Full Version: Netflix and Other DVD-by-Mail Vendors
That's really all I'm asking.
I used to pay $39.95 per month for 8 movies out at a time, but they just raised their rates. (It would have been $49.95 for the same plan.)
Now I'll be paying $19.95 for 3 discs out at a time with unlimited rentals per month. Since I live very close to one of their distribution centers, that should meet my needs.
Here is Netflix's page about costs.
Now I'll be paying $19.95 for 3 discs out at a time with unlimited rentals per month. Since I live very close to one of their distribution centers, that should meet my needs.
Here is Netflix's page about costs.
Actually, the price for the three-out program is going up to $21.99, plus tax, on June 15. The url below lists the new prices:
Netflix Price Change
--Teresa
Netflix Price Change
--Teresa
Thanks -- I forgot about that.
Huh. I was about to re-enroll w/Netflix, but now I'm waffling. Greencine is still a nickel under $20, and has some things that Netflix doesn't, but the California locale would probably mean 3 or 4 fewer rentals per month for Pennsylvania me.
And Greencine is just cooler--they've got perhaps the best daily film blog on the Internet (in terms of the number of links)...and they quote Filmjourney on a regular basis:
http://daily.greencine.com
http://daily.greencine.com
There's a Netflix distribution center about 15 minutes from here.
My friend John signed up--he gets his mail at 10:00 AM.
The first week, he got three titles, watched two and dropped them back in the box for the 5:45 pickup. By the next morning it showed he'd returned them and his next two titles were on their way--which he got the following morning.
He's quite happy with the situation. He's trying to figure out a way to take them back to the distribution center himself so he can get even more...
On a side note, he was able to get a film I'm in that I really hoped no one would be able to find...
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My friend John signed up--he gets his mail at 10:00 AM.
The first week, he got three titles, watched two and dropped them back in the box for the 5:45 pickup. By the next morning it showed he'd returned them and his next two titles were on their way--which he got the following morning.
He's quite happy with the situation. He's trying to figure out a way to take them back to the distribution center himself so he can get even more...
On a side note, he was able to get a film I'm in that I really hoped no one would be able to find...
--------------
I've heard that Netflix might branch into Canada someday, but I can only wonder how cost-efficient it would be here, given the inefficiency of Canada Post and the fact that they deliver less often than their American equivalent does (i.e. no mail on Saturdays -- the worst time of year, mail-wise, is Easter, when there is no mail on Good Friday, the regular Saturday, the regular Sunday, or Easter Monday -- that's four days in a row with no mail whatsoever). I know there is at least one Canadian equivalent to Netflix already, though: http://www.cineworld.ca/
Personally, I'm not sure it's worth it, for me, at the moment. I don't think I spend $25 per month on rentals as it is, anyway -- especially not with Rogers Video selling those coupon books every few months, and one of their outlets just one block away from where I live -- so at this point, I would almost feel obliged to rent and watch more videos just to justify subscribing to the service.
Personally, I'm not sure it's worth it, for me, at the moment. I don't think I spend $25 per month on rentals as it is, anyway -- especially not with Rogers Video selling those coupon books every few months, and one of their outlets just one block away from where I live -- so at this point, I would almost feel obliged to rent and watch more videos just to justify subscribing to the service.
| QUOTE (Jason Bortz @ May 3 2004, 05:42 PM) |
| On a side note, he was able to get a film I'm in that I really hoped no one would be able to find... |
You mean one of these?
Er....no?
*cough*
*cough*
Well, I'm excited about Netflix, having signed up for their 2 week free trial. I found they have lots of films that I've been unable to get at Blockbuster or the local library, films we've been talking about here: 'In This World,' 'Not of This World,' 'The Office, Season 2,' 'Elling,' 'Lagaan,' etc. Woohoo!
| QUOTE (Andrew @ May 5 2004, 07:06 AM) |
| Well, I'm excited about Netflix, having signed up for their 2 week free trial. I found they have lots of films that I've been unable to get at Blockbuster or the local library, films we've been talking about here: 'In This World,' 'Not of This World,' 'The Office, Season 2,' 'Elling,' 'Lagaan,' etc. Woohoo! |
Yep! That's what makes it worthwhile for me--er, us
'Cos I'm never, ever going to find Lagaan or Barcelona or Le Retour de Martin Guerre in the boonies of NC...though, weirdly, we did find Elling and Scotland, PA...The "no late fees" thing is cool, too.
