I was in my local Target today. They used to have 3 columns of Blu and 3 columns of HD DVD. This has changed to 4 columns of Blu and 2 columns of HD DVD. Perhaps the rumors of only supporting HD DVD in-store were true?

Has anyone else noticed this? If so, I think we should be emailing Target as well as Blockbuster (other thread) asking for equal support of both formats. How is the consumer supposed to choose if they aren't given a choice at all?

Perhaps the gentleman who started the HD DVD newsletter and the petitions to the studios could whip something up that we could all copy, paste, and send off to both Blockbuster and Target.

It could hit the recent developments (paramount, dreamworks, $199 Venturer player by holidays, etc.) It could mention fairness and letting the customer decide (equal new releases for each format, not just BluRay and having just catalog HD DVD titles). It could mention alternatives where we can take our business if they don't want it (Hollywood Video and Netflix, Walmart and Best Buy). I'm sure there is more one could throw in there, like Transformers, Shrek the Third, Knocked Up, etc. How can they sell/rent them if they don't carry them?

Any other ideas? Anyone up for composing a very well written, informative, threatening, and persuasive letter we can all use?

Yep I saw this too at 3 different Targets in my area. Sony is spending money on Target.

The Blu-ray camp has done a much better job thus far at in-store advertising (especially Best Buy). Although honestly when I look at overall disc sales it seems like a total waste of money so far.

Target very seldom had new releases and their prices were terrible in both formats. I don't think Target is having any effect on the format war.

Hmm... I noticed this as well in the newest and largest Target in my area which just opened in late July. They too had 3/3 rows, now 4-blu and 2-red.

I didn't think it was anything to think about, but now that you guys see the same thing, I wonder if something's up.

Things will most likely change now that Paramount is HD DVD exclusive. I can't really see Target losing out on money from stuff like Transformers and Shrek 3 on HD DVD just because Sony is paying them to push Blu-Ray.

We already know that Sony has purchased end caps and exclusivity for their Blu-ray player at Target later in the year. Only makes sense for Target to give Blu-ray priority with money coming from Sony.

For something to happen so uniformly across all Targets it makes me think that shelf space was probably purchased as part of the deal.

Well, lets just say that Target is no deciding factor, or an informed store. I too have seen this. But there was something else I saw that made me laugh. Monday, in the new release section, they had slots for Blades Of Glory. DVD, HD DVD, and yes, well after the announcement, Blu-Ray. I understand the Best Buy weekly add thing. But to create space for something that was announced a week earlier to not be getting a release? That simply shows how "in touch" Target really is. Then today I was in target again and saw the funny little empty slot that still read "Blades Of Glory, Blu-Ray". This of course was in a different Target than Monday. Showing just how out of it the company really is.

Sony is spending money on Target because they know HD DVD -- specifically Venturer -- will have dibs on Wal-Mart this Christmas.

Same here. All Target and Walmart stores have 4 rows of BD and 2 rows of HD. Walmart has been this way for a several months. Ironically, Target switched the day before P-Day.

Yep I saw this too at 3 different Targets in my area. Sony is spending money on Target.

The Blu-ray camp has done a much better job thus far at in-store advertising (especially Best Buy). Although honestly when I look at overall disc sales it seems like a total waste of money so far.Sony is spending money on Target.I guess you haven't considered that how the consumers are spending their money at Target and other B&M outlets may be influencing these moves by retailers?

I guess you haven't considered that how the consumers are spending their money at Target and other B&M outlets may be influencing these moves by retailers?

Funniest statement of the year :) We all know it goes deeper than that.

Same here. All Target and Walmart stores have 4 rows of BD and 2 rows of HD. Walmart has been this way for a several months. Ironically, Target switched the day before P-Day.

Odd this should come up. I was in Target yesterday to have a prescription filled and I galavanted over to the DVD's. Four rows for Blu, 2 for HD DVD. But, almost all of the HD DVD were gone and there were plenty of blu's. Now, that could mean they are reordering bluray and have not for HDDVD or, they could not be selling much blu. They had 9 copies of "300" on bluray and only 1 on HD DVD.

Not saying any of this means anything other than what it is, but it seems Target is giving the bigger shake to bluray. And with sales the way they have been, I see no problem with that. Freddy

I guess you haven't considered that how the consumers are spending their money at Target and other B&M outlets may be influencing these moves by retailers?

