Netflix to *LOWER* its subscription rate - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

powerclown · 10-18-2004, 04:47 PM

There are some huge companies fighting it out over the future of online DVD rental, including Amazon, Yahoo!, Blockbuster, and of course Netflix. One of the short term benefits is that Netflix, along with Blockbuster, will be lowering their 3-out plan from $22/mo to $17/mo starting next month.

I currently have the Netflix 3-out plan, so this is fantabulous news. The fact that one of my monthly bills will be LOWERED!!!

is more than exceedingly welcome, no matter the amount. This is an historic first in the history of paying bills at the powerclown pad.

Quote:

Netflix, Blockbuster in all-out DVD rental price war
By David Lieberman, USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Netflix (NFLX) CEO Reed Hastings may not have planned it this way. But he kicked off a full-fledged price war for online DVD rental subscriptions — and put Netflix's own future in doubt — after announcing last week that Amazon.com (AMZN) might join Blockbuster and Wal-Mart in the fast-growing business.

Netflix lowered its monthly rate to $18 from $22 starting next month.

Now Blockbuster is firing back: Next week it will cut the price of its recently launched online service to about $17.50, from $19.

In addition, the coupons that subscribers get for two free video rentals a month at Blockbuster stores also can be used for video games. And customers will get discounts on new and used videos.

"We have invested a significant amount of money in this business," Blockbuster CEO John Antioco says. "And we are not going to allow a competitor to come in and offer better price value and service."
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Fremen · 10-18-2004, 04:55 PM

That's pretty good. Now I just wish Netflix would offer Adult movies in their genre lineup.

sadistikdreams · 10-18-2004, 05:12 PM

Oh fuck. Thats fucking awesome.

powerclown · 10-18-2004, 05:13 PM

You & me both, Fremen. But I think this will change in the future. Too much $$$ in adult film rental for the big boys to stay out of it forever, one would think.

CityOfAngels · 10-18-2004, 06:10 PM

Quote:

...we are not going to allow a competitor to come in and offer better price value and service.

My response: Well you better offer better price value and service, then!

mrklixx · 10-18-2004, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fremen

That's pretty good. Now I just wish Netflix would offer Adult movies in their genre lineup.

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerclown

You & me both, Fremen. But I think this will change in the future. Too much $$$ in adult film rental for the big boys to stay out of it forever, one would think.

Actually when Netflix first started they had a "mature" section. Mind you, they didn't carry anything hardcore, but they had Playboy and other TNA type selections. But that abruptly ended with no explination other than "we no longer offer mature titles". My guess is that there were too many legal issues with trying to comply with every county and municipalitie's "decency" laws.

bingle · 10-19-2004, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrklixx

Actually when Netflix first started they had a "mature" section. Mind you, they didn't carry anything hardcore, but they had Playboy and other TNA type selections. But that abruptly ended with no explination other than "we no longer offer mature titles". My guess is that there were too many legal issues with trying to comply with every county and municipalitie's "decency" laws.

I think it was actually when they were trying to make Netflix a mainstream company - they knew they wouldn't be popular throughout the country if they offered adult titles, so they dropped them. There are a number of Adult-only rental places that have no problems complying with the laws.

Also, if anyone wants to rent good movies, and adult films, for about the same price as Netflix, try GreenCine. It's a great place, much better than Netflix - more community-based, and more eclectic movies.

http://www.greencine.com

Bingle

jvwgtr · 10-19-2004, 11:22 AM

Competition is a good thing! I love it!!

Beatlefan58 · 10-19-2004, 02:25 PM

The Blockbuster plan is that you can take as many as you want, up to three at a time, from the store itself? If so, does it include new titles?

lpj8 · 10-19-2004, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beatlefan58

The Blockbuster plan is that you can take as many as you want, up to three at a time, from the store itself? If so, does it include new titles?

No, the blockbuster deal works just like netflix, they mail you the movies and your return them with the included envelope. I get a two day turnaround usually. You can look at the selection at Blockbuster.com. The nice thing about the blockbuster deal is that they include 2 free in-store rentals a month, and now you can use these in-store movie rentals on video games.

