Netflix and Movies

Netflix has changed the way many people think of movies. Now, for only ten dollars a month, you have access to a huge streaming database of television, movies, and trailers. Furthermore, you can stream from their database using a variety of devices, including smart TVs, game consoles (including Wii, Xbox, and Playstation), and computers. Furthermore, it can be registered on up to five devices, easily letting a family share a single account. With this ease of access and use, along with a large pool of entertaining titles, people are reconsidering their entertainment needs. More than a few are beginning to think Netflix might be able to satisfy all their entertainment needs.

There are a few problems with the Netflix model, however. For one, they are unable to obtain premium content, such as HBO, SHOtime, and Starz. Often, it is these premium channels that drive new and exciting content. Netflix’s content is the opposite of this, often being older material. While this does not mean it is any less entertaining, and some of it is indeed considered classic, it makes for a long wait for anything resembling a new movie. This, unfortunately, means you’re out of the loop when it comes to discussing new movies with friends and family. That is a serious problem for any die-hard movie fans. Also, to be able to stream from Netflix’s database, you have to be connected to the internet with a fairly good connection in able to stream. Technology being what it is, that means that there will be times when you have a hard time streaming Netflix. Whether it’s because of internet connection issues, hardware problems, or simply spotty internet coverage, the end result is no Netflix. And lastly, because streaming video involves quite a bit of data, you run the risk of being throttled by your internet service provider (ISP), depending on your contract. If your ISP throttles you after a certain amount of data usage, then consistent use of Netflix is guaranteed to get you to that point quicker than you’d like.

The point of movies, as well as television, is entertainment. When the movie business was first started, it was considered a social activity. While that has changed somewhat today, it still holds true. People go to the movies with friends, or on dates. And while there’s nothing to stop anyone from watching Netflix with their friends, going out to a local movie theater and watching a movie is honestly just more social than sitting at home watching old movies on Netflix. Simply said, it’s hard to beat the excitement of waiting for a movie to come out, loading up into a car with your friends or significant other, and going down to the cinemas to check out fresh Hollywood movies . And what is the point of watching exciting new movie trailers if you’re not going to go see them?

Netflix is a good addition to any household. But they are not the end all solution for household entertainment needs. They are great as a supplement, but Hollywood has nothing to fear in the immediate future.