Blockbuster stores SUCK!!
 

Ok, ok...I know...there is probably a million threads about this, but I want to rant.

My girlfriend has recently gotten into film noir and hitchcock films (along with some other classics). Shes always been a reader, but hasnt watched alot of classic films. So, I wanted to introduce her to some.

I went in to find some at the local blockbuster and it had SH|T.

I went to 2 different locations and the results were the same! Here was some that I looked for (off the top of my head! Im sure there were others!) and they dont carry them...

Spellbound? nope
Strangers on a Train? nope
Dial M for Murder? nope
To Catch a Thief? nope
Touch of Evil? nope
White Heat? nope
Double Indemnity? nope
All About Eve? nope
Doctor Zhivago? nope
Journey to the Center of the Earth? nope

Dumb and Dumberer? more than one.
Just Married? more than one.

Give me a fuking break!

Why does the TOP rental chain in the country not carry classic movies!?! They should AT LEAST have everything on the top 100 from AFI. I know that they are available online, but come on, they should be available in the store.

Is the american public that dumb that we dont want them there?
Or is it primarily a business decision on BBV part?

As I was walking around looking for these titles, I overhear this teenage girl clamoring on about the newest Ashton Kutcher movie. I puked a little in my mouth.

Dont get me wrong. I love alot of the new releases too, but I feel very slighted with the exclusions of these titles.

Are our kids and their kids doomed to losing these old classic titles in lieu of movies like 'The Grudge' and 'The Day After Tomorrow' taking their place?

just to defent the bbv, as i use to work there. it is possible that they had the movie at one time, but if it breaks or gets stolen or what ever, it dose not get replaced. individual stores can not order movies to rent, the have to go on what ever corp sends them.

That doesnt sound like a good defense....the stores should be able to reorder movies. Sounds like a bad policy.

BUT, again, I went to 2 different stores and they didnt have the majority of movies that I looked for. So, I doubt that they both had the same disks lost of stolen.

My guess is they will generate more money by using the shelf space for Dumb and Dumberer and stuff like that than the classics you mention since those classics would probably have a thick layer of dust on them by the time they ever get rented out by someone.

Unfortunately, yes, in most cases.


I was a manager with BBV for about 5 years in the mid-90s and I would order titles for my store all the time. You just have to have a smart manager who knows how to work the system to get what you need, which is not the case at probably 90% of their stores.

All you have to do is register at the blockbuster site and pick your stores. Then you do a search for the movie and it will tell you if the store has it or not.

Beats driving to different stores to do something you can do at home.

Yes, they make more money with new releases, but I think its ridiculous that they cannot have at least 1 of each of the classics (or those considered by most to be classics).

Also, they need a classic films section! Instead of just the dismal Drama, Action, Comedy, Family and Video Games sections.

I remember growing up with plenty of video rental stores that carried almost anything you wanted to watch! The only drawback you ran into was whether or not it was rented out.

Nowadays, I cannot tell you how many times Ive gone to a BBV store and left dissappointed that they didnt have what I was looking for at all!

Basically, theyve been successful at running other video stores out of business, but dont even offer us a wide selection of movies.

Again, I say, BBV sucks. Hopefully, they wont run Netflix out of business. If so, where would we rent unrated versions of movies?

I would like to rent those movies too but I don't think that they carry them because there isn't any violence with blood, nudity, sex and cursing etc.. in those movies.

Yep, its sad that they have a better selection of crappy video games (of which never get rented) than classic movies.

Ive had better success at Hollywood video finding titles, but unfortunately, when I moved, Im too far from one now.

Ive been a customer at their BBV online site for a while now, and mainly stayed due to the 2 free instore rentals. Now, since I cannot find what I want, and the price increases looming, I think I will switch to Netflix.

Blockbuster is about new movies and getting the newest releases out. It's not about some Hitchcock film that will be sitting on the shelf and get rented out twice a year. Blockbuster or any large chain store isn't really the place for movie buffs.

Have these movies been released on DVD or VHS recently, if at all on DVD? I know my BBV doesn't carry VHS anymore except for a few kids videos and very few others.

Is there even a renting demand for these (besides you)? They've probably been on TV enough and people who want them would just buy them. It doesn't make business sense to stock something that doesn't make money or enough money to warrent the shelf space. Video stores do sell titles that just don't rent anymore. I remember a few years ago, a store sold all of its copies of the old Battlestar Galactica shows since that were never rented so I see it no different for BBV.



