Netflix Streaming Review

I'm going to come right out and say it, I Love Technology! The older I get, the lazier I get. But not to worry because technology seems to make up for my laziness. The greatest example of expanding technology and one of the best business models of the last decade is that of Netflix.

Who doesn't remember going to Blockbuster to go rent the newest VHS copy of Independence Day when it came out? Those were the days... standing in line behind smelly kids, women who write checks, and the closet pervert trying to hide his copy of "Wild Things" behind "Enemy of the State" and "Sense and Sensibility." Then when you finally do get to the front of the line, you are helped by a sweaty acne-riddled 28 year old who conspicuously glances at you after scanning each movie title, judging the entire time. Then of course being told that you have incurred a 12 dollar late fee for Austin Powers: Goldmember.

I do not miss those days at all.

A year ago I reviewed the experience of being a member of Blockbuster's online rental program. You can find that link here. After being soured from Blockbuster's service I decided to make the jump over to rental nirvana, Netflix.

For over a year I solely just used Netflix for mail-in dvd's. Their selection was massive with over 100,000 choices. There were few movies that Netflix did not have (i.e. Rad). I went with the 3 titles at a time and was a very satisfied customer. Only 5 months ago my life changed for the better(though my wife might disagree), I finally got a PS3, and with it, the capability to watch streaming movies on Netflix. I don't even think I've visited a redbox since that time.

There are nearly 20,000 titles and counting for Netflix streaming currently. There is a whole lot of crap and filler involved, but also some golden choices as well. I am a big tv series watcher and Netflix has most of my favorites. (Dexter, Buffy, 24, Battlestar Galactica, and much much more.) Do I sound like I'm being paid to do an advertisement for Netflix? I really think I should be paid. The other day I received some "pass-along cards" from Netflix for my friends and family. I had to laugh because I could preach the pros about Netflix and attempt to convert people, but would struggle to do the same thing with religion. (Hey if my church let me watch old broadcasts of Shark Week at any time of day I probably would be more motivated)

Much like a mail-in queue(is it just me or are there too many "ue's" in that word?) you have a instant watch queue. You can scan movies till the day is long and save movies for later. I currently have 74 movies ready for my disposal. Also, Netflix streaming isn't just for us guys. There is a huge selection of reality TV for our wives to watch(The Hills, Kardashians, and other hoochie shows). Did I say "reality?" Ha! And...not that kids should be exposed to too much TV, but they have plenty of kids shows for easy viewing when you want them to zone out during lunch. (Barney, Backyardigans, Thomas the Creepy Tank Engine)

Because I feel the need to rate everything (movies, food, girls at the mall, etc) they let you rate movies and give you suggestions based on your previous ratings. Having a personalized service like that is never a bad thing.

So now that I've pledged my undying love for Netflix, let me give you the cons. There might be a few seasons of a show like "Dexter" but only the first two. Come on Netflix, where are seasons 3 and 4? Also, there are times that a movie on instant watch can expire and is only available to rent on dvd. That sucks when that happens, but hey, you still get rentals mailed to you whenever you want. I would like a bigger selection of movies on streaming, but thankfully Netflix is catering to that and paying movie companies massive amounts. They recently struck a deal with Fox, Universal, and Warner to bring their movie catalog to streaming. This is a very good thing.

I don't know what more to say. If you're not currently a member, shell out the 9 dollars a month and get one mail-in dvd at a time and unlimited streaming movies. You will not regret having your fill of Steven Seagal movies. Netflix streaming gets 5 stars from me. I'm waiting for my advertising check any day now.