I had great plans for this week as far as HD DVD. I figured we would see Transformers sell a ton of copies. I also figured they would make an HD DVD week by having deals with players + transformers. That along with a bunch of sales on other HD DVD movies.

Nope. All I saw was blu-ray discs on sale. No doubt it was meant to offset the sales figures for Transformers, but it worked. To give you an idea though, between Amazon, Circuit City and Best Buy, I picked up 8 blu-ray movies. Each had slightly different sets of movies so it wasn't hard to do.

My point is, this is what blu-ray has been doing a lot of. 2 for 1 sales, 3 for 2, etc. The best deal that came for HD DVD was the Amazon sale end of Aug that which also incldued blu-ray. Note, I do not have a fry's near me, so I dont get to take advantage of any of their sales.

Here's to hoping that HD DVD retaliates with a similar sale on the week of Spider-Man 3 release. I'd really like to pick up a bunch of Universal catalogs, and would be more than happy to get 8-10 movies. I also do not understand why disc prices for HD DVD are higher when you consider that they cost less to produce (from what i've heard. I don't know the numbers).

I think that it's something that should be matched by the HD DVD group also. With all the "promotion" of these BD deals happening all over this and other forums, one can see a sales blip developing - http://charts.highdefdigest.com/history.aspx?TYPE=10&SPAN=1

However, I don't think it'll be enough to upset the impact of Transformers, once it starts shipping on Tuesday.

But yes, it would be nice to see similar promotions on HD DVD at the same time for safety... to minimise the impact of this BD counterattack.

The week started already? crap I'm late for work.

My local BB has in the last few days changed their mix of HDM. For ages they've had two racks of red and two racks of blue, now it's three racks of red and five racks of blue. Some of the BDs were discounted but none of the HD DVDs were.

Oh for the love of God. Not more anecdotal crap.

Sigh.........Transformers will do just fine folks.

Oh for the love of God. Not more anecdotal crap.

Sigh.........Transformers will do just fine folks.Yes! Looking forward to this one :D

Who cares really I'm buying transformers this tuesday and will enjoy it. As long as I can buy HD-DVD I'm good.

So what exactly is the point of this thread? Someone bought some BR disks? I ordered Transformers yesterday. I didn't realize I should have started a thread.

Here are some great $13.50 deals at Fryes - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=921813

Transformers HD DVD is a must own this week! ;)

Transformers HD DVD is a must own this week! ;)

+1

The week started already? crap I'm late for work.


:D Ha Ha..I was thinking the same thing. I was like isn't somebody a few days early.

Mike

:D Ha Ha..I was thinking the same thing. I was like isn't somebody a few days early.

Mike

In case some of you have not noticed, Sunday has always been the first day of the week. Really, check out a calendar.;)

I bought 8 blu ray movies as well that i wouldnt have if not for the deal. I still plan on watching transformers before any of those 8 films.

I really hope hd dvd does a deal for when spider man comes out on blu ray. I would buy tons of universal titles.

I think that it's something that should be matched by the HD DVD group also. With all the "promotion" of these BD deals happening all over this and other forums, one can see a sales blip developing - http://charts.highdefdigest.com/history.aspx?TYPE=10&SPAN=1


Is Amazon doing the sale?

Is Amazon doing the sale?
Yep, Amazon's on board with the Disney BOGO sale.

What's with all the supposed HD-DVD supporters coming in here the past couple days with thread titles like "Sorry guys but...."??? Like we give a **** if they bought Blu this week or any other week.

In case some of you have not noticed, Sunday has always been the first day of the week. Really, check out a calendar.;)
Agreed, I just checked all my calendars and Sunday is still the first day of the week. So, yes, this week has already started.:)

I also agree that HD DVD studios need to have some of the promotions as well. I really didn't have any plans of buying anything but Transformers this week but, I may have to grab a few BDs because of this BOGO sell.

I had pie with lunch today.

