Netflix Now Charging More for Blu-Rays

zingo · October 2008

I just received this email from Netflix:

As you may know, Blu-ray movies are more expensive than standard definition movies. As a result, we're going to start charging $1 a month (plus applicable taxes), in addition to your monthly membership charge, for unlimited access to Blu-ray movies.

The additional charge for unlimited Blu-ray access will be automatically added to your next billing statement on or after November 5th, 2008 and will be referenced in your Membership Terms and Details. If you wish to continue getting Blu-ray movies for $1 a month more, you don't need to do anything. If not, you can remove Blu-ray access anytime by visiting Your Account at the Netflix website.

Since I have a two movie membership, my monthly total goes up $2 just because I have the Blu-Ray option enabled; whether or not I actually rent them. Since I'm pinching pennies right now, I just disable my Blu-Ray option, even though I've had it since they started offering them.

bobman1235 · October 2008

I think it's pretty reasonable. You're using a service that costs more, they pass the extra charge onto you. If you don't use it, you don't pay for it. It would break their model of having only a monthly fee if they started charging extra for each Blu-Ray movie, and it wouldn't be fair to the majority of people who DON'T rent Blu Rays if they charged everyone extra.

BTW, where do you get the $2 increase? It's $1 per plan.

zingo · October 2008

I looked at my rate sheet and it said $2 since I had two discs. Did I read that wrong? Does someone else have a multi-disc plan with Blu-Ray?

Shizelbs · October 2008

Lame, but whatcha gonna do?

mmadden28 · October 2008

But BR has always cost more than standard DVDs, why all of a sudden is this news to them (Netflix). They knew the cost going into it. If they knew they would be charging more, they should've made the BluRay access without fee a limited time offer. Kinda like a bait and switch (in a stretchy sorta way). Of course if they are finding that its too expensive after the fact, then they should've worded thier letter differently, or made it a surcharge per BR rental, rather than a flat monthly addition.
Its kind of like the cable company saying "we're increasing the rates on the premium channels-if you don't like it you can cancel the service"
Just my 2c.

bobman1235 · October 2008

I think of it more like it was a perk they were providing with a budding technology that didn't have wide distribution. Now that it's popular, it's taking more and more off their bottom line and they're forced to do something.

Netflix has (almost) always been very reasonable and up front with their customers. It always amazes me when people expect a company to give them things for free.

tcrossma · October 2008

mmadden28 wrote: »

Its kind of like the cable company saying "we're increasing the rates on the premium channels-if you don't like it you can cancel the service"

Cable companies do that very thing all the time.

mantis · October 2008

I'm cool with it. As good as Netflix is, I will pay the extra charge. I get a mix of Blu HD and Dvd movies.

Dan

mmadden28 · October 2008

tcrossma wrote: »

Cable companies do that very thing all the time.

Yep, that was my point in saying it-more of a comparison than an unlikely analogy--Once the company has you...;)

Ron-P · October 2008

I have no issues at all with the increase. $9.99 a month to rent as many Blu's as I can, it's still a hell-of-a lot less then going to my local Ballbuster at $5 a movie.

wingnut4772 · October 2008

That's life.

ntculenuff · October 2008

i'm ok with it too. i understand the increase, i figure it might have something to do with shrinkage, people keeping them and such. and yes from what i read it is only a $1 increase per plan not per movie.