I guess you haven't considered that the probable 3-4 HDM discs purchased each week at Target would have virtually no bearing on how the merchandise in the stores is marketed. And I guess you haven't considered that the fact the BDA has purchased endcap advertising would also likely have a bearing on the promotion of the HDM's.

Funniest statement of the year :) We all know it goes deeper than that.

They could just be looking at what has (up until the past week) been a 2:1 sales ratio, and decided to dedicate more space to the items that sell better. It's not like they've gotten rid of HD DVD, and once the sales turn around I'm sure the coverage will be back to equal.

Since Target raised the prices of their HD movies, why buy there? All there movies use to be $19.99 or $24.99 at the most then they went Best Buy on the consumer and prices went to the standard $34.99 for combos, $29.99 for non-combo new releases.

I noticed this as well a couple days ago at Super Target. 4 blue and 2 red shelves. No big deal for me since they are way overpriced. It is funny that a couple weeks ago it would have made sense to do this with the way things were going with the ~2:1 ratio, but now that things seem to be changing I have a feeling they will be moving that divider back over by Thanksgiving. I also noticed that they had new release HDM mixed in with the standard DVD so they weren't even part of the 6 dedicated shelves of overpriced poor selection.

I've noticed the same thing. It's too expensive to buy either format there IMO.

If they continue on like this through the holiday season it's going to backfire on them. Really bad business decision.

My Target is even worse. They have a relatively "huge" section for BRD/HD DVD but there is almost NOTHING there. They may have ~10-12 rows for both but I cannot tell which is for what format since the middle UPC labels are empty. They have a couple of 300's, 1 Hot Fuzz, 1 Batman Begins, and 1 Happy Feet for HD DVD. That's IT. They used to have some more but doesn't look like they've ordered more. BRD side isn't much better - a couple of 300's, 2 of each Pirates, 1 Night @ the Museum, and maybe one or two other titles. No Disturbia on either side even though they had it on launch day. Shooter was nowhere to be seen as well. They do have the labels that should be where 40 Y/O Virgin, Shooter, Disturbia, Superman Returns, etc. should be but nothing in them.

I actually would prefer to go to Target to get my movies since it is less than 5 minutes from my house and is just convenient. However, it just stinks to have such a bad selection of movies with most of them being out of stock. They were the same way with DVD back in the day - 1997 had Target with nearly nothing by way of DVD with new releases not showing up by maybe the gigantic releases. I'd give them more time when the adoption rate goes up. Otherwise, they have to replace better-selling DVD space with slower-selling HD and BRD media.

Hard to compete with 13.30$ HDs on Amazon right now anyway :D

I think Target will expand both formats as we get closer to Christmas. I'd like to see a few more columns added and getting rid of some of the dvds.

Target used to be a decent place to buy HD DVD/BD with their prices being in line with amazons for the most part, but now since they raised the price of everything $5 or more, its the same as Best Buy.

I guess you haven't considered that how the consumers are spending their money at Target and other B&M outlets may be influencing these moves by retailers?

Now, that is funny. :D Sony paying $$$$ for endcaps is what influences "these moves by retailers."

Cut the spin, my friend.

I picked up Hot Fuzz and Serenity at Target a couple of weeks ago. They only had 1 copy of each and the only reason I purchased was cause I had the $5 off $25 or more coupon, otherwise I would have been clicking away at Amazon. Their selection and prices were horrible and they had practically no stock of anything on BD or HD. Not a place I will be frequenting for HD DVDs that's for sure.

If I knew my wife spent $29.99 to get Blades of Glory from Target, I would have told her not to and I would have ordered from Amazon.

The Super Target near me has 2 rows for Blu-Ray , 2 rows for HD-DVD. Evenly divided across both formats. However, looking at the existing stock and speaking to the reps for that department tells another tale.

I spoke to the guy in charge of that section of the "Entertainment Department" (at least for that day) relayed that HD-DVD stock sells out about twice as fast as their Blu-Ray stock. (And this was evident by looking at their shelves. Full stock on all Blu-Ray titles, only a few copies of Planet Earth and Disturbia for HD-DVD.)

Granted, this is only for one Target location. I make no claims as to this being relevant somehow regarding nationwide sales.

