Blockbuster goes Blu-ray in the US and Canada

wee

only 1 of 5 BBusters have a few discs in my area, if they carry lots, and allow exchange in store for blu discs... then it might be time to switch back to blockbuster online.

yay!

[Post edited by kucoloco on Apr 10, 2008]

hey kucoloco,
I'm currently subscribed to blockbuster online with a blu-ray supporting store nearby. I use it all the time to exchange blu-rays for more blu-rays! So if your thinking about subscribing, I highly reccomend it! )

This news from Blockbuster is what I've been waiting for!

I live 2 mins from a Blockbuster and I like to rent my movies right away, not wait for them to come in the mail...so mail order movies aren't for me. Anyway, I think this news from Blockbuster is one of the BIGGEST steps towards the adoption of Blu Ray as the next movie format of choice.

Most people prefer to rent movies over buying them, and the fact that places like Blockbuster are going to promote Blu Ray is going to make a big difference IMO.

With all that said, we pay a fortune here in Canada to rent a Blu Ray flick from Blockbuster, so hopefully their prices come back in line.

Well Poster5 I may be the Master of the Obvious but there are dozens of people on here who will disagree with my take and say that they only order movies through the mail, that digital downloads are the way of the future, or that no one can afford Blu Ray...or another dozen arguments.

Glad to see you agree with my take but do me a favour and save me the condescending picture posts asshole.

....it was a cool picture though.
I'm at work right now and stressed to the nutz...so I'm a little on edge right now. I need a frickin beer.

Quote:
Most people prefer to rent movies over buying them, and the fact that places like Blockbuster are going to promote Blu Ray is going to make a big difference IMO.

Most people prefer renting? Who have you been talking to? In my circle of movie-loving friends, maybe 2 still rent. Some borrow within the network of friends more than buy, but we all realized long ago that, when you have several options for re-selling discs if you don't want to keep them, and that you can buy just about anything previously viewed within a few weeks of release, buying makes more sense. I rarely pay more than $10 for a movie, and I can re-sell the ones I don't want for anywhere from $5 to more than I paid. Renting makes no sense to me. If I end up liking the movie, now I would have to pay the rental cost as well as the purchase cost. Do you have some statistic to back up your claim?

As for Blu, who cares? The vast majority of people don't own a player, nor will they until prices drastically drop. And if you are desperate to rent Blu titles, the online rental sites are a better option anyway, and they already offer Blu. I don't think most people are upset to have to wait a few days for a title. I guess you're the exception.

[Post edited by interplanetaryspy on Apr 10, 2008]

Quote:
Most people prefer renting? Who have you been talking to?

Dude...people who primarily ONLY buy movies are in the minority. I am not arguing as to what is a better deal, or better for you...just that most people rent more movies than they buy, to say otherwise is foolish.

Go into your local Blockbuster and have a look at how many movies get rented on any given night...especially the new releases....that's who I've been talkin to.

Quote:
As for Blu, who cares? The vast majority of people don't own a player, nor will they until prices drastically drop.

Actually I would argue that the majority of people don't own a Blu player because of the cost of the decks AND just as importantly, they CAN'T RENT THE MOVIES ANYWHERE, AND DON'T WANT TO BUY EVERY FRICKIN MOVIE THEY WATCH.

Geez it's hard being an eagle when I fly with turkeys

[Post edited by Bosshog7 on Apr 10, 2008]

Have you actually looked at how many are rented, or are you assuming? (and you know what they say about assuming) Actually, and I frequent rental outlets regularly to buy PV movies, I have noticed a clear decrease in renting. I remember a time not long ago where even the newest releases with multiple copies would be all rented when you wanted them. When was the last time that happened to you recently? I never said a lot of people don't rent, but I wouldn't say most, unless you mean more than 50%, which statistically isn't "most". The only person I know who still goes to a video store to rent is my mom. Unless you have no interest in owning any movies, renting makes no sense. I think you will find that the number of people who rent has drastically decreased. As for Blu, the people who own Blu are also the people who love and collect movies, for the most part. I think, if you even take a poll on sites like this, you will find you are in the minority.

Well, I agree with Bosshog here... my local area Blockbuster (location closest to home) is often a 'mad-house' at night between 6:30 to 8:30, sometimes with a dozen or more people in line, movie(s) in hand, waiting to check out, and there are still more people browsing the aisles! Most Blockbuster stores still receive much of their profit from those regular walk-in, rent-it-now for $4.50-per-movie customers. Yeah, they could save by visiting a local RedBox-type kiosk, except that the selection is small, and often there's NOT enough copies of a hit movie for rental ('unavailable').

