AfterDawn: News

Blockbuster reaches 2 million online subscribers

Movie rental giant Blockbuster has announced that it has exceeded its target for online rental subscribers in 2006, passing over the 2 million mark. The announcement sent its shares up 6.6%. The company managed to lure a total of 500,000 subscribers since the end of the third quarter.

"These numbers are pretty surprising. Blockbuster not only made the numbers they guided to, but exceeded them and did it in a pretty dramatic fashion," Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter said. Blockbuster Chief Executive John Antioco touted the "Total Access" plan as being a main part of the success.



The Total Access plan allows customers to return DVD rentals by mail or exchange them in stores for free rentals. Blockbuster is in tough competition with Netflix, which said its subscribers would reach 6 million by year's end.

Source:
LA Times

Written by: James Delahunty @ 4 Jan 2007 6:31

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• 21 comments

• borhan9

  So i just finished reading and posting on the other Blockbuster article mentioning about the closed Peru stores. And now reading this about their online subscribers. To me it does not seem to me as a big loss for Blockbuster, as they are really moving towards technology and all that area.

  4.1.2007 11:33 #1

• sam1dog

  Probably because everytime you go into blockbuster nowadays they bug the piss out of you about signing up for their online service. It holds the whole freakin line up and is annoying as hell. You can't just go and rent a movie anymore with out listening to there whole speal about their online b.s.

  4.1.2007 17:42 #2

• borhan9

  Well then im glad i don't live near one :)

  4.1.2007 19:47 #3

• rihgt682

  I think more ppl will join Blockbuster. "Total access" was a great idea. That was the reason i switched. You can even rent free game each month! I'll never go back with Netflix now.

  4.1.2007 21:29 #4

• mlsgiant

  Blockbuster doesn't hold dvds like Netflix does. There was even a lawsuit on Netflix about doing this and they lost. I hope Blockbuster catches up to Netflix as far as subscribers.

  4.1.2007 22:30 #5

• garmoon

  I'm a happy switcher to Total Access program. Heck now I get the new releases on Tuesdays free with the returns of the online rentals. It's a win win solution. I had Netflix and it was great but I was spending upwards of $30 to get new releases at Blockbusters too. Now I get all those free.

  5.1.2007 03:00 #6

• johnblaze

  Originally posted by sam1dog:Probably because everytime you go into blockbuster nowadays they bug the piss out of you about signing up for their online service. It holds the whole freakin line up and is annoying as hell. You can't just go and rent a movie anymore with out listening to there whole speal about their online b.s.Mine does this too, they're worse than telemarketers. I tried the blockbuster online store once and hated it, it took over a month to actually get a new release, and about half the movies that I ordered came with just the sleeve and no disk.

  5.1.2007 03:36 #7

• Mr_Pink

  Well, Johnblaze, that was just your experience because Blockbuster has been great to me. I've never received an envelope without a DVD; I've never received the wrong DVD; Only once have I received a broken DVD, and the total access deal is beyond great.
  
  You shouldn't have to wait to receive a DVD now because whatever is delayed, just pick it up at the store.

  5.1.2007 07:05 #8

• borhan9

  Quote:and about half the movies that I ordered came with just the sleeve and no disk.that to me is great customer relation's keeping. It seems they have some bug's in the system that they have to get sorted and also this is a relatively new method out there for Blockbuster so it will take them a bit of time to get it to a level of consistency.

  5.1.2007 09:50 #9

• johnblaze

  Originally posted by Mr_Pink:Well, Johnblaze, that was just your experience because Blockbuster has been great to me. I've never received an envelope without a DVD; I've never received the wrong DVD; Only once have I received a broken DVD, and the total access deal is beyond great.
  
  You shouldn't have to wait to receive a DVD now because whatever is delayed, just pick it up at the store.Well, maybe it was just my experience, but it still happened, and when it happens with every batch of movies that you order over the course of 2 months it becomes very aggravating. Also, this was early last year, before their new program so you couldn't go to the store except to use the 2 coupons they gave you each month. I'm glad that it works well for you, but as for me, I'll continue to just go to the store that's right down the road from me.

  5.1.2007 10:28 #10

• garmoon

  I'm basically using it to get the movies that aren't available in the store. The old classics and movies I liked growing up which is a work in progress. I get the old ones and the new ones are free with the return. Plus you get a free printable coupon for anything in the store every month. And yes they hawk everything in the store to make a buck. But I'll wait in line for a moment. Free is free.

  5.1.2007 12:14 #11

• kte12

  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.
  

  5.1.2007 16:43 #12

• garmoon

  Folks, if you're going to sign up, at least get the promo code for your local BB store so they get the credit for your sign up!

  5.1.2007 18:40 #13

• rihgt682

  Quote:I received a broken DVD
  I never had that on BB. I had more than 5 when i had netflix and that was in a month.
  
  The other great thing about BB is raincheck. If the movie you want is not there you can get a get a free rental next time you come. Great system.

  6.1.2007 07:24 #14

• garmoon

  @rihgt682
  
  I got a broken disc from BB, "Moby Dick" 50's version. Today I finally get the movie again and the new DVD won't play. You can even see the defect. I can't seem to get a good copy of "Moby Dick." Will third time be a charm? Netflix was a better service, but BB is just better in what it offers you, even with the warts. I'm sure the rush that they have experienced in the last two months will subside as fewer sign up and service will improve.
  

  
  
  

  6.1.2007 14:48 #15

• rihgt682

  I guess it really depends on the person.
  
  Other great thing about BB. They ship on saturday. Netflix don't.

  6.1.2007 17:37 #16

• bzerneri

  I have been with BlockBuster online for over 2 years now. I lived through the good & bad times. Their service currently, at least to me, is the best that I've seen during my time with them. Only once, 1 time, have I ever received a broken movie and that was over this years Christmas mailing. The shipping envelope had definite signs that the U.S. Post Office was responsible. My average turn-around time from store to mail box is 4 days. Netflix top that!

  6.1.2007 19:04 #17

• MichaelP1

  i use Netflix for music/concert DVDs and they have the better selection
  

  
  
  

  6.1.2007 19:17 #18

• MichaelP1

  i

  6.1.2007 19:17 #19

• bzerneri

  Get an iPod if you want music --- if you want movies get Blockbuster!

  6.1.2007 19:22 #20

• MichaelP1

  bzerneri, read a little closer
  
  i said music/concert DVDs NOT audio CDs
  
  i don't need a IPod i have over 2000 albums/cds
  

  
  
  

  6.1.2007 19:24 #21