Back when Dish Network’s Blockbuster Movie Pass was first announced, there was one obvious problem with the idea that it was a true competitor to Netflix: It was only available to Dish Network customers.
If Netflix does, in fact, continue its slow implosion and disappear into the coldness of internet irrelevance, one question seems to be left unsaid: Who will take over where it left off? Who profits from Netflix’s demise the most?
Oh, Dish Network. You were so close to turning Blockbuster from a overlooked clump of hair in the drain to a new and exciting brand. But with Blockbuster Movie Pass, you blew it.
For those expecting Dish Network to roll out a Netflix competitor during today’s “A Stream Come True” press conference, the announcement of the company’s “Blockbuster Movie Pass” offering will come as a disappointment.
Netflix seems to be having an official Worst Month Ever, what with price increases leading to customer uproar and Starz refusing to resign an all-important content sharing contract, and so the news that Dish Network is gearing up to launch a Blockbuster streaming-video service almost adds insult to injury.
After taking a beating from Netflix and Redbox, going bankrupt and getting bought by the Dish Network, Blockbuster is trying to lure customers back with lower prices. Now all you’ve got to do is find a Blockbuster.
Remember Blockbuster? Poor Blockbuster. All it wanted to do was rent movies to people. Then Netflix came along with a more appealing offering: movies sent right to your house with no late fees.
Blockbuster has added nationwide game rentals to its $8.99-and-up monthly “Blockbuster By Mail” service. Game rentals by mail had been tested in various markets around the country but are now available everywhere.
No, it’s not the sequel, but viewers might get a chance to head back into the theater for more Avatar as early as this summer.
Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2010
