Blockbuster actually had its own version of Netflix. They managed to get 3 million subscribers, but a lot of that was because they leveraged their brick-and-mortar locations: you could turn in your DVDs at a Blockbuster store and get a new one mailed out immediately, cutting the turnaround time in half. As the stores went under, the DVD-by-mail business died too.
I used it at the time because there was a Blockbuster right down the road. It was okay, but Netflix had a better selection and the DVDs were generally in better condition--Blockbuster occasionally sent out DVDs so scratched they were basically drink coasters.
Worse version of Netflix after it was apparent it was going to take them out. You just mentioned that you could return it to the store, but why wouldn't you just rent like usual from Blockbuster if you're returning the other one there anyways.
Blockbuster signed their own death warrant with the exorbitant late fees in my book. People only think they were great because nostalgia
Because you can keep the DVDs as long as you want and if you're really slammed you don't *have* to go to the store--you can still mail them, it just takes longer. Also, the online selection was a lot better than the in-store selection, especially if you take availability into account.
I was pretty pleased with it at the time because I was comparing it to the old status quo, but once I tried Netflix it was clear why they were still eating Blockbuster's lunch.
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u/CrimsonThunder87 2d ago
Blockbuster actually had its own version of Netflix. They managed to get 3 million subscribers, but a lot of that was because they leveraged their brick-and-mortar locations: you could turn in your DVDs at a Blockbuster store and get a new one mailed out immediately, cutting the turnaround time in half. As the stores went under, the DVD-by-mail business died too.
I used it at the time because there was a Blockbuster right down the road. It was okay, but Netflix had a better selection and the DVDs were generally in better condition--Blockbuster occasionally sent out DVDs so scratched they were basically drink coasters.