The Netflix Thread

[Mara]

Seems like a great way to push people back towards piracy.


Yeah, I'm wondering when Netflix is going to remember that the service they provide is available for free. All they have is convenience and legality.

I'll probably keep streaming and dump DVDs, but if the selection gets worse or stagnates, I may switch.

[number8]

Yeah, I'm wondering when Netflix is going to remember that the service they provide is available for free. All they have is convenience and legality.

But can't you say that about anything?

"Well, Kay's should realize that their jewelries are available for free. If it wasn't illegal and I didn't have to learn how to cut through glass, they don't offer anything."

[D_Davis]

If streaming goes over $20 a month, or enough of the studios pull their content, I'll just stop watching movies and television.

:shrug:

I simply won't play Hollywood's game. Screw 'em.

[Mara]

But can't you say that about anything?

"Well, Kay's should realize that their jewelries are available for free. If it wasn't illegal and I didn't have to learn how to cut through glass, they don't offer anything."

But piracy takes zero skills and know-how, and you can do it from home while eating potato chips. It is the ultimate American endeavor.

[Mara]

Also, while I have ethical problems with piracy, it's nothing to my ethical problems with diamonds. Don't even get me started.

[origami_mustache]

Netflix has been dirt cheap for the amount of content offered. I've been a member since 2004 and started with the 3 disc plan and was essentially paying more then for less content before streaming was incorporated. Now as Netflix has began producing their own exclusive show(s?) and are making more content available for streaming on almost any device, the service becomes even more valuable. It is also becoming more expensive for the company to maintain as they have more members, using more bandwidth, and are paying more money for licensing. Before Netflix existed I probably spent $30+ a month at the video store. So the price increases make a lot of sense to me and I'm not complaining because I think the service is about the best bargain out there.

[Irish]

But can't you say that about anything?

No, because smash and grabs were never an acceptable alternative to shopping.

An online service like Netflix directly competes with piracy. As Mara points out, what Netflix is really selling is convenience.

[Irish]

It is also becoming more expensive for the company to maintain as they have more members, using more bandwidth, and are paying more money for licensing.

It's the licensing. What cost Netflix $10MM years ago, the studios are asking upwards of $400MM now.

The bandwidth is nothing. Netflix pays about 5 cents for every movie they stream. HD movies are a few pennies more.

[Lucky]

Origami, I can't help but change the subject and ask why the hell you're wasting your time with the Harry Potter series when you've apparently only mildly enjoyed one out of seven. Those movies are long ass movies to be hoping that one will suddenly click for you.

[Spun Lepton]

I like the Consumerist, generally, but their readers' reaction to this news is pretty overreactionary.

"This is the first evil thing I've seen Netflix do!"

:|

http://consumerist.com/2011/07/want-both-netflix-streaming-and-dvds-that-will-now-be-1598.html

[Ezee E]

Hmm... Not sure what I'd do. I would prefer new releases, so if streaming does a better job at getting those on quick, I'd switch. Otherwise, I think I'd stick to the mailing system.

[Yxklyx]

I've done very little streaming - I'm not really set up for it and I'm happy with DVDs - so I'll be paying less now.

[number8]

I've actually been using the $9.99 unlimited streaming + 1 DVD plan, but I've kept the same DVD for over 6 months now. So this switch will pretty much make my plan cheaper.

[DavidSeven]

Probably part of the plan to completely phase out shipping as they've been hoping to do for a while now. It's such a drastic hike (in relative terms) that I'm guessing most casual users are going to opt for the streaming-only service. Netflix's revenues stays roughly the same, and they spend less money buying stamps and more money buying licensing agreements.

[Yxklyx]

Between cables and hardware it's like at least $150 to set up Netflix streaming. I don't have a router or wireless - just one computer and off of DSL no less.

Are all the streamed movies DVD or Blu Ray quality?

[Irish]

I like the Consumerist, generally, but their readers' reaction to this news is pretty overreactionary.

"This is the first evil thing I've seen Netflix do!"

:|

http://consumerist.com/2011/07/want-both-netflix-streaming-and-dvds-that-will-now-be-1598.html

You mean this?


So now that Blockbuster is gone, their true persona comes out... This is the first Crappy thing I've seen them do.

60% price hike, same service, no grandfathering.

It's crappy.

[DavidSeven]

Are all the streamed movies DVD or Blu Ray quality?

Newer movies are streamed in HD. It's never worse than DVD quality.

[Spun Lepton]

You mean this?

60% price hike, same service, no grandfathering.

It's crappy.

No, somebody actually said, "evil" in their post.

[origami_mustache]

Origami, I can't help but change the subject and ask why the hell you're wasting your time with the Harry Potter series when you've apparently only mildly enjoyed one out of seven. Those movies are long ass movies to be hoping that one will suddenly click for you.

haha...I agreed to watch all 7 and make a drinking game out of it and then go see the new one with my friend who is into them and has read all the books, (although he doesn't even like the movies much himself). I looked at it as a David Blaine-esque endurance challenge.

[Derek]

My plan was $19.99/month for 3 discs plus unlimited streaming. With the new plan, I could still keep this for $23.98/month. I'll probably move down to 1 or 2 discs since with streaming, I usually won't watch more than 1 physical DVD in a 2-3 day period, so this enormous, evil, unfair price hike really isn't a big deal to me.

[eternity]

It's clearly a part of Netflix's plan to faze out physical media entirely in their business plan. It will be cheaper to have streaming exclusively, alluring more customers, allowing them to invest more in building their streaming catalog. They probably plan to provide *everything* in the future, like how Zune and Rhapsody allow just about every song for a subscription fee.

And I'm going to do what I'm thinking they want me to do. It will now be cheaper for me to rent from Redbox than pay for discs from Netflix each month, so I'll stick to streaming exclusively.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Looks like it's time to finally abandon my 3 disc plan.

[D_Davis]

haha...I agreed to watch all 7 and make a drinking game out of it and then go see the new one with my friend who is into them and has read all the books, (although he doesn't even like the movies much himself). I looked at it as a David Blaine-esque endurance challenge.

I made a drinking game out of them too. I would take a drink every time I was enjoying myself.

Never opened the bottle.

[Lazlo]

I know eventually I'll have to wrap my head around streaming since physical media will go away at some point but I just can't yet.

I spent ~$1500.00 on my AV setup so I would always rather have the best possible media quality and Blu-Ray is fantastic. Until most things on streaming are 1080p and HD audio AND the correct aspect ratio, streaming is just a novelty at best.

Also, I don't have the impetus to watch something on streaming like I do with a disc sitting on my shelf. It's sitting there. Looking at me. Wanting to be watched. Streaming is just out there somewhere, there's no deadline or reward (getting the next disc) for watching it, it's just there whenever you want or never because I have my head wired to play the Netflix game of getting the disc, organizing the queue, sending it back, blah, blah, blah. So I never end up watching anything on streaming, except for re-watching TV shows I've already seen whenever the mood strikes.