Ooh, thanks for mentioning 'Barcelona'; I'd forgotten to add that to my queue.
I also appreciate the availability of TV program DVD's - ones that I'll enjoy seeing once, but don't feel like shelling out the big bucks for, such as 'Freaks and Geeks' and 'The Critic.'
I also appreciate the availability of TV program DVD's - ones that I'll enjoy seeing once, but don't feel like shelling out the big bucks for, such as 'Freaks and Geeks' and 'The Critic.'
Andrew, when you get hold of the second season of The Office, visit that thread in the TV forum. My wife and I watched it last week and really found a lot to talk about between us.
I'll be happy to oblige, Russell! (I'm hoping to start into it tomorrow.)
My friend Rob has just written the mother of all analysis articles comparing Netflix and GreenCine:
http://www.erratamag.com/commentary/archiv...00185.html
http://www.erratamag.com/commentary/archiv...00185.html
Now THAT answers my question. Thanks.
I have a few questions about Netflix, for anyone who has an account and likes the company. I've been thinking about signing up for it for awhile now, but I'm still unclear on some things.
1. What are their payment options? Do they bill through credit card, can I send an e-check, automatic withdrawal?
2. How long does it take them to stock new releases? Is it comparable to rental stores?
3. Do they stock adult films?
Thanks!
1. What are their payment options? Do they bill through credit card, can I send an e-check, automatic withdrawal?
2. How long does it take them to stock new releases? Is it comparable to rental stores?
3. Do they stock adult films?
Thanks!
| QUOTE (mpfan @ Jun 25 2004, 01:29 PM) |
| I have a few questions about Netflix, for anyone who has an account and likes the company. I've been thinking about signing up for it for awhile now, but I'm still unclear on some things. 1. What are their payment options? Do they bill through credit card, can I send an e-check, automatic withdrawal? 2. How long does it take them to stock new releases? Is it comparable to rental stores? 3. Do they stock adult films? Thanks! |
1. You can use either a credit card or debit from a checking account.
2. They add new release titles they day they hit the street. Or, they claim they do/will.
3. I don't know whether they rent what you'd consider to be adult films; I don't believe they rent hardcore pornography, but they do have a category for gay and lesbian films and one for "steamy romances" (the current recommendations for which are comprised of fare such as 9 1/2 Weeks, Like Water For Chocolate, Sex and Lucia and Bound.
I just joined GreenCine, and gone my first rental (Sunrise).
Just for reference, it took three days for the DVD, shipped from San Francisco, to reach my mailbox in suburban Philadelphia--much shorter than the week GreenCine told me to allow.
PROs
Selection, selection, selection
User lists
customer service
CONs
Availability of some titles is lower than at Netflix, presumably since GC has smaller inventory of most titles.
Slightly longer turnaround time to get next disc.
Finally, very sadly, GreenCine carries hardcore porn, so I'll be terminating my membership as soon as I finishing viewing the titles NetFlix doesn't carry.
Just for reference, it took three days for the DVD, shipped from San Francisco, to reach my mailbox in suburban Philadelphia--much shorter than the week GreenCine told me to allow.
PROs
Selection, selection, selection
User lists
customer service
CONs
Availability of some titles is lower than at Netflix, presumably since GC has smaller inventory of most titles.
Slightly longer turnaround time to get next disc.
Finally, very sadly, GreenCine carries hardcore porn, so I'll be terminating my membership as soon as I finishing viewing the titles NetFlix doesn't carry.
This may be only limited to a niche audience, but this makes me excited:
Rent Anime
It costs the same as Netflix--$19.95 per month for 3 DVDs out at a time. For anime junkies like me on the East Coast, the turnaround time will be faster than Greencine.
Woohoo!
Rent Anime
It costs the same as Netflix--$19.95 per month for 3 DVDs out at a time. For anime junkies like me on the East Coast, the turnaround time will be faster than Greencine.
Woohoo!
Well, it looks like Blockbuster has stepped up to the plate and is giving Netflix a run for the money. Not only do they offer the same service for $19.99... Not only do they have pretty much the same selection (I searched for some of the films mentioned earlier in the thread, and Blockbuster has them for their online selection (Elling, Lagaan, etc.))... But they also give you 2 free in-store rentals a month. Not sure, that may be excluding new releases, but it's still 2 free rentals. Looks like Blockbuster is who I'll be signing with.