Things will most likely change now that Paramount is HD DVD exclusive. I can't really see Target losing out on money from stuff like Transformers and Shrek 3 on HD DVD just because Sony is paying them to push Blu-Ray.

Target puts their new Day/Date releases in their New release section. So they will get more views.

A couple of things are at work here
a) HD-DVD owners are concerned about prices.
b) A majority of users bought their players online

1) those factors leads to a higher percentage of discs being sold online
2) Leading local outlets to see that (full priced) discs are not sold in store.
3) Leading outlets to stock less discs

If you want to support HD-DVD... go to the Target, best buy, Circuit City and buy some discs.

Dont buy all your discs at Amazon, and then wonder why Target is stocking less HD-DVD discs

I could care less about Target. I think Blockbuster is a bigger impact.

My Target did the switch from 3/3 to 4/2 columns in favor of blu-ray a few weeks ago...then yesterday I'm in there and there's no dividers anymore, and they mixed in regular dvds with both formats and dropped some of the high-def ones they carry.

WTH? Forget Target.

Then today I was in target again and saw the funny little empty slot that still read "Blades Of Glory, Blu-Ray". This of course was in a different Target than Monday. Showing just how out of it the company really is.

You should have moved some copies of Blades HD into that slot! :D

Same 3/3-4/2 change at my local Target.
Funny thing, nearly all the BD slots were jammed full..
Half the HD-DVD slots were empty!

If they're not re-stocking the BD slots... the writing was already on their wall. :p

I also scored a copy of the elusive (in my area, anyway) "Hot Fuzz", a couple $ under the usual Combo-price.

This is old news, I don't know where all you have been. It was widely reported that Target had decided to sell BD only, about the same time Blockbuster made the same announcement regarding BD only rentals. This is purely speculation at this point but they might decide to carry HD-DVD in light of the Paramount news.

This is old news, I don't know where all you have been. It was widely reported that Target had decided to sell BD only, about the same time Blockbuster made the same announcement regarding BD only rentals. This is purely speculation at this point but they might decide to carry HD-DVD in light of the Paramount news.

That was NEVER the report :mad:
The report was that Target will be selling a blu ray player later this year. No where did Target say they were dropping HD DVD.

If I knew my wife spent $29.99 to get Blades of Glory from Target, I would have told her not to and I would have ordered from Amazon.

That's a $2 price difference.

Seriously I think we should all purchase some HDM movies at our local retailers because if we dont we will never see more inventory. Who really gives a **** what color it is? Besides that you get to take it home and enjoy it. I purchase about 65% off my HDM locally so I can enjoy them, I dont get hung up on the" oh I spent $3 more than the amazon price." who care besides it takes online retailer way to long to deliver movies anyway.

In Target's defense, they have been putting high profile new releases on sale the first week, something Best Buy and Circuit City have rarely done. They also give more exposure by now placing them with the dvd new release endcap.

That was NEVER the report :mad:
The report was that Target will be selling a blu ray player later this year. No where did Target say they were dropping HD DVD.

In reading Ask Swammi and the HTF threads among others I had read where Target was backing BD only. I have not ventured into a Target to confirm so I suppose I should have kept my keyboard shut but according to another discussion, Sony bought endcap space at the B&M stores and agreed not to sell stand-alone HD-DVD players at their stores until 12/31/07. They can still sell online so that may be what is happening there. My apologies, you may continue.

In reading Ask Swammi and the HTF threads among others I had read where Target was backing BD only. I have not ventured into a Target to confirm so I suppose I should have kept my keyboard shut but according to another discussion, Sony bought endcap space at the B&M stores and agreed not to sell stand-alone HD-DVD players at their stores until 12/31/07. They can still sell online so that may be what is happening there. My apologies, you may continue.

smell antitrust?

In reading Ask Swammi and the HTF threads among others I had read where Target was backing BD only. I have not ventured into a Target to confirm so I suppose I should have kept my keyboard shut but according to another discussion, Sony bought endcap space at the B&M stores and agreed not to sell stand-alone HD-DVD players at their stores until 12/31/07. They can still sell online so that may be what is happening there. My apologies, you may continue.

Exactly. They are still supposed to sell HD-DVD movies as well as the Xbox 360 add-on.

smell antitrust?Why would that be anti-trust? It's not like either format is on the verge of a monopoly and they didn't strong arm the dealer into this deal a la: "If you don't stop selling HD DVD we don't sell you any Blu-Ray and you KNOW that is what everybody wants."