But major new releases are my general viewing material and those are never streamed. So whatever, take my streaming away. Blu-Ray is beautiful.

[number8]

Netflix are clearly assholes. I was browsing the streaming titles, not knowing what to watch, and on impulse put on Dear Zachary. Now I can't turn it off. Why the fuck am I rewatching this?

[soitgoes...]

Netflix are clearly assholes. I was browsing the streaming titles, not knowing what to watch, and on impulse put on Dear Zachary. Now I can't turn it off. Why the fuck am I rewatching this?Because you're feeling emotional today, and you need a good cry?

[kopello]

After this I hope they don't put on that ridiculous charge for having access to blu ray discs.

[EyesWideOpen]

For the service netflix provides me I consider them to be ridiculously cheap. I have hundreds of movies in my streaming queue and I can get sent pretty much any dvd I want in a day. If they charged $40 a month for the plan I'm currently getting which is one out and streaming I still would be happy.

[MadMan]

Well I'll probably switch only to streaming, but if I don't get a 360 like I'm planning to do down the road then going to DVD only would make the most sense. On one hand, I'm not happy about this, but at the same time I'll grumblingly admit that I'm still better off using Netflix than my local video stores. My local library though has a pretty sweet collection. Maybe I'll hope they get more movies and TV shows in the future I can rent for free, which will lessen the blow.

In the meantime, I'm going to load up on DVDs being mailed out as much as possible. Although I guess I can always switch my plan back and forth to suit my needs at the time.

[Milky Joe]

The animated 90s X-Men cartoon is now on instant viewing. Sweeeeet.

Also, Uncle Boonme. Huh.

[Mara]

My sister and I are conspiring. She's going to keep the physical DVDs and I'm going to keep streaming, and we're going to share. You can do that when you live super close.

[D_Davis]

My sister and I are conspiring. She's going to keep the physical DVDs and I'm going to keep streaming, and we're going to share. You can do that when you live super close.

reported.

The FBI warning at the beginning of the DVD clearly states that you are not aloud to lend the movie.

[Mara]

The FBI warning at the beginning of the DVD clearly states that you are not aloud to lend the movie.

We're not lending. We're sharing, like Mama always told us to.

;)

[Henry Gale]

I'm on my free trial with the Canadian version of this, and even just by skimming through this thread, it's obvious that it's a weaker selection, but there are a number of things that it has that I still think justifies the $8 a month, especially if/when it improves over time. Particularly the TV stuff, like apparently we've already had every season of Mad Men (since it's here it's owned by Maple instead of Lionsgate), a lot of random Criterions, a ton of recent movies (especially documentaries and foreign ones) that I wouldn't have thought to look for otherwise, and just a lot of other shows that I want to watch but don't think I'd buy DVDs of (Kids in the Hall, Top Gear, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Damages, The Boondocks, MST3K, dozens of shows from my youth, Nickelodeon especially).

But man, knowing that I could potentially have things like Twin Peaks and '90s X-Men... Maybe one day.

[ledfloyd]

you know, as much as people are complaining about these price hikes, it's still cheaper than any viable alternative. i mean are you going to get greencine and hulu plus? you're going to be paying more, and getting less.

[Spinal]

Yeah, there was no way that price was going to last. I am not surprised at all by the raised rates.

[D_Davis]

Now I know exactly how all those starving people without Netflix in Africa feel.

[Spun Lepton]

I'll see if I can find the article again, but I read somewhere that Sony and Starz were going to pull their content because Netflix had reached its contractual "upper limit" for the amount of subscribers it could have for its streaming/disc combo plan, so they were essentially forced to split the plans to keep Sony and Starz materials.

So, yeah. I'm planning to keep my 1-disc-out and my Instant plans, anyway. I think I can afford 8 more bucks a month.

Hulu, on the other hand ... they're still walking the line. I don't like paying a subscriber fee and having to sit through commericals at regular intervals.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Hulu Plus is a joke. No offense, Spun. Seriously though, it's a racket. Commercials, web-only shows, limited content, all for the same price as Netflix? Not a chance.

[Scar]

I tried Hulu Plus after I cut the cable. I was indifferent towards it, until the 'stuttering' started, then I stopped using it.

[number8]

I think USA, TNT, ESPN, MTV, and any other basic cable is more of a racket than Hulu Plus.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I think USA, TNT, ESPN, MTV, and any other basic cable is more of a racket than Hulu Plus.

Never said it wasn't, though I'm not sure how that's a legit defense of the flaws of Hulu Plus.

[number8]

Never said it wasn't, though I'm not sure how that's a legit defense of the flaws of Hulu Plus.

Never said it was.

[Spun Lepton]

Hulu Plus is a joke. No offense, Spun. Seriously though, it's a racket. Commercials, web-only shows, limited content, all for the same price as Netflix? Not a chance.

Some TV shows are no longer available to non-subscribers, which is the only thing keeping me around. But, that's just barely.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Never said it was.

My apologies. It seemed like you were defending it.

[Yxklyx]

At least Netflix still does this:

"Bleak House: Disc 1 was not available from your local shipping center. Fortunately, it was available from a shipping center in another part of the country. It's on its way and should arrive within 3 to 5 days.

You'll notice we also recently sent the next available DVD from your Queue to enjoy while Bleak House: Disc 1 makes its way to you."

[Dukefrukem]

Amazon VOD / Prime users just got CBS rights.

[Dukefrukem]

Mad Men: Season 1 added!

[Mara]

Mad Men: Season 1 added!

Awesome. Rewatching these.

[Dukefrukem]

Amazon today announced a deal with NBCUniversal Domestic TV Distribution that will make a number of Universal movies available to Prime subscribers at no added fee. The list of movies includes the likes of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Being John Malkovich, and Fletch.

[number8]

Awesome. Rewatching these.

They added all four seasons, actually.

[Dead & Messed Up]

On a related note, I started watching Mad Men last night. Great first episode.

[Irish]

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/15be7bfd8f/netflix-relief-fund-with-jason-alexander?rel=player

The joke of at the end is excellent.

[Dukefrukem]

Hobo with a Shotgun is steaming

[Derek]

Hobo with a Shotgun is steaming

What is it, in a crockpot?

[Dukefrukem]

What is it, in a crockpot?

:lol::lol:

[Mara]

Tangled.

Watch it so you can hang out with the cool kids.

[Kurosawa Fan]

13 Assassins available on Instant Viewing! I know what I'm doing this afternoon/evening.

[Derek]

I know what I'm doing this afternoon/evening.

Contemplating the failure of your most recent rating?

[Scar]

13 Assassins available on Instant Viewing! I know what I'm doing this afternoon/evening.

Watching it with your kids?

[Kurosawa Fan]

Contemplating the failure of your most recent rating?