So far, NetFlix still has best turn-around time, largely because I'm very close (a mile?) from one of their major distribution centers. For most returns, I get the replacement two days later.
If you sign up for Blockbuster (that in-store rental deal is terrific), be sure to use the "COOPER" promotional code and get and extra two weeks for free with only $17.99 per month. I also saw a deal somwhere that resulted in you getting a free iPOD mini when you sign up.
Wal-Mart sucks.
For now, I'm going to be sticking with NetFlix, but if Blockbuster opens a distribution center in or around Philly, I'd probably switch (barring price or other issues). Currently, the closest BB has is in Charlotte, NC.
If you sign up for Blockbuster (that in-store rental deal is terrific), be sure to use the "COOPER" promotional code and get and extra two weeks for free with only $17.99 per month. I also saw a deal somwhere that resulted in you getting a free iPOD mini when you sign up.
Wal-Mart sucks.
For now, I'm going to be sticking with NetFlix, but if Blockbuster opens a distribution center in or around Philly, I'd probably switch (barring price or other issues). Currently, the closest BB has is in Charlotte, NC.
I'm trying out blockbuster for a month. I like the idea of two in-store rentals. I don't think their website is a good as the Netflix site. Blockbuster does not have customer reviews, lists or trailers.
NetFlix has lists? Or just their lame 'recommendations' ? I'd love it if either had lists like GreenCine does (or Amazon, for that matter). Speaking of Amazon, I'm surprised they haven't thrown their hat into this ring.
This could be a huge coup for Netflix, and a blow to Blockbuster's fledgeling home service...
| QUOTE (IMDb) |
| Netflix And TiVo in Partnership Subscribers to the Netflix DVD rental service will soon be able to download movies onto TiVo personal digital recorders instead of receiving them by mail, Newsweek reports in its current issue. Details of how the service will function were sketchy. Newsweek suggested that it will likely employ software developed by a recently acquired company, Strangeberry, that allows a DSL or cable modem to be plugged into a TiVo recorder to receive content from the Internet. Reporting on the development, Newsweek commented that it "could shake up the media world." Both Netflix and TiVo declined to comment on the report. |
Some extra news on the Netflix/TiVo match-up from Reuters, including a rise in stock for both companies.
And I just noticed that *gulp* Christianity Today is also in this business? (BUT, they don't carry Peter and Paul...but their prices are the best, even better than BB.) First impression: No Ordet. I wonder if they carry many of the movies on their foreign-films list.
I guess I'll do ANOTHER free trial at some point.
I guess I'll do ANOTHER free trial at some point.
We just received an offer to share Netflix with friends for a free one month trial, instead of the usual two weeks.
If anyone's interested, please send me a PM or e-mail, and I'll forward the offer to you. It's good through Sept. 20--which means, I believe, you must sign up by 9/20 for the trial period.
If anyone's interested, please send me a PM or e-mail, and I'll forward the offer to you. It's good through Sept. 20--which means, I believe, you must sign up by 9/20 for the trial period.
And now this update...
| QUOTE (IMDb) |
| No Video-on-Demand Service from Netflix And TiVo For Now Spokespersons for Netflix and TiVo dismissed a Newsweek report Tuesday that the two companies were planning a joint venture that would essentially allow Netflix subscribers to download movies onto their TiVo recorders rather than receive them through the mail. Bloomberg News quoted a TiVo spokeswoman as saying that such a service would not be offered for at least a year. Nevertheless shares in both companies soared on the magazine's report, Netflix rising 7.3 percent to $15.41; TiVo, nearly 15 percent to $5.08. |
I'm a week into my free blockbuster trial, and I'm about ready to quit. I tried to rent Clerks (which I've already seen), and I was mistakenly sent the animated series, rather than the film. I reported the problem and requested a replacement. I received the replacement today, only to open the envelope and find they made the same mistake again!
This weeks new releases are still listed as "coming soon." Netflix always shipped new releases the day before they came out. Service has been slower than Netflix, as they only have one distribution center. The lower price and in-store rentals may be tempting, but you're better off with Neflix. I will gladly pay the few extra dollars a month for Netflix's service.
This weeks new releases are still listed as "coming soon." Netflix always shipped new releases the day before they came out. Service has been slower than Netflix, as they only have one distribution center. The lower price and in-store rentals may be tempting, but you're better off with Neflix. I will gladly pay the few extra dollars a month for Netflix's service.