Using Dumb & Dumberer & Just Married isn't a good example since they are both new in the past couple of years and still get rented a decent amount. In a year or so, there will only be 1 copy since it won't get rented often and the extras will be sold off.

Have you tried finding a videogame in stock since the monthly gamepasses came about? I have two free rentals from blockbuster.com that I'd like to use on videogames, but they never have anything in stock. Ever.

That aside, while I'd like for blockbuster to have classics in their inventory, they aren't obligated in any way to carry every single title in every single store, especially if it won't ever get rented and will just take up space. Don't see how you can blame them for trying to make money. Can you go to the manager and request a movie?

Yes, alot of them have been released and some even re-released on DVD. I dont want them on VHS.

Im sure that there is demand, but not as much as new releases.

Obviously not, because my girlfriend and I want to watch them...Shes never seen some of the ones we want to watch. New generations are not able to see them as much.

When Blockbuster runs other places out of business and then DOESNT provide us with a complete selection of movies, then it is wrong IMO. Obviously though, BBV is in trouble lately anyways as far as profits.

My point is, that these semi-new releases take up all the shelf space, when they could easily make room for other films. In the past, video stores had wide selections.

BBV has ruined that. Their selection is terrible. There is no denying that.

Its all about the new releases now and BBV has run everyone else out of town. So, there is no good alternative.

I understand what your saying, but again, they have put everyone else out of business strategically (like Wal-Mart).

Dont you people realize that they USED to have a wide selection when they had to. Only recently (within the past couple years), their stores carry less and less older titles since there is no competition.

NOW, they are trying to put down Netflix. If that happens, we may see the amount of older titles on their website dwindle too.

I also used to work for them, and that is a piss poor excuse to tell a customer. I always cringed when I had to say it, even if it was 100% correct. "Uh, sorry, but we can't get replacement copies of Dial M For Murder. The corporate office just sends us what they feel we should have according to our demographic." Which is what we are told how the pin heads in Dallas decides what movies and how many copies of each that each store gets: DEMOGRAPHICS. So not only did I just tell the customer to piss off because we don't have the classic movie they want, but I effectively told them that their voice in what they like is pretty much void here because we have a demographic of dumbasses that would rather see XXX State of the Union. And Blockbuster wonders why they are bleeding 60 million dollars a QUARTER. I know a lot of that loss has to do with the "End of Late Fees" and supposedely "Renting is Better Than Ever" but how can it be better than ever when they have the same crap titles available as they did before? And in the same quantities? They actually did away with their classics section and put the movies in their regular categories with the other movies a while back, so it's really not like they give a crap about those movies or the people who like them. And that's the kind of small stuff that turns people away from them and word of mouth gets aound quick, and their business goes down.

And here is an interesting statistic for you: by this time last year, BBV had opened up 81 new stores in the country. By this time this year? ONE NEW STORE. No word on how many they had to close.

They want to be the one stop place for entertainment, but they certainly don't operate that way.

And was there a demand? I can't think of a week that went by without a handful of people who came in and asked where our classics section was, and when they would learn we did away with it, they might ask about a couple titles (well known titles mind you, not obscure stuff by any stretch of the imagination) and we didn't have them, they just gave up and walked out. BBV could say all they wanted in their stupid meetings that they didn't want walk outs but they certainly don't mind those hand fuls of walk outs from each store every week. And let's just say that 10 people a week found what they wanted in a well stocked store. 10 people a week multiplied by 7000 stores. Now some of them might have coupons to get the rentals for free, so I will just say 6 people a week will pay for that rental in each store. That's 23.94 extra per week, which isn't a staggering amount of money, but multiplied by 7000 stores would be $167,580.00 in revenue per week for BBV corporate because they decided to stock AFI titles and then some and have a good classics section. What would that be in a year? $8,714,160.00 per year? Might be a drop in a bucket compared to the money they are bleeding from the end of late fees, but if those customers are happy with the selection, what are the chances they would come back to check out what else they had? Or get more than one movie? Or add a pop and candy to the order? That money could easilly become much, much larger with a small investment from Corporate, but they don't care, and it shows in how many stores they opened this year.

And those numbers are just loosely based on what I know I heard from customers asking about a classics section. How many more customers just hit the door and don't say a word about what they couldn't find? You just never know how much more a store would benefit from a classics section. Warner and other studios are releasing some really wonderful titles that will never see the light of day in a Blockbuster and that's just a crying shame.

Wow, great post. Applause for you. Someone else who sees the evil way that BBV does business.

Demographics. Huh? Reminds me of Wal-mart.

