Walmart.com
$18.76 a month, three DVDs at a time
In brief: This just-launched service should be Netflix’s first major competitor.
Vital stats: 13,000 DVDs shipping from six stations. Delivery takes two to six days.
Bottom line: Web site needs work. Type in “Matrix Reloaded,” and up pops “Scent of a Woman.”
Netflix.com
$19.95 a month, three DVDs at a time
In brief: The granddaddy, founded in ‘97. Now has an estimated 98% market share.
Vital stats: 15,000 DVDs from 20 stations. Most subscribers get films in just one day.
Bottom line: Still the best. But it doesn’t tell us how long it’ll take to get a back-ordered flick.
Filmcaddy.com
$19.95 a month, four DVDs at a time
In brief: Blockbuster’s halfhearted foray into the online rental world.
Vital stats: 9,000 titles, all shipped from a hub in Arizona. Delivery takes two to three days.
Bottom line: Blockbuster obviously wants to keep its business in the stores.
