Technology Takes its Toll on Blockbuster

http://www.JoeyBuddha.com In September, CBS News reported that Blockbuster plans on closing anywhere between 810-960 stores in the U.S. by 2010. "Going out of business" signs hit the local Blockbuster by me, and yours can be next. With today's technology, including the likes of Netflix, Redbox, iTunes, Hulu and Boxee, this news is far from shocking, if anything, it should have happened even sooner!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Blockbuster
• Blockbuster out of business
• Netflix
• Redbox
• Hulu

[Pino4649]

I still rent at Blockbuster and I got a card for a Mom & Pop video store in town, because I want to support people's jobs and the local economy. On top of that I don't rent often enough to justify the monthly fees of Netflix, Red box has limited selection and always has a huge line of people waiting to use it. Blockbuster is closer to my house and more convenient. I wonder how long it'll last. The Blockbuster on the other side of the city closed recently along with so many other video stores.

[jbuddha31]

@Pino4649 They can't always compete on prices, but a little bit of friendliness goes a long way in my book.

As a matter of fact, I just saw an headline about Blockbuster going "digital." Not sure what that means, but guess they're not giving up yet!

[Crimsunknight]

true, but blockbuster still has its corporate stores, which are fuckin huge and their online stuf also. I just think it blows not matter what since now the only video stores around in Virginia are Movie Starz and they suck...only reason their still in bussiness is cause they rent porn. Also I hope u dont do another vid while driving, u seem kinda reckless dude.

[jbuddha31]

I hear ya! I went to rent a movie the other night and the closest Redbox that had it was 45 minutes away! I ended up going to a Blockbuster in the next town over and it sucked that I had to go that far to get a movie. Plus, it's freezing in NY now, so standing at a Redbox for more than 5 seconds makes my fingers numb!

No more driving and recording at the same time...

I think I might start using Netflix again. What are you using? Movie Starz?

[jbuddha31]

@micronc Well said. The same concepts of not upgrading and embracing technology is going to take down a lot of other businesses.

Cablevision's prices are ridiculous AND their "wifi everywhere" is a crock of......If I didn't watch the NYR games, I'd drop them now.

Redbox is great, Netflix is getting stronger w/their online selection, Boxee is great (thinking of getting the box) and I heard Roku is too!

If other industries don't adapt, they'll be next.

Thanks for the comments! Appreciated.

[micronc]

@pregnantwithtv  Blockbuster had chances to upgrade its technology -- they could have bought Netflix out and they could have come out with their own kiosk ahead of Redbox -- but they didn't...and now they've filed for bankruptcy. They're probably going to be forced to liquidate soon.

[pregnantwithtv]

It's the lack of technology combined with that Blockbuster constantly fucks with its employees and customers while giving a million dollars to the guy who is driving the company right into the ground.

[BeginnningoftheEnd]

I've done mom and pop, Blockbuster and Hollywood. Now my sister's 1st real job/Hollywood is closing.

Nothing's perfect but there's something to be said for being random or people actually GETTING OFF THEIR ASSES.lol I've yet to see anything of substance (classic-indie) featured in Red Box etc. So...

[Crimsunknight]

I just use blockbuster online now, never goin to movie starz...dont feell like payin 20 bucks if the movie is 2 days late

[jbuddha31]

I like Netflix as a backup. I like having a couple of extra DVD's lying around, especially when they're delivered to my door in the middle of winter!

I'm still looking for the best solution....

What do you use?