Abstract
This paper includes the following issues 1) Blockbusters background 2) Their company structure 3) Their management structure 4) Their operational structure 5) Their competition and an industry overview 6) Their current operating strategies and 7) Their future plans.

Abstract
The paper provides the recommendation that any existing and potential shareholders should invest further in Blockbuster because the strategic outlook for the company is strong. The paper relates that Blockbuster's vast market presence offers it economies of scale across a number of entertainment sectors including DVD video rental, view on demand services, and game rentals, and these business models are related and generate traffic for each other in a complimentary fashion. Additionally, the paper notes that the company has the financial health as well as a strong portfolio in existing property assets that ensure that the company can maintain its underlying value based on its real estate holdings alone.

From the Paper
"The recommendation is that any existing and potential shareholders should invest further in Blockbuster because the strategic outlook for the company is strong. Blockbuster's vast market presence offers it economies of scale across a number of entertainment sectors including DVD video rental, view on demand services, and game rentals. These business models are related and generate traffic for each other in a complimentary fashion. Additionally, the company has the financial health as well as a strong portfolio in existing property assets that ensure that the company can maintain its underlying value based on its real estate holdings alone."

Tags:blockbuster, questions, video

Abstract
This paper explains that Blockbuster achieved its success through focused goals, effective marketing strategies, a clear knowledge of the market attained through market research, expansion and pricing according to marketing demands, and an involvement with the community. This paper relates that, in 2002, Blockbuster expanded its gaming market by purchasing the UK-based video game retailer, Gamestation, resulting in the development of Game Rush, a store-in-store concept to rent, sell, or buy new and used game software and hardware, which shares an entrance with Blockbuster stores. The paper relates that Blockbuster's marketing philosophy is closely intertwined with its concept of serving humanity through many service programs, stressing diversity in the workforce and customer base, sponsoring the filmmakers' category of the NAACP's ACT-SO Program and minority film festivals, and community projects, such as Boys & Girls of America and Children's Miracle Network.

Table of Contents
Blockbuster's Marketing Concepts and Strategies
Marketing Style and Philosophy
The Success of Blockbuster

From the Paper
"Blockbuster's increased focus on retail for example has resulted in strategic planning (Desjardins, 2003, May). This includes a variety of newly created programs, as well as expansion in terms of in-stores selections of movies, games and equipment. Rent subscriptions, movie and game trading, as well as store-in-store concepts, are some of the new strategies to attract customers and ensure the return of existing customers. Specifically, the new concepts include the Blockbuster Freedom Pass, a rental subscription program that allows the customer to rent an unlimited supply of movies without restrictions such as return dates or extended viewing fees."

Tags:community, games, service, diversity, naacp

Abstract
The paper attempts to identify the causes of Blockbuster Video's recent problems and to provide a reasonable action plan for the future, which includes solutions for a better operational performance of the company. The paper is divided into sections, each dealing with a different aspect of the issues Blockbuster has faced over the past few years. First, a description of the company's current business approach is given, followed by an explanation of some of the problems the company has faced. Some of these are also seen from the customer's perspective and considered to have impacted the company's profits. This is followed by recommendations that are aimed at maximizing the company's capacity to increase its interaction with its clients and perform better. The paper concludes by proposing an integrated website that will present more of the services that Blockbuster can offer to its customers, and thus improving its viability as a company.

Outline:
The Blockbuster Process
Identified problems
Proposed solutions
Integrated online website
24/7 services for the website
Decrease profit margins
Conclusions

From the Paper
"The Blockbuster business process is based on a good business relationship with the producing studio by which Blockbuster keeps 60 % of the rental free, with 40 % going to the studio. At the same time, Blockbuster offers movies (DVDs) for sale and, through its portfolio of acquisitions, games and other services. At the same time, the company has launched its online service to counter the threat of competitors like Netflix on this segment and has been consolidating its position in this area by adding facilities like the possibility for the client to drop the rented movies either at the nearest Blockbuster store or through the usual postal delivery. "

Tags:profit, online movies, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty

Abstract
This paper analyzes industry life-cycle stages of the video-rental market, focusing on Blockbuster, and assesses the inefficiencies in the new industry stage that opened the door for Blockbuster's market entry. It also discusses how well Blockbuster exploited its competencies based on efficiency, quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction across the growth and mature industry stages. Finally, it looks at Blockbuster's likelihood for survival in the final stage of the industry life cycle, mergers, and the disappearance of inefficiencies.

From the Paper
"Findings are that Blockbuster initially delivered phenomenal efficiency, quality, innovation and customer satisfaction to overcome problems in the new industry stage. Although it would later struggle across each of these areas it would eventually recover, but with one fatal exception, technology innovation. Miscalculations in technology adoption rates and inadequate middleman strategies to participate in pay-for-view and video-on-demand services leave the company vulnerable in the final stage of the industry life cycle for video rentals. Blockbuster's largest concern is make up for lost ground in technology innovation."

Tags:technology, market

Abstract
This paper uses four types of financial ratios---leverage ratios, liquidity ratios, efficiency ratios and profitability ratios---to summarize large quantities of financial data from Blockbuster Inc. (BBI) and Netflix Inc. (NFLX) and to compare their performances. The author points out that, because Blockbuster Inc. carries the heavy weight of debt, if Blockbuster loses market share and revenues are spread thinner, they will have a hard time repaying that debt. The paper states that current trends in this industry are in Netflix's favor because more and more people are opting not to drive to their local video store but rather have several selections mailed to them at once; however, both companies are challenged by companies that sell movie downloads. Many tables.

