Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

The reason I have netflix is because I never have the time to go to movies anymore, being in college with a really demanding schedule. Looks like I'll be canceling netflix now...

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

For a 4 week delay? You said you never have time to go to the movies anymore, so what is waiting an extra 4 weeks for say Leap Year going to matter if you didn't see it back in January?

I have more than 250 titles in my queue and 200+ titles in my streaming queue to keep me entertained for months. Waiting an extra month for WB, FOX and Uni releases isn't going to kill me.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

i like how people are using their own experiences as to tell you why it doesn't matter. :lol:

look, I don't go to movies, but i want to see all the new releases. so, i appreciate the fact that i used to be able to get them on or about the release date. now, i can't. it pisses me off that movie studios are greedy fucking assholes who blame piracy for everything, then end up doing something that is essentially going to create more piracy. it's absolutely ridiculous.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

For those who are saying this is creating a monopoly for Blockbuster: The trade-off was a lot more streaming content. Which do you think creates more memberships, the thought of getting movies in the mail, or the ability to stream full movies and TV shows without advertising or interruption? I can tell you it was the latter that led me to get Netflix.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

I agree. Downloading a movie is like stealing a car.

On the other hand, the people that are going to pirate movies will have already downloaded the DVD before it's sold in stores. Not talking about some cam version but the DVD version.

I'm at a college now and the DVD version of Avatar has already started making rounds.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

How does the time issue relate to the new releases coming out later? You have no time.... to wait?

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

Let's not forget that torrent-sharers love supplying content as early as possible--ahead of a legitimate street date, and ahead of other P2P members, if they can swing it. Remember, those people are already convinced that they're entitled to see something as soon as it exists. My sister-in-law's ex was all kinds of cocky talking about how he'd downloaded Avatar to watch at home...back in November! So, yes, I would say that a month delay is a plus for the P2P world. It won't surprise me to hear/read about that smug, "I don't wait for Them to let me have something; I'm not a sheep like you" attitude get even more obnoxious.

That said, I agree that I doubt the delay is going to translate into a ton of otherwise law-abiding people downloading illegally. I personally fall into the "I can wait" camp. We average about a movie a month at the theater, and rare is the time when something comes along that either of us feels the need to own upon release (with the exception of those Disney titles that have been ridiculously cheap for first week buyers).

And you can also count me in as someone who is in favor of this deal. I want to see a lot of recent releases, yes, but apparently I didn't want to see them badly enough to actually go see them during their theatrical run, and I certainly am not going to blind-buy just to watch it. Adding more streaming content to Netflix, and expanding their catalog? This appeals to me.

Oh, and as for the library option...I have to say, in the last year or so, my local branch has really come along. They're not my go-to choice, but they keep expanding their selection every time I'm there, and have even snagged a few surprisingly current new releases now and again. Also, I'd have failed to check off the Foreign Language and Short Film (Live Action) boxes from my Academy Awards Challenge list had it not been for the library.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

Just think in a few more wks Sherlock Holmes will no longer be new! If you haven't seen it yet you might as well forget about it...

(Lol, just having some fun with ya Def.)

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

:lol: I hear ya buddy.

I too have over 400 films queued up, a massive pile of purchased DVDs/Blurays to be watched - translating into countless hours to kill off. And when I'm half way through there will probably be another 200 added on. The cycle never ends.

According to this hackingnetflix article streaming almost quadrupled from '08 to '09. This is exactly what Netflix is banking on - the future. Increase in content (and perhaps a better interface) should increase memberships.

Speaking from my own experience, I care for very few new releases and Redbox or a local mom & pop shop will take of my needs until they too fall prey to a the rental window game. If they fall (and I refuse to patronize Blockbuster) - quite simply, I'll wait. Films in the grand scheme of things, at least the immediacy, aren't so important that I can't wait one single month. And Netflix has essentially replaced Comcast as my primary media server. Oh yeah, $7 on demand new release content - that's fucking appealing. What else does Comcast have to offer again?

