OT, trivial:Netflix question...

[aliceinwonderland]

When Netflix has finally updated the "release" date of a film, from "unknown" to a certain date, how long before they carry and ship it?? Is there a waiting list of sorts, if others have requested before me??

ETA: Never mind, looks like Amazon will carry it. I think I'll just buy it instead :)

[writermama]

Well, you've solved your problem, but I'll answer anyway. Netflix tends to get new items pretty much the instant that they are released. And, at least in my experience, they tend to get them in mass quantity, so even if there is a wait, it's usually short.

As far as I know, the policy is first come, first served, but I don't know exactly how they work it (If you've had the movie on your list for months before release, vs. your return just came in and the new DVD just became available on the same day.) If you want to guarantee you'll get it the moment it comes out, buy it on Amazon or camp out at blockbuster as they're unloading the truck. If a few days wait doesn't bother you, Netflix will be fine, and might suprise you by getting it sooner.

I've had more trouble with older DVDs that are out of print or they have in severely limited quantites. I can remember one with a "long wait" at the top of my list for months. They just kept sending out my #2 choice. They ended up not being able to get that one at all, actually.

Hope this made a little sense.

[aliceinwonderland]

Thanks. I was interested to see that the release date that Netflix has is one day earlier than the one Amazon offers. At any rate, i have had it in my netflix list for months, and I am in no huge rush since I already waited this long for it. The fact that it's even being released on US-compatible DVD made my day!

Blockbusters would not have it, I am virtually certain. They have not had even less obscure films (can you tell i am not a huge fan?)

[psophia17]

When we had Netflix and had new releases in our queue, often the new release would come the day it was released - Netflix would mail it the day before, that's why the release date a day early.

As with book publishing, I believe DVDs and videos are shipped and in stock at the store well in advance of the release date - that's just the first day the new release can be sold.