Netflix

[dean]

I do both: Our Netflix equivalent, Quickflix is great because it stocks lesser known and obscure titles and has a good selection of Anime and foriegn films which is great, but for what it is I think it's a tad expensive.

The reason I think its a little expensive is:

1.  I get lazy sometimes and forget to send them back even though I am done with them, and therefore me paying AU$30 for four movies in one month isn't worth it [though that's my fault not theirs]

2.  My local video store I go to offers 6 movies for AU$6 so that's a damn good deal.

I also use both because of the whole waiting to get the title you want thing: Sometimes its just better to go down to the store and get what you want there and then instead of waiting around for your turn to come.

So I guess you have your good sides and bad sides for both: One doesn't stock every DVD you can think of, and one doesn't always send the one you really want.

So I guess both are important: Whilst Netflix might be popular, and Blockbuster is kind of evil, I still think it would be really sad if the video store closed down.

[ulthar]

The local video stores can co-survive with Netflix; competition is a good thing.  But, it will require them to modify what they do: maybe lower prices, keep a good selection, allow longer rental times (or no limit), etc.

IMO, the thing that is killing the brick-and-mortar 'local' video store (ie, Blockbuster, et al, this comment does not necessarily apply to the small indy shops) is lack of selection.  It's pretty sad.  We've had discussions on here about  this before.

Finally, and I don't mean to flame, but it is considered "poor form" to go into a place of business with no intention of making a purchase.  I'm not Jewish, but I have been led to understand that this is actually against Jewish Law.  It goes along the lines of the shop owner has to pay for electricity, staff, stock (and wear on same), etc.  In a way, you are COSTING them money.

So, if you really want to save the local video store, with or without a Netflix out there as competition, rent (or buy) their product.  Your presence browsing the shelves does nothing to pay their bills.

[LH-C]

I still rent VHS videos at several local Hollywood Videos. And I usually call first to see if they have the movie in stock just so that I'm not looking around trying to find it.