Each store prices their items based on demographics too. So, you cannot walk into wal-mart and know the price of a certain item, because they might be jacking the price up on you if there is no competition in the area (competition they probably drove away ;)).

So, if there is no competition close, you will probably be paying a few dollars more for that new DVD than other Wal-marts (where competition exists).

Haha...i like the pinhead references. I worked in retail alot in the past (both Wal-mart, JC Penneys and Best Buy) and I can relate. Sometimes, these companies lose site of the customers.

Why don't you try your local library? Mine had all in stock. They'll even transfer them to my local branch for me. And it's free.

Hmm.....I have a branch close, ill give it a shot.....I think im going to resort to netflix.....I dont mind online renting, but its hard for mood watching.

Im almost to the point of never dealing with blockbuster again.

Did anyone else's Blockbuster do away with the Horror and Sci-Fi sections?

We have one in town that did it but not the rest. What happens now is that if you want a movie from that section, you need to look in Action, Drama, Music, or whatever other sections they decided to put that movie into.

Yeah, I noticed that too....they used to have very descriptive sections, now, its very general.

At the ones near me, they arent even in very good alphabetical order.

Ah, if I was a manager of Blockbuster, I would do away with all categories and just put everything in alphabetical order!

I don't think I've ever used BB for classics or even older movies. I mainly use them for new releases and that's it. I can find used DVDs for 2.99, 5.00, or sometimes 10.00 if they're something I really want. My point being that I have about 50 titles in my 'to be watched' list so renting hardly ever happens. Putting that aside, purchasing DVDs for 2.99-5.00 are cheaper than renting especially when I can trade it without a loss or sell it for a gain. Of course that means I've got to be patient as I don't always get what DVD I REALLY want right away but then again I have a large list of DVDs to be watched.

I can definately understand the frustration at BB though due to their lack of availability of certain titles.

I never see people complaining about the Hollywood Video MVP. Is that because they don't have any problems with it (as I don't), or is that because no one has it? If it's because no one has it, is that because they don't live close enough to one, or they think that Blockbuster is better?

I'm just curious, as I have the Hollywood Video program, and have been very happy with it. $10 for the first 3 months, $14 afterwards.

I've been looking for THE FINAL COUNTDOWN, THE WICKER MAN and no luck.

I like Hollywood video better and used to be a regular there. I started going there when BBV only rented fullscreen new release dvds.

I used to live close to it, but when I moved, there isnt one close....The closest one is about 20 minutes away and in an area with bad traffic.

I literally have 4 blockbusters within 2-3 miles of me.

2 of them are literally across the street from each other! You can see it from one stores doorway or even just walk across the street to it!

I rent classics! Since July I've rented Winter Light, The Trouble With Harry, Naked City: Portrait of a Painter (classic TV), The Lady Eve, Unfaithfully Yours, and Leave Her to Heaven. All were first time viewings.

Video Confusion Customer: So, do you have any new releases in?
[zoom out to see a huge sign that says "NEW RELEASES" directly above her]
Low I.Q. Video Customer: Do you have that one with that guy who was in the movie that was out last year?
Randal Graves: They never rent quality flicks. They always pick the most intellectually devoid movies on the rack.
Low I.Q. Video Customer: OOOOH! NAVY SEALS!
Randal Graves: It's like in order to join, they have to have an I.Q. that's less than their shoe size.

Yeah, I think its naive for people to think that NOONE wants to rent classics....there are plenty of new filmwatchers who havent seen them. Our kids should have these films at their disposal without having to purchase them outright.

They shouldnt have to wait til they come on tv to watch them too. They should be able to rent them, but of course, BBV has cut alot of classics out of their library.

I watched 'Dial M for Murder' this weekend for the first time. It was GREAT! I loved it. Not really a buy for me, but I was glad that BBV at least had it on their online site.

Go to your neighborhood library. You (theoretically) pay local taxes - it's there for you to use, and in my opinion is a generally underused resource. If they don't have a certain title, odds are they can get it.

My local library has an excellent DVD selection, with classics, Criterions and foreign titles (and pretty much all the films on your list of examples). Free for a week, too.

Yeah, ill definately do that....there is a branch near me....I didnt realize that libraries had DVDs....guess libraries will be next on BBV hitlist. ;)

You profile location says Dallas, so here you go:

Dallas Library
http://dallaslibrary.org/home.htm

Search By Branch
http://catalog.dallaslibrary.org/

Rented a game a few weeks ago. Had a week, plus the "no late fee" period of another week before the game was charged.

