Blockbuster Online doubles in-store rental offer

Company's offer gives all online subscribers one free in-store rental per week, up from two free rentals per month.

The story "Blockbuster Online doubles in-store rental offer" published February 3, 2006 at 6:46 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[kgzzz]

Comany in search of a workable model

Sad to see them struggling like this.. looks like an identity crisis, unable to make up their minds about what business to be in, or what exactly to do with this distribution network of stores.

Blockbuster should go back to the dotcom years and learn some lessons from the brick-and-mortar busineses that fought back and prevailed - instead of having this "deer-in-the-lights" look. Otherwise, I wouldnt be surprised if Netflix bought out Blockbuster within 3 years.

[Dead Soulman]

This is no deal

Hey, where's the "deal" in here? In order to receive the "new offer" you have to pay $3 more on top of your regular membership. That brings it up to $17.99. It puts it right near to Netflix, which has a better and faster shipping system than Blockbuster.com.

Instead of wasting money on bs programs of "increasing in store rentals." Why don't they consider increasing distribution centers.

Sure Blockbuster wants you to walk into their stores too, so they give you that little bait of free rentals. But, why would I even dare to rent at a Blockbuster store when their rentals go for $3.95 and more per movie. They're nuts.

Blockbuster.com has a good selection, but their delivery service is horrible compared to Netflix.

I won't be upgrading my subscription.
They want to give me more, but make me pay for more. What kind of bait is that? Please.

[kcimming]

No Deal Indeed

Our local Blockbuster stores stopped accepting these coupons in November, so there's no deal here at all.

[bobby_brady]

BlockBuster now charges $4.99 per movie

Which is a rip off! I'll rent somewhere else, I'm not going to fall for their "subscription" bullcrp!

[MidniteRaider]

The nice thing about the coupons..

Is that they can be used towards video games also. That's what I
use them for, free video game rentals. That way I don't have to pay
their high game prices.
They also every other month or so, give you coupons for free
movies to own. Now they are mostly used DVDs, but I usually pick
up 1 or 2 movies for free.
Also, it kind of depends on where you live for fast shipping. Where
I live, they are both the same speed.

[Dead Soulman]

It's not common now though

I used to get the free movies coupon at least every other month. I haven't seen one for the last 3-4 months.

These movies are not the semi-good ones either. They have a selection of maybe 10 old movies to choose from.

Regardless, a free movie, $5.00 worth, is not a bad deal. Plus 2 free rentals a month, of game or movie. All for $14.99. Not bad. But, for them to try to tell me that $17.99 and two more rentals is a cool deal is insulting.

The problem with Blockbuster is shipping. They're getting better. But still way too slow. Fix that, and they'd be in a better competing position than Netflix.

My question is, how did Netflix win over Blockbuster. After all, Blockbuster was/is the 800lbs gorilla of video rental. Interesting.

[ssundwall]

The Fine Print

I just got the offer in my e-mail this morning and was about to "upgrade" to this weekly in-store offer until I learned that it only applies to movies that are available for one-week rental. In other words, you'll have to wait awhile to rent the new release which usually start at 2-day rentals. I'll stick with my two freebies which can be used on any movie.