Netflix streaming out-does DVD's for first time ever

DVD, Netflix

1997-2010

Netflix DVD's were a fine companion for many Friday nights. Seeing Netflix come in my mailbox was always a treat, and having them sit on top of my box was a site of pure joy. Netflix started off simple enough, with modest means, quickly taking over for it's blue cousin, Blockbuster, destroying everything, including its red cousin, Red Box. Netflix DVD passed unexpectedly in the third quarter of 2010. Survived by a loving internet streaming family and hundreds of thousands of fans. Services will be held at a later date.

Pretty good obit, right? It's a gift, really. You may be asking why I am writing an obit for Netflix DVD's. The reason is because for the first time ever, Netflix streaming out sold the DVD counterpart. It's a huge deal because it seems to be a sign of things to come for the company and the industry as a whole.

So, are you contributing to the alarming trend of DVD's being dead? Do you like the streaming or do you think DVD's are alive and well?

Netflix streaming is coming to the Wii

Yay, the wonderful Netflix that allows customers to watch some movies instantly is coming to the Nintendo Wii console this spring. Like the PS3, users will have to put in a disc that allows them to use the service, but as long as you have the monthly subscription, there is no additional charge.

This is great news if you don't have an X-Box or PS3, as it allows users even more laziness. Now, you don't even have to get off the couch to go to the mailbox, it's right at the remote. Now, what would be cool is if you could use the motion control to kill off some of the characters. Yes, there are a few in mind!

Youtube to premiere its first full-length movie

A documentary called Home will be the first on Youtube to be available the same time as the theatrical version. This is a big move by Youtube to increase profits and advertising rates in an attempt to get some of its market share back from rival Hulu. Don't expect any mainstream blockbusters to be on the list just yet, but it is a step in the right direction.

This idea is good and all, I'm happy anytime anyone makes it easier for people to see movies. I also think this is a great way to combat piracy. The one thing I don't like, though is there are commercials, placed at random intervals without any regard to the particular scene in the movie. I guess the real question will be, does anyone actually care about this, or has Youtube come and gone the way of Napster.

I, personally use Hulu any time I can, but Youtube just has so much content, it will be hard to avoid. I am not one who will watch a movie on my computer, however. There is something to watching a movie on a TV, or especially in theaters; the experience will always be better. Will this really be an alternative to trekking to the movie theater or your Netflix queue? I would say it probably will be, for a pretty large group of people, provided the commercials and pop-up ads don't get too extensive.

For me, I'll stick to my DVD's, thanks. How about you, if there is a movie on Youtube, will you watch it or stop by your local Blockbuster or put it in your Netflix queue?