Returned the game approximately 8-9 days after renting, no later. Go in on the day before it was totally due (I'd be charged) and they told me that I had nothing checked out. The next day - the day the game was due - they checked in the game and charged me $46 (!!) dollars for it, and charged me right after checking it in. I finally got a very disinterested looking manager to credit me, if only to get me out of the store (and I wasn't making a scene or anything, just very "slow boil"). I didn't even get the "restocking fee" back.

I know that Blockbuster employees have to do a "Found On Shelf" search during the week, and obviously no one did it (or does it) here.

The store's game rental fee is outrageous to begin with, at nearly $8. The store is $4.50 for new and old movie rentals, as well.

Needless to say, it's going to be a very long time before I rent at Blockbuster again.

Yeah, I think ive stepped foot into BBV for the last time. I just cancelled my online membership and went with Netflix....ill use the library (like others have suggested) or even drive to the nearest Hollywood video for my more immediate movie needs.

My banned businesses list is now up to 2...

Wal-Mart (even more evil than Microsoft)
Blockbuster

Im actually closer to Fort Worth (Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex), so ill look for their list.

Thanks though. :)

BBV employees are probably getting lazy about their FOS lists now that there is the "end of late fees." And they will not waive that restocking fee. Hell, that's the only extra income they got coming in now!

Yes, libraries seem to have a great selection of foreign/classic stuff. Criterion must have some program for libraries, as they seem to have lots of Criterions. I refer people there all the time.

Yes, I work at Blockbuster. DVDMovie, your story has too many inconsistancies. The charge does not appear on the account when the item is checked in. It appears when it is charged off. As for the employees and the FOS, yes, they probably are incompetant. But your story isn't accurate either. The game was due by noon of the eighth day. You returned it late. It wasn't due another week later, or totally due another day after that. Fess up and say "I returned it late." Does that justify bad execution of policies by the employees? No. But is damn frustrating to deal with people like you. To quote one of the few TV shows that I have watched, "Everybody lies." Whether they realize it or not, everybody lies. Why are the games $8 now? Because of people like you who go ahead and intentionally keep them past the due date to milk every last bit out of it. That said, I do it too. But understand that that is the reason that the price went up.

Now, back to the whole classics thing . . . it is called "Blockbuster." Not "Classic Video," not "Good Film Video." Blockbuster . . . and that is what they carry. Any long time readers here know that I want to open my own video store, and I would go after that severely under served niche market. I think it is a great idea. Blockbuster does not and is not ever going to.

Wait... why did he have to pay a restocking fee? The rental period is one week, and you get one week after that to return it without any fees. after that period is over, then they automatically charge you full price, though you can get it all back without the restocking fee if you eventually return it. This encourages people to think of it as a two-week rental, doesn't it? Or did I get their policy mixed up?

Of course, if not for the free rentals I get from BBOnline, I wouldn't rent games from there... between "no late fees" and the gamepass, they have jack squat to rent.

On a different note... Sure, it's naive of me to think that NOBODY wants to rent classics, but it's also naive of us to believe that enough people want to to justify BB stocking it. BB is not a public service, so that your kids can have classic movies at their disposal. They're a business (apparently a poorly run one, but a business nonetheless). The library, on the other hand, is a great source.

The restocking fee is charged if you return a rental after you're 'bought' it, IIRC.

And yes, Blockbuster. "Blockbuster". implies typical, big, mindless Hollywood stuff that does 4100 million weekends. Of course, so does "Hollywood Video". And since they have limited shelf space, they need to try to carry titles that will be the most attractive to the widest audience, in order to make money. Like many other stores/retailers.

I have had a good experience with Blockbuster Online. Their selection is much much much better than the B&M's, and the in-store free rental coupons help as well [although yes, their videogame section, which is what I use them for, is not by any means superb. Very few new releases, and most are out of stock.]

I remember the BBV in my hometown actually had a section [small, but separate] for 'Troma' and 'Cult' films. Now, there's "new" "drama" "comedy" and that's about it.

Oh come on, I dont think just because their name is "Blockbuster" that they choose to carry only recent hits. The fact is, they USED to carry a large selection of classics. They advertise that they are the one shop stop for dvd rentals. Do they not?

But, since they have virtually put other video stores out of business, they have since scaled them back to what makes the most money for them (new releases and games).

Again, Blockbuster is evil. I hate them. Their demise has already begun.

BTW- good luck on the video store. I hope you help put them out of business. ;)

I did the MVP program for two months to catch up on older titles and just about all of the movies RockStrongo mentions in his first post were at Hollywood.