The rental window decision is going to have winners and losers. Netflix is betting that there are going to be a higher percentage of winners. I for one would choose a higher availability of content for a considerably low price to immediacy any day.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

When this started happening, I thought that I would care but *eh* it doesnt really bother me too much. I have so many other former new rentals that are still on Long Wait from months ago that waiting on Sherlock Holmes to hit netflix really doesnt phase me.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

28 days later... zombies must have thought up this whole dealy idea. ;)

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

One studio deal at a time, Netflix and Redbox are becoming the video rental equivalents of the second run theater. I dropped my plan from 3-at-a time to 2-at-a time today, and there may be some time periods when I put it on hold completely. I'm going to look at it on a month by month basis.

They started charging extra for Blu-ray, and now I've got to wait an extra month for some of them. Plus, I can't even count on them to carry some high profile catalog releases. A Nightmare On Elm Street is being released on BD this Tuesday, but it's DVD and streaming only at Netflix. I don't think it's because it's New Line since they got the Lord Of The Rings BDs this week.

I've got a stack of unwatched DVDs and BDs, and if I don't want to wait 28 days to see something like Sherlock Holmes or Avatar again, there are options other than Netflix.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

We're content with the 1-at-a-time unlimited plan. It's $10.99 plus tax, but that includes Blu-rays and the unlimited streaming. Between Blu's and streams, our Netflix activity level has been much higher in 2010 than it was the last four years combined.

Although, I would love to know what's up with some TV shows missing specific episodes from their streams. For instance, every episode of seaQuest is available for streaming (including the third season, which isn't even on DVD yet), except episode 16 from the first season. And don't even get me started on Magnum, P.I.!

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

for me, streaming doesn't mean crap until it can match the quality of blu-ray. sound and picture quality on streaming hd content isn't there yet. now, if i'm watching TV shows, i can live with it, but no way i watch a movie streamed over the blu-ray counterpart.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

While I think most of us can live with this, it's still a stupid thing for the studios to do. It won't increase their sales revenue significantly and will just create more ill-will.

Deftones: I hear ya. But on my PS3 some of the HD movies available for streaming look quite good to my eyes. I think the quality will catch up faster than we expect. But my argument was looking at it from Netflix's POV. They're positioning themselves as the premiere streaming service in the US, so a month delay on physical media is a fair trade-off for them if it means more streaming content.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

Given how few catalog titles even have a Blu-ray counterpart, I'm surprised this is even much of an issue.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

oh, no doubt. honestly, i hope the technology gets here sooner rather than later. i'd love to have 1080p quality video and DTS-MA via streaming.

and that is obviously another issue. but as i stated in this thread, i'm in it for new releases only. occasionally i'll do a catalog title, but that's pretty rare.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

It's not the same, regardless if those silly commercials before each DVD tell you it is.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

Re: Stealing cars vs. illegal downloading:

The only significant difference is that theft of a car is the taking of a tangible good to which one is not legally entitled, whereas an illegal download is the acquisition of a replica of a good to which one is not legally entitled. What difference this makes to you personally on a moral/ethical level is a matter of personal perspective, I suppose.

In any event, I suspect none of us discussing the actual issue of the Netflix delay window deals wishes to see this thread closed on account of a side debate over the implications of illegal downloading.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

Here's my issue -

No savings are being passed on to me. As soon as the format war ended, Netflix added a $1 surcharge to rent Blu-rays. A year later, they added an additional $2 (per BD out a month). Then they take away Warner titles and now Fox and Universal forcing people to wait 28 days after it's normal retail rental release to get it. There is nothing in it for me, as a subscriber. Some may say "well you get more streaming!". The problem is that was likely going to happen anyway now that Netflix is in so many damn devices (not just 360 anymore - PS3, Wii, Blu-ray players, Tivos, iPads and soon iPhones). Netflix would have beefed up service regardless because they want those people to continue paying a monthly charge even if they were not getting physical discs in the mail.

The line about 'being able to stock more copies' is bunk. Who cares. I got any new release within 1 week of it being out. Who cares if at the 28th day they get more copies so I don't have to wait - I didn't before! I only keep 3-4 titles in my Q so New releases are important to me.

