I remember when I first moved to Forest Grove in ‘97. There were at least 3 video stores. Video USA was in the Safeway Shopping Center, Movie Madness was in my old strip mall next to Da Boys. And I think there was a smaller video store next to Scotty’s that rented harder to find movies.
And then came Blockbuster.
It was no surprise when one by one the video stores began closing, leaving us with just the big blue label. It’s not that I particularly hated Blockbuster, I was just sad to see another corporate giant move into town and do away with the smaller mom and pop shops. But I did still give them my business. In fact, I was just there last night to pick up a couple of movies for “Pizza and Movie Night”. I have never tried Redbox, nor do I have a Netflix account. But after last night, I’m afraid that will change.
Beginning today, March 1, all movies (new release or older films) will be $5 for 5 days. If the movies are not returned within 5 days, a late fee of $1 per day will be tacked on, up to 15 days. Then you automatically buy it with your credit card that just happens to be on file.
Five bucks? For an older movie? Are they kidding?
Let’s see, with Netflix I can rent 1 DVD at a time, keep it as long as I want, and exchange it as many times as I want, for $9 a month. Plus they have a 2 week free trial. Hmmmmmm, tough decision.
I realize Blockbuster is having trouble. Both Redbox and Netflix have been putting the pressure on Blockbuster and Hollywood Video. In fact, it’s so bad that Hollywood just closed a bunch of stores last month. I have a feeling Blockbuster will be next.
Blockbuster plans for its total 2009 store closures to amount to 580 to 685 stores and for 2010, the retailer expects another 230 to 275 store will close. The retailer is avoiding lease termination costs, as many of the stores will close as leases naturally expire. In its January 2009 annual report, Blockbuster said it had 4,585 U.S. stores, so it has already closed 229 this year. During 2008, it closed 270 U.S. stores and during 2007, it closed 339 U.S. stores.
I wonder when our store will be next.
Blockbuster, I will miss you. I was sad when you came because you closed down the smaller shops. And I’ll be sad when you leave, because I liked going to a video store and browsing all the titles. And when you’re gone, we’ll have nobody.
But when you start charging $5 bucks for a movie, even older movies that used to be $.99. Well, I think it’s time I cut up my card.
Netflix here I come.
No related posts.
You won’t be sorry. At first glance, Netflix appears to be an acceptable alternative. However, after you use it for a while you will wonder what took you so long to move to Netflix. Also, if you have an HTPC the movies on demand is actually pretty neat (no HD yet though)
I second what Colin said…you won’t miss Blockbuster. They didn’t have any classic type movies, nor much with any redeeming value. They had gang banger crap, blood and guts, and horror….all you could stand. You can find any movie you ever heard of at Netflix, and some really good foreign films. I’m happy not to be dealing with Blockbuster any longer, but I sure don’t understand their corporate position that started March 1. Can they really believe that will save them????