As for this recent news, I'm very happy, as (along with my Netflix membership), many here know I'm also a Blockbuster TOTAL ACCESS member, and can return my rental discs in-store, and pick up a free movie on the way out, with my next online movie being mailed and received within 1-2 days. NOW, I'll be able to swap locally for movies on Blu-ray as well!

TA members who have never changed their memberships (from Jan 2006), are allowed this local-return/free NEW rental option, as well as receiving their online rental discs too. And now in-store availability of Blu-ray Hi-Def!

Note: I wonder how long before Blockbuster drops HD-DVD from their online rental availability? Netflix has made the switch in parts of the country, as previously reported.



-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

I'll agree with none of you since niether of you have presented any actual facts to back up if renting is higher in sales than buying -- or vice-versa. So far you've all made an ass out of you and . . . whoever else.

I'm a long-time buyer, but still regularly rent more titles than buying, especially among the hi-def disc formats, where my rentals greatly outnumber purchases.

In other Blockbuster news today...

> Blockbuster Plans Streaming to It's Own Set-Top Box - in conjunction with their acquisition last year of Movielink (with over 6000 titles). Will now be in competition with Netflix and Apple TV.

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

I originally had netflix. then switched to Blockbuster. then netflix.. and now prob blockbuster again.

the store exchange is just the thing. but from time to time im too busy to go to the store, and i like the ramdom downloads from netflix. plus blockbusta is several dollars more, so if im not gonna use the store thing, then why pay more.

that's just it kucoloco... for myself, I pay $0.00 to rent at Blockbuster. I'm a TOTAL ACCESS member (for several years now), and can return my online movies at the store and walk out with ANY movie for FREE rental (up to a week to view). And their return system immediately mails the next movie from my online queve (to receive in 1-2 days). So, I get my usual 3 movies out-at-a-time from the online selection ($19.99 a month + tax), as well as FREE local-store movie rentals upon return of my online discs (at the store). And soon, I'll be able to exchange in-store for Blu-ray, not just DVD.

Note to others: RENTING saves a LOT of money (compared to buying every disc!!) - obviously

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

I can't believe we're arguring rental/purchase stats now. Are we that in need of something to fight about?

Quote:
I can't believe we're arguring rental/purchase stats now. Are we that in need of something to fight about?

LMAO!!! I totally agree!

I still wonder if Jimi (Love) is paid by Blockbuster to shill the damn company?! For the love of Pete, it's only the upteenth-billionth time the guy has shilled his evil empire Total Access crap!

Now Tim... you know I haven't 'shilled' the Blockbuster TA membership for several months now. But it is relevant to this thread. Try to control your behaviour about 'Big Blue', which we are again reminded that you've hated with a passion for a long time now (the previous bad service you explained in another thread last fall/winter). Understand that even though you detest Blockbuster (as we all know), there are many that enjoy being one of their customers (like myself). It's a free choice.

I love both of my online memberships (Netflix and Blockbuster), and also love the benefits of TA, for those free in-store rentals especially. I save alot by keeping a steady, flexible flow of rentals each week, in stock most of the time, and patiently wait for discounted prices usually when making disc purchases (online, from Amazon, etc).

-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

Quote:
Understand that even though you detest Blockbuster (as we all know),

And you love Blockbuster . . . as . . . we . . . ALL . . .Know! *yawn*

And I love the online industry leader, too (Tim's favorite!) ...





-JIMI (the Voodoo Child)

Quote:
And I love the online industry leader, too (Tim's favorite!) ...

Actually, I don't rent anymore since most movies I can buy PREVIOUSLY VIEWED and brand NEW for under $15.

That's right Jimbo, I'm a buyer, not a renter!

[Post edited by Tim Raynor on Apr 12, 2008]

Quote:
I'll agree with none of you since niether of you have presented any actual facts to back up if renting is higher in sales than buying -- or vice-versa. So far you've all made an ass out of you and . . . whoever else

You see Tim, I don't need stats to prove I am right...I just know I am right because I am so smart and observant

I am willing to bet money on the fact that more movies are rented on any given day then purchased by consumers....and I bet it is by a large margin. Someone out there with more time than me can hunt for the stats to prove me wrong...please do!!!

FYI... (recent update on Blockbuster)

> Blockbuster to test Digital Kiosk, and Simplier Pricing - excellent report of continued growth and profits - excerpt here...

