GeekSugar

Do You Still Rent DVDs?

GeekSugar — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:20:49 PDT

The ill-fated one-time video rental superstar Blockbuster is in court today dealing with bankruptcy proceedings and could face a complete closure of all retail locations. Until then, though, Blockbuster is operating kiosks that will rent you a DVD for just $1 per day with the option to keep it for an unlimited amount of time (probably not the best option for someone prone to losing things, as that could get expensive!).

Even with a Netflix subscription, I'm partial to streaming movies or purchasing them on iTunes as opposed to waiting on a DVD arrival or even walking to the video store to pick up a DVD. In fact, after renting a physical DVD about a week ago I realized I hadn't done that in months. Do you still rent DVDs?

The Most Shocking Effect of the Recession in 2010

SavvySugar — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:20:27 PST

Another year passes, and more tales of bankruptcies and unexpected aftereffects of the recession emerge. It was a close call, but SavvySugar readers voted Blockbuster going bankrupt as the most shocking effect of the recession this year. Blockbuster beat out surprising trends like single, older women moving in together to save money, millionaires gobbling up McDonald's to budget, libraries turning into for-profit entities, as well as Warren Buffett saying we should tax the super wealthy (like himself).

It seems that although people are turning to online rentals and streaming services because of convenience and speed, Blockbuster still holds a special place in America's heart. I'm sure plenty of you have great memories of the famous blue and gold store and are used to seeing it around. However, changing times means a change of guards, and Netflix now holds the title as the gatekeeper to entertainment. I'm betting former Blockbuster CEO John Antioco regrets laughing at and turning down Netflix's offer to partner up in 2000.

Source: Flickr User jswafford

Bummer: Blockbuster Going Bust

SavvySugar — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:45:31 PDT

Sure, ordering from Netflix is a lot more convenient than trudging to your local Blockbuster, but there's something nostalgic about entering that blue and gold building. The company just filed for bankruptcy on Thursday, but what does that mean for Blockbuster fans? This may lead to more store closings - CEO James Keyes said "every single store" will be evaluated.

On the bright side, Blockbuster will still be offering movies 28 days earlier than its competitors - Warner Bros. entered a deal with the firm about half a year ago to give it special distribution rights. I was sad about my local Borders closing, and now I'm pretty glum about the Blockbuster bankruptcy. Seems like these companies need to start figuring out how to get a leg up on their online competition.

Flickr User: Scott Clark

Blockbuster Files For Bankruptcy: How Do You Get Movies?

GeekSugar — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:45:58 PDT

One-time movie rental powerhouse Blockbuster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this morning. The company has more than $1 billion worth of debt and is asking for help so it can restructure, but won't be shutting all its doors. The CEO said it plans to bounce back as "the only operator that provides access across multiple delivery channels - stores, kiosks, by-mail and digital." Netflix and iTunes have a rep for killing the video store, but Blockbuster's approach aims to make its movies available everywhere. I suppose only time will tell if it works. How do you get all of your blockbusters?

Link Time! Conan O'Brien Close to Inking a Deal With Fox

BuzzSugar — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:30:57 PDT

Conan O'Brien is working on a late-night agreement with Fox - TV Squad
Also in Coco news, his new live show may become a documentary - MTV Movies Blog
Blockbuster is headed toward bankruptcy - Vulture
Television's most underrated hot men - TresSugar
The music portion of SXSW kicks off today! - Music Mix
Betty White lands a sitcom - Zap2it
A satire about suicide bombers? This trailer is sure to cause a ruckus - The Playlist
Sigourney Weaver to play a vampire queen for Amy Heckerling - Moviefone
Tracy Morgan returns as host of Scare Tactics - The Futon Critic
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these top 10 TV bars (Moe's!) - TV.com

Blockbuster OnDemand Service Is Coming to the TiVo

GeekSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:30:02 PDT

Get ready, get set TiVo owners and subscribers, because BlockBuster OnDemand will be coming to your TiVo later this year.

Similar to the partnership with Blockbuster and 2Wire, TiVo members will soon be able to rent, as well as purchase thousands of Blockbuster movies via their TiVo and instantly watch them on their TV.

No announcement on pricing yet, but the OnDemand functionality will be available to TiVo Series 2, 3, TiVo HD, and TiVo HD XL DVRs.

Would You Be Bummed If Blockbuster Went Bankrupt?

SavvySugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:30:07 PST

Rumor has it that Blockbuster is looking into bankruptcy as a possibility, which doesn't come as a huge surprise given the many other movie-renting options out there (not to mention the withering state of consumer confidence). Still, the blue and gold movie house has been around for some time. Would you miss it?

Source

Blockbuster Announces an On-Demand Movie Service!

GeekSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:01:16 PST

Starting today, you can get access to over 2,000 movies for rent thanks to Blockbuster's new Blockbuster OnDemand movie service. For a limited time, customers can pick up the tiny MediaPoint player by 2Wire for free with the purchase of 25 advance rentals for $99. With this player, you'll have access to Blockbuster's digital library, and after your 25 rentals are up, you can rent movies for $1.99 each.

The actual box works with a broadband connection (WiFi and Ethernet compatible), and can play high-def videos via HDMI cables. And even if you aren't a Blockbuster member, you can still use the Blockbuster OnDemand service. MediaPoint players can be purchased online or at select Blockbuster stores. Talk about a neat gift idea, just in time for the holidays!

Manage Your Netflix or Blockbuster Queue From Your iPhone

GeekSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:45:09 PDT

I've realized that I'm kind of insatiable when it comes to apps - but that's because for as many as there already are in the App Store, I have unfulfilled needs! I don't need an app to tell me I'm Rich or to simulate pouring a beer, I need an app to manage my Netflix queue!

Well, ladies and gentlemen, here it is: Dashbuster, which is a free app, allows you to manage your Netflix or Blockbuster queue from your iPhone. Right now, it doesn't have the functionality to add new movies, but according to this update, it probably will in the future.

I'm just relieved that I can see what's on my queue and move stuff around from my pocket!

DVD Vending Machines: Good Idea or Pointless?

BuzzSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:30:59 PDT

Variety is reporting today that Blockbuster has plans to roll out its own version of the Redbox DVD vending machines that can currently be found in some supermarkets and McDonalds restaurants.

Blockbuster chairman-chief exec Jim Keyes has said that the kiosks represent "one more step in the fulfillment of our mission to transform Blockbuster into a multichannel provider of media entertainment." The kiosks will begin rolling out this Fall.

Do you think the vending machines make things much more convenient? Or in this day and age, when there's Netflix (and Netflix's "watch instantly" feature) and iTunes and On-Demand, do these vending machines serve a purpose?

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