I had great plans for this week as far as HD DVD. I figured we would see Transformers sell a ton of copies. I also figured they would make an HD DVD week by having deals with players + transformers. That along with a bunch of sales on other HD DVD movies.

Nope. All I saw was blu-ray discs on sale. No doubt it was meant to offset the sales figures for Transformers, but it worked. To give you an idea though, between Amazon, Circuit City and Best Buy, I picked up 8 blu-ray movies. Each had slightly different sets of movies so it wasn't hard to do.

My point is, this is what blu-ray has been doing a lot of. 2 for 1 sales, 3 for 2, etc. The best deal that came for HD DVD was the Amazon sale end of Aug that which also incldued blu-ray. Note, I do not have a fry's near me, so I dont get to take advantage of any of their sales.

Here's to hoping that HD DVD retaliates with a similar sale on the week of Spider-Man 3 release. I'd really like to pick up a bunch of Universal catalogs, and would be more than happy to get 8-10 movies. I also do not understand why disc prices for HD DVD are higher when you consider that they cost less to produce (from what i've heard. I don't know the numbers).

FYI -- Fry's is also running a two for $27 sale on 21 Paramount HD DVD titles.

http://shop2.outpost.com/search?plusearch=4920631%205268837%205196666%205268817%20492 0621%205167096%205236077%204920681%205196686%205235777%20492 0671%205235927%205072945%204920691%204920701%204920661%20492 0611%205218697%204920651%204920641%205367538&site=sa:DVD%20Movies:Spot6

I had pie with lunch today.

pie? with lunch?!?! you should have started a new thread!

So what exactly is the point of this thread? Someone bought some BR disks? I ordered Transformers yesterday. I didn't realize I should have started a thread.

I think the point being made is HD DVD needs to offer similar sales on disc to counter the perception that BR is a better bargain and cost less to own.

I had pie with lunch today.

I had a very nice BM after lunch, myself.

I also think the OP was trying to point out that while Transformers might sell more than any other title, overall There might be more BDs sold in light of all the twofers going on. Personally, I think he may be right.

I understand the OP's point, but I think the thread title is a little inflammatory. Along with the fact there is an existing thread discussing whether/hoping for a BOGO promotion for HDdvd

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=922543

I would love to see a Zero Tolerance on all threads that only involve telling us what they bought, telling us that their Best Buy in Lost Nation, Iowa now has 3 rows of HD vs 2 rows of BR (or visa versa)...the "rock the vote" threads are boring and consume the first page of the forum, which could be reserved for individual reviews of Transformers. ;)

I think the point being made is HD DVD needs to offer similar sales on disc to counter the perception that BR is a better bargain and cost less to own.

Why? Just because BD is having a sale right now, doesnt mean that HD DVD has to.
How do you know they dont have something bigger planned already? Better then this BD sale?
How do you know that BD didnt offer incentives to retailers to only have sales on blu ray disks this week?

Dont worry the sales will come.....and whatever sales are happening now, someday there will be better sales....thats just how it works. This is the holiday season, every manufacturer on the planet has something planned.

All I know is that with limited funds, I'll be saving my hard earned dollars to ensure I get Transformers on HD-DVD, not wasting it on titles I "kind of want" on BD.

Why? Just because BD is having a sale right now, doesnt mean that HD DVD has to.
How do you know they dont have something bigger planned already? Better then this BD sale?
How do you know that BD didnt offer incentives to retailers to only have sales on blu ray disks this week?

Dont worry the sales will come.....and whatever sales are happening now, someday there will be better sales....thats just how it works. This is the holiday season, every manufacturer on the planet has something planned.

My comments reflect the fact that HD DVD disc sales are far too infrequent at this stage of the game. The disc promotions should also power hardware sales as well as vis versa.

Dont worry the sales will come.....and whatever sales are happening now, someday there will be better sales....thats just how it works. This is the holiday season, every manufacturer on the planet has something planned.

