CPA-ESQ.

Well I wanted to rent The Mummy Returns.


They sent it to me in Full Screen and I sent it back with a note saying "Please send me this in Wide Screen"

That was months ago - and still nothing

So I went to reorder it and noticed that it was only available in "Full Screen"

So I called up a CSR and complained. She said they order what ever the Studio has available. I said there are both versions available - how do you decide. She said that most customers who call want to see movies in "Full Screen."

I suggested a link on their website that explains OAR and shows the diff.

She said that most people just don't like those "black bars"

Ohhhh Joe-6-Pack's voice is louder than ours at Netflix.


So I sent the following message to their marketing dpt:

"I noticed that the Mummy Returns is only available in Full Screen. - WHY???? This is a HUGE Blockbuster Movie. I want to see it in Widescreen.

I will never rent or buy any movie in "Full Screen."

I have been using your service since 1999, and always loved your selection and the fact that you carry Widescreen movies.. I recommend you to my friends and family.

Please tell me why I can not see this movie in it's Original Aspect Ratio."

Movie_Man

I'm not arguing with you, but of all the movies I've rented from them that are available in both formats, they've always listed the widescreen version, and that's what I got.
From what I've been hearing, I think they used to favor the full screen versions up until about 1-2 years ago, so DVDs released in multiple formats before then are full screen, and titles relased after that point are stocked in widescreen. I seem to remember people complaining specifically about Netflix's Mummy Returns being full screen only back when it was released, so it could also be just that one title.
I guess they figured out that 90% of their customers are film lovers, and the other 10% just don't care.

CPA-ESQ.

Hope your right movie-man

I hope that the CSR I spoke to was the exception and not the rule.

I just wanted to point out that a according to her, a lot of customers are calling to request "Full Screen" and complaining about "Black Bars"


Let's keep our fingers crossed

DWilson

I had the same experience with "The Mummy Returns" and ended up renting it elsewhere. However, that seems to be the exception, -it hasn't happened again. With any title that's available in both formats, I now always count on Netflix for my copy ('Buster is too hit-and-miss with "Full screen" and they've lost a lot of sales from me). If Netflix stops carrying widescreen, I'd definitely be screwed and I'd probably drop them.

Chad

Apparently Netflix is now promoting full screen:

WTF? It doesn't seem to me they're doing much to educate people about the difference between the two. Of course the only difference is the format, but they don't explain the difference ...which is obviously a pretty damn big one. The average joe is going to read this and assume the only difference is those pesky black bars.

And it doesn't stop there. Recently I rented "The Silence of the Lambs" and received the full screen version despite it cleary saying widescreen on the site. I did the same thing as CPA-ESQ and returned it with a note saying: "I rented the widescreen version. If I wanted full screen, I'd rent VHS. Please send the entire movie next time and not just half of it. Thanks." Never received a response.

Doesn't look good.

muggins

Wow. That's pretty messed up. That borders on blasphemy.

Burn them!

Movie_Man

Actually, I'm going to applaud Netflix for communicating an alternative to you. At least they have both formats available for rent, and they don't just send you the format they happen to have in stock.
On the other hand, it certainly says something about the popularity of widescreen with Netflix customers if they're begging people to rent the full scren instead.
I'm going to give the to Netflix's customer service on this one.

Seeker

Mummy Returns
Forever Young

only two movies I've gotten from Netflix fullscreen - that was all that was available.


definitely want widescreen here, too.

nickdawgy

I would have watched it in Fullscreen. It doesn't really make a difference to me. I own both widescreen and fullscreen, and while I have gotten used to watching widescreen (I used to be fullscreen all the time), if I have to watch a fullscreen movie, it doesn't bother me

I admit though, on some movies, widescreen is a must. Mummy Returns was a good movie, so watch it ASAP

Ninja Gaiden

On ALL MOVIES(where it's OAR) its a must. I will never understand how people can watch only a two thirds to one half of a movie. I got a DVD player before I knew anything about movies such as widescreen vs fullscreen and I never even noticed the "black bars." People are morons.

al_bundy

The one thing I can't stand about netflix is that there is no LOTR EE versions.

Chad

Damnit, it's happened again! I just popped in "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" and it was the Wal-Mart $5.88 bin "exclusive" fullscreen version. Why is Netflix carrying the fullscreen only version when there is a widescreen/fullscreen one out? Is it possible someone slippped the FF version in place of the original? It lists the right version on the site:

Seriously, am I the only one having this problem?