Neither BDA nor the DVD Forum are in any position to be considered a monopoly.

smell antitrust?

No more so than what Microsoft was rumoured to have done with regards to Paramount. At this point I don't care what they do, I just want one format, i'm siting out till then unless I hear the fat lady warm up.

How Target thinks is based on what Wal-Mart is doing. Target is very much aspirational in taking over the #1 spot (from #2) and will do anything it perceives to be different from the giant.

A big thing they also do is put too much of a focus on immediate trends. If they think that BR is outselling by any significant margin, they will pay attention to what is happening on paper as opposed to the reality in the industry (read: events outside the organization, like the Paramount deal.)

Same 3/3-4/2 change at my local Target.
Funny thing, nearly all the BD slots were jammed full..
Half the HD-DVD slots were empty!

If they're not re-stocking the BD slots... the writing was already on their wall. :p

I also scored a copy of the elusive (in my area, anyway) "Hot Fuzz", a couple $ under the usual Combo-price.

Exactly the same for me at my Target--has switched to 4/2 in favor of BD, but over half of the HD DVD slots were empty. I wasn't sure if that meant they were selling that much better, or if Target just wasn't restocking them as quickly.

Sony is being more aggressive on the retail level, I am guessing HD-DVD is pushing big on Walmart. Money is involved on all sides of this thing, if it's not cash then it's incentives, its been going on since the beginning and will continue till the end.

how could Target cut back on their already crappy HD DVD support?

Who cares, they are the last place I'd go.

the target within walking distance of me has a hd/bd section with about 12 discs each. they shouldnt even bother putting those out. but then the selection of products at target just isnt for me. I really like how clean and neat the store is but this is due to not having any traffic flow through the store. I see very few people at target and i dont see how that store makes any money at all.

This happened at the Target in Cockeysville, MD as well. 4 columns of Blu Ray, and 2 of HD DVD.
The BD slots were all full of movies, and the HD DVD slots, all had maybe one or two in each. Either the HD DVD's are selling, or they are not ordering enough replacements.

My local BB though has a huge section of both BD and HD DVD.

Yeah, I think Target raising the price pretty much stopped me from buying there. Hell, I bought Cinderella Man for $13 on HD DVD durring winter. I wonder why they decided to start ripping people off all of a sudden. It's not like they've improved their selection to justify charging more. Oh well, again, it's Target. I think HD DVD in WalMart will have a much bigger effect. Since that store gets about ten times the traffic. Targets problem is they are popping up everywhere! It's ridiculous. They're going to build themselves out of buisiness.

If you want to support HD-DVD... go to the Target, best buy, Circuit City and buy some discs.

Dont buy all your discs at Amazon, and then wonder why Target is stocking less HD-DVD discs
No offense, but I *can't* afford to buy discs at Target($25+ most times), Best Buy($24.99 *minimum for any given HD DVD) or Circuit City(butt raping MSRP and higher).

I don't think anyone is wondering why Target is stocking less HD DVD material, the news of Sony paying them pretty much took care of that.

For my money, I'll hit Frys, where the HD DVDs are affordable and plenty. Target can suck it.

Amen to Fry's and their ~$15 HD DVD's

No offense, but I *can't* afford to buy discs at Target($25+ most times), Best Buy($24.99 *minimum for any given HD DVD) or Circuit City(butt raping MSRP and higher).

I don't think anyone is wondering why Target is stocking less HD DVD material, the news of Sony paying them pretty much took care of that.


So blame it on Sony... Despite the fact that users such as yourself dont buy discs at target.

If Customers dont buy HD-DVD discs at Target.... Why would they continue to carry them?

If you want target to carry more HD-DVD discs... then start shopping for HD-DVD discs at Target.

If I knew my wife spent $29.99 to get Blades of Glory from Target, I would have told her not to and I would have ordered from Amazon.


You still better THANK her and not complain!!! What an awesome wife you have.

So blame it on Sony... Despite the fact that users such as yourself dont buy discs at target.
Again:

"I don't think anyone is wondering why Target is stocking less HD DVD material, the news of Sony paying them pretty much took care of that."