Well, I think I might do something different than I expected:
I'm thinking of keeping the lowest level of GreenCine AND the lowest level of Blockbuster, ditching NetFlix altogether.
This gets me five out at a time AND two free in-store rentals for around $33 per month. ($14.95 for GreenCine and $17.99 for Blockbuster). One downside is that the turn-around of BlockBuster is longer than NetFlix's, but that will improve over time, and with 5 out at a time, I've be able to keep more on hand.
I'm mixed about the fact that GC carries porn--what do you all think? It's not like renting obscure Danish DVDs is going to subsidize smut. It's more likely the other way around, but I'm still not settled with that.
For comparison: Netflix 5-at-a-time is $33.99 -- comparable to the combination plan above.
Wal*Mart sucks in every way: price, selection, turn-around, etc.
I'm thinking of keeping the lowest level of GreenCine AND the lowest level of Blockbuster, ditching NetFlix altogether.
This gets me five out at a time AND two free in-store rentals for around $33 per month. ($14.95 for GreenCine and $17.99 for Blockbuster). One downside is that the turn-around of BlockBuster is longer than NetFlix's, but that will improve over time, and with 5 out at a time, I've be able to keep more on hand.
I'm mixed about the fact that GC carries porn--what do you all think? It's not like renting obscure Danish DVDs is going to subsidize smut. It's more likely the other way around, but I'm still not settled with that.
For comparison: Netflix 5-at-a-time is $33.99 -- comparable to the combination plan above.
Wal*Mart sucks in every way: price, selection, turn-around, etc.
Just for all you Canadian people on the board, I just signed up for Zip.ca's free trial last night. I'll update you all once it's been going a few days.
The Tivo/Netflix partnership is again in the news...
| QUOTE (Hollywood Reporter) |
| Oct. 01, 2004 TiVo, Netflix in deal to develop digital delivery In confirming a long-circulating rumor, TiVo and Netflix said Thursday that they will develop technologies for the digital delivery of movies for viewing on consumers' television sets and will jointly work on securing content deals with studios. The movies-on-demand initiative has no name or price yet -- executives won't even say whether it will operate via a subscription model or a la carte service -- though it will be available next year. In a pre-emptive move to squelch concerns of conflicts of interest, TiVo CEO Mike Ramsay has resigned from the Netflix board of directors, a position he has held for several years. In fact, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said, it was the resignation that prompted the firms to announce their partnership several months before a product will be ready. "If we don't put it in context, people might come to the wrong conclusion," Hastings said. Hastings said the companies had discussed a partnership for three years but began a joint-development project a year ago. (Paul Bond) |
Well after a few months comparing Blockbuster and Netflix, Blockbuster has picked up *most* of the titles that Netflix carried but they didn't.
The titles remaining in my Netflix queue are not available (yet) at Blockbuster:
But - ICK - I just found a major flaw in Blockbuster's website. They have VERY few movies in their 'upcoming release' section. One of the things I like about Netflix' site is that I can put films currently in the *theaters* in my queue, and rent them later. With Blockbuster, they only seem to make major, announced DVD releases available. For example, neither Luther NOR Balseros is available--but Luther is announced and available at Netflix (for queueing).
GreenCine *did* allow me to queue Luther, but not Balseros.
The titles remaining in my Netflix queue are not available (yet) at Blockbuster:
- Going Upriver: The Long War of John Kerry
- BRD Trilogy: Marriage of Maria Braun
- Richard III (Olivier)
- Pelle the Conqueror
- Local Hero
- Daughter from Danang: American Experience
- Chaplin: The Legend Lives On: Discs 1-5
- No End
- Film Noir Collection: The Stranger
- OT: Our Town
- Halfaouine: Boy of the Terraces
But - ICK - I just found a major flaw in Blockbuster's website. They have VERY few movies in their 'upcoming release' section. One of the things I like about Netflix' site is that I can put films currently in the *theaters* in my queue, and rent them later. With Blockbuster, they only seem to make major, announced DVD releases available. For example, neither Luther NOR Balseros is available--but Luther is announced and available at Netflix (for queueing).
GreenCine *did* allow me to queue Luther, but not Balseros.
Netflix hammered; stock falls 41% on subscription rate cut. Basic 3 film subscription is being cut back from $21.99 a month to $17.99 on the news that Amazon.com may enter the DVD by mail business.
Story here.
Story here.
I haven't seen anything about the price change on the Netflix homepage. Is this official?
