# So what do you think of Netflix's new pricing? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 12, 2011, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769 "2011-07-12T18:17:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/1 "2011-07-12T18:17:08Z")
If you currently have the unlimited streaming + 1 DVD at time package that’s $9.99 a month, and want to keep that bundle, starting September 1, your cost will increase 60% to $15.98. They are no longer going to keep the combined pricing. You can have unlimited streaming for $7.99 per month and the 1 DVD at a time membership for $7.99 a month. If you want both, you will need to subscribe to both for a total of $15.98 a month. Apparently they are wanting to move more towards streaming only and away from physical DVD’s. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/2 "2011-07-12T18:21:12Z")
Well, it looks like I’ll be canceling my membership, then. I like the streaming, but I also like getting BRs in the mail. The picture quality is important enough to me for some movies that I want that hi-def picture. But at $16 per month, that’s almost $200/year and not worth it to me to continue my membership. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/3 "2011-07-12T18:21:41Z")
First I’ve heard of it. Looks like I’ll be dropping my 1 DVD (bluray, in my case), and be switching to Redbox. There’s no way a month of a DVD at a time is worth $8 + tax to me, even if Redbox increases their price to $2/disc (I believe a bluray is $1.50). I’m amazed they’re screwing their current subscribers. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/4 "2011-07-12T18:29:14Z")
Interesting. We’re currently on the 3 disc/month plan at $19.99/month. Seems that will go up to $23.98/month after Sept 1, which I really don’t think is that big of an increase. That said, boy, do DVDs linger in the house nowadays. 90% of our movie-watching is via Netflix insta-watch or downloading from Amazon. I’m thinking that we’ll drop to 1/month + streaming starting Sept 1, simply because we just don’t seem to watch the DVDs all that often, and whatever isn’t available on Netflix usually is on Amazon. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/5 "2011-07-12T18:33:56Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > First I’ve heard of it. It was just announced today. I think it’s pure bullshit, myself. I haven’t decided yet if I’ll drop Netflix entirely or just drop to streaming, but quite honestly Hulu meets more of my needs than Netflix does. I’d be more willing to pay for Hulu Plus at this point than Netflix. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/6 "2011-07-12T18:36:01Z")
In little white jeeps everywhere around the country, the nation’s postal workers are rejoicing. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/7 "2011-07-12T18:38:27Z")
Ouch. Looks like they’re going to lose money on my account. Given the large percentage of selections still not available for streaming, I’m likely to drop that and stick with the physical DVD plan only. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/8 "2011-07-12T18:39:53Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > In little white jeeps everywhere around the country, the nation’s postal workers are rejoicing. I doubt it. Less stuff to carry means less service they need to provide means less postal workers needed. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/9 "2011-07-12T18:40:47Z")
It would make sense if most of their movies were available for streaming. I can’t believe that they’re doing this. ---
**Author:** ![a35362](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/10 "2011-07-12T18:42:33Z")
I often watch stuff via streaming, but some DVDs have commentaries and other extras, so I would definitely want that option. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/11 "2011-07-12T18:43:47Z")
I expected this, but not for another year or two. I figured that was the main reason they were putting a lot of DVDs onto streaming; that they planned to put a ton more first and then raise the prices. I think I will also be dropping back to just the physical DVD plan. I liked it for the low price. 1.5 x is not really worth it at this moment. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/12 "2011-07-12T18:45:08Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > In little white jeeps everywhere around the country, the nation’s postal workers are rejoicing. :dubious: Netflix is almost single handedly keeping the USPS afloat. Ok, that was an exaggeration but not much of one. I doubt postal workers are happy about a decision that could put them out of a job. I understand where Netflix is coming from, even if it seems to screw over the customer base. They’re having to negotiate renewals of their licensing contracts to the major studios and those costs have skyrocketed in the 5-6 years since the last contract. They’re also getting hit from the other side when those same companies are the ones who get to decide what titles are made available for streaming and for how long. That said, 60% is a lot. Unfortunately, the streaming service is incredibly convenient (no commercials, multiple devices, etc) and the DVD service is one of the rare ways to watch some of the interesting niche titles that are DVD only and largely unavailable otherwise (classic Hong Kong kung fu, somewhat obscure European titles, 40+year old titles of almost all types, etc). ---
**Author:** ![Caveat\_lector\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@Caveat\_lector\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caveat_lector_1)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/13 "2011-07-12T18:47:04Z")
I bet that is why amazon just offered me prime for $39 a year. Looks like they got a taker then. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/14 "2011-07-12T18:47:07Z")
Netflix may be in trouble. There was a story yesterday (I forget where I heard/read it) that the studios want to significantly increase the catalog price when their respective contract renewals come up. So, I wouldn’t be too surprised if the rate goes up even further. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/15 "2011-07-12T18:49:18Z")
