Netflix has just changed their policy-One can no longer get a new release for 28 days

[GreenTea]

after it's been released everywhere else in the world.

Take Avatar for example, the Avatar DVD was released everywhere to all video stores on April 22 2010

However, Netflix will not offer Avatar on DVD (or any new DVD) for 28 days after the world wide release date of a DVD, for Avatar that won't be until this coming May 18th - after it's been out for a month.

Netflix explanation, is that they signed an agreement with ALL the studios to receive more copy's for its members and it'll take 28 days from the worldwide release date for Netflix to get more copy's of the DVD's.

Sounds like bullshit, looks to me as if the studios put pressure on Netflix because they are losing lots of business from video stores to Netflix who buys only X amount of copies as opposed to the tens of thousands of video stores combined...

Or did Netflix just a better deal with the studios for itself by agreeing to wait the 28 days, there by screwing Netflix' current customers/members.

Does netflix believes this is a winning policy as the only video renting outlet forcing members to wait the extra 28 days for a "new" release?

Perhaps Netflix believes their members are not aware of release dates or that their members simply don't care about having to wait 28 days for a new release?

Oh well, I'll just use Netflix for movie downloads....for $9. bucks a month, it's still a great deal and simply go elsewhere for new releases with no 28 day waiting period.

[elocs]

1. I don't mind. Netflix is still about the best bang for the entertainment buck I've ever gotten.

I enjoy the video streaming so much that's it's almost a bother to have to get the actual dvds or Blu-rays.

[yellowdogintexas]

2. I can wait 28 days. You can't beat Netflix.

their customer service is great too, if you get a damaged DVD, or the only thing that arrives is the flap with your name on it. Just click on the website and they fix it.

[Orrex]

3. Redbox has no mention of Avatar at all.

And it won't be available via OnDemand until some time in May.


IMO it seems like a clear way for Cameron to rake in extra money, by inclining people to buy their own copies of the grossly overrated film. It's a profit-inflating device, like releasing the film in IMAX theaters that charge two or three times as much for a ticket.

[fishwax]

5. Redbox also made a deal with the studios

Because studios felt that Redbox was cutting into DVD sales, some studios were trying to withhold DVDs from Redbox. Redbox sued, but in the meantime had to buy DVDs from these studios retail.

Now they've agreed to withhold new releases for about a month, and the studios have stopped trying to cut them off from distribution.

Fortunately I've got a great local DVD rental place in my town, and they get new releases in a timely fashion :)

[fishwax]

4. I believe it's really about rights to streaming video (for Netflix) and DVD sales (for the studios)

I know that earlier this year Netflix signed a deal with Warner Brothers that allowed Netflix to put more of the studio's catalog as streaming video on their web site.

In exchange, Netflix agreed to hold off on sending out new DVDs for 28 days, because the studios think that DVD rentals hurt their sales totals.

[old mark]

6. We get them all the time - it's still a great deal....nt

[WolverineDG]

7. If I didn't rush out to see it in the theater,

I'm not in a hurry to put it in my queue. :)

dg