I use Redbox for new releases (add 3 weeks to the release date).
Netflix streaming for random, off the wall things like the ESPN 30 for 30 special on Bo Jackson.
I use Amazon Prime when Netflix slows to a crawl, plus they have a few shows you can't get on Netflix.
Surprisingly, the library has a decent selection of DVDs.
Anything recent that I may have missed on television...well there are other means.

Agreed. The selection sucks these days.

We've been using Apple TV or HBO Go recently for streaming.

The funny thing is, if I see a movie on Netflix that is less than a year old, I can pretty much tell it must have really sucked at the box office.

I tested my theory a few times and "yes" the movies were "B" rated actors and special effects at best. OK, more like "C" or "D" rated. lol

Case in point! The new Nicholas Cage movie "Stolen". I felt bad for Nick when I seen his movie on Netflix before it was 50yrs old because I knew it must have sucked. And it sucked BIG TIME!

Save $8.00 a month and spend "maybe" $3-4 a month on one or two GOOD, New releases at Redbox.

Before you know it, you will forget they are taking that $7.99 a month and you haven't even fired up the Wii in over 8 months.

Anonymous wrote:I really like Netflix for relevant documentaries, great foreign films, and some very good indi flicks.

If you like big blockbusters and big names then Nexflix will be a bust for you.

OP here. We have identical tastes.

However, here is how a lot of my queue goes.

Seven Psychopaths -- Very long wait
56 up -- unknown availability
The Duchess of Langeais -- unknown availability
Room 237 -- unknown availability
The Flying Scissors -- un. availability
Traces of the trade -- un. availability

Another 15 classics, indies, and docs with Unknown availability despite having been in Netflix catalogue for two years.

Anonymous wrote: And Netflix does have the advantage of the Wii connection that amazon hasn't added yet. (Anyone in the know here? Are they ever going to offer a Wii interface?)

Amazon is on the Wii right now... I actually set it up on my Wii like two days ago.

I don't find much good stuff (movies, anyway -- TV shows are easier) on either Netflix streaming or Amazon Prime streaming. (Netflix streaming actually seems slightly better.) So far I've kept my Netflix DVD subscription for that reason. Redbox seems like a good alternative too.

Redbox, in our Giant and only $1.20 or $1.50 a night. Can return at any other redbox location too. I subscribed to their text and get free movie codes often (also can search the internet for codes).

What's the selection like? It can't be that broad, in that refrigerator-size box.

I really like Netflix for relevant documentaries, great foreign films, and some very good indi flicks.

If you like big blockbusters and big names then Nexflix will be a bust for you.

Redbox, in our Giant and only $1.20 or $1.50 a night. Can return at any other redbox location too. I subscribed to their text and get free movie codes often (also can search the internet for codes).

Anonymous wrote:I was upset that Downtown Abbey season 3 and all seasons after will be Amazon exclusive.

Did you know that season 3 is available for streaming on PBS?

We supplement with red box as well. You do have to transport but the locations are so convenient we are usually near by anyways

Anonymous wrote:I think the mail version is passe. You need to go to the instant streaming. It's the bomb.

no netflix streaming is all old stuff.

The selection on the streaming movies SUCKS and the DVDs take forever to get. I agree with you, OP.

I've found Amazon prime streaming to be lamer than Netflix. I make do with Netflix instant and just resign myself to not seeing anything that's a new release. I'm still catching up on movies from my 70s childhood, plus the TV series selections are good.

On the rare occasions we ever want to watch an actual recent major release, we rent from Amazon streaming. Expensive, but that seems to be the current version of the neighborhood video store.

Holy crap am I the only one who subscribes to hulu? Talk about a suck-tacular movie selection. They should be embarrassed to charge people for that service. I got it to use on my nook and I recently got a new DVD player that streams hulu, Amazon, Netflix, Pandora, npr, crackle etc etc. Netflix had slim picking butcan usually fine something though three search feature is cumbersome. Hulu is just crap for movies tho TV shows and documentaries are ok and Amazon is good but pretty expensive for newer movies and they don't seem to have the 3rd Harry Potter movie which is weird. I have seen then all and this I'd the next one but they had it last week but can't find it this week.

Anonymous wrote:Some of their deals with studios and other distributors have expired, so they don't offer as much as they used to. They did just strike a deal with Disney, but that won't go into effect for a few years.

I don't read the business pages, so didn't know about this. But when PP mentioned a deal with Disney, I thought OH! That's why we've been able to get higher quality kids movies lately! I wonder if this deal has anything to do with recent changes at all...