I find myself torn, so I'm asking the opinion of whatever readers I may have and any friends they may have who have experience.

Netflix surfaced some time ago as the premier internet movie rental service. You pay them $N per month, they give you a few DVDs for as long as you want them by mail, no shipping cost. Return them when you're done and get more.

Blockbuster now provides the same service, but offers the added advantage of two free in-store rentals a month, which means that if I should happen to feel spontaneous one night and want to go grab a couple of flicks and a pizza I don't have to pay for them. That seems like a nice advantage.

So here's the question - what does Netflix offer that Blockbuster's service doesn't? Is there anything? You tell me. Please.

I use Netflix and love it. Blockbuster doesn't have the selection Netflix has, and from my understanding it has less new releases available on release date. There have also been complaints that popular DVDs tend to be backlogged.

Ignore anything about delivery times on either service unless it is from someone local. Both services suffer, and benefit from the placements of their depots. Netflix has good turn around times for me.

From what I've read from people, the in store rental isn't that big of a deal, as it is cheap enough to be spontanious anyway. Personally I use On Demand very occasionally to watch something. Maybe every couple of months.

Netflix has better community features. A more accurate recommendations engine (based on your ratings). You can link up to your friends and see their wishlists.

If you email me your email address, I have a one month free trial for Netflix I can send your way. The standard is 2 weeks.

I also read a news story that Blockbuster was losing money on this, even though they have promised store and online integration soon. Netflix news today reports that Netflix may be bought by Amazon, so they definitely aren't going away.

I have http://www.hackingnetflix.com/ in my RSS feed, some good information for you there.

Hmm, this got a lot longer than I thought!