Sales of Blu-ray titles have begun to have a measurable impact on the sales figures of standard DVDs, especially since the demise of the HD-DVD format, the non defunct high definition disc format. The recently release “No Country For Old Men” (Walt Disney Home Entertainment) has seen 9.8 percent of overall disc sales in the emerging Blu-ray format according to Nielsen VideoScan statistics. “Hitman” from 20th Century Fox released at the same time scored even higher Blu-ray sales with 12.6 percent of overall disc sales. Continue Reading…
Now that the HD-DVD format has been relegated to the bargain bin at your local home entertainment mega-store, prices for Blu-ray titles are falling dramatically. Current offerings from well know retailers such as Amazon.com and Best Buy have many popular Blu-ray titles selling for less than $15, half the recent going rate. Retailers hope this strategy will act to jump start the next generation format and convince consumers to step up and invest in a new Blu-ray player. Also, with the cost per disc approaching that of standard definition DVD, why not just buy the Blu-ray version of your favorite title and experience true 1080p high definition video on your sleek and shiny flat panel display.
According to an Associated Press report, the mega electronics retailer Circuit City is extending the time period allowed for returns of previously purchased HD-DVD players. The electronics retailer is extending the return window from 30 days to 90 days to allow early adopters to receive credit toward a future store purchase. Since Toshiba has dropped it’s support of the now defunct high definition optical disc format, Circuit City managment is instructing it’s sales associates to “take care of our customers” and accept return of HD-DVD players within 90 days of purchase. Previously purchased HD-DVD disc are not included in the extended return period offer.