Comments on: Movies in the "Year of Now" http://punctuative.com/2007/01/07/movies-in-the-year-of-now/ Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:36:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Matt http://punctuative.com/2007/01/07/movies-in-the-year-of-now/#comment-572 Matt Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:52:48 +0000 http://punctuative.com/2007/01/07/movies-in-the-year-of-now/#comment-572 Loren: Great points re on-demand delivery via cable/telco providers. As distribution methodologies converge over IP it's going to be an ugly free-for-all. Content creators should benefit as we're seeing with Netflix's early moves to distribute independents. Yes, I'm a fan of the underdog, but not a blind fan. Innovation weighs more heavily than size/odds in my book. Blockbuster and Netflix are two Goliaths at this point and I've actually been thinking of Blockbuster as the underdog for some time now. Re the above commenter, I deigned appropriate to approve as informative. For instance, I didn't realize one's online queue would ship immediately upon exchanging in-store, effectively doubling my rental limit. Nice! Re candy for streaming movies, I'd think Blockbuster/Netflix could do well to partner with FreshDirect/Peapod. Best, Matt Loren:

Great points re on-demand delivery via cable/telco providers. As distribution methodologies converge over IP it’s going to be an ugly free-for-all. Content creators should benefit as we’re seeing with Netflix’s early moves to distribute independents.

Yes, I’m a fan of the underdog, but not a blind fan. Innovation weighs more heavily than size/odds in my book. Blockbuster and Netflix are two Goliaths at this point and I’ve actually been thinking of Blockbuster as the underdog for some time now.

Re the above commenter, I deigned appropriate to approve as informative. For instance, I didn’t realize one’s online queue would ship immediately upon exchanging in-store, effectively doubling my rental limit. Nice!

Re candy for streaming movies, I’d think Blockbuster/Netflix could do well to partner with FreshDirect/Peapod.

Best,
Matt

]]> By: Loren http://punctuative.com/2007/01/07/movies-in-the-year-of-now/#comment-571 Loren Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:19:49 +0000 http://punctuative.com/2007/01/07/movies-in-the-year-of-now/#comment-571 Matt, I must admit, your turn-around on Netflix somewhat surprises me. As a dedicated supporter of the underdog (e.g. Egghead Software, now New Egg), I would have thought that you'd ride it out with Netflix as they roll-out their next generation delivery system. This jockeying for position between Blockbuster and Netflix amongst others is at best a short-term customer grab as they prepare for the true here-and-now user experience: streaming video. With 3G networks blanketing most metro areas, Verizon's FIOS (fiber to the house) being aggressively deployed, the massive uptake of Cable and DSL, and WiMax on the way, no-one is going to want to even go to the store let alone wait for the trusty mailman. Comcast and other cable providers have an upper-leg right now with on-demand content, but even they risk being sidelined if and when the content creators smarten up and begin to offer direct sales to customers. I, for one, begrudgingly pay Comcast $150/month for expanded cable (plus internet access) so I can access HBO content. I eagerly await the day when HBO will sell me content directly so I can kill my Comcast package, get high-speed internet access only, and customize my own content menu directly from HBO, Stars, Showtime, and...Netflix. For example, TBS is currently offering streaming full-length episodes (without ads!!) of their new series "My Boys" (which BTW is not worth watching). So, the real challenge that Blockbuster and Netflix face is how to get candy to my house in time for my streaming movie! -Loren Matt,
I must admit, your turn-around on Netflix somewhat surprises me. As a dedicated supporter of the underdog (e.g. Egghead Software, now New Egg), I would have thought that you’d ride it out with Netflix as they roll-out their next generation delivery system.

This jockeying for position between Blockbuster and Netflix amongst others is at best a short-term customer grab as they prepare for the true here-and-now user experience: streaming video. With 3G networks blanketing most metro areas, Verizon’s FIOS (fiber to the house) being aggressively deployed, the massive uptake of Cable and DSL, and WiMax on the way, no-one is going to want to even go to the store let alone wait for the trusty mailman. Comcast and other cable providers have an upper-leg right now with on-demand content, but even they risk being sidelined if and when the content creators smarten up and begin to offer direct sales to customers. I, for one, begrudgingly pay Comcast $150/month for expanded cable (plus internet access) so I can access HBO content. I eagerly await the day when HBO will sell me content directly so I can kill my Comcast package, get high-speed internet access only, and customize my own content menu directly from HBO, Stars, Showtime, and…Netflix.

For example, TBS is currently offering streaming full-length episodes (without ads!!) of their new series “My Boys” (which BTW is not worth watching).

So, the real challenge that Blockbuster and Netflix face is how to get candy to my house in time for my streaming movie!
-Loren

]]> By: kte12 http://punctuative.com/2007/01/07/movies-in-the-year-of-now/#comment-570 kte12 Sun, 07 Jan 2007 14:58:51 +0000 http://punctuative.com/2007/01/07/movies-in-the-year-of-now/#comment-570 Starting December 19, 2006, Blockbuster Total Access (online) is giving customers 1 free video game rental each month plus the first month is free. Sign up at http://www.blockbuster.com/bbfamily First month free with promo code 1557TA Facts: 1. Offer changes to 2-week trial beginning Jan 15 2007. 3 movies out at a time. So, signup now ! 2. Members can exchange online movies for free DVD rentals at their local Blockbuster (online mailer/movie will work like a coupon). Also, as soon as the online movies are exchanged at the store, the next movies in your que will ship as well. You essentially double the # of DVDs you can watch by returning them to the store (you can’t do this with Netflix). 3. Members will also receive 1 in store coupon every month for a free movie OR video game (even during free month). 4. Only pay $17.99 per month (3 out) after the 1st month or downgrade to the $14.99 (2 out) or $9.99 (1 out) plans. Starting December 19, 2006, Blockbuster Total Access (online) is giving customers 1 free video game rental each month plus the first month is free.

Sign up at http://www.blockbuster.com/bbfamily
First month free with promo code 1557TA

Facts:

1. Offer changes to 2-week trial beginning Jan 15 2007. 3 movies out at a time. So, signup now !

2. Members can exchange online movies for free DVD rentals at their local Blockbuster (online mailer/movie will work like a coupon). Also, as soon as the online movies are exchanged at the store, the next movies in your que will ship as well. You essentially double the # of DVDs you can watch by returning them to the store (you can’t do this with Netflix).

3. Members will also receive 1 in store coupon every month for a free movie OR video game (even during free month).

4. Only pay $17.99 per month (3 out) after the 1st month or downgrade to the $14.99 (2 out) or $9.99 (1 out) plans.

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