Comments on: Netflix to charge $1 more for Blu-ray

Netflix has officially announced a $1 surcharge for subscribers that rent Blu-ray movies.

[mouseclick]

I guess a buck is fair. I can also see a day when they charge extra for the "Watch Now" feature too - that good ol' "hook 'em and reel 'em" in strategy... However, it also depends on how many Blu-rays you watch. I find the convenience of not having to go to a brick and mortar to rent worth the price of the basic 1 at-a-time fee I pay, even if I only watch 1-2 movies per month (gaming consumes more of my time because it is more entertaining to me). Others in my camp of just watching 1-2 movies per month might not find the buck increase fair anymore. But, take it or leave it since they don't really offer a 1-2 movie per month plan. I guess I'll take it - to a point. I'll just have to keep watching and at some point, perhaps Video-on-Demand (where I pay just $4-5 per movie I watch) might in the end be more desireable...

[tom5965]

It's a dollar. Who has a Blu Ray player (and consequently likely also a Hi-Def TV) and pays a monthly subscription for Netflix that can't afford one extra dollar to get themost of their hi-def set up? Perfectly reasonable if you ask me.

[druzicka]

I think this is crap! Blu-Ray discs are stronger and more resistant to scratches than regular DVD's. Maintaining Netflix's stock is NOT what motivated this charge, IMO. I mean think about it. There can't be that great of a demand for BR when compared to DVD, not to mention the fact that BR's are going to last longer than a DVD will. In other words, it costs more to maintain the DVD stock than the BR. Also, BR's aren't that much more expensive than DVD's in the grand scheme of things ($5-$10). When that cost is translated to the lower need for replacements I'd be willing to bet Netflix comes out even.

IMHO, this $1 surcharge is just a way to nickle and dime subscribers for "Bonus Features" and is not to maintain supply.

Okay, rant over. $12 over the span of a year is not that big of a deal, and I'm still going to keep my subscription. Not to mention the streaming video library is awesome (albeit limited), and with the amount of movies I watch, its still cheaper than buying movies.

[kcr]

That's odd, I've been paying $2 a month for blu-ray for awhile. I got an email today telling me the fee was being lowered.

[i]Dear Kevin,

We're lowering your price for unlimited access to Blu-ray movies from $2 a month to only $1 a month (plus applicable taxes), in addition to your current monthly membership charge. You'll see this reduced charge on your next billing statement on or after November 5th, 2008. It will also be referenced in your Membership Terms and Details.

If you wish to continue getting Blu-ray movies for now just $1 a month, in addition to your current monthly membership charge, you don't need to do anything. If not, you can remove Blu-ray access by visiting Your Account at the Netflix website.

If you have questions about this change or need any assistance, please call us anytime at 1-888-638-3549.

-The Netflix Team[/i]

[boster13]

I got netflix about a month ago and opted for the blu-ray when available and as soon as I did they told me it would be a dollar more. I still decided it was worth it, but it seems that the extra dollar is just now going into effect for older customers, not new subscribers.

[tg_iv]

I left BlockBuster for Netflix 3 months ago and I haven't looked back. My local Blockbuster added an unannounced change to their policy bringing back late fees--which is what chased me away from BallBuster 4 years ago. I find Netflix to have a vastly superior web site and their selection and availability both seem to be better than BB. The view it now option is a good addition, and turn around on getting new movies is a day faster.

Netflix is not perfect, but it's been the best alternative for my family.

[ccroucher]

As much as I hate to pay more for blu-ray discs I think the $1 per month charge is fair and reasonable. Also, keep in mind that Netflix reduced their subscription fees months ago so if you factor that price reduction in the blu-ray use is still free!

[noahjwhite]

I agree that it's a reasonable fee if it helps them boost their blu-ray stock. I'm all for it.

[tollefsrud_77]

I would not think $1 dollar would be bad either, but Netfilx started charging me more about 3 months ago for Blu-Ray....Lucky me I must of been part of the beta test : ( After 2 months of being charged more I cancelled my account. They think you might also want to realize is that I was getting charged a dollar more per movie. So that was an extra $3 a month. Push the subscription to over 18 bucks a month. For that price I can start to buy a new movie each month on Amazon and just grow my catalog. I have had problems with Blu-Ray movies being scratched and the waiting for movies just finally turned me off to Netflix. Maybe when they have the entire catalog in Blu-ray, I will come back...Maybe

[jasonbeckett]

I recently joined NETFLIX and they charged me $2.00 upfront (per/month) to get BLUERAY disks...then I just got a letter last week telling me that they are only going to be charging me $1.00

Maybe they are just honing in on the best way to off-set the cost differnce between the formats.

While others (older NETFLIX customers) are upset by the added $1.00...I'm glad to be saving the same $1.00