IT Professionals

The End Of Blockbuster?

Posted by on Nov 2, 2007 | 6 Comments

I distinctly remember when Blockbuster first moved into my old neighborhood. To say it was an unwelcome sight would have been an understatement to be sure. And as fate would have it, there seems to be a shift in the winds with regard to the movie rental giant.

Who would fill the void should Blockbuster finally collapse? Hollywood video perhaps? Doubtful, although Netflix has certainly taken Blockbuster to task over the years it seems.

What do you think? Could Blockbuster finally be looking at their final demise? Or instead, is this merely a signal that they will have to come back stronger and smarter than before? You be the judge, hit the comments and share your thoughts.
[tags]netflix, movies, blockbuster[/tags]

  • David

    Yep, THEY will be dead.
    It’s not the NETFLIX or any other “online” company that will be its dermis,
    it is going to be “Red-box”.
    I have seen more and more people renting “dollar” movies from Redbox.
    They are not just in McDonalds anymore, but are NOW seen in Major Food stores Nation wide. Dierburgs is just one of the “chains” with Redbox Kiosks setting in their lobbies. Now it is being taken further, lets see how it turns out.

  • Andy Quittner

    FYI – Not likely that Hollywood Video will pick up the slack – they declared bankruptcy under Chapter 11 on October 16 (I received the notices last week – part of my job, since they have a store in town). Although Chapter 11 is a reorganization – after a quick review of Hollywood’s finances and business model, any recovery will be long and slow – if at all.

    Andy Quittner
    San Marcos, Texas

  • http://www.mds-computer-services.com Mariann

    Well, I used to like Blockbuster a great deal, but they cut out the reason I signed up with them…to watch alot of movies in lieu of the terrible choices of TV shows. Used to be able to trade mailed movies for in-store movies, unlimited. That lasted all of about a year, unless you agreed to pay $7 extra a month. I never heard of Redbox until now, and I checked it out…It’s at the Harris Teeter up the road. For $1 a night, that’s ok…but frankly, I don’t see them offering any older movies, like Blockbuster, and they are rather limited on a variety. Plus they don’t mail movies. So, I guess it’s up the general public…convenience, variety, availability, cost??? I like Blockbuster’s web site and the cue, because you can review what movies you want to see and hold a list of those. For $19 a month, I view at least 12-15 movies and don’t have go out. If they raise their prices though, I’m out. Never tried Netflix and am wondering what subscribers think of them.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/tomfarley Tom Farley

    I live in the Central New York area. I was a loyal Movie Gallery follower until the store closest to my home closed. I reluctantly decided to try Blockbuster again out of desperation. The only complaint I have about them is that they just don’t have as good a deal as Movie Gallery. I feel like I’m being ripped off. Since then, I found out that there is another Movie Gallery on the other side of my village. I don’t venture that way often, so I didn’t know it was there. I will be going back to Movie Gallery.

    Movie Gallery has always had a great return policy. They also offer weekly bogo free rental coupons from their website. I’ve never really had a bad experience with them.

    The Redbox kiosks are becoming popular here too, but I haven’t tried it. It doesn’t financially make sense to me because most of my rentals are for my kids and due to habit, we keep them the full 5 days. The Netflix service sounds good, but I don’t regularly spend $10 per month on rentals. Again, because of the economics, I’m not interested- yet.

    Netflix may win me over yet though. I hate bringing my children into any video store because of the video covers and posters. I don’t need my kids to see excessive flesh, gore or brown wrappers while walking the isles. For that matter, neither do I.

  • RJ

    I’ve used Netflix but I’m currently with Blockbuster. I like being able to get the movies in the mail and exchanging them in the store the next day if I want to. I can also exchange it for a 50% discount for video games. As well as receive 2 coupons for free previewed DVDs and 1 coupon for a free game/movie rental. That’s the only reason I left Netflix. But if Blockbuster discontinues exchanges here, I’ll be switching back!

  • http://www.thecinemaniacs.com Walt D in LV

    When your article came out (November 2007) I would have said Blockbuster’s days are severely numbered. However, the last few months have shown great changes in the positive for the retail giant. Their in-store exchange program has improved and works well with their online subscription service. More importantly, they are getting more copies of more titles (including Blu-ray!) and even have a Total Access plan that works, in-store, with movies and video games.

    I subscribe to both Netflix and Blockbuster. Netflix simply can’t be beat for shipping times and selection, but it’s good to know that Blockbuster (or any video store), is still around the corner and not too far away, available for spur-of-the-moment rentals.

    Of course, once digital download has improved in quality (both picture and sound), not to mention selection, then all this will be moot (although Netflix will still be there on the front lines).

    Walt D in LV
    http://www.thecinemaniacs.com/