If Customers dont buy HD-DVD discs at Target.... Why would they continue to carry them?
You're assuming too much. You act as if the group of us here who can't afford to shop for HD DVDs represent the public as a whole. People are buying HD DVDs at Target, they wouldn't sell them at all if noone bought them.

If you want target to carry more HD-DVD discs... then start shopping for HD-DVD discs at Target.
I want Target to start carrying better prices on HD DVDs, once they do that I'll start shopping for HD DVDs there. You can't expect people to actively be excited and want to support an establishment that charges damn near MSRP for every disc when you can simply go to Frys and get it for $10 to $15 less.

I want Target to start carrying better prices on HD DVDs, once they do that I'll start shopping for HD DVDs there. You can't expect people to actively be excited and want to support an establishment that charges damn near MSRP for every disc when you can simply go to Frys and get it for $10 to $15 less.

Agreed. It isn't our job as the consumer to make retail stores our favorite charity. Retail needs to lure us there, we the consumer aren't here to try to prop up a franchise. In fact, boycotts are more effective than a rag-tag group of consumers trying to throw profits to a store out of charity.

Bingo.

You're assuming too much. You act as if the group of us here who can't afford to shop for HD DVDs represent the public as a whole. People are buying HD DVDs at Target, they wouldn't sell them at all if noone bought them.


Hence the reason that they are cutting back on HD-DVD. The discs are not selling as well because many HD-DVD owners shop online. They buy their players online... and they shop online to save some extra $$$ on discs.

Thats great. But dont act shocked when B&M stores cut back on stocking discs.

Look above, Micheal Mullis would rather wait a couple days to save $2 on Blades of glory. Nothing wrong with that. But that type of mentality is a reason why Target cuts back on HD-DVD discs.

I think the Combo Disc prices are really hurting HD DVD at retail. Until studios stop putting out DVD versions of their films the combo disc is hurting HD DVD more than it's helping it. Combo disc only makes sense at retail if there is no standard DVD version of the film.

Hence the reason that they are cutting back on HD-DVD. The discs are not selling as well because many HD-DVD owners shop online. They buy their players online... and they shop online to save some extra $$$ on discs.

Thats great. But dont act shocked when B&M stores cut back on stocking discs.

Look above, Micheal Mullis would rather wait a couple days to save $2 on Blades of glory. Nothing wrong with that. But that type of mentality is a reason why Target cuts back on HD-DVD discs.


AHA! So YOU'RE the one who spelled my name wrong on the Blu-ray.com zealot's list! :)

So are you telling me that people are ok buying $30-35 Blu-ray discs from Target?

If HD DVD's come down in price then I'll buy them from Target. Until then I'll get them the cheapest place I can. For me that's Amazon.

Look above, Micheal Mullis would rather wait a couple days to save $2 on Blades of glory. Nothing wrong with that. But that type of mentality is a reason why Target cuts back on HD-DVD discs.
Just to point out, that $2 figure you quoted is a little misleading. When you take into consideration things like sales tax and the 10% discount that many of us get from Amazon, the difference is closer to $7 than $2.

Same here. All Target and Walmart stores have 4 rows of BD and 2 rows of HD. Walmart has been this way for a several months. Ironically, Target switched the day before P-Day.

The local Walmart by my house has 0 HD-DVD's and 0 Blu-Ray. I asked the sales person why that was and he said "We don't have any, because they won't send them to us." Local Target, haven't checked recently. Will make a point to though.

My local Target is still split 3/3. The BD slots are overflowing, while most HD DVD slots are empty, like Hot Fuzz, 300, etc.

AHA! So YOU'RE the one who spelled my name wrong on the Blu-ray.com zealot's list! :)

So are you telling me that people are ok buying $30-35 Blu-ray discs from Target?

If HD DVD's come down in price then I'll buy them from Target. Until then I'll get them the cheapest place I can. For me that's Amazon.

Yes.
1) people spend more on BD players. They are probably more immune to higher prices.
2) A majority of people buy their Stand alone BD players instore(IE PS3).
3) is your name spelled weird? Or do I spell Micheal wrong all the time? :)

Yes.
1) people spend more on BD players. They are probably more immune to higher prices.

But apparently not as many then. With all these different CE's you'd think BD players would be destroying HD DVD players, sans the PS3 which no one can decide is a BD standalone or not. But they aren't, so yes some are immune to it's higher price, but not a lot.

