To stream or not to stream, that is the question

Instant gratification has slowly replaced the need for human interaction, and Netflix is sheer proof of that. The video service provider not only offers access to a collection of 100,000 titles for a flat rate, it even streams selected films and shows online, available at the click of a laptop touchpad mouse.

“I use Netflix religiously. Its accessibility has changed our movie watching experience,” said Nopa resident Liz Tran.

Netflix single-handedly drove Blockbuster and countless independent video retailers out of business. Customers complained that late-fees enforced by video stores were unreasonable, and with Netflix that worry is a thing of the past. Multiple people can access a single account online, boosting its convenience factor even further.

Although Netflix has taken the market by storm, Blockbuster fought back with a similar streaming system. The attempt was quickly left in the dust for several reasons. Blockbuster charges per movie download as opposed to unlimited streaming provided by Netflix, and on top of that they have a 24-hour expiration time. Blockbuster Streaming requires movies to be downloaded to a computer, whereas Netflix streams everything online, offering access from anywhere.

In this technology-driven society, how do independent video stores stay afloat in such competition? Film Yard Video on Divsadero St. has managed to stay in the race.

The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about all film genres, eager to make suggestions and nerd out over Star Wars. After all, their job involves watching movies all day long.

“If you like movies, you can sit around and talk to us about them all day,” said Film Yard employee Robin Griswold.

Open until 11 p.m. every day, Film Yard welcomes late-night browsers with popcorn. The store is small but packed with an extensive selection and peculiar categorization style (by classics, “based on books”, physical humor, cult, director, etc). They even have plenty of VHS tapes. But Netflix has a much greater selection, and even Film Yard employees take full advantage of it.

“I totally have a Netflix account, but don’t tell my boss!” said Grisworld.

In her view, Netflix complements independent video stores rather than eliminate business altogether. The digital craze hasn’t affected sales noticeably.

“This is a neighborhood business. There is some sort of loyalty from our customers,” said Griswold.

The online video service provider may offer instant streaming, but the interactive element that is a major part of the film community is lacking in the digital world. Loyal customers are not willing to give up that experience.

“I’ve been going there for years. I owe them a lot in late fees, but that still won’t keep me away,” said customer Jaime Nabrynski.

Customers understand the strict late-fee policy, said Griswold. The store needs to keep movies in constant rotation to keep business going.

So will the convenience of digital domination overpower geeky film chatter at Film Yard Video? For now, the answer is thankfully no.