I know it's an unpopular opinion, and perhaps I'm being too harsh considering my expectations were so high, but I really feel the film played it cheap when it didn't need to, with both visual dishonesty in Dean's appearance as a father and some lack of emotional integrity with the revelation of Cindy's home life. That, and some fairly clunky choices, such as the "future room" (really, was that necessary? Couldn't they just have been in a cheap motel room? That was just silly), left me feeling really disappointed. It had such massive potential, and just bungled it along the way.

[Dukefrukem]

13 Assassins available on Instant Viewing! I know what I'm doing this afternoon/evening.

It would be awesomer if it was the international cut.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Watching it with your kids?

Heh. No, I'm at work right now. I was going to watch the first bit during/after lunch, but I was too busy. I'll be watching the whole thing either tonight or tomorrow night.

[Spinal]

That, and some fairly clunky choices, such as the "future room" (really, was that necessary? Couldn't they just have been in a cheap motel room? That was just silly)

I liked it. I thought the whole 'kinky hotel' thing just made the effort to reconnect seem all the more forced and awkward.

[Spinal]

That said, I doubt I will ever watch that movie again. Too painful.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I liked it. I thought the whole 'kinky hotel' thing just made the effort to reconnect seem all the more forced and awkward.

Had it been the Cupid room, I'd be on board. The future room? Too forced, considering the state of their marriage and what takes place while they're there.

[number8]

But I wouldn't like the film as much if it didn't have Gosling's future laugh.

[number8]

Tangled.

Watch it so you can hang out with the cool kids.

I had no idea Zachary Levi could sing.

[Mara]

I had no idea Zachary Levi could sing.

You know, he's not bad. I think his voice acting is stronger than his singing. Mandy Moore is surprisingly good at both.

[number8]

You know, he's not bad. I think his voice acting is stronger than his singing. Mandy Moore is surprisingly good at both.

Really? You're surprised she could sing? Or that she could act?

[Mara]

Really? You're surprised she could sing? Or that she could act?

I vaguely remember her pop songs from the 90's and did not note her as being a particularly strong singer. Singing in an animated film requires a great deal of expression and range, the ability to be funny and sad and sarcastic while singing. I didn't expect her to be so good at it.

And while I think she's a decent actress (with, unfortunately, often-horrible taste in projects) voice-acting is also tricky. You can be a decent actor and still not be able to sell a voice project.

Donna Murphey is the strongest voice actor/singer in the film, and she knocks it out of the park.

[Spinal]

Mandy Moore was great in Saved!. Don't really know her music well.

[Spinal]

Donna Murphey is the strongest voice actor/singer in the film, and she knocks it out of the park.

Saw her live once. Gotta brag.

[Mara]

I mean, there was about a year there when I could not tell the difference between Mandy Moore, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, or Jessica Simpson. It was Attack of the Blonde Pop Tarts, and they were clones.

_e4e-eXWbbs

Check out her awesome line delivery at 3:00.

The fact that Moore became a fairly respectable actress is still pretty shocking to me. She's up there with, like, Mark Wahlburg.

-eSN8Cwit_s&ob=av3e

[number8]

She married one of my favorite musicians, so the gal's gotta have some good music taste. Also, what Spinal said about Saved!

[Mara]

Yeah, yeah, MCutters love to bring up Saved! It's okay to stop pretending, we all know when you're sad you curl up under your blankies with some Ben & Jerry's and watch A Walk to Remember and cry.

[Ezee E]

Has she been in anything lately? Certainly seems to skip my mind.

[Yxklyx]

Starz to end streaming deal with Netflix

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-starz-to-end-streaming-deal-with-netflix-20110901,0,300917.story

is this a big deal?

[Scar]

I barely use my streaming anymore. Maybe its time to completely cut Netflix.

[Irish]

Starz to end streaming deal with Netflix

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-starz-to-end-streaming-deal-with-netflix-20110901,0,300917.story

is this a big deal?

Shitty movies but high profile ones they can advertise against. The worst thing about it though is that is might influence other content owners to walk away from doing deals with them in the future.

[EyesWideOpen]

Starz to end streaming deal with Netflix

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-starz-to-end-streaming-deal-with-netflix-20110901,0,300917.story

is this a big deal?

We talked about this earlier in this thread when it was rumored. Netflix was paying Starz $20 million a year for content. Now Starz wants $200 million a year for their content. Starz makes up less than 8% of their instant viewing so it makes more sense to put that money into something more substantial.

[Robby P]

Airplane!

That is all.

[number8]

Well, we'll lose Party Down. So that sucks.

[EyesWideOpen]

Well, we'll lose Party Down. So that sucks.

They have a two pack at target of both seasons for $15.

I still have hundreds of movies in my instant queue and I'll never watch them all. I'm not hurting for content.

[chrisnu]

Well, we'll lose Party Down. So that sucks.
I'm catching up on the second season now, for that very reason. ;)

[Dead & Messed Up]

It affects 8% of their content, but I don't know if theirs is the 8% that doesn't consist of unfunny comedy specials and DTV horror movies.

[Thirdmango]

The nice thing Starz had going for it was that it would put up the episode of any show they did the day after it aired. Spartacus was one of the main draws for Starz.

[Dukefrukem]

We talked about this earlier in this thread when it was rumored. Netflix was paying Starz $20 million a year for content. Now Starz wants $200 million a year for their content. Starz makes up less than 8% of their instant viewing so it makes more sense to put that money into something more substantial.

Rumor has it Starz turned down a $300 mil deal.

[Spun Lepton]

Airplane!

That is all.

Surely, you jest.

[Mara]

Surely, you jest.

You know, my dad makes me do this joke every time someone says "surely." And I'm not doing it. I'm not. I'm putting my foot down.

[Spun Lepton]

You know, my dad makes me do this joke every time someone says "surely." And I'm not doing it. I'm not. I'm putting my foot down.

That's not the line!! :evil:

:lol:

[Lucky]

Has she been in anything lately? Certainly seems to skip my mind.

She was pretty awful in Southland Tales. I don't blame her for that though.

[Spun Lepton]

Speaking of Airplane!, when is Kentucky Fried Movie gonna appear on Instant? I haven't seen that in too long.

[eternity]

Losing Starz is a big deal for the people who merely rely on Netflix to tell them what they have. That's the big issue for them; if you believe what New Arrivals and the instant page tell you, it doesn't have a great selection. We all know that's bogus and the selection is quite extensive, but it's easy to be fooled into thinking otherwise. Starz is all the simple folk see that is worth their time.

