Just as NetFlix is battling bad press after increasing prices and
switching around their subscription packages, and stalwart massive big
box bookstore chain Borders is going out of business with discounts that
make those Persian rug sales look like they are holding back, Wal-Mart
has expanded its behemoth business to new heights by starting to offer
DVDs streamed via WalMart.com on the same day they go on sale.Much like iTunes, customers will be able to purchase new DVDs and download them to their computers, or rent them and stream them to be viewed within a specific window of time. However, Wal-Mart will not be offering any unlimited packages or monthly plans.
As you can imagine, this is a huge deal. If Borders had done something
like this, maybe they wouldn't be going out of business. Wal-Mart has
shown they can continue to adapt and expand their business beyond just
being a store in the neighborhood, which gives them an opportunity to
reach out to younger customers who want to do everything online and
instantly.
Like it or not, this could also be the future of movies. I love the theater experience, but aren't there times you don't want to battle the idiots text messaging throughout the film, rush around to get a good seat, pray the bathroom isn't a den of filth and hope you don't get caught sneaking some candy in?
With flat screens expanding, home theaters becoming more impressive and the ability to download a movie in a matter of minutes, the idea of watching a blockbuster like Captain America at home on opening night is inevitable. Will we get those movies through AMC.com? WalMart.com? WarnerBrothers.com? MartinScorsese.com?
Like it or not, this could also be the future of movies. I love the theater experience, but aren't there times you don't want to battle the idiots text messaging throughout the film, rush around to get a good seat, pray the bathroom isn't a den of filth and hope you don't get caught sneaking some candy in?
With flat screens expanding, home theaters becoming more impressive and the ability to download a movie in a matter of minutes, the idea of watching a blockbuster like Captain America at home on opening night is inevitable. Will we get those movies through AMC.com? WalMart.com? WarnerBrothers.com? MartinScorsese.com?