Now BLOCKBUSTER has announced lower pricing: Netflix is gonna have a hard time:
| QUOTE |
| As of Oct. 25, 2004, you'll pay only $17.49 a month, plus applicable tax, to enjoy up to three DVDs out at a time. Keep five movies out at a time for only $27.49 a month or eight out at a time for $37.49 a month. As always, there are no return dates, no extended viewing fees and shipping is free both ways. |
Also the two coupons members get per month for free movie rentals will also be good for video games.
My concern is that Blockbuster will jack UP the prices once they've conquered this market, but I can't seen Netflix going away (but they might get bought--by Tivo?).
I can just imagine what's going to happen once Amazon jumps in the ring.
There is word that Amazon.com is getting into the DVD rental business. Netflix is suddenly feeling beleaguered. And vulnerable.
Oops. Thanks Alan. So much for speed-scanning.
Also just noticed your comment about CT's rentals.
Also just noticed your comment about CT's rentals.
| QUOTE (Alan Thomas @ Sep 7 2004, 07:26 PM) |
| And I just noticed that *gulp* Christianity Today is also in this business? |
The backend is by an outfit called Mentura, which is private labelling its services for many different outlets (christian and non-Christian): CBD, Family Christian, CT, homeschool.com, and others. They are aggressively licensing new titles (we're dealing with them on some titles).
Peter and Paul???
No Peter & Paul from us -- we don't own that one. I think that production is actually owned by Procter and Gamble, but I could be mistaken.
Mentura doesn't like to buy DVDs to rent -- they like to license them. That will likely limit what they can get from certain studios, though a surprising number have jumped on board.
Mentura doesn't like to buy DVDs to rent -- they like to license them. That will likely limit what they can get from certain studios, though a surprising number have jumped on board.
Meaning that they burn their own DVDs? That makes some sense from savings costs over damaged/defective product, and it would make warehousing much easier (i.e. every title available in every location).
(You do sell P&P, though, right?)
I had no idea P&G owned this kind of property. (Not bad for a company headed by a devil worshipper....
jk)
(You do sell P&P, though, right?)
I had no idea P&G owned this kind of property. (Not bad for a company headed by a devil worshipper....
jk)
Yes, in some cases (a strong preference for them) they are burned DVDs. (And, yes, we have retail copies of P&P on hand, but we don't license it.)
QUOTE(Alan Thomas @ Sep 3 2004, 07:22 AM)
NetFlix has lists? Or just their lame 'recommendations' ? I'd love it if either had lists like GreenCine does (or Amazon, for that matter). Speaking of Amazon, I'm surprised they haven't thrown their hat into this ring.
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Amazon is joining the mail rental service, starting in the UK. Story here.
Blockbuster is lowering its prices. Again.
The battle unjoined -- for now
CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- The online video-rental wars are starting to get brutal, as Blockbuster redrew the battle line with a sharp price reduction for its direct-mail service.
Rival Netflix said Wednesday that it has no plans to change its monthly membership rate in response to the price cut announced by Blockbuster.
"We have no intention to change our price," Netflix Chief Executive Reed Hastings told CBS MarketWatch. "Wal-Mart has been at $15 and few cents for several months and we have continued to grow rapidly. We are not worried about a differential of this magnitude."
Blockbuster said it will lower the monthly subscription for its service to $14.99 from $17.49, a decrease of almost 15 percent and a full $3 below Netflix's current fee.
The battle unjoined -- for now
CHICAGO (CBS.MW) -- The online video-rental wars are starting to get brutal, as Blockbuster redrew the battle line with a sharp price reduction for its direct-mail service.
Rival Netflix said Wednesday that it has no plans to change its monthly membership rate in response to the price cut announced by Blockbuster.
"We have no intention to change our price," Netflix Chief Executive Reed Hastings told CBS MarketWatch. "Wal-Mart has been at $15 and few cents for several months and we have continued to grow rapidly. We are not worried about a differential of this magnitude."
Blockbuster said it will lower the monthly subscription for its service to $14.99 from $17.49, a decrease of almost 15 percent and a full $3 below Netflix's current fee.
I'll stick with Netflix. With Blockbuster looking at buying Hollywood Video, I'm glad to give my money to the competition.
Link (free registration is required for those in the video industry)
Link (free registration is required for those in the video industry)
QUOTE
NOV. 11 | In the face of sharp declines in its core over-the-counter rental business, Blockbuster Video has taken steps toward the possible $1 billion purchase of No. 2 video rentailer Hollywood Video, which would give Blockbuster control of well over 50% of the $8 billion-plus video rental market.