[Watashi]

Netflix splitting up into two companies now. Adds Video Games. (http://www.slashfilm.com/netflix-splits-streaming-dvds-renames-dvd-service-qwikster-adds-video-games/)

[Dead & Messed Up]

Netflix splitting up into two companies now. Adds Video Games. (http://www.slashfilm.com/netflix-splits-streaming-dvds-renames-dvd-service-qwikster-adds-video-games/)

I think this is stupider than their plan restructuring.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Netflix splitting up into two companies now. Adds Video Games. (http://www.slashfilm.com/netflix-splits-streaming-dvds-renames-dvd-service-qwikster-adds-video-games/)

The "heartfelt" email I received from the CEO about this was a complete joke. I already cancelled the DVD service, and from an article I read on Yahoo!, they've received far more cancellations than they had originally predicted. This is damage control at its worst, and as far as I'm concerned, it's only going to exacerbate the problem for them. Why would I want to visit two different websites? Why would that be appealing? It's almost like they're trying to find ways to sabotage their success.

[Dukefrukem]

They're trying to compete with Gamefly now. I see that strategy working, because there is no way Gamefly can as easily move into the Movie market, but they are alienating their current subscriber base. The price hike now makes sense.

[Ezee E]

What an awful idea to separate into two websites. Plus, quikster is an awful name.

[Yxklyx]

What an awful idea to separate into two websites. Plus, quikster is an awful name.

:) Urban Dictionary defines quickster as: "Being able to get girls in the sack quick."

This name change will get me thinking that I need to sign up with another DVD rental company. Is that what they wanted? The brand I've been familiar with all these years is now gone, why stick with it? I had no problems at all with their recent price hike because I don't stream but this sounds bad to me.

[Dukefrukem]

The worst part about this is the two sites will not talk to each other. WTF?

[Kurosawa Fan]

This feels like Netflix's response to those hoping they'd soften their stance on the price hike. "Just in case you had any illusions of us going back to our former pricing, we're going to drive the final nail in the coffin by separating the two services completely, with separate names and sites."

I was fine with the price increase, and only cancelled the DVDs because I'm too swamped with school to watch much anymore, but this move is a total head-scratcher to me. The only way I can read it is as a giant middle finger to the people who have been complaining about the increase.

[Yxklyx]

They just want to concentrate on the streaming service which makes sense since that is the future. On the other hand this alienates (actually eliminates in a matter of speaking) their DVD subscribers. The other bad thing about this move is that it looks like a reaction to their recent stock value drop. The timing implies that the change was made for stockholders not for customers - also bad for business.

[EyesWideOpen]

The separating doesn't bother me in the least and they're adding videogames which is huge for me. It takes me a day to get a netflix movie and 4 days to get a gamefly game so switching to netflix for games means more time each month with games in my hand.

[number8]

The worst part about this is the two sites will not talk to each other. WTF?

My guess? They're betting on DVD being a dying format and they're doing this so it can be a wholly separate company that they can easily sell without damaging the Netflix name.

[Fezzik]

My guess? They're betting on DVD being a dying format and they're doing this so it can be a wholly separate company that they can easily sell without damaging the Netflix name.

It's actually a decent decision from that standpoint.

And to be honest, this saves me some money. i was about to subscribe to Gamefly. No reason to now.

[Dukefrukem]

My guess? They're betting on DVD being a dying format and they're doing this so it can be a wholly separate company that they can easily sell without damaging the Netflix name.

Good analysis 8. I tend to agree, but there are still tons of out of print DVDs that do not have a scheduled Blu-ray format planned.

I just noticed that dozens and doezens of movies I had in my SAVED list Queue are now missing.

Anyone else?

[Irish]

My guess? They're betting on DVD being a dying format and they're doing this so it can be a wholly separate company that they can easily sell without damaging the Netflix name.

I read that line from a couple of pundits, too. Problem with it is if you take a closer look, it makes no sense.

If DVDs are a dying format (and they are, but the studios don't want to let go), who spins off a business with the intention of selling it ... And then expands the business?

Since everybody knows DVDs are on their way out ... Who exactly is the mythological purchaser of the spinoff? Its main assets are on the operational side, not the product side, and the customer mailing list.

The whole move makes no sense. Netflix could allow the two services to interoperate (they've been doing it for years, after all). They should have gotten into games 5 or 10 years ago, before Gamefly and Steam got a foothold. On top of that, high end games aren't arguably where the market is headed.

I feel for Hastings. 50% drop in 2 months is nasty. More and more, though, it looks like Netflix's success was the result of good timing more than good strategy.

Edit: the brand hit you suggest they're avoiding, they're taking in the face right now, and have been for the last two months. Qwikster, as far as I can tell, doesn't give them any clear advantages.

[Yxklyx]

DVD (and BluRay) are a dying format.

Another thing is that I was expecting to move from DVD to streaming at some point in the future. This split makes that harder to do and I might even end up with a competitor.

Finally, These changes might be deliberate moves to devalue Netflix in preparation for a sale to a larger corporation.

[Ezee E]

This move would make sense if 50% of the tiles were streaming. I'd still say it's less then 20%.

While sales of DVD/BluRays are dying, I think the Redbox, Walmart kiosks are what's giving Netflix competition more then anything.

[Irish]

Finally, These changes might be deliberate moves to devalue Netflix in preparation for a sale to a larger corporation.

Interesting idea. Going from a ~$300 share price to ~$150 is a helluva devaluation though.

[Mysterious Dude]

I hope DVD's don't die too soon; I still have about 300 on my queue.

I assume Quixter won't tell me whether a movie is available for streaming on Netflix. That will be annoying.

[Lucky]

That email this morning did nothing but remind me how I never use the DVD service anymore. I downgraded my plan to stream-only right after.

[Spinal]

That email this morning did nothing but remind me how I never use the DVD service anymore. I downgraded my plan to stream-only right after.

This was my reaction as well.

[ledfloyd]

i'm very tempted to downgrade, but i still want access to all the stuff i really want to see that isn't on streaming.

i had no problems whatsoever with the pricing hike. it didn't seem unreasonable to me given the services they're offering. this just makes no sense to me, and having the two sites not communicating with one another is a huge setback. 'people are upset with our company? ok, we'll give you two seperate lesser services!'

[MadMan]

I'm currently using streaming only, and I figure its probably for the best seeing as I was tired of having to return the DVDs in the mail. Still this splitting of services probably means I'll never go back to DVDs in the mail at all.

Which might in turn result in me using RedBox and even having to crawl back to my old local video store even more, although I haven't begun doing that just yet.

[Spinal]

I refuse to use RedBox. I'm not renting movies from the same place that people buy Big Gulps and Egg McMuffins.

[Lucky]

I refuse to use RedBox. I'm not renting movies from the same place that people buy Big Gulps and Egg McMuffins.

The one I use sometimes is by a Walgreens if that makes you feel a little classier about the situation.

[Watashi]

Tell us how you really feel, Spinal.

[MadMan]

I refuse to use RedBox. I'm not renting movies from the same place that people buy Big Gulps and Egg McMuffins.:lol:

The only ones I've seen are by WallGreens and Wallmarts, actually.

MATCH-CUT: Were We're Too Elitist to Rent Movies From Places Near McD's.

[Spinal]

Tell us how you really feel, Spinal.