I’ll be dropping back to Instant only. I’m kind of at the end of my queue, anyway, and I really prefer watching movies online. ---
**Author:** ![filling\_pages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b9bd4f/32.png) [@filling\_pages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filling_pages)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/16 "2011-07-12T18:51:52Z")
Well, I’m one of those rare people who use the dvd service much, much more than the streaming. Looking at it now, I’ll just drop the streaming service and wind up paying less than I have been. I don’t like to watch movies on my computer. For one thing, it’s old and sometimes has issues. For another, I like to play around online while watching most things on my tv, and I like to be able to look up facts, actors, etc from what I’m watching at the time. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/17 "2011-07-12T19:04:12Z")
I just went to see if Netflix had anything up on their site about this, and found an article that makes me wonder if the people at Netflix have lost their minds. It kind of points out that the company may be screwing themselves over. I get that they are putting more stuff online, as many people like the streaming content: it appeals to the instant gratification need that modern Americans have. But the reasoning they are putting out for the new rates is that this will accomodate people who don’t want streaming, just DVDs. And, many ISPs are putting data caps in place, which is gonna mean that soon those streaming movies are gonna cost nearly as much as buying the DVDs, because people are gonna go over their data cap quickly. [ > [@](#): > > The changes comes amid a massive shift in entertainment, with more content being provided online. Internet service providers, meanwhile, are putting into place data caps that companies such as Netflix fear will hamper their businesses. > > The company said in a blog post that changes were meant to accommodate subscribers who want to only subscribe to DVDs. That’s a change of pace Netflix, which has said in shareholder letters and conference calls that it was retreating from its mail-order DVD business as more consumers turn to the Internet for video entertainment. > [@](#): > > “Given the long life we think DVDs by mail will have, treating DVDs as a $2 add-on to our unlimited streaming plan neither makes great financial sense nor satisfies people who just want DVDs,” wrote Jessie Becker, Netflix’s vice president of marketing. ]([http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-tech/post/netflix-increases-prices-for-streaming-dvd-packages/2011/07/12/gIQA5EFvAI\_blog.html](http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-tech/post/netflix-increases-prices-for-streaming-dvd-packages/2011/07/12/gIQA5EFvAI_blog.html)) That’s just idiotic, tho. If you don’t want streaming, $9.99 a month for DVDs with the option to stream (which is how I do it) is a great deal. Cutting the cost by $2/month but eliminating the option to stream means that now I would have to wait for the DVD of stand-up comedians or older movies or other things that just don’t need to be seen on Blu-Ray. I mean, Louis CK is funny, but he isn’t any funnier in 1080p, and frankly, I’m not gonna want to wait for his DVD or Blu-Ray to cycle up to the top of my list. That’s the kind of thing I just want to plunk down and watch after a long day at work. OTOH, _The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo_ or _Mega Mind_ are worth waiting for, as I know that they are going to look good enough that it will be an event worth sitting down for a couple of hours to see them. But if I can’t have the option of streaming for the stuff that isn’t going to look good but is still worth checking out, I don’t see a reason to only have one or the other. To me, the reasoning the company itself is giving is suspect, as it doesn’t seem to make any sense: no one wants DVDs… so we’re expanding our streaming content… but so many people only want DVDs without easy streaming content that we’re gonna let them not have streaming… that everyone wants but that ISPs will charge more for… If they just want to fuck people into only have streaming, they should just come out and say: we will no longer be delivering DVDs into homes, only streaming content. Because to me, it seems like a passive/aggressive attempt to get people to drop the DVD waiting game part of their subscription and only have streaming content, after which they’ll drop DVDs altogether, claiming that nobody wanted it anyway. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/18 "2011-07-12T19:04:25Z")
It’s gotten harder and harder to find something I want to watch instantly, and their DVD selection will get worse, I’m sure. I may be an ex-Netflixer in September. ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/19 "2011-07-12T19:09:52Z")
I ditched cable back in April and now use Netflix streaming over my Apple TV. In fact, I don’t even have a DVD player anymore. So, if Netflix gets too expensive, I’ll just go back to renting with iTunes. Between that and Hulu, I should manage. ---
**Author:** ![redtail23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3e96dc/32.png) [@redtail23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/redtail23)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769/20 "2011-07-12T19:16:02Z")
Doesn’t really affect me, as I’ve only got the streaming. Although, if they don’t hurry up with expanding the selection, I may drop it anyway. If I want something that’s not on streaming, I go to Hastings. I generally want to watch a movie now, not a week from now. I’m not much of a movie watcher, so I don’t have a list of “things to see”. It’s more a spur-of-the-moment event. I’ve gotta check out Hulu one of these days. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-do-you-think-of-netflixs-new-pricing/588769.md?page=2)