I have netflix and I love it. if you pick up a certain few tricks you can even use it more efficiently.
I think you'll find that in general new releases are being pushed out with more widescreen versions. at netflix I have seen both formats for some movie titles. I don't know how you would go about specifing which one you prefer. maybe you check a preferance box when you originally sign up or something, I have been with them for over 3 years (I think) so I really don't remember.
as far as tricks I can tell you about. one biggie. they don't really push new releases, they have them but they don't advertise them on their site. what I do is browse blockbuster online and look at what is new out there and upcoming releases. I type those movie titles into my netflix search box and I place the movies in my queue.
the reason I have heard they do this is to sorta curb demand on new releases. if they featured "true" -- they have a new release section but you'll see while they are "new" they aren't so recent, if that makes any sense -- they would have to buy a bunch of movies to meet their initial demand which would raise their operating cost.
I love it because they have a LOT of movies that are not carried by blockbuster or wal-mart. lots and lots of foreign, indie, music, etc. films.
I haven't paid attention in a while, but I believe there is a referral code included with each movie I receive. not that I would get anything but you would get your first month for free.