You're renting movies from a VENDING MACHINE! It would be just as happy to offer you a 20 oz Coke or giant gumballs!

[number8]

You're renting movies from a VENDING MACHINE! It would be just as happy to offer you a 20 oz Coke or giant gumballs!

Dude, I've seen people buy iPhones and used schoolgirl panties from vending machines. DVDs are a step up.

[Spinal]

Dude, I've seen people buy iPhones and used schoolgirl panties from vending machines. DVDs are a step up.

:lol:

[MadMan]

For the record though, I've always thought about starting a band called "Rage Against the Vending Machines."

But its a terrible name, and I'm sure I will get sued, and I have no musical talent. So that dream ended.

[number8]

More interesting theories. (http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2011/09/wired-tired-new-netflix/)

This one's written before the split announcement:


Netflix tried to argue that you should only count users that actually connect digitally and actually watch a film. While they originally offered digital streaming bundled with DVD rental, many of the rural customers likely never actually “connect” to the digital product. This argument may have worked for a while, but eventually Hollywood said, “No way. Here is how it is going to work. You will pay us a $/user/month for anyone that has the ‘right’ to connect to our content – regardless of whether they view it or not.”

That's almost too spot-on. Could this be the reason?

[Irish]

Studio demands explain the changes to pricing and service plans, but not the creation of a separate business which doesn't interoperate with the original corp.

The only explanation I've seen touted around is about a potential selloff, but since every keyboard jock out there recognizes DVDs are a shit business, who is gonna buy Qwikster in 2, 3 years time? Nobody talks about that part.

I bet Jeff Bezos is happy as hell though. Hastings just dropped his guard and stuck his chin out.

[Spun Lepton]

All the whining about this by the users on The Consumerist is really starting to get on my nerves.

[number8]

Studio demands explain the changes to pricing and service plans, but not the creation of a separate business which doesn't interoperate with the original corp.

How does the quoted text not explain it?

STUDIO: Pay streaming royalty for every subscriber you have.

NETFLIX: That's not fair. Not all of our customers use streaming. How about we pay for every subscriber that uses the streaming service?

STUDIO: No! You're one company, so it's all the same! Pay for every customer.

NETFLIX: Well, fuck it, fine. We're now two companies. There.

[Irish]

gotta say I love the @Qwikster twitter account.

[Irish]

How does the quoted text not explain it?

Before the pricing/service change, anyone with a sub had access to IW. Aferwards, the site changed depending on your plan. DVD only never saw any hint of IW content and could not access it, and vice versa.

So at face value, that would be enough to satisfy studio demands. Studios strong-arming Netflix into a split company, forcing them to create a entirely new legal entity, is pure conjecture.

Mostly I don't believe it because people in these articles are talking about "the studios" as if they're a single entity, when they're not. They're also ignoring the deals Amazon, Apple, and Blockbuster cut with these same groups of people, making good with some serious limitations but without cutting off chunks of their own corporations.

[number8]

Those are pay-per-download sites, which are far easier to negotiate returns than and completely different from striking deals based on a flat fee subscription model. If there's another well-known streaming site that does what Netflix does, I don't know it.

[Ezee E]

I refuse to use RedBox. I'm not renting movies from the same place that people buy Big Gulps and Egg McMuffins.
I'm waiting for the Whole Foods Organically made vending machine box.

[Derek]

I'm currently using streaming only, and I figure its probably for the best seeing as I was tired of having to return the DVDs in the mail. Still this splitting of services probably means I'll never go back to DVDs in the mail at all.

Which might in turn result in me using RedBox and even having to crawl back to my old local video store even more, although I haven't begun doing that just yet.

So you're too lazy to put DVDs in your mailbox, but not too lazy to drive to Wal-Mart or your local video store to pick from a significantly smaller selection?

[MadMan]

So you're too lazy to put DVDs in your mailbox, but not too lazy to drive to Wal-Mart or your local video store to pick from a significantly smaller selection?No, that's not it at all, and actually its the fact that I don't even like using a mailbox is the reason why (so far) I haven't been using RedBox or my local video store again. Learn to read, man.

[Spinal]

This is basically how I feel about RedBox:

uLtlwAGZx6U

[Irish]

Those are pay-per-download sites, which are far easier to negotiate returns than and completely different from striking deals based on a flat fee subscription model. If there's another well-known streaming site that does what Netflix does, I don't know it.

The difference is in the size of the catalogue. Amazon Prime and Hulu Plus offer subscription deals which are the same on execution and similar in price to Netflix. That's today, right now. (You could argue that NFLX has a physical media business that the others don't have... except Amazon has a used market which is arguably more of an anathema to content producers than Netflix's DVDs).

Then there's Dish/Blockbuster and Apple, both of whom are long rumored to be developing their own competing services. (iCloud won't be just for file backups, and what happens if Dish buys Hulu?)

So why is this monolithic studio demanding Netflix split, while presumably negotiating freely with all its competitors?

I get the studios charging per customer. I get Netflix changing their account model in order to acquiesce to that demand and to save money. I don't get how that translates into cleaving their company in two, making user hostile moves, and diluting the brand they've built up over twelve years.

[MadMan]

My take on all this is that I'm going to enjoy Netflix as much as possible while I still can, and while its still it faintly resembles the website I originally signed up for back in 2009.

[Ezee E]

Wow, Netflix has lost over 1 million customers since the news of the price increase.

[Mara]

I assume you've all read The Oatmeal comic about the split? If not, you really should.

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/netflix

[Dukefrukem]

I was just coming here to post that.

[Robby P]

Not getting the Redbox hate. Cheaper, faster and more convenient than any video store. But it's at Wal-Mart!

[Ezee E]

Not getting the Redbox hate. Cheaper, faster and more convenient than any video store. But it's at Wal-Mart!
Unlike Merlot, it's still the same movie.

Plus, at McDonald's, fairly sure they'll still have copies of Meek's Cutoff... But not copies of Cabin Fever 2.

[Derek]

Not getting the Redbox hate. Cheaper, faster and more convenient than any video store. But it's at Wal-Mart!

Video stores have a significantly larger selection and they're not in Wal-Marts, but otherwise they suck unless they're a specialty store. I think people are saying that compared to Netflx, Hulu, etc., Redbox sucks. It's the McDonald's of the video rental world, conveniently located within select McDonald's branches.

[Dukefrukem]

It's the McDonald's of the video rental world, conveniently located within select McDonald's branches.

And Wallmarts, and gas stations and practically every shopping center.

[number8]

And Wallmarts, and gas stations and practically every shopping center.

Just like McDonalds!

[Derek]

And Wallmarts, and gas stations and practically every shopping center.

It's certainly a reasonable option for people who don't watch any movies from before 2010. Most people on this site don't fit into this demographic.

[Dukefrukem]

It's certainly a reasonable option for people who don't watch any movies from before 2010. Most people on this site don't fit into this demographic.