I'm not one of them either.

2) A majority of people buy their Stand alone BD players instore(IE PS3).

Just for the record so I can use it against you later (just kidding), you say the PS3 IS a standalone.

3) is your name spelled weird? Or do I spell Micheal wrong all the time? :)

It's you. :) Michael is the correct spelling.

But apparently not as many then. With all these different CE's you'd think BD players would be destroying HD DVD players, sans the PS3 which no one can decide is a BD standalone or not. But they aren't, so yes some are immune to it's higher price, but not a lot.
.

Just remember, NPD quotes for Sales are US based. But a lot of people quote worldwide PS3 sales when including them in attach rates. The PS3 has sold 1.87 million in the US. Standalones(not sure...) 250K = 2.1 million BD players

There are what? 500K HD-DVD players including the 360 drive(not sure). So BD players outnumbers HD-DVD by ~4:1.

Weekly Sales lately range from 2:1 to almost 3:1. Yeah, the attach rate on the PS3 is worse. But BD doesnt outnumber HD-DVD 10:1 or anything. - My numbers could be totally wrong, so fix them if you have them.


Just for the record so I can use it against you later (just kidding), you say the PS3 IS a standalone.

You are right, I was going to write stand alones... but I am not so sure about them alone, so I included the PS3, who are the majority of buyers anyway.

It's you. :) Michael is the correct spelling.

Damn. I am always spelling that wrong.

Basically, what I am saying is that you guys.... in this thread, dont generally buy HD-DVDs at B&M stores. Less People buying at Target = Less sales = Less likely to carry the product.

If more people bought from target... they would probably carry more HD-DVD discs. I know it sucks that they charge more. But instore products usually do cost more than online. Look at the HD-A2, its what $220 online, and $300 in store.

IMO, BD includes more people who are likely to buy discs in store, even at $30. Just an opinion.

For the record, I do tend to buy new releases in store, if I can find a small discount. IE, I bought pirates 1+2 at Best buy for $50+$2.50tax, when I could have bought it from Amazon for $46, and I picked up 300 at Target. I dont want to be forced to join prime, just because amazon has decided to hold my order for 3-5 days before shipping. Those Jerks. I buy catalog titles online because I dont mind the 1.5 week wait.

The reason I pointed this out is not because it makes a difference to people on here (early adopters), but because it definitely influences people that shop in the stores.

Its holiday shopping, Mom and Dad are in Target and see twice as many BD titles as HD DVD. They think to themselves, that must be a pretty hot product. A week later they are renting a movie at BB and see only BD titles. The thought is reinforced. Its basically advertising if nothing else. Its public perception. If the public perceives BD is more readily available and it keeps getting thrown in their faces, whcih are they more likely to invest in?

Thats the reason I mentioned perhaps starting petitions for equal support in brick and mortar stores...not just online (like the ones we did for studios). I received the updated campaign HD email so now I know the originator's name is Edward :)

Its not for us, the ones who are already sold on HD DVD, resisting the BLU koolaid, and know where to buy HD DVDs. Its for the general public.

The reason I pointed this out is not because it makes a difference to people on here (early adopters), but because it definitely influences people that shop in the stores.

Its holiday shopping, Mom and Dad are in Target and see twice as many BD titles as HD DVD. They think to themselves, that must be a pretty hot product. A week later they are renting a movie at BB and see only BD titles. The thought is reinforced. Its basically advertising if nothing else. Its public perception. If the public perceives BD is more readily available and it keeps getting thrown in their faces, whcih are they more likely to invest in?

But that only works to an extent. HDTV adoption and DVD adoption didn't take off that fast because while the exposure was there, the pricing wasn't. People shopping at Target are still going to look at the BD player price tag and say "well, that's too expensive just to play movies".

I think this is where the Venturer player changes that landscape. Even with less titles on the shelf, someone can say "well, the movies I like are still over here, and look the player is only $150!"

I think that's our trump card. Target and such aren't going to be able to watch Walmart scarf up player sales and stay out of that for long. And I'm betting they're wondering if Sony's money was enough to cover potential lost sales while people keep walking past the $600 player.