If a deal were to happen, it would create a giant chain of nearly 7,000 stores in the U.S. Blockbuster represents 40% to 45% of the video rental market, with Hollywood a distant second at 8% to 10%.
...
"I'm not sure what they'd be buying," McAlpine Associates principal Dennis McAlpine said. "The video rental business is pretty much a store-by-store business. Whether you have 5,000 stores or 6,000 stores, you don't get a lot of economies of scale in terms of operations."
McAlpine also noted that about 25% of Hollywood's 1,900 stores are located adjacent to Blockbuster locations, which could complicate any integration plans.
"I don't know what you would do with those stores," he said. "I think we can assume their landlords aren't going to let them out of those leases. So, do you convert them to Blockbuster locations and then have a Blockbuster next to another Blockbuster? Or do you continue to operate under two brand names?"
Operating under two distinct brand names, however, could allow Blockbuster to expand the number of titles it offers by shifting Hollywood's inventory mix away from its current emphasis on new releases, particularly in those stores located next to Blockbuster outlets.
An expanded retail inventory also would benefit Blockbuster's recently launched online subscription service once it's fully integrated with the store-based inventory.
In a third-quarter earnings conference call, Antioco noted that about 40% of online orders are for titles not typically stocked in Blockbuster or Hollywood stores.
The Hollywood stores also would give Blockbuster another 1,900 distribution points for its online service.
...
If a deal were to happen, it would create a giant chain of nearly 7,000 stores in the U.S. Blockbuster represents 40% to 45% of the video rental market, with Hollywood a distant second at 8% to 10%.
...
"I'm not sure what they'd be buying," McAlpine Associates principal Dennis McAlpine said. "The video rental business is pretty much a store-by-store business. Whether you have 5,000 stores or 6,000 stores, you don't get a lot of economies of scale in terms of operations."
McAlpine also noted that about 25% of Hollywood's 1,900 stores are located adjacent to Blockbuster locations, which could complicate any integration plans.
"I don't know what you would do with those stores," he said. "I think we can assume their landlords aren't going to let them out of those leases. So, do you convert them to Blockbuster locations and then have a Blockbuster next to another Blockbuster? Or do you continue to operate under two brand names?"
Operating under two distinct brand names, however, could allow Blockbuster to expand the number of titles it offers by shifting Hollywood's inventory mix away from its current emphasis on new releases, particularly in those stores located next to Blockbuster outlets.
An expanded retail inventory also would benefit Blockbuster's recently launched online subscription service once it's fully integrated with the store-based inventory.
In a third-quarter earnings conference call, Antioco noted that about 40% of online orders are for titles not typically stocked in Blockbuster or Hollywood stores.
The Hollywood stores also would give Blockbuster another 1,900 distribution points for its online service.
...
Netflix licks the competition in online DVD rentals - but just barely, a movie fan finds
...So, when it came time this week for me regretfully to cancel two of my services and keep only one for my personal use, I kept Netflix. If Netflix hadn't lowered its price by four dollars a month, though, I probably would have gone with Blockbuster.
...So, when it came time this week for me regretfully to cancel two of my services and keep only one for my personal use, I kept Netflix. If Netflix hadn't lowered its price by four dollars a month, though, I probably would have gone with Blockbuster.
What Are Good Friends for? Perhaps for Recommending DVD's (NYT)
ALTHOUGH Netflix is the unquestioned leader of the online DVD rental business, and is known for its innovative recommendation engine, some subscribers still find it hard to navigate its more than 25,000 titles in search of movies they want to watch.
With that in mind, the company has begun testing a feature called Netflix Friends, which lets users share movie reviews and recommendations directly and automatically with selected friends. The service is scheduled to become available to all 2.5 million Netflix users next month. (Right now, because the program is in trial, you have to be invited by someone taking part in the test.)
ALTHOUGH Netflix is the unquestioned leader of the online DVD rental business, and is known for its innovative recommendation engine, some subscribers still find it hard to navigate its more than 25,000 titles in search of movies they want to watch.
With that in mind, the company has begun testing a feature called Netflix Friends, which lets users share movie reviews and recommendations directly and automatically with selected friends. The service is scheduled to become available to all 2.5 million Netflix users next month. (Right now, because the program is in trial, you have to be invited by someone taking part in the test.)
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