Blockbuster to stock Blu-ray (and Blu-ray ONLY)

[GS News]

Originally Posted by qj.net

[Only registered users can see links. ]

Does this mean the format wars is over? Well, for [Only registered users can see links. ], it seems just that. [Only registered users can see links. ] just released a statement that Blockbuster will exclusively carry high-def discs in Blu-ray format in 1,450 of their stores. This decision came from an analysis done in 250 branches where they carried both Blu-ray and HD-DVDs. It was found that more than 70 of the consumers rented out Blu-ray discs [Only registered users can see links. ]. Blockbuster senior VP of merchandising had this to say:

The consumers are sending us a message. [...] [Only registered users can see links. ]. When you walk into a store and see all this product available in Blu-ray and there is less available on HD DVD, I think the consumer gets that [more studios are releasing films in Blu-ray].

True enough, most major studios are supporting the Blu-ray. Another factor, of course, would be the release of the PlayStation 3, which gave the Blu-ray format [Only registered users can see links. ]. It's now believed that Blockbuster's decision could be the first step in shifting the balance and will allow other retailers to follow suit.

The North American HD-DVD Promotional Group, however, sees Blockbuster's decision as unfounded. [Only registered users can see links. ] thinks that basing their move on the Blur-ray flims' success over the first three months of the year was too short-sighted.

Despite it all, Blockbuster will still keep renting out HD-DVDs in their original 250 locations and online. But as it stands, that's 1,450 stores with exclusive Blu-ray, and 250 offering Blu-ray and HD-DVD. [Only registered users can see links. ].

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[Momma Bear]

Now I am not trying to rain on anyone's parade but where I live there are three Blockbusters within a 3.5 - 4 mile radius of eachother (that I have noticed so far). Same as when I use to live in DE and Chicago. So out of 250 stores in I would say affluent neighborhoods, how many homes do you think owns a PS3? Causing the 70% Blu-ray rentals?

If you have it your gonna use it. If I did, I would.