TARGET is not cutting back. Besides their next product reset (where they add and reaarange departments) is not until oct. So we will see what they do then. :)

The only reason some targets are 4-2 now is because the HD-DVD's are mostly sold out, and they've overstocked on blu-ray. Some minimum wage earner is just doing his job and evening out the shelves, so that the blu are not so crammed, and tightening up the HD-DVD selection. Making it look neater.

Give it a few months, the blu's will be on endcaps with those little red "clearance" stickers on them....

You guys are making way to much out of this.

I don't like this move, I see plans within plans.

Send a 3rd Stage Navigator to demand an explanation.

The HD-DVDs must flow!

I was in my local Target yesterday. There are now only 2 columns(down from 3) of HD-DVDs. The BD columns are now 5 from 3. My local Sams club just started carrying a BD player 2 weeks ago. Now this week, Blue Ray disks are showing up with no signs of HD DVD players or disks. I'm ill..........................

I was in my local Target yesterday. There are now only 2 columns(down from 3) of HD-DVDs. The BD columns are now 5 from 3. My local Sams club just started carrying a BD player 2 weeks ago. Now this week, Blue Ray disks are showing up with no signs of HD DVD players or disks. I'm ill..........................

Also check out Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry's. They have twice as many BD's as HD DVD titles. And the reason for this of course is the following (Just substitute above store names for Target)!!!!!

The only reason some targets are 4-2 now is because the HD-DVD's are mostly sold out, and they've overstocked on blu-ray. Some minimum wage earner is just doing his job and evening out the shelves, so that the blu are not so crammed, and tightening up the HD-DVD selection. Making it look neater.

Give it a few months, the blu's will be on endcaps with those little red "clearance" stickers on them....

You guys are making way to much out of this.

My local Target is also 4 rows Blue to 2 rows Red. Also not a single copy of Heroes in HD
Planet Earth both Blue and red is $15 cheaper than Best Buy.
I did buy Batman Begins there last night as it was under $19.95.
With exception of Planet Earth, Batman Begins and Troy the HD Dvd prices are identical to BB.

Gary

With the Christmas season coming, up movies will be a big part of peoples gift giving as it has for several years. With that in mind I don't think that Target is wanting to see people walk out of their stores empty handed and go to a competitor and buy their movies. They also hope that customers will buy more than one item while they are in their store. I don't think that Sony or any other studios could replace that amount of lost income. And if they did, every other store would be wanting the same deal from the studios.

And it could be that Target is just as confused about format war as a lot of us are.

You could always contact Target customer service; and let them know how you feel about the limited selection of HD DVD; they stated when they started carrying BR players exclusively that they welcomed the opinions of their customers and based on consumer reaction would adjust their stocking plans in the future.

I know you don't always get anywhere with customer service etc, but if you don't say anything then you don't have the right to complain.

You can send a message to Target customer service by going to the following link:

http://www.target.com/gp/help/display-contact-us-form.html?displayLink=tsq

Make sure you select "advertising feedback" as your reason for contacting them.

The problem with Target is that they are frequently out of stock of about half to three-quarters of the discs (HD DVD and Blu-ray) they sell. They keep many in stock to begin with and it takes a while for them to restock them.

3) is your name spelled weird? Or do I spell Micheal wrong all the time? :)

I'm a Michael who has been spelling it Michael forever. Although I do hear that from a lot of people "Is it -eal- or -ael?"

I spoke with the Manager at my local Target, He was once my brother's roommate oddly enough, and he told me they were cutting back on both due to the low sales of HD media in the area.

I've got good Target contacts here also - http://www.campaignhd.com/807_The_Time_Is_Now.html

Make sure and send the Target letter as well as any others you have time for - they'll take less than a minute apiece!

BTW - my experience at my local Target shows that there aren't even any BD players on sale there - but the thread was apparently deleted when some BD fans had a meltdown there...

It seems that BD is less concerned with selling Bluray players than just keeping HD DVD away from a natural Target market... talk about lost revenue to Target...

I've noticed that at a Bestbuy in Canada...they used to have equal amounts of BLU RAY and HD-DVD shelf space but it seems now they have squeezed all the HD-DVD's into a few shelves but BLU-RAY are taking up all the shelves across from HD-DVD. BLU-RAY also have those protective cases so perhaps this is the reason but it seems strange....
Same thing though...couldn't even find a blu-ray player there...just HD-DVD players...

LIP