Last year, my buddy Curtis showed me how Netflix’s streaming service worked through my Wii and I thought: Well, that’s cool. You get all those movies on-demand, plus a new one in the mail, all for eight bucks a month (or whatever it was back then).
I’d avoided Netflix until then because I’d been a loyal customer of Tucson’s wonderful Casa Video for about a quarter-century and, when possible, I like supporting the local brick-and-mortar guys.
But the streaming possibilities pushed me over the edge and I kind of broke up with Casa Video, even though I’d drop by once in a while to say hello.
Anyway, Netflix announced yesterday that it was splitting the mail-order DVDs from the online streaming, with a big price hike if you want to keep both services. For me, it won’t be nearly as good a deal. I’m still trying to figure out if I’ll keep the streaming part (I’m sure I will at least until I finish watching every episode of The Good Guys), but I’m certain that I’m dropping the mail-order service and going back to Casa Video.
I’ve missed the shop and I’m looking forward to browsing the racks again, especially one two-for-one Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And this time, I’m gonna be a lot better about avoiding late fees.
This article appears in Jul 7-13, 2011.
See you on Speedway, Jim.
I too believe in buying local whenever possible, but those Casa Video late fees are REDONKULOUS!
Hmmm…
#1 you have to maneuver around Tucson drivers to rent and return the movies; netflix = quick jaunt to the mailbox
#2 as long as you get all your movies on Tues or Wed, you’ll be spending $3.50 plus tax per week for 2 movies a week or roughly ~$16/month; Netflix is unlimited at $19/month.
#3 Casa late fees add up fast. netflix = no late fees.
#4 Casa dvds are often scratched. haven’t had that problem with netflix.
I think you are old school Jim.
While I was initially drawn into this article by the mention of the new Netflix price increases, now I’m just busy being thrilled by the mention of The Good Guys! Fantastically funny show, I can’t believe it got cancelled! I’m glad someone else appreciates it!
@ jumper, the late fees are only a dollar a day and they help a local business recoup revenue that they lose by not having the product on the shelf because some @$$wipe decided to hold on to it for a month.
The amount of attention the netflix story is getting is alarming. I wonder if there is a correlation between the rise in obesity rates and the rise of netflix and/or online entertainment options. Couch mailbox couch. or just couch. potato.