CEO Jim Keyes said Blockbuster will roll out simplified pricing and terms this summer that he believes are superior to price reductions. In a previous investor call, Keyes said a visit to a Blockbuster store shortly after joining the company left him so confused about rental prices he vowed a change.

Edward Woo, research analyst with Wedbush Morgan Securities in Los AngeIes, said the simplified pricing will include longer rental periods. “I assume a ‘simpler’ pricing plan will be good for customers, so it should be good for its sales and comps,” he said.

Keyes cited ongoing improvements in DVD stocking, which included a 60% in-stock availability for new releases in the first week, compared to 20% year. “We believe there are other better ways to compete for the customer than through price,” Keyes said.

He said Blockbuster would not charge a premium for Blu-ray rentals, characterizing the HD format “important” for sustaining profitable growth. By comparison, rival Netflix Inc. has stated it will charge a premium for Blu-ray rentals.

The Dallas-based DVD rental service in June will unveil a revamped edition of Movielink.com with a link to the company’s site. The download service features a catalog of more than 9,000 digital titles. -[READ MORE in full link above]-

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-JIMI McLovin (the Voodoo Child)

FYI... (Update on above news)

> Blockbuster Unveils Download Kiosk - 5/28/2008 - by By Paul Sweeting of Video Business

NEW YORK—Blockbuster chairman and CEO Jim Keyes unveiled a working model of the retailer’s planned in-store download kiosk Wednesday during the company’s annual shareholder meeting here.

The working model is one of two that will be used in a two-store pilot test starting within the next few weeks, Keyes said.

“We call it a test but it’s really a beta,” Keyes told reporters following the formal presentation. “The goal is to bring all the pieces together—the content, the aggregation, the device—to try to demonstrate consumer acceptance. Once we do that, we’ll be able to think about a broader test.”

The kiosk, built for Blockbuster by NCR, a leading maker of ATMs and other self-service machines, stands about eight feet high and features a touch screen for navigation as well as a display screen for showing trailers, key art, reviews and other graphic material.

Consumers insert a portable media player into a slot on the front of the kiosk, which then downloads the selected movies directly to the player’s hard drive or solid-state memory device.

Transfers currently take about two minutes, but Keyes said that new portable media players will cut the download time to about 30 seconds.

“We want it to be an ATM-type experience,” he said. “You wouldn’t stand at an ATM for two minutes waiting for it to process your transaction, and we don’t want our customers to have to wait that long.”

For now, the kiosks work only with the Archos Generation 5 portable media player, which Blockbuster will begin selling in-store. Eventually, however, the plan is for nearly any type of portable media player or storage device to be able to plug-in and accept movies from the kiosks.

Archos also is the manufacturer of the portable storage device used by Paris-based Moovyplay, a recently launched service in France that allows consumers to download movies to the device from in-store kiosks and play them back on a TV screen using a docking station attached to their TV set.

Keyes demonstrated a similar set-up on Wednesday. Blockbuster also will sell the docking stations.

“We’re concentrating on the portable market right now, because we think there’s a growing demand out there for portability in content,” he said. “But we’re also following what’s going on in various European markets closely.”

As always with any new distribution platform, one of the biggest hurdles Blockbuster faces in rolling out its kiosk plan is securing the rights from the studios. Keyes acknowledged that content on the kiosks will be “limited” at first, but he expects it to fill in as consumer acceptance grows.

Moovyplay managed to launch earlier this year with product from nearly all the major U.S. studios as well as several leading French distributors after multiple delays caused by holdups in the negotiations over rights.

Another reason for sticking with the Archos player for now is that its digital rights management has been fully vetted by the studios thanks to Moovyplay.

“The studios obviously have to approve each device and that takes time,” Keyes said. The in-store kiosk is just one component of a broad digital strategy spelled out by Keyes at the meeting.

Also teed up is a relaunch of Movielink in June through Blockbuster.com. The company also is working on a set-top box that will allow streaming movies downloaded from Blockbuster.com to the TV set, similar to the device announced last week by Netflix and Roku.

“We still think it’s early for set-top boxes,” Keyes said. “We could have rolled one out months ago, but we don’t want to invest too heavily in advance of the customer.”

Blockbuster also is working on an IPTV platform that could permit streaming directly to a TV without the need of a set-top box.

Keyes had little new to share on Blockbuster’s due diligence around Circuit City, which Blockbuster has proposed acquiring for about $1 billion.

