Netflix Review — Get the Scoop on Netflix!

Netflix has rapidly evolved into a movie powerhouse over the past 13 years, with over a billion DVDs delivered and counting, they are the world’s largest online movie rental service. While competitors, such as Blockbuster — who holds just 14% of the market with their Total Access program — have been forced to close 374 US Stores in 2009, with an expected 500+ closings in 2010.

What makes Netflix so great over the competition?
Well, for starters, Netflix puts money back into their business. While other businesses, or competitors, struggle to survive during the recession (i.e. Blockbuster), posting losses and downsizing, Netflix has been able to turn staggering profits in 2008 and 2009 fiscal years. With a 22% rise in profits from $1.365 billion to $1.67 billion, Netflix’s online streaming service, implemented in 2007, has proven to be a “reel” winner — retaining subscribers, while bringing in millions of new ones. From 2008-2009, Netflix’s subscriber base climbed over the 10 million mark, with a 31% increase in subscribers from 9.39 million to 12.268 million, respectively. But, what sets them apart from competitors such as Redbox or Blockbuster? Two words: Innovative ideas.

Netflix Ready Devices
I for one, love to watch movies and TV shows instantly on my Xbox 360 with Netflix, but that is not the only way to enjoy unlimited movies and TV shows! Owners of Sony’s Playstation 3 console or Nintendo’s Wii can start watching movies with the click of a controller, even HD titles, all included in their basic membership. Don’t have a console? Streaming players such as Roku’s Digital Video Player or Seagate’s HD Media Player are a cost-effective alternative to still enjoy Netflix on your TV. Also, for a little more of an investment, movies and television shows can be enjoyed in Blu-ray with almost any player, with internet connected Blu-ray devices from names such as Vizio, Panasonic, Phillips, Samsung, LG, and others. If you don’t have Blu-ray or a gaming console, you can still watch Netflix on certain internet connected HD TV’s from Sony, Vizio, or LG — or on your Tivo. And, well if you happen to be lucky enough to have a home theater, you no longer need to buy DVDs, because you can also enjoy Netflix’s services 24/7 in your Lay-Z-Boy!

Netflix on Your PC
Netflix’s streaming service — where subscribers can stream movies or TVs on their PC instantly just by logging into Netflix’s website — has fared well with customers, nicely complementing their DVD service. Although this service is not going to generate revenue (actually decreases it with additional licensing & streaming costs), as previously mentioned, it has helped retain users and bring in new ones by the millions with a library of over 17,000 movies online.
Why is Netflix’s streaming service good for their users? Well, for starters it’s free with any membership plan. Everyone loves free, but what else makes the streaming service special? This is the big one: no need to invest in expensive, hard-to-use hardware or software for your personal computer, which could run you over hundreds of dollars. All you need to do is login, download their web-app player, and you’re good to go. Once you have the web-app, which takes only minutes to download, you’ll be watching movies online in seconds!

Get DVD’s by Mail
As always, Netflix offers it’s users DVD’s by mail from their hundreds of shipping points throughout the nation. This has allowed 97% of Netflix subscribers to receive their DVD from their queue within one business day. Not only did we get our movies fast in the mail, but we were able to enjoy them as long as we wanted without late fees or shipping costs, and in the rare case that a DVD does not work on gets lost in the mail (yeah, it happens!), we simply marked it as lost and get another one in the mail within a day. But the big advantage to the DVD service is a wider selection of movies/shows. From classics to newly released blockbusters, their DVD service offers you the selection from their library of over 100,000 DVDs, with new ones constantly being added.

Low Prices
Due to their mass-scale DVD model, Netflix is able to keep pricing very affordable for customers. Netflix pricing plans start as low as $8.99 per month, for one DVD at a time, and go all the way up to $47.99 for 8 DVDs at a time. Best of all Netflix offers a 30 Day Free Trial to new subscribers, and allows them to cancel at anytime during the trial period online or over the phone without being charged.

Fast, Friendly Support
I talked with Caitlin at Netflix support, she was very friendly, helpful, and professional — not to mention my call was routed within a minute to her. If you have any questions, you call call Netflix at 1-866-636-3076.

Overall Consensus: We love Netflix for their free trial, wide-selection of movies and TV shows, ease-of-use, and innovative technologies. ~ 4.5/5