News: DVD and Streaming broke up!

[pinkadot89]

So for instance, our current $9.99 a month membership for unlimited streaming and unlimited DVDs will be split into 2 distinct plans:

Plan 1: Unlimited Streaming (no DVDs) for $7.99 a month
Plan 2: Unlimited DVDs, 1 out at-a-time (no streaming), for $7.99 a month.

The price for getting both of these plans will be $15.98 a month ($7.99 + $7.99). For new members, these changes are effective immediately; for existing members, the new pricing will start for charges on or after September 1, 2011.

Read more at the source...

WTF Netflix?! I just told my mom (the owner of our account) and her response? "Uh uh, no way! They can kiss my ass!"

What do you all think?

Comments

[pinkadot89]

Well no my mom says $15.98 isn't so bad, since we do use both features regular. Nice play Netflix...

This just better mean they can afford to buy some more titles for Instant Watching!

[herlander_refugee]

But, I've been paying $16 a month for TWO DVDs at once AND unlimited streaming. So, no, not a nice play.

I think I'll be telling them to stuff their streaming feature.

[zillah975]

Okay, between how broken streaming is for me on the PS3, my problems with their new website design, and this, I think I'll be canceling my subscription at the end of August. GRRR.

[pinkadot89]

That's been a popular response so far. I can't say I'm surprised.

[foxfirefey]

Trouble is, there aren't many other options out there since Netflix has essentially eliminated all the competition (Blockbuster, etc.). And they know that. Grrr.

Doesn't Blockbuster still exist and have DVD rental by mail plans? And a lot of areas have RedBox and Blockbuster Express kiosks.

[chaymberlaine]

When I replied to this post, I did have in mind the disappearance of physical, brick and mortar locations where I had previously rented dvds (the last remaining rental place in our town - a Blockbuster, in fact - just closed within the past year or so), and as I've never used RedBox, I assumed they provided mostly new releases. I confess I neglected to take into consideration Netflix's online competitors and am completely unaware of how well Blockbuster is holding its own against Netflix as an online rental service.

I spoke hastily and in error, mostly out of annoyance to the changing price plan news. You are right, and thank you for correcting my ignorance. I have removed my misinformed comment. Nevertheless, I reserve the right to feel entitled to my own opinion and justified in my irritation at Netflix.

[foxfirefey]

Well, Blockbuster IS teetering and about to topple, but Netflix isn't the only factor. You're right--Redbox does mostly new releases, but they do it for so much more cheaply than Blockbuster did that it probably cut hard into their margins.

I think the redesign was really irritating, but I can't be all that upset at the price hike. Netflix is over a barrel right now. Postage has been increasing, and a lot of the contracts with the media producers are expiring and will have to be renegotiated and they're going to want a LOT more money this time around for the streaming side of it. They don't like Netflix and want to squeeze until it hurts now that Netflix is more popular.

[herlander_refugee]

The $15.98 a month is what I have always had. It began as two DVDs at once...if it is going to be cut to one, I am going to have a tantrum.

Especially since we ran a test here. Our streaming is currently wireless and constantly locked up and screwy. As in too-much-trouble-to watch screwy.

So, my son, a separate building and account, ran a hard wire to his blue ray player. And the locking up to 'load' every three minutes of viewing STOPPED. So, apparently, Netflix can, for whatever reason, no longer deliver wireless streaming. So, if I have to pay more for less AND figure how to drill holes in the floor (not to mention crawl around in Shelob-land-down-below to do so), I am less than frakking enthusiastic!

Yeah, "WTF, Netflix" is really not quite adequate descriptive of my opinion.

[jumpuphigh]

So, it looks like Netflix is just trying to piss off all its customers? That's how I'm reading this action combined with the site navigation changes.

[eight_demands]

It is strange that they aren't offering some discount for bundling streaming and DVDs.

[musyc]

Ugh. We'll probably be canceling our service if they don't backpedal on this in a hurry. We have the 1 DVD+streaming option right now and it's already on our luxury list. Doubling the price for the exact same service won't go over well here.

[ktnb]

Since streaming has always been crap for me, I imagine this will bring my costs down a little. But I'm still annoyed.

[cavocorax]

I can see why this might be upsetting for people who were used to the feature, but as a Canadian subscriber I'm used to only getting the unlimited streaming. I don't see the point on the DVD's - then Netflix has to pay extra for shipping and buy physical media, which could easily get scratched and destroyed. I understand how this would be useful for those without a strong internet connection though.

I really hope this means they put more money into instant watching!

Also, I really really hope Canada starts getting more of a selection! We're SO FAR BEHIND the US when it comes to what's available.

[willidan]

Since I only go for DVDs it's not hurting that much, but I was surprised to see there wasn't a deal for bundling both. This is going to come back and bite them in the ass and I suspect it won't be long before they backpedal and do something a bit more fair to people who want both DVDs and streaming.

[pinkadot89]

I'm very surprised there's no bundle discount. I know it's a business, and they want to make money, but even offering unlimited streaming for $5 if you buy a DVD plan would be much better than $7.99.

[takemyrevolution]

I just talked to my roommate, with whom I split the Netflix bill. Looks like we'll be keeping streaming and getting rid of the DVD plan. Too bad so many of their titles are DVD-only; I suppose that's to encourage people to go for the more expensive plan, but there's no way we're paying $16 a month for their service. Netflix is not the only way to watch movies.

[lycomingst]

My streaming capabilities are not spectacular but I like it for things that don't require my full attention, like British tv crime series. I can crochet and watch. But I primarily like the dvds.

I'll probably go to one dvd+streaming. I'm on the two dvd plan but usually one just hangs around before I get to it.

I can't say there's much to admire in Netflix's planning or approach to customer service.

[sakurablossom]

I only use the watch now option anyway. I stopped ordering the dvds once that option came around. :)

[antarcticlust]

I know Netflix is under a lot of pressure because it's comprising the majority of bandwith for many ISPs. I've been on Netflix since the beginning, and honestly? I've always thought I was getting an incredible deal-- the service is worth way more than I've paid for it. Basically, what was an incredible deal is now, in my mind, a great deal. I'm happy buying one less frappuccino a month to cover the difference. :)