Sad but very predictable. Akin to record shops etc.
Also a bit disappointing given the focus on smaller file size compared to bluray. Not trying to be a knob here, but if you've focussed on a decent home theatre setup, you want to feed it the likes of uncompressed audio and high bit rates that bluray can provide. It's not just about resolution either, so just because it streams in 4k doesn't mean it looks particularly great, especially if it's a dark scene.
I kinda liked a bluray for $4 from the local store.
Also interesting the move to TV production quality, in that I'm less and less into movies presently anyway.
The guy in United Video said at this stage they're doing good business. Anyone who wants to hire DVDs locally has only United to go to now. I can't see any other video stores opening up ever again.
When we moved there 10 years ago there were several local video/dvd stores in our local suburb. Curiously they kept putting their prices up - assume to combat dropping patronage - to a point where it was $10 or more for an overnight new release. Needless to say these stores didn't last much longer and closed.
When our closest one closed the New World had a kiosk where you could rent movies for $5 or $6. It was well used. It was an independent kiosk but then got rebranded as VideoEzy (buy out?). Then there were constant problems with the kiosk - seemed to start at the time of rebrand (could be a coincidence) and lack of updates titles. Then it disappeared.
This lead us to the United Video in Porirua. Obviously with a bigger customer base of the "city" it gets well patronised. The thing that struck me was that they had actually put their prices down to keep the punters coming in ($6 for a new release or $15 for 3 new releases). It seems to be working as its still a busy store.
So for me it seems they need to work on volume and not price gouge. Cinemas are the same really, prices keep going up. For that reason I normally go on Tuesdays when its cheaper. I know about over heads etc but cost of entry is shooting themselves in the foot.
TLDR; from my observations the price point is the biggest issue to pull in the customers.
My local Video-ezy closed here in Pt Chev in Auckland closed about 6 weeks ago. There is still one in Grey Lynn but not sure how long for . Have reverted to iTunes and Google Play now .
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