“All I can tell you at this point is that we’re still looking to complete the due diligence as quickly as possible so we can make a decision about proceeding [with the proposed deal] or getting back to what we’re already doing,” Keyes said.

He said the acquisition of Circuit City would give Blockbuster “large footprint” stores that would allow a full presentation of entertainment devices and software. Those would complement Blockbuster’s current “standard footprint” locations as well as a possible rollout of “small footprint” locations that would rely more heavily on kiosks and vending machines.

All of Blockbuster’s nine sitting directors, including Keyes and former dissident shareholder Carl Icahn, were easily reelected to the board by shareholders. -[END]-



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-JIMI McLovin (the Voodoo Child)

Jimi, I'm curious, what's the point in subscribing to both NetFlix and Blockbuster Total Access?

FR inquired -

Quote:
"Jimi, I'm curious, what's the point in subscribing to both NetFlix and Blockbuster Total Access?"

Short summary... it's convenient, I can afford it, and I don't have to wait as long for new releases to be in stock and available [since I have two accounts that I can go between].

Detailed summary... - I purchased my first DVD player in the fall of 1998, and then joined Netflix sometime in 1999. This was back in the early years (of DVD), when you could NOT find anywhere locally to rent discs, and even Blockbuster didn't rent DVDs until several years later (in-store only at first, online later).

So, I've had a Netflix membership for almost 10 years now. When Blockbuster several years ago began renting DVDs online as well (around 2004-05), I responded to one of their promo offers and joined.

See, even though Netflix is overall very good, they also have a bad habit of 'THROTTLING' (towards heavy volume renters), and you start seeing discs arrive from Netflx service centers out of your area, and even out of state (which means the discs take longer to be received, and longer to get returned back). Also, you might see more of your movie choices in your queve labeled "short wait", "long wait", and "very long wait". Sure, it's normal for not every disc you selected to be available all of time when they have so many more online members nationwide (around 7 million, compared to 3.25 million for Blockbuster - although Blockbuster has more overall, when combined with their large local in-store memberships).

And sometimes a movie is carried by one company, but not the other. I've noticed this before, with one movie I remember from several months back, Brotherhood of the Wolf - Netflix did not carry it, but Blockbuster does. Likewise, Netflix has some titles that Blockbuster doesn't, so it's an even trade off here.

Now, a few years ago Blockbuster started the outstanding TOTAL ACCESS membership enhancement, a move even more revolutionary than the 'online' DVD rental service that Netflix started. With TA, not only do you receive discs in your regular online membership price, but you can also get FREE in-store disc rentals (DVD or Blu-ray) simply by returning the online disc at your local store (rather than mailing back to the local service center)! And Blockbuster gives one MORE (extra) free monthly movie or video game rental, by printing out a coupon online and then using at your local store.

Note: if you are a newer TA member over the past year, Blockbuster now limits those "FREE" in-store rental exchanges to 5 a month (on their 3-discs-out at a time online rental plan). However, for some like myself, who've been with TA since day one, I can receive unlimited free rentals when returning my online rental discs locally. There's been a few times where I've received 8 or 9 free in-store rentals in a single month, all by not mailing my online rentals back, but instead taking them to the local store for check-in. Immediately their computer is notified of my next online queve selection, and -that- next disc is mailed, while I leave the store with a FREE bonus rental disc as well, including BLU-RAY titles now!

But why the dual memberships (Netflix and Blockbuster)? As I said, I can afford it, but am thinking about lowering my Netflix 3-discs-out at a time plan ($16.99) down to just 1-disc-out at a time ($8.99), as lately I don't have as much time to watch the movies as fast as previously, including spending time with the bonus features (especiallyon Blu-ray discs). And Netflix recently said they are GOING TO RAISE THEIR MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP PRICES sometime this year for those who rent Blu-rays.

Still, the prices are reasonable and affordable. Shoot, I spend roughtly $10 to $15 (on average) for a night out eating dinner - on a single meal, so $16.99 a month (Netflix) and $19.99 a month (Blockbuster) is a bargain, even with Netflix raising their prices later this year.

So, I hope this answers why someone would have memberships in both services. I've heard others state they have both too (here on this Msd Bd, and elsewhere). Still, some people no longer want to visit a local video store (Blockbuster), since it's convenient to browse the huge online selection of titles at home, and receive by mail - less time and gas expense (going to the store). I don't mind either way, and my local Blockbuster is only half a mile from my house!

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-JIMI McLovin (the Voodoo Child)

[Post edited by Love Hendrix! on Jun 1, 2008]