http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/ Engadget Comments for Blockbuster announces new initiative, looks to game hardware sales http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
It'll take a while for the # of people downloading movies to overtake the # of people who rent DVDs, so I wouldn't count out this business model just yet. As much as I hated Blockbuster in the past, I'm at least glad they're trying new things...maybe something will stick.]]>Apr 29th 2008 9:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
I think they're onto something with the video games though; Netflix doesn't do those (yet), so it could be good to ramp up the video gaming. But they need to cut back on the rental cost of those too.]]>Apr 29th 2008 9:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
I will admit that the blockbuster deal is a good one, and having the option to walk in the store is pretty nice because maybe you aren't in the mood for the type of movies that were sent to you from your list. A couple of times I have gotten a Documentary and something like Pan's Labyrinth thats heavy and dramatic and just been in the mood for something funny. BUT, I can't bring myself to giving money back to the evil company that decided to screw me over and jack up prices ever since it got a strangle hold on the market.]]>Apr 29th 2008 11:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 12:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
I did both programs, and I've been in management at Blockbuster (as well as every other major video chain) and I believe the Netflix Instant Watch feature is far more valuable than the Blockbuster retail/online combo. It's great for things that have multiple discs, like TV shows. The quality is quite high, and the selection is decent and getting better all the time.

As for video games, Blockbuster will not be able to catch up to GameFly. Blockbuster's pricing on game rentals is terrible. For a couple game rentals at Blockbuster, you can rent an unlimited number of games from GameFly with no time limits or due dates.

However, game rentals are a dying thing. With online services like Goozex making it easy to just swap games with other gamers, the need to worry about subscriptions-- or even money changing hands-- is fast coming to an end.]]>Apr 29th 2008 3:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 10:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:23AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 9:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
STOP REQUIRING CREDIT CARDS TO RENT NEXT-GEN GAMES.

I've pretty much giving my money to Gamefly after so many years of Blockbuster membership, just on this one thing alone.]]>Apr 29th 2008 9:48AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 10:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
UM, you don't use a CC for Gamefly? And who the hell doesn't have a debit card from their bank these days?

@tiuk,

single game rentals (for 360,PS3,Wii) at BB are $7.99 for 5 days. How are they $11? And I live in NYC, so everything is more expensive here...]]>Apr 30th 2008 10:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
If you bring the game back, then you don't even need to be concerned about them having a credit card on file...]]>May 9th 2008 9:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 10:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Total Access seems to have been a success, it drew me in, way better deal than Netflix, sure they don't have as big a collection, but I'd rather be able to go to a store and exchange/get a movie right away if 1) I dont like it, 2) its scratched 3) lady friend coming over unexpected and need some background noise for later and if they integrate games into Total Access then it would make it even better]]>Apr 29th 2008 10:42AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
I remember seeing posters in my local Blockbusters for the Gamecube's release.]]>Apr 29th 2008 10:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 10:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
Until Netflix came along, they were constantly raising prices even though overhead was going DOWN w/ the advent of DVD.

Here's something the common person doesn't know:

Prior to DVDs, movie studios did not release VHS tapes for sale and for rent on the same day (with very very few exceptions).
A VHS movie would be sold for "Rental Only" first. Depending on the distributor and bulk, a video store would pay anywhere between $60 - 100 for ONE videotape. You did not read that wrong. So when Independence Day came out on VHS and Blockbuster had a WALL of them, you were looking at roughly $5,000 or more worth of tapes. The idea was that they'd make their money back via rental. It also discouraged any rental stores from outright selling the tapes.
Then, a few months later, the movie would be available for sale to the general masses for the more reasonable price of $15 - $25.

Well, DVD crushed that entire system. The movie studios wanted DVD to take off, so rather than using the "Rental 1st, Sale Later" template, the studios released a DVD movie for sale and rental on the same date, for the same price. No longer was Blockbuster being charged $60 - $100 to rent that movie... they were now paying $25 - $30 (actually less if you consider the distributor's discount), the same as if you went down to Best Buy and bought it. So Blockbuster was SAVING money w/ DVD, yet... amazingly... the price to rent a DVD cost MORE than the price of a VHS tape! What?

I haven't stepped a foot into Blockbuster in nearly 4 years. No exaggeration. I know that the mail-in format is not going to be popular with everyone, some people like going into brick and mortar and picking out something they want right there, right now. But I am encouraging you all to look for the mom & pop places or other alternatives. The Wal-Mart Supermarket near me has a DVD-rental vending machine that has ALWAYS has a line of people waiting in front of it... the rentals are $1!!

I can't say enough good things about Netflix and Gamefly. I have been a member of Gamefly since 2005 after I was frustrated w/ Blockbuster's favoritism over one system and couldn't even find NEW Xbox games at their stores. Now look at them, trying to become some sort of Gamespot. Too little, too late.

Down with Blockbuster. Let it burn. They have not done an original campaign or business move in over 10 years. Everything they do is stolen from their competitors. You ONLY get a 'good deal' with them when their chips are down... when they are on top, they'll rape you til you puke.]]>Apr 29th 2008 10:52AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
a)If you register to some blockbuster store then you must re-register if you want to rent to another store.
b)To rent a dvd in blockbuster can cost x2 or even x3 times more that a non-franchise rent store.
c)No matter the movie, even "classic" movies (old) are usually catalogued as "expensive".
d)It's not the place to buy a hard-to-find movies.
e)Nothing to say, it's almost impossible to obtain any other movie rather hollywood crap, not even popular japan-animation (with some exception) can be obtained.
f)Now with internet you can obtain the same, quick, cheap and with a better quality.
]]>Apr 29th 2008 12:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
2 months later, i quit, because gamefly takes _at least_ a week of back and forth time for games (mailing it in, updating it in your account, then mailing out a new game). Also, they lost _two_ games in a row in the mail, and i had to wait for another week to get the reporting and everything fixed.

If you plan to get gamefly, don't expect to have a very good experience trying to rapidly rotate out your games... but if you like the idea of keeping a couple of games at home for $22 a month or so, then it might be worth it.]]>Apr 29th 2008 12:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
And as long as you're talking about "common" people, don't blame the corporations, they appeal to the masses. They would be out of business by now if the majority chose to ignore them.]]>Apr 29th 2008 2:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 11:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/I even got my first DVD player from Blockbuster.]]>Apr 29th 2008 11:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
Really, they're just trying to save themselves from drowining. Netflix and the big box retail stores are kicking Blockbuster's ass. I give them another 5 years and they'll be either out of business or sold off to Best Buy.]]>Apr 29th 2008 3:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 11:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 3:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
Anyway, we use blockbuster.com for our movie rentals. Can't beat the trade in system + game availability. At least not yet... But I have to complain a little, because Blockbuster's turn around time has gone to shit. from 2 days to 5+ sometimes.

So, if netflix offered 5 at a time + 1 free game a month or something, for the same price I'm paying now, I'd switch. ]]>Apr 29th 2008 12:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 1:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 1:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 2:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 3:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
Thanks for not adding an edit function, Engadget. We all love taking up more space just to correct typos.]]>Apr 29th 2008 3:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 5:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 6:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 29th 2008 10:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/Apr 30th 2008 4:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/29/blockbuster-announces-new-initiative-looks-to-game-hardware-sal/
Your Blockbuster account is active at every store internationally as long as you have your Blockbuster card. Even if you don't have your card and you go to a different store, they can import you into their store database by driver's license and/or social security number.]]>May 9th 2008 9:57AM