I have walked into a Best Buy and peeped the Blu-ray and HD DVD titles just to see what was out there and also to notice how much they are charging folks for high-definition titles. I mean, seriously, who the fuck pays $34.99 for 300? How are any of you spending money on these high-definition titles if retailers are only out to rape you?
Anyway, an article out of Twice (same company that owns Variety) we learn that starting in March Best Buy will begin “prominently showcasing†Blu-ray Disc hardware and software in its retail stores and online. The decision was made to give consumers direction and clear up confusion that remains in the ongoing HD disc format war, but HD DVD software and hardware will still be available (in a dark and damp corner of the basement).
Brian Dunn, Best Buy president/COO, is quoted saying, “Consumers have told us that they want us to help lead the way. We’ve listened to our customers, and we are responding. Best Buy will recommend Blu-ray as the preferred format. Our decision to shine a spotlight on Blu-ray Disc players and other Blu-ray products is a strong signal to our customers that we believe Blu-ray is the right format choice for them.”
On the heels of the announcement that Netflix is going Blu-ray exclusive it seems the end may be near for the HD DVD format with Paramount and Universal the only two major studios still supporting the format and Paramount with an out in their exclusivity contract.
Jodi Sally, Toshiba digital A/V group marketing VP, responded to the comment saying, “It’s unfortunate to see a valued partner like Best Buy make the decision to push consumers toward Blu-ray. We’re also aware of the Netflix decision to only stock Blu-ray movies for rental going forward. Given these developments, Toshiba will continue to study the market impact and the value proposition for consumers, particularly in light of our recent price reductions on all HD DVD players.”
Suffice to say, things aren’t looking good, that’s at least my opinion after a quick study. I love the HD DVD format and believe it is far more advanced than the Blu-ray in terms of ease of use in terms of its special features, but Blu-ray is emerging as the victor (I believe widely due to the success of Sony’s PlayStation3) and it may be time for the HD DVD camp to pack it in.