IMO, they should have forced the 28 delay for DVD users. Give Blu-ray owners - the ones paying a minimum of $3 more a month - the ability to have titles day and date. It may forces those DVD owners to upgrade to Blu-ray status (and I'm only at the one out at a time!). As it stands, I'm dropping Netflix at the end of the month. I'll just piggy-pack off my in-laws account (for all 8 devices that my sister, mom and I own that use Netflix) and Netflix will lose the $12 a month and ill be the 'big man behind the keyboard'. Between the high-ass release week prices and these stupid 28 day delays they will force the younger generation to torrent or find alternate means to watch movies. And once the younger generation can do this they won't go back to buying or renting. Us, as collectors on this forum, may buy, but look at all the 15-30 year olds who grew up with Napster, Limewire, torrents etc. They don't buy CDs. Studios screwed themselves then, and they are doing it again now.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

Does it make it any less new watching it 4 weeks later? I mean I've seen Blockbuster video keeps titles in their New Release shelf up to 1 year after it's release date.

I mean I have titles in my queue that came out in January or February that I haven't gotten to yet because of the large amount of releases that come out every week.

So, The Blind Side was released for sale on March 23rd and will be available for Netflix in a few weeks. Does the stigma of it being a "New Release" drop now and your going to pass on watching it since you didn't have it in your hands on March 23rd?

If I loved The Blind Side in theatres and loved it enough to own it, I would just pay the $20+ and buy the BR on March 23rd.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

It really depends what the person is going to do once they download. If they make copies and sell, bad bad bad. However if they had no intentions of buying it the studios lose no money. If they had intentions of renting it, the rental outlets might lose the business. If one subscribes to Netflix, it could be argued he is already paying to 'rent' movies, and this is just one way to get it because Netflix are being tightwads and screwing over consumers. I really don't blind buy anymore, so I make all my decisions on rentals. I go to the Theater 3 times a year. The only way I will buy is if I rent a movie, like it, then buy it. I've already started buying Warner titles used to make sure they don't get any sales from it, and the same will be done for Fox and Universal.

And yes, I know some people will argue their asses off how torrents and the like are bad, I just don't care. If I like it, I'll buy it. If I don't, it would be considered just like a rental (except it's lesser quality for me and Netflix has +1 copy to send out to someone else). Sometimes we have no choice (Star Wars Holiday Special, TV shows not out on DVD/Blu, TV Shows from other countries, heavily edited whatever, etc.)

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

BB does that because some people don't even notice New Releases and by keeping it on the wall, they can charge more money for it (vs being in the catalog). BB also receives less movies now since they owe studios so much money so they need to keep the wall filled. People that use Netflix are likely a bit more savvy compared to people who wander into BB.

Most consumers won't be renting odd titles or a Criterion release. They will rent Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, Blind Side etc. And typically it's 2-3 'good' titles a week. If you have 2 out at a time, you would need that amount of new releases.

It did for me. I didn't rent it which means I won't be buying it. Same goes for Avatar and It's Complicated. I would have skipped out on Where the Wilds Things are completely because of the Netflix BS, but I managed to 'watch' it, liked it (and you can check the Theatrical review thread/box office week thread, I trashed it because the previews looked stupid), and purchased it. After 28 days I simply don't care about watching a movie since it's old and off my radar.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

Firstly, it was never about savings--passed on to the subscriber or otherwise. It was about studios telling Netflix that they either made this deal, or wouldn't have access to their titles. It's awfully hard to run a rental business when you're cut off from things to rent. And "they" (Netflix) didn't "take away Warner titles." Warner established the terms under which Netflix would or would not have access to their titles, and decided that a four-week headstart for retail sales was one of the sticking points. You make it sound as though Netflix was a cheerful partner in all this; they were confronted with a dilemma and made the best out of it.

The number of devices on which Netflix can be streamed is irrelevant...if they don't have access to studio-owned content, there's nothing to stream! They sacrificed four-weeks for new releases to ensure that they would have content to provide. Otherwise, they would have no Warner titles (or Fox, or Universal) to rent or stream.

The people who have been complaining for the last couple of years that new releases are constantly listed as having a long wait care. And it's fine that your rental queue only has three or four items in it at a time. Mine has nearly 400 (and scant few of them are titles from the last couple years). Does it matter whether either of our queues are more representative of the average subscriber?

You talk about movies as though they're a basic human need, like food, water or shelter. If you want to see them, it's generally expected that you pay the companies that provide them. If you have a problem with that, that's on you...but it's hardly the coercive action driving you into a noble act of defiance that you seem bent on characterizing.

Re: Netflix - Fox and Universal join WB to delay rentals 28 days
 

This. The Sound quality is usually an afterthought.