I agree and this is why Netflix will always be the best option for me.

Just look at all the shit I need to watch (http://www.icheckmovies.com/profile/dukefrukem/)!

I want those lists filled by 2020

[Dukefrukem]

Amazon to buy Netflix? I support this.

[Dukefrukem]

Dear Customer,

I have big news for Amazon Prime members - we've just signed a deal with FOX to add a broad selection of movies and TV shows to our unlimited instant streaming service later this fall. The new additions from the FOX library include 24, Arrested Development, The X-Files, Ally McBeal, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and - available on digital video for the first time - The Wonder Years. We now have deals with CBS, NBCUniversal, Sony, and Warner Bros, and adding FOX will bring the total to more than 11,000 movies and TV shows available for unlimited instant streaming.

Since launching earlier this year, we have now doubled the number of titles available in Prime instant videos, and there's still more to come. Prime membership remains $79 a year, and of course features our unlimited free two-day shipping on millions of products. Prime is one of the best values anywhere.

Prime instant videos can be played on more than 300 HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes.

Amazon is dominating.

[Dukefrukem]

We should prob change the trhead title to "streaming services"? Unless you want me to make a 2nd thread for this? I <3 Amazon Prime

[Dukefrukem]

aaaand Netflix strikes deal with Dreamworks, will begin streaming exclusive access to movies, TV specials in 2013.

[number8]

Nothing to make the premium cable channels worry yet, but definitely another step forward to eventually try and compete with the likes of HBO, especially if House of Cards succeeds.


The Netflix accord, which analysts estimate is worth $30 million per picture to DreamWorks over an unspecified period of years, is billed by the companies as the first time a major Hollywood supplier has chosen Web streaming over pay television.

It is also a bet by Jeffrey Katzenberg, the animation studio’s chief executive, that consumers in the near future will not distinguish between the two. “We are really starting to see a long-term road map of where the industry is headed,” Mr. Katzenberg said in an interview. “This is a game-changing deal.”

Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, added: “You’re seeing power moving back into the hands of content creators. When a company like DreamWorks ends a long-running pay TV deal — when a new buyer in the space steps up — that’s a really interesting landscape shift.”

[Dukefrukem]

I know we've had this convo before, but I'd have to get a new service other than Comcast for me to go fully streaming. 250 GB cap limit.

[Dukefrukem]

Netflix abandons breakup streaming/mail service plans.

[Irish]

Whaaaaa?

Edit: wow, Hastings really has gone full retard. Has this dude ever heard of market research?

[Ezee E]

Netflix abandons breakup streaming/mail service plans.
Good. I was wondering if/when it'd get split up.

[Thirdmango]

If you look at netflix's stocks the moment they announced Quikster their stock plummeted.

[number8]

I laughed out loud when I read that this morning.

[D_Davis]

Netflix is like the M. Night Shyamalan of rental services.

[Dukefrukem]

Netflix is like the M. Night Shyamalan of rental services.

What a twist!

[Kurosawa Fan]

Reed Hastings needs to be replaced. He's obviously not capable of doing his job.

[EyesWideOpen]

A company actually listens to what their customer
s want and people on the internet still bitch. No surprise there.

[Spun Lepton]

Netflix: "Hey, we're making these changes."
Internet: WHAARRGARBLE!!!
Netflix: "Okay, our bad, we've listened to you and we're not changing."
Internet: WHAARRGARBLE!!!

[Kurosawa Fan]

You two are twisting the argument a bit. No one is complaining that they're deciding not to make the switch (at least that I've read), everyone is upset with how they are jerking around their customers. I'm just stunned that a CEO could be so flippant with such a high-valued company. Everyone knew it (Qwickster) was a foolish move to begin with, especially after enraging customers with the price hike, so why didn't Hastings? Irish hit it on the head when he mentioned market research. Why is Reed Hastings so far-removed from understanding how his decisions effect his customer base?

[Ezee E]

Yeah, I don't think anyone's criticizing the decision. I think it's more of a, "I told you so, LOL," type of thing.

Not really sure the company will recover from these decisions though. At least, not to the level that they were once at.

[Sycophant]

I was never as upset about this as a lot of people, but it's been pretty ridiculous to watch. I'm not bitching, just gawking at how such a huge corporation can appear so absolutely fucking clueless.

[Ezee E]

I was never as upset about this as a lot of people, but it's been pretty ridiculous to watch. I'm not bitching, just gawking at how such a huge corporation can appear so absolutely fucking clueless.
Well, the idea can't solely be Hastings. Surely, a board of people all thought this was a good idea.

[D_Davis]

It was truly a first world problem of epic proportions.

Personally, it barely registered on my radar.

I think what's interesting, though, is how greatly Netflix stumbled, and how quickly they did. It's got to be one of the greatest corporate falls-from-grace I've ever seen.

[Dukefrukem]

I wouldn't be surprised if Blockbuster takes them over. Seriously. Blockbuster offers the same $14.99 (2 discs out, including video games) with a free upgrade to Blu-ray. The also have streaming, but you pay for that as you watch, instead of having it included.

[Sycophant]

It was truly a first world problem of epic proportions.

Tell ya one thing that came out of it, I'm gonna have a hard time thinking anything all that positive about the Consumerist community after their apocalyptic reactions to all of this.

And, yeah, I'm not actually singling out Hastings. Surely he's involved. But there's a larger crowd responsible for this silly fumble. I try not to get too obsessed about CEOs.

[D_Davis]

Tell ya one thing that came out of it, I'm gonna have a hard time thinking anything all that positive about the Consumerist community after their apocalyptic reactions to all of this.


For sure. The Whhaaarrrgarblbl!!! was off the charts.

I have a hard time being outraged by something so trivial.

I was recently outraged when Comcast raised my rates y $100 because they said that the HBO super-package special price I had expired. Mainly because, well, I didn't have an HBO super-package. It's also funny that someone things HBO is worth $100 a month.

[MadMan]

Well I'm at least glad that Netflix is staying together in one piece, but yeah I agree that Hastings is a complete and utter idiot. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that something so awesome could be screwed up by someone so clueless-its often happens on a regular basis.

[D_Davis]

Wait a minute. Are you telling me that building a recognizable name for a business for 10+ years and then changing the name is a bad decision?

Big successful corporations change their name and branding all the time!

Remember McDonalds? Now they only serve Chinese food at McDonalds, and all the hamburgers and french fries are served at Fanny Bumper Smith's.

[Dukefrukem]

Remember Comcast? Now it's Xfinity. It can happen for the good too.

[Ezee E]

Remember Comcast? Now it's Xfinity. It can happen for the good too.
I still pay the bill as Comcast.

But I think they can get away with it. You're not constantly logging on to comcast.net

[D_Davis]

Comcast is trying really hard, and probably spending a ton of money, to re-brand it's service as Xfinity. It's all very bizarre.