Table of Contents
Leverage Ratios
Total Debt Ratio (Debt to Assets) = Total Liabilities / Total Assets
Liquidity Ratios
Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities
Quick Ratio = Cash + Marketable Securities + Receivables / Current Liabilities
Net Working Capital to Total Assets Ratio
Efficiency Ratios
Asset Turnover Ratio = Sales / Average Total Assets
Profitability Ratios
Net Profit Margin = Net Income / Sales
Operating Profit Margin = Net Income + Interest / Sales
Return on Equity = Net Income / Average Equity
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In liquidity ratios there is a major focus on current assets. Efficiency ratios judge how effectively the company is using them. The asset turnover ratio shows how hard the companies' assets are working for them or against them. [Table: Yearly Asset Turnover Ratio] Blockbuster as expected has a steadily increasing Asset Turnover Ratio as their assets are older and more depreciated. Netflix and their assets are young compared to that of Blockbusters' and is evident in their highly erratic ratios. You can see spurts of growth between each year. Their numbers are greater in response to having less overall total assets than Blockbuster and their thousands of stores possess."

Tags:leverage, liquidity, efficiency, profitability, virtual

Abstract
This paper looks at Blockbuster's efforts to win a larger share of the video rental market while, at the same time, continue to retain its existing customers. The paper examines Blockbuster's strategies for handling competition from other video rental companies, which include changing the way it bought movies from suppliers and introducing different pricing policies. The paper goes on to discuss other problems Blockbuster continues to face because of stiff competition and the inability of its current marketing and business strategy to handle these problems.

From the Paper
"Blockbuster has 2800 video stores in 28 countries around the world, many of which are franchises. Its membership is thought to number 40,000,000+ people. Blockbuster manages $5 billion in annual sales, and is the top retailer for movie rentals in the US. Recently, however, it has been facing tough competition, in view of the fact that the five major Hollywood movie studios are planning to rent movies to college students directly, and in view of the fact that new web-based movie-rental companies are starting up, for example, Netflix, which offer more flexible, movie-on-demand services. We will be discussing more about this competition that Blockbuster faces later."

Tags:movie, netflix, late, fees, deliver, direct, studios, dvds, pass, games, service, entertainment

Abstract
The paper relates that NetFlix has attained market leadership in the online DVD subscription marketplace despite Blockbuster having the broadest market presence of any entertainment rental retailer globally. The paper compares the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing these companies and assesses the trends in the industry.

Outline:
Synopsis
Comparing Strengths
Comparing Weaknesses
Comparing Opportunities
Comparing Threats
Assessing Trends
Conclusions

From the Paper
"NetFlix is credited with creating the online DVD subscription service business model, when the company launched its online service in 1999. Blockbuster, the global leader in video rentals has approximately 9,000 stores operating in 24 countries, launched its own online DVD subscription service in 2004. During the five years NetFlix was the sole provider of online DVD rentals, the company attained a subscriber base of approximately 7 million, was able to attain profitability, and has significantly re-vamped its internal logistics and order management systems for high efficiency and low cost of operation."

Tags:rentals, movies, brand, loyalty, customers

Abstract
This paper explores the development of the popularity of "The Sound of Music" from a highly succesful Hollywood blockbuster, to a queer camp classic, popular with a niche audience, for which it was not originally intended. The paper argues that some of the critically objectionable points of the film's genre, style, dialogue and subject matter at the time of its release actually contribute to its current success, and finds that the assumption of a camp aesthetic with respect to viewing the film actually changes our understanding of it.

From the Paper
"In 1965 "The Sound of Music" was both a blockbuster success and an Oscar winner. It became, at the time, the biggest grossing movie in history (IMDB "The Sound of Music"). Its success, however, is quite difficult to explain. It was the last of Hollywood's great musicals and for the sixties, a quite traditional, even old-fashioned, picture. Nonetheless, it certainly contains elements that make for mass appeal, and one could even argue that the anti-war sentiments portrayed therein might have resonated with a generation whose foremost concern was the Vietnam war. Yet, the..."

Tags:film, camp, musical

Abstract
This paper presents a detailed case study of Netflix Inc., with financial statistics for the years 2003-2007. The writer demonstrates that Netflix is a market leader in a growing industry and positioned for continual growth as well as expansion to new and developing markets. The writer explains Netflix's current growth strategy, consisting of leveraging, customer service, and expansion, and gives a detailed SWOT analysis. Suggestions are provided for successfully implementing all aspects of the company's growth strategy, including detailed financial calculations, and recommendations for dealing with all aspects of the changes involved. The writer concludes that the new strategy should guarantee Netflix's continued success over at least the next 10 years. This paper contains tables and figures.

Outline:
Introduction
Current Financial Health
Profitability Ratios
Liquidity Ratios
Leverage Ratios
Current Strategic Plan
SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Industry Analysis
Rivalry
New Entrants
Substitute Products
Suppliers
Buyers
Key Success Factors
Competition
Strategy
Plan of Action
Financial Vision
Milestones, expectations, and variables
Implementing Changes
Avoiding Errors
Handling Resistance
Internal Changes
Measuring Success

From the Paper
"The market for online DVD rentals seems to be experiencing a steady growth, mostly at the expense of brick and mortar retailers or rental locations. This may be a result of any of the following: constantly increasing number of people who are able to connect to the internet, negative experiences in purchasing or renting in brick and mortar stores, or people who are simply looking for new ways to save some money. However, the competitors are constantly trying to develop new ways to attract customers, and one innovation could be enough to slow down, or even stop the growth of online DVD rental business."

Tags:income, industry leader, video games, best-cost provider, cost-cutting broadband, market share, streaming wireless