Lpj8

Cynthetiq · 10-20-2004, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerclown

You & me both, Fremen. But I think this will change in the future. Too much $$$ in adult film rental for the big boys to stay out of it forever, one would think.

not true.. Blockbuster chose not to deal with that as well...many studies told them that they would make lots of money if they opened that revenue stream.. and also conversely how much they would lose if they did take it up.

I'm grateful that my 4 at a time subscription will be lower than when I first started subscribing many years ago.

powerclown · 10-20-2004, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthetiq

not true.. Blockbuster chose not to deal with that as well...many studies told them that they would make lots of money if they opened that revenue stream.. and also conversely how much they would lose if they did take it up.

I'm grateful that my 4 at a time subscription will be lower than when I first started subscribing many years ago.

You may be right in that the big, mainstream providers will never offer XXX. Blockbuster, especially, does have a strong family-friendly brand image that would take a pounding with 'Forrest Hump' on the shelves I guess. Fortunately you don't need to look to far to find decent online adult dvd rental joints.

Val_1 · 10-20-2004, 12:47 PM

Great news. It was only a few months ago that they increased their prices. So, after 6 months I'll be even. After that, profit all the way. Offering pR0n would be nice, too.

powerclown · 10-20-2004, 03:16 PM

This from Netflix Help page:

Quote:

Q: What are the details of your upcoming price decrease? When will my rate change?
A: We are lowering the prices on all subscription programs effective November 1st, 2004.

Our new pricing is as follows:

2-at-a-time, 4 rentals per month: $11.99/month
3-at-a-time Unlimited: $17.99/month
5-at-a-time Unlimited: $29.99/month
8-at-a-time Unlimited: $47.99/month

We will automatically change your billing rate to the new lower price at the time of your November billing cycle. You do not need to contact us to get the new, lower rate.

All members who finish their Free Trial period on or after November 1st, 2004 will automatically receive the new, lower price.

And Blockbuster just announced their new pricing plan:

Quote:

Blockbuster 3-at-a-time unlimited $17.49 ($17.99 Netflix)
Blockbuster 5-at-a-time unlimited $27.49 ($29.99 Netflix)
Blockbuster 8-at-a-time unlimited $37.49 ($47.99 Netflix)

Netflix offers one additional plan that Blockbuster does not offer: 2-at-a-time, 4 rentals per month for $11.99 per month.

It looks like little Netflix will soon be in competition with 3 giants, at the same time: Amazon, WalMart, Blockbuster.

begforme2 · 10-20-2004, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fremen
That's pretty good. Now I just wish Netflix would offer Adult movies in their genre lineup.

If you're interested in online porn rentals there are a number of options around. I haven't tried any of them but I'm sure you could find some reviews somewhere.

www.urentdvds.com
www.sugardvd
www.wantedlist.com

10-18-2004, 04:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
Fremen With a mustache, the cool factor would be too much Location: left side of my couch, East Texas	That's pretty good. Now I just wish Netflix would offer Adult movies in their genre lineup. __________________ Google

10-18-2004, 05:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
sadistikdreams lonely rolling star Location: Seattle.	Oh fuck. Thats fucking awesome. __________________ "Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials." -Lin Yutang hearts, by d.a.

10-20-2004, 12:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
Val_1 Addict Location: In a State of Denial	Great news. It was only a few months ago that they increased their prices. So, after 6 months I'll be even. After that, profit all the way. Offering pR0n would be nice, too. __________________ I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. -Frank Sinatra

10-18-2004, 05:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	You & me both, Fremen. But I think this will change in the future. Too much $$$ in adult film rental for the big boys to stay out of it forever, one would think.

10-19-2004, 11:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
jvwgtr Completely bananas Location: Florida	Competition is a good thing! I love it!!

10-19-2004, 02:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
Beatlefan58 Banned	The Blockbuster plan is that you can take as many as you want, up to three at a time, from the store itself? If so, does it include new titles?