's just something about getting a movie out of a box at the grocery store.

 

[SoyLeche]

Plus, there's just something about getting a movie out of a box at the grocery store.

There sure is! It's pretty darn convenient

 

[Magic Man]

There sure is! It's pretty darn convenient

Yup, that's one way of looking. Not quite the way I look at it, though.