[Sycophant]

Yeah, I don't get this Xfinity thing at all. They're still Comcast. They know it, I know it, and the name Xfinity is dumb as shit.

[D_Davis]

Actually, I have a really good idea.

I'm going to call Comcast and tell them I'm canceling and switching to Xfinity because it sounds like they have way better service and packages. Then I'm going to take the conversation down a regressive rabbit hole of confusion and poor circular logic.

[Spun Lepton]

Actually, I have a really good idea.

I'm going to call Comcast and tell them I'm canceling and switching to Xfinity because it sounds like they have way better service and packages. Then I'm going to take the conversation down a regressive rabbit hole of confusion and poor circular logic.

If you do this, record the call.

[EyesWideOpen]

We don't have Comcast here in Arizona but one of our big two internet providers Qwest just recently changed their name to Centurylink. So it looks like name changes are in right now.

[Spinal]

Yeah, I don't get this Xfinity thing at all. They're still Comcast. They know it, I know it, and the name Xfinity is dumb as shit.

It's infinity to the xth degree!


Forgive me. I am sleep-deprived.

[MadMan]

It's infinity to the xth degree!


Forgive me. I am sleep-deprived.Hey I thought it was funny :cool:


Actually, I have a really good idea.

I'm going to call Comcast and tell them I'm canceling and switching to Xfinity because it sounds like they have way better service and packages. Then I'm going to take the conversation down a regressive rabbit hole of confusion and poor circular logic.That's brilliant and hilarious.

[Dukefrukem]

Lots of new stuff on Instant Watch.

Caprica Season 1 is a score! Red State, The Others, Don't Look in the Cellar and Chinatown!

[Yxklyx]

Has anyone else noticed in the past few weeks that DVDs are taking much longer to get back to Netflix. Not sure if this is an issue with USPS or Netflix. With all their recent shenanigans I'm wondering if they're throttling my queue now.

[EyesWideOpen]

Has anyone else noticed in the past few weeks that DVDs are taking much longer to get back to Netflix. Not sure if this is an issue with USPS or Netflix. With all their recent shenanigans I'm wondering if they're throttling my queue now.

I've been having no problems. I have 3 out at a time currently and they receive them the next day and have a new one at my house the day after.

[Dukefrukem]

No problems.

[Mysterious Dude]

I had one DVD that took a little longer than usual to get back, but it was Veterans Day.

[Yxklyx]

There's probably low morale at the USPS since there are threats of laying off 120K workers.

[Dukefrukem]

New episodes of Arrested Development coming exclusive to Netflix in 2013

[Dukefrukem]

Reports coming that Verizon is going to be releasing their own movie streaming service

[Dukefrukem]

Reports coming that Verizon is going to be releasing their own movie streaming service

Rumor is they are trying to partner with Redbox.

[EyesWideOpen]

They just added Breillat's The Sleeping Beauty to instant watch!

[Lucky]

They just added Breillat's The Sleeping Beauty to instant watch!

Nice, I wanted to see that.

[ContinentalOp]

Spaced is on Netflix!!!!! I yelled that out a minute or two ago. Enjoy.

[eternity]

Anything from 2011 on Instant that isn't Insidious or The Last Circus or the freakin' Sarah Palin doc?

[elixir]

Anything from 2011 on Instant that isn't Insidious or The Last Circus or the freakin' Sarah Palin doc?

2011 US Release Dates

-Poetry
-Leap Year (Rowe)
-Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives
-13 Assassins
-Le Quattro Volte
-Meek's Cutoff
-Cold Weather
-Heartbeats
-Bill Cunningham New York
-The Sleeping Beauty (Breillat)
-How I Ended This Summer

[EyesWideOpen]

They also just added Shaolin today. And Cave of Forgotten Dreams is another 2011 release on instant.

[Spun Lepton]

Spaced is on Netflix!!!!! I yelled that out a minute or two ago. Enjoy.

Also: Black Books. Some folks from Spaced make cameos. Well worth your time.

[Rowland]

2011 US Release Dates

-Poetry
-Leap Year (Rowe)
-Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives
-13 Assassins
-Le Quattro Volte
-Meek's Cutoff
-Cold Weather
-Heartbeats
-Bill Cunningham New York
-The Sleeping Beauty (Breillat)
-How I Ended This SummerAlso:

The Myth of the American Sleepover
Viva Riva!
The Tree
Rapt
Delhi Belly
Armadillo
The Princess of Montpensier
L'Amour Fou
Potiche
To Die Like a Man
Screaming Man
The Trip
The Colors of the Mountain
Rejoice and Shout

[NickGlass]

2011 US Release Dates

-Poetry
-Leap Year (Rowe)
-Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives
-13 Assassins
-Le Quattro Volte
-Meek's Cutoff
-Cold Weather
-Heartbeats
-Bill Cunningham New York
-The Sleeping Beauty (Breillat)
-How I Ended This Summer

Thank you! And I will add The Arbor to this list.

[MadMan]

Wow that's quite a lot. I'll have to try and dig through all of that, plus the ones I already have on my queue that are more standard American releases (Red State, Limitless, and Take Me Home Tonight).

[eternity]

You guys are wonderful.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Also,
Conan O'Brien Can't Stop
Hobo With a Shotgun
The Ward

[ledfloyd]

i just noticed sono's (supposedly awful) cold fish is on there now.

[Rowland]

i just noticed sono's (supposedly awful) cold fish is on there now.Seems to be pretty divisive, since I've seen some people really love it, but not much in the way of reactions in the middle ground.

[Skitch]

oooooh, I'm watching Shaolin asap.

[EyesWideOpen]

i just noticed sono's (supposedly awful) cold fish is on there now.

Most definitely not awful.

[EyesWideOpen]

They also just added The Black Power Mixtape.

[EyesWideOpen]

They added a bunch of older stuff today including the original Planet of the Apes & Pulp Fiction.

As far as 2011 releases go they added Senna.

[Dukefrukem]

They added those Miramax Films months ago.

[Ezee E]

Yeah, Pulp's been around for a while. Been meaning to rewatch Planet of the Apes though, and that wasn't there a while ago.

[number8]

They splintered up "New Releases" with "Newly Added." That was nice of them.

[Bosco B Thug]

They splintered up "New Releases" with "Newly Added." That was nice of them.
So extremely nice and belated of them.

[EyesWideOpen]

They added those Miramax Films months ago.

instantwatcher has it newly listed today. I know that a bunch of Miramax films that were on instant watch months ago were back off a few weeks after including Scream 2 & 3.

[Skitch]

As far as 2011 releases go they added Senna.

Sweet, I've been waiting for that one.

[elixir]

Ooooh, they just added Weekend (the 2011 film, not JLG), I encourage everyone to see it.

[Derek]

Ooooh, they just added Weekend (the 2011 film, not JLG), I encourage everyone to see it.

Nice, I've been keeping my eye out for this one.

