The exclusive year long deal with Microsoft is over and we finally have an XMB option for the PS3 as well as a channel for the Wii. Also coming to the PS3 version of Netflix is 1080p glorious HD and a first: 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound Plus.

This lack of 5.1 audio was one of my biggest gripes with Netflix for those hard hitting action movies. They just lacked the final punch needed to prevent me from buying blu-rays and movies still on DVD. Now that buying decision is even harder with 5.1 streaming audio.

To get the new XMB Netflix app just head on over to the Playstation Network section of the Main Menu and install it from the “What’s New” section. It’s completely re-designed for the PS3, allows searching for Instant Streaming movies, and runs even faster than before. All great things for movie watchers.

The Wii version of Netflix only takes up 49 memory blocks on the unit, so it’s a relatively small download. Nothing to prevent you from downloading that other Nintendo Marketplace download that will collect dust for months on end.

Enjoy the disc-free movie watching kiddos. Now it’s time to come up with a funny way to get rid of those pesky Netflix DVDs they sent out. Hmmmm, maybe some idiot will buy them on Craigslist?