Washington, D.C. (December 9, 2008) --
About three weeks ago, I wrote
here that I was cancelling my subscription to Netflix because the online DVD rental service had a horrible record of delivering new Blu-ray releases on time. It would sometimes take weeks before a new Blu-ray release such as Iron Man, The Strangers or The Incredible Hulk would be delivered to my home.
In desperation, I decided to enroll in Blockbuster's online mail service to see if the video retail giant could do better.
So how is Blockbuster doing?
Thus far, I would have to give it an A+ Yes, an A+
In the last three weeks, I have received several new Blu-ray movies within days after their release. The only movie that was not available immediately was the action/adventure film Wanted starring James McAvoy and Angeline Jolie. But Blockbuster's online program allows you to exchange three online picks a month for free at any Blockbuster retail store. So I was able to get Wanted at my local Blockbuster the day after it was released -- without paying extra.
In other words, if there's a Blu-ray movie out there, I have total confidence that I can get it from Blockbuster, either by mail or at retail.
In fact, I am so confident that I gave the service the ultimate test this week by putting the Blu-ray edition of The Dark Knight in my Blockbuster online queue. I thought to myself that it would probably take at least a week before the blockbuster hit would be available.
I was wrong. Blockbuster sent me an e-mail yesterday saying I will receive The Dark Knight within 48 hours.
Now I realize that it's possible that Blockbuster won't be able to keep this up. I also realize that some Netflix subscribers report that they have better success in getting Blu-ray releases delivered promptly, probably due to their geographic location.
But for me -- for now -- Blockbuster get four stars.
And Netflix? As far as I'm concerned, it's eligible for a Hasty Pudding award.
Comment on this article!
In desperation, I decided to enroll in Blockbuster's online mail service to see if the video retail giant could do better.
So how is Blockbuster doing?
Thus far, I would have to give it an A+ Yes, an A+
In the last three weeks, I have received several new Blu-ray movies within days after their release. The only movie that was not available immediately was the action/adventure film Wanted starring James McAvoy and Angeline Jolie. But Blockbuster's online program allows you to exchange three online picks a month for free at any Blockbuster retail store. So I was able to get Wanted at my local Blockbuster the day after it was released -- without paying extra.
In other words, if there's a Blu-ray movie out there, I have total confidence that I can get it from Blockbuster, either by mail or at retail.
In fact, I am so confident that I gave the service the ultimate test this week by putting the Blu-ray edition of The Dark Knight in my Blockbuster online queue. I thought to myself that it would probably take at least a week before the blockbuster hit would be available.
I was wrong. Blockbuster sent me an e-mail yesterday saying I will receive The Dark Knight within 48 hours.
Now I realize that it's possible that Blockbuster won't be able to keep this up. I also realize that some Netflix subscribers report that they have better success in getting Blu-ray releases delivered promptly, probably due to their geographic location.
But for me -- for now -- Blockbuster get four stars.
And Netflix? As far as I'm concerned, it's eligible for a Hasty Pudding award.
Comment on this article!
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