[Thirdmango]

I just added the netflix new 360 app today and then rage quit. If I want to watch individual episodes of a show I have to let it start playing the episode it says I'm on before I can pause it and then go in and change the episode. The entire interface became a lot harder to work with and I think I'm done watching on the xbox. Why does netflix keep making awful decisions?

[eternity]

I just added the netflix new 360 app today and then rage quit. If I want to watch individual episodes of a show I have to let it start playing the episode it says I'm on before I can pause it and then go in and change the episode. The entire interface became a lot harder to work with and I think I'm done watching on the xbox. Why does netflix keep making awful decisions?Some of the blame might be placed upon Microsoft for this one...

[Derek]

I just added the netflix new 360 app today and then rage quit. If I want to watch individual episodes of a show I have to let it start playing the episode it says I'm on before I can pause it and then go in and change the episode. The entire interface became a lot harder to work with and I think I'm done watching on the xbox. Why does netflix keep making awful decisions?

That's really bizarre. Never had that issue with the PS3.

[kopello]

This has only been a problem for about two weeks with Microsoft bringing in the new Dashboard and changing everything up. It's perfectly fine if you're watching a show for the first time in order, but trying to watch random episodes now is just annoying.

[EyesWideOpen]

That's really bizarre. Never had that issue with the PS3.

The netflix app is different on pretty much every system. It's a whole different interface depending on if I'm watching stuff on my 360, PS3 or roku.

[Dukefrukem]

That's really bizarre. Never had that issue with the PS3.

For some reason they keep changing it on 360. PS3 has been solid.

[number8]

For some reason they keep changing it on 360. PS3 has been solid.

That's not true. Since they rolled out the PS3 app, I've had 3 different interfaces.

[Dukefrukem]

That's not true. Since they rolled out the PS3 app, I've had 3 different interfaces.

Huh? Really? Hmmm. Was the search function missing at one point?

[Rowland]

If anyone's looking for an under-the-radar 2011 documentary to check out, the very good Circo (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/circo_2011/) is now available on Instant.

[number8]

Ooh. Both season 1 of The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret and Portlandia.

Also found Best Worst Movie. When did they add that one on?

[EyesWideOpen]

Ooh. Both season 1 of The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret and Portlandia.

Also found Best Worst Movie. When did they add that one on?

Todd Margaret is great and I've been meaning to watch Portlandia. Not sure when they added Best Worst Movie. When I watched it I got it on disc.

[EyesWideOpen]

2011 Additions:

No Strings Attached
These Amazing Shadows: The Movies That Make America

[Spun Lepton]

Also found Best Worst Movie. When did they add that one on?

Awesome! Been looking forward to that.

[Watashi]

Certified Copy is on Instant Watch.

Guess I should watch that one next.

[eternity]

New:
Tuesday After Christmas
Tiny Furniture

[kopello]

Looks like Tucker & Dale vs Evil and the Coen's True Grit have both been added in the last couple of days.

[Spun Lepton]

Tucker and Dale should be in everybody's queue. Funny as hell.

[EyesWideOpen]

A bunch of stuff added today:

A Chinese Ghost Story 1-3
City on Fire
Happythankyoumoreplease
Kill the Irishmen
Louis CK Hilarious
Mars Needs Moms

[Mysterious Dude]

They have the Moroder version of Metropolis! Oh my God I'm gonna watch it right now!

[Spinal]

They have the Moroder version of Metropolis! Oh my God I'm gonna watch it right now!

That was my first exposure to Metropolis.

[MadMan]

A bunch of stuff added today:

A Chinese Ghost Story 1-3
City on Fire
Happythankyoumoreplease
Kill the Irishmen
Louis CK Hilarious
Mars Needs MomsKill The Irishman looks decent, and I've always wanted to see City on Fire.

[Dukefrukem]

First Netflix Original Series Trailer for Lilyhammer

bfRgVbp9gSY

[D_Davis]

A bunch of stuff added today:

A Chinese Ghost Story 1-3


There is a TON of great HK cinema on Instant View now. Tai Seng must have released their catalog or something.

Still can't believe that Green Snake is available.

[Dukefrukem]

Rumor: Warner Bros. pushing movie delays from 28 to 56 days for Netflix, Redbox and Blockbuster.

[Mara]

First Netflix Original Series Trailer for Lilyhammer

bfRgVbp9gSY

This feels like whatever the "student film" equivalent of a television series is. It tries too hard, the pacing is off, and the humor is awkward.

[Lazlo]

Rumor: Warner Bros. pushing movie delays from 28 to 56 days for Netflix, Redbox and Blockbuster.

Confirmed. (http://allthingsd.com/20120105/warner-brothers-will-make-netflix-redbox-blockbuster-wait-longer-for-new-movies/) I really can't fathom that these delays help DVD sales. Also, HBO announced yesterday that they would stop selling discounted DVDs to Netflix so Netflix will just have to buy them like you or I. I guess they can't do that with the Warners stuff due to potential future streaming deals with the studio. But still. It smacks of take-my-ball-and-go-home by the studios.

[D_Davis]

And movie studios just continue to make stupid, stupid decisions. It's almost comical.

[EyesWideOpen]

In no way does this cause more people to buy the dvds. This action gives people more of a reason to pirate these movies.

[Dukefrukem]

Yup. Will more studios follow?

[D_Davis]

In no way does this cause more people to buy the dvds. This action gives people more of a reason to pirate these movies.

Exactly.

If I want to watch something I check Netflix, and if it's not on Instant View I'll check Amazon to see if I can rent it for less than $5. If it's not on either of these services, I go to pirate bay. I definitely don't get in my car and drive to the store to buy it.

The studios need to realize that they simply aren't in control any more.

[Dukefrukem]

Exactly.

If I want to watch something I check Netflix, and if it's not on Instant View I'll check Amazon to see if I can rent it for less than $5. If it's not on either of these services, I go to pirate bay. I definitely don't get in my car and drive to the store to buy it.

The studios need to realize that they simply aren't in control any more.

That's my move too, but I'll also check Comcast for HD rentals even if they're way more than Amazon.

[D_Davis]

That's my move too, but I'll also check Comcast for HD rentals even if they're way more than Amazon.

I refuse to give any more money to Comcast than I already do.

[Spun Lepton]

Confirmed. (http://allthingsd.com/20120105/warner-brothers-will-make-netflix-redbox-blockbuster-wait-longer-for-new-movies/) I really can't fathom that these delays help DVD sales. Also, HBO announced yesterday that they would stop selling discounted DVDs to Netflix so Netflix will just have to buy them like you or I. I guess they can't do that with the Warners stuff due to potential future streaming deals with the studio. But still. It smacks of take-my-ball-and-go-home by the studios.

Warner Bros. is making a stupid decision. As it was said, this will only encourage piracy.

Last I heard, HBO is planning their own competing streaming service, which is probably why they pulled support from Netflix.