This thread wasn't meant to be inflammatory or anything. It was just to point out that blu-ray group did a smart move, and I hope HD DVD counters. I already have Transformers on the way, but for some reason, I was thinking they would have a sale to go along with it. Instead it turned out the opposite way. I'd be more than happy to buy a stack of HD DVDs if they would just offer more promotions. I think this goes for a lot of people. There just have not been that many promotions from HD DVD camp. Maybe Frys has sales, but a lot of people do not have Frys in their area. I hope you are right and there will be sales coming up.

Sorry to those who think this thread is a waste of time, but how many aren't? We'd be left with reviews and sales figures -- that's it. Though I'm sure some would like that. Maybe have a sub-branch thread?

Don't be sorry for starting this thread OP. I completely agree with you. The HD-DVD studios need to run some BOGO sales to pick up the pace of their HD media sales. Even though I own an HD-A1 and a PS3, I am a HD-DVD supporter. I only buy movies on Blu-ray that I can not get on HD-DVD, and I haven't bought a Blu-ray movie since January 2007. In fact my PS3 has been in our basement (not in the home theater) because the kids have been playing Resistance on it. I have been wanting to buy some of the Disney/Buena Vista Blu-ray exclusives, but I could not get a good deal on them until today. I bought 16 Blu-ray movies for $190. At about $11.90 a disc thats hard to pass up. This weekend the best prices for a limited selection of HD-DVD's were $13.50 a piece (I bought four of those :)). I will buy Transformers the first week like I bought Heroes and 300. My point is, don't blame the OP for telling the truth.

"My week has started out blu"

Truer words were never spoken. I picked up 22 titles and all I own is an A2...:eek:

Guess I'll have to spring for that Sammy combo after all.

What I noticed today during football is they advertised Transformers on DVD and HD DVD during the day but now during SNF they are only saying "buy it on DVD Tuesday."

Peter

I understand the OP's point, but I think the thread title is a little inflammatory. Along with the fact there is an existing thread discussing whether/hoping for a BOGO promotion for HDdvd

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=922543

I would love to see a Zero Tolerance on all threads that only involve telling us what they bought, telling us that their Best Buy in Lost Nation, Iowa now has 3 rows of HD vs 2 rows of BR (or visa versa)...the "rock the vote" threads are boring and consume the first page of the forum, which could be reserved for individual reviews of Transformers. ;)

I agree.

..especially about the anecdotal stories...they get very old very fast.

Who cares really I'm buying transformers this tuesday and will enjoy it. As long as I can buy HD-DVD I'm good.

EXACTLY! If I can buy my HD discs, and they look and sound great, what do I care?? If Transformers sells 500,000 discs am I going to enjoy the movie experience more than if it only sold 10,000 copies?


Nope.

I got in the Fry's deal of $13.50 for some movies I wanted in HD DVD.
If I had a BD player, I also would pick up some BD's that were on sale for under $10.

BD does seem to crank out more and more sales but if it's pro consumer, how are the studios making money if the discs themselves already are more expensive to make off the bat? Not something I care for but something I'm interested to know. Competition is always good for the consumer :)

Anyone know just how much it costs to make a Blu Ray disk? Counting all the money spent to put the movie on it?
This sale might be great for the consumers, but who do you think is paying for it? You get disk for half price, you actually think that the retailer is eating the lost revenue?
This sale is most likely subsidized by the BDA, they are paying for or paid the retailers back for those disks. Because they aren't free, not for anyone.
There's no way that Best Buy or Amazon or any other retailer is going to eat that kind of loss, for a format war......
Especially one, that isn't lining their pockets in some meaningful, immediate way.

The BDA paid for this sale, and is still paying for it, Maybe the HD DVD Forum just isnt ready to lose that kind of capitol. No one makes money charging half price for a DVD, unless those things cost waaaaaay less to produce then we think they do.

Pricing of HD DVD is quite higher than Blu-ray in US as well as Japan.
For ex, 90% of the Universal titles are priced between $35-$45 including titles like Hulk, Mummy , Bourne etc that are sold for $20 a piece in the states.

Moreoever studios are not creating the awareness on availability of outsoon HD DVD titles. For ex, The Complete Matrix Trilogy, V for Vendetta and Batman Begins were all released on Sep-7-2007 but they have been a no-show in many online as well as in-stores. The HD DVDs are also placed in the bottom rack in many of the stores which becomes hardly noticeable.

I think HD DVD is already a DEAD format in Japan. I hope that the Japanese release of Transformers HD DVD changes HD DVD's wheels of fortune in the land of rising sun.

Oh for the love of God. Not more anecdotal crap.

Sigh.........Transformers will do just fine folks.

Hence the BD push...They are worried.

Some of reponses I read from the posters in this forum are pretty funny. I don't find any of the supposedly funny posts slamming the OP in this thread humorous. This guy is expressing a legitimate concern about the HD format he supports and you are making fun of him. The point of his post was not to tell you he bought 8 Blu-ray discs today. It was to suggest HD-DVD may be losing ground to Blu-ray in the war because of these BOGO sales. He is suggesting the HD-DVD studios should consider doing this to pump up sales as well. I know some of you only care about the movies you can buy, but he is looking at the bigger picture. I agree that the several threads on this topic should be merged and the anecdotal comments such as how large of a display there is in your Best Buy should be stopped. Try easing up on some of the posters who support HD-DVD. At times it is difficult to believe some of these posts are in the AV Science forum.

....The best deal that came for HD DVD was the Amazon sale end of Aug.....You mean the one that lasted five minutes? .....and ended 4 weeks before they said it would??? :rolleyes:

Pricing of HD DVD is quite higher than Blu-ray in US as well as Japan.
For ex, 90% of the Universal titles are priced between $35-$45 including titles like Hulk, Mummy , Bourne etc that are sold for $20 a piece in the states.

Moreoever studios are not creating the awareness on availability of outsoon HD DVD titles. For ex, The Complete Matrix Trilogy, V for Vendetta and Batman Begins were all released on Sep-7-2007 but they have been a no-show in many online as well as in-stores. The HD DVDs are also placed in the bottom rack in many of the stores which becomes hardly noticeable.

I think HD DVD is already a DEAD format in Japan. I hope that the Japanese release of Transformers HD DVD changes HD DVD's wheels of fortune in the land of rising sun.

Most have not upgraded from VHS to DVD yet :D
The war will not be one or lost in Japan so don't worry yourself :)

My comments reflect the fact that HD DVD disc sales are far too infrequent at this stage of the game. The disc promotions should also power hardware sales as well as vis versa.
I totally agree. I applaud Warners for putting their software on sale at 25% off on their web-site. I ordered a ton of their movies despite their shipping problems. I sure would like to see something similar from Paramount and Universal before the holidays via their web-sites or thru BB or CC.

Don't be sorry for starting this thread OP. I completely agree with you. The HD-DVD studios need to run some BOGO sales to pick up the pace of their HD media sales. Even though I own an HD-A1 and a PS3, I am a HD-DVD supporter. I only buy movies on Blu-ray that I can not get on HD-DVD, and I haven't bought a Blu-ray movie since January 2007. In fact my PS3 has been in our basement (not in the home theater) because the kids have been playing Resistance on it. I have been wanting to buy some of the Disney/Buena Vista Blu-ray exclusives, but I could not get a good deal on them until today. I bought 16 Blu-ray movies for $190. At about $11.90 a disc thats hard to pass up. This weekend the best prices for a limited selection of HD-DVD's were $13.50 a piece (I bought four of those :)). I will buy Transformers the first week like I bought Heroes and 300. My point is, don't blame the OP for telling the truth.

Whoa.....damn good price, $12 average for an HD movie. Good Show!:)

It was to suggest HD-DVD may be losing ground to Blu-ray in the war because of these BOGO sales. He is suggesting the HD-DVD studios should consider doing this to pump up sales as well.

Has it occurred to you that the endless BOGO and 50%-Off sales sponsored by the BDA studios is more an act of desperation than anything else? Who do you think is paying for these promos? Do you believe that Disney is happy with pathetic BD sales and needing to discount titles to spur sales? By my count, this is at least the 6th major sale in 2007 alone on Blu-Ray software discounting titles by 50% (Best Buy twice, Circuit City, amazon.com twice, Fry's). Perhaps HD DVD doesn't feel the need to continuously eat profits in an attempt to sway sales figures and influence the public -- which is exactly the goal of the BDA. Sony's already subsidizing PS3's & disc manufacturing, dropped the price of its hardware in half looong before they claimed they would, and now the studios are giving away free discs constantly. Maybe the inflated $50 MSRP for Spidy and CEOTTK will offset the damage! :D

Transformers obviously has them concerned. They probably fear the HD DVD Forum will use the same tactic and release a bold press release stating their weekly sales victory over the competition. This format war is pathetic.

I think that it's something that should be matched by the HD DVD group also. With all the "promotion" of these BD deals happening all over this and other forums, one can see a sales blip developing - http://charts.highdefdigest.com/history.aspx?TYPE=10&SPAN=1

However, I don't think it'll be enough to upset the impact of Transformers, once it starts shipping on Tuesday.

But yes, it would be nice to see similar promotions on HD DVD at the same time for safety... to minimise the impact of this BD counterattack.

They don't even list Transformers at TheLookAndSoundOfPerfect (http://www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com/) !

The buy one get one free promotion is nothing less then a stunt by the BDA to try and capture the weekly sales on what would otherwise be a sure win for HD DVD.

They just want to say that Blu-ray outsold HD DVD every week in 2007 (and not mention the fact that half of the movies were given away for free).

Giving away movies to fudge the numbers... and then they'll pretend that consumers are choosing Blu-ray... a typical BDA move.

They don't even list Transformers at TheLookAndSoundOfPerfect (http://www.thelookandsoundofperfect.com/) !

Are you talking about this site:

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7418/transformerslz7.jpg

Are you talking about this site:

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7418/transformerslz7.jpg



LOL........+1

Now as far as the this BOGO sale, it shows more than anything how much the BDA knows that Transformers is going to do some real damage against them.

And I think despite this sale, it still will for one reason. The BOGO sale is targeted towards current Blu-ray owners. They just want to keep up their appearance of selling more software. The problem is that they'll sell that to their current base.

What Paramount is hoping for, and what I believe Warner will be looking at, is that Transformers sells new HD DVD players. Yeah, right now Blu-ray outsells HD DVD. If it didn't, with all those PS3's out there, then things would be BLEAK for Blu-ray. The problem is that Blu-ray isn't selling that much more than HD DVD. If Transformers is actually selling standalones and add-ons, that means the install base for HD DVD grows. And Paramount said as much as a reason to support HD DVD only. Sell more players, the software sales advantage will continue to shrink.

That's why I said at the beginning of the thread, Transformers will do just fine. No gimmicky BDA or Disney sale is going to change that. All they're going to do is sell movies to their current base. Transformers is going to grow HD DVD's base.

Yes Mike, i kinda always skip the first page and look for new movie titles in the movie section :o

Yes Mike, i kinda always skip the first page and look for new movie titles in the movie section :o

Ummm, that is the first image that comes on the main page. You kind of can't miss it.

And the website is all flash, so you can't "skip" the first page and go directly to another. That includes clicking on "Movies on HD DVD"


Your correct response should simply have been: "My bad, you're right. It's right there on the main page".

It would have saved me this response. :mad:

I also think the OP was trying to point out that while Transformers might sell more than any other title, overall There might be more BDs sold in light of all the twofers going on. Personally, I think he may be right.

I bought 25 titles on the promotions this weekend 5 of which were HD DVD. I received 2 red WHV preorders on Friday.. So that is 18 blue, 7 red... I am sure most people did not go crazy like I did on the BD the promos out there Still these BD promotions are likely to scew the weekly neilsen numbers toward blue and maybe offset Transformers. I think I averaged about $13.00 a title. I have to say this I am about done with my BD buying pretty much have everything I am interested in at this point from the BD ...

On HD DVD there is Transformers next week and whatever Warner decides to ship.. I am tapped out.... no mass for awhile. BD did a good job of enticing red fans to spend more dollars on blue this week. I understood this but the pricing was to good to pass. Especially if you compare it to BB's everyday rapings. I never buy BD for non exclusive regardless of the pricing.

Ummm, that is the first image that comes on the main page. You kind of can't miss it.

And the website is all flash, so you can't "skip" the first page and go directly to another. That includes clicking on "Movies on HD DVD"


Your correct response should simply have been: "My bad, you're right. It's right there on the main page".

It would have saved me this response. :mad:

No need to get crappy Mike. I added the :o as i was genuinely embarrassed at missing it AND indeed next time i won't make a peep Mike, being jump on and belittled by the HD DVD faithfull is just sad.

No need to get crappy Mike. I added the :o as i was genuinely embarrassed at missing it AND indeed next time i won't make a peep Mike, being jump on and belittled by the HD DVD faithfull is just sad.

Sorry man. You didn't appear embarrassed. You appeared to be getting smart with me because I put up the image. I apologize if that wasn't your intention.

In case some of you have not noticed, Sunday has always been the first day of the week. Really, check out a calendar.;)

Yeah, but the OP talks about all the Blu Rays at local stores on sale when Tuesday is the release date for new releases. So, he wasn't factoring in releases in 2 days. Thats how I took it.

Has it occurred to you that the endless BOGO and 50%-Off sales sponsored by the BDA studios is more an act of desperation than anything else? Who do you think is paying for these promos? Do you believe that Disney is happy with pathetic BD sales and needing to discount titles to spur sales? By my count, this is at least the 6th major sale in 2007 alone on Blu-Ray software discounting titles by 50% (Best Buy twice, Circuit City, amazon.com twice, Fry's). Perhaps HD DVD doesn't feel the need to continuously eat profits in an attempt to sway sales figures and influence the public -- which is exactly the goal of the BDA. Sony's already subsidizing PS3's & disc manufacturing, dropped the price of its hardware in half looong before they claimed they would, and now the studios are giving away free discs constantly. Maybe the inflated $50 MSRP for Spidy and CEOTTK will offset the damage! :D

Transformers obviously has them concerned. They probably fear the HD DVD Forum will use the same tactic and release a bold press release stating their weekly sales victory over the competition. This format war is pathetic.

This is funny, it's desperation when Blu Ray titles go on sale, yet when Toshiba pushes HD DVD players for $200 with 7 movies, that isn't desperation? You'd think with standalone players already $150-$200 cheaper than Blu Ray players, that they would be selling on their own. I guess not.:cool:

Yeah, HD-DVD camp definitely missed the boat on piggy-backing on Transformers.

I bought a slew of Blu-rays and only a few of the Fry's HDs, although I did buy Transformers and Jack Ryan collection, also. So far for the week, almost a push - advantage BD, though.

Those were some good blu-rays we ended up buying some xmas gifts, too.

Most have not upgraded from VHS to DVD yet :D
The war will not be one or lost in Japan so don't worry yourself :)

+1

Blu-ray will do just fine this week.

What Paramount is hoping for, and what I believe Warner will be looking at, is that Transformers sells new HD DVD players. Yeah, right now Blu-ray outsells HD DVD. If it didn't, with all those PS3's out there, then things would be BLEAK for Blu-ray. The problem is that Blu-ray isn't selling that much more than HD DVD. If Transformers is actually selling standalones and add-ons, that means the install base for HD DVD grows. And Paramount said as much as a reason to support HD DVD only. Sell more players, the software sales advantage will continue to shrink.

Finally an intelligent post.

Guys we have TRANSFORMERS on hd dvd wow, what does blue ray have, a bunch of older title on sales yippie yeah. It is like a nite with charlize theron, