Netflix- DVD's as Easy as 1-2-3
Written: Mar 02 '02 (Updated Mar 03 '02)
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As an owner of a DVD player, I find it difficult to even watch movies on VHS anymore. The only issue was access to a good selection of DVD's. While Blockbusters has improved it's selection of DVD titles, the bulk of the store's assortment was still geared for VHS video. Enter Netflix! I've been a happy member since May of 2001 and their service has been wonderful over the last nine months... I can't think of an easier and better way to rent DVD's and it's also a great bargain. How easy is it to use Netflix you ask?
You will need internet access to use Netflix, on their website (www.netflix.com) you'll create a user account from your email address and set up a password. The website is very well-designed and displays all your account information from reviews to rental history to billing info. The standard Netflix account is $19.95/month ($21.60 with taxes for me) and allows you to have three DVD titles out at one time. There are other rental options, a Lite account which allows only two titles out concurrently to the Ultimate account which allows eight titles ($39.95) out at a time.
Step 1: On the Netflix website, choose all the titles you'd like to rent. They'll be placed in a rental queue which will list all the titles you're interested in, ordered numerically by priority. When you return a DVD rental, Netflix will automatically send you the next title in your queue that is available, starting at the top of the queue.
Step 2: All DVD's are sent by standard US mail and will arrive in a cleverly designed paper envelope, the DVD is protected in a tyvek sleeve labeled with basic movie info. Open the paper envelope carefully (you tear away and toss a portion of it) because you'll use it to return the DVD. Enjoy the movie at your leisure, there is no time limit.
Step 3: When you're done, pop the DVD back into the sleeve and envelope (pre-paid postage with a self-sealing strip), drop it off in the mail and you're done. Netflix gets your DVD return and the cycle starts all over again.
Virtually all interaction is handled on the website. Each movie title has a professional review and member reviews. Your rental queue will tell you how long a wait there will be for your title (available now, short wait, long wait) and you can re-prioritize your queue at anytime based upon your mood. You can rate all the movies you've seen so Netflix can send you future recommendations as well as write your own movie reviews which will allow other members to decide what to rent. It's not just a rental service but an online community of movie buffs!
So what are the main benefits? First, the service is inexpensive. Blockbusters is typically about $3.50 for three days so if you rent 6 DVD's per month from Netflix, you've broken even. No time limit, no rushing to the store to drop off your rental, no late fees EVER! Netflix has a huge assortment of titles, all the popular titles are readily available and if you're into foreign films or indies, you should be able to rent even hard to find titles. Delivery is right to your mailbox, no slogging through snow and rain on Saturday night; just sit back and enjoy the movies! The website is also a lot of fun, similar to Amazon or Epinions; Netflix recommendations have led me to some movies that I would have otherwise ignored.
Now there are some drawbacks, but not many. You need to be a bit patient, Netflix is located in San Jose, so returning a DVD and getting another can take anywhere from 3 - 8 days depending on the USPS speed in your area. They are considering opening up an East coast distribution center to provide better service there. If you like to watch the bonus DVD which is included with some titles (outtakes, alternate endings, commentaries), that'll count as a separate rental. The DVD also does not come with the box or liner notes for ease of delivery. Finally, your DVD's are at the mercy of the USPS, I recently lost four DVD's in the mail, three on the same day. Replacement costs are $30/disc or you can buy a replacement and send it to Netflix. I called Netflix customer service, prepared to pay the lost DVD fee and cancel the service but the customer service rep did a little research and realized that quite a few DVD's were disappearing from my area. They removed the charges and I was back in business!
So what's the final verdict? If you're into movies and love DVD's there's no question in my mind, get online and join Netflix! I can't vouch for other services but I am certain that renting from the local DVD store pales in comparison. If you're comfortable handling the service online and don't mind waiting a bit for your titles, Netflix is the only way to go!
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Location: San Francisco, CA
Reviews written: 29
Trusted by: 4 members
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