Wal-Mart is going Blu-ray exclusive by June—they won't even stock older HD DVD stuff at that point. While Netflix and Best Buy pulling Blu were hard blows to HD DVD, when the world's largest public corporation won't stock your products, you're basically doomed. Wal-Mart is the avenue to the unwashed masses, and, as an emerging format, if you're not rolling on it, you've effectively fallen off the radar of millions of people. It's probable Toshiba already knew this, hence the rumors of it finally pulling the plug. If they weren't considering it before, it's gotta weigh heavy on them now. Update: Press release below.
Wal-Mart Moving Exclusively Toward Blu-ray Format Movies and Players Bentonville, Ark., Feb. 15, 2008 - Wal-Mart Stores, U.S. today announces that its 4,000 Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores will move forward this year with one hi-definition movie and hardware format: Blu-ray. The change will take place quickly over the next several months whereby the retailer will phase out HD DVD offerings and reorganize shelf space. By June, Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Clubs, http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com will offer only Blu-ray movies and hardware machines, as well as standard definition movies and DVD players, and up converts.
"We've listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases," said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Home Entertainment, Wal-Mart, U.S. "With the customers best interest in all we do, we wanted to share our decision and timeline with them as soon as possible, knowing it will help simplify their purchase decision, increase selection, and increase adoption long term. We anticipate enhancing our selection with continued great values in hi-definition Blu-ray products, so our customers can further enhance their entertainment experience at home."
Wal-Mart will continue to sell through remaining HD DVD product, but in less than 30 days customers will see a more predominant move toward Blu-ray in stores, clubs and online. As the nation's largest retailer, Wal-Mart thoughtfully reviewed all areas and impact in making its decision, and is excited to move forward with one format and share its future plans with customers
Post subject: Re: Wal-Mart Goes Blu-ray Exclusive in June
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 9:06 pm
AnalLog
Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2004 11:15 pm Posts: 25452 Location: Under my wing like Sanford & Son Gender: Male
Yeah, I think Blue Ray is splitting hairs. Especially when you've got people getting any old movie on Blu Ray just to see it in that format. There comes a time when you can't tell the difference in quality, and a crappy flick remains a crappy flick.
_________________ Now that god no longer exists, the desire for another world still remains.
Post subject: Re: Wal-Mart Goes Blu-ray Exclusive in June
Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:46 pm
Supersonic
Joined: Sun Oct 17, 2004 3:02 pm Posts: 10690 Location: Lost in Twilight's Blue
I don't even have my own HD set up yet, but I can tell you that if you see a blu ray run in full 1080p I think you'll be able to tell a major difference between that and regular dvd's.
Of course, newer movies look better than say, Dawn of the Dead, which blu-ray just makes look grainy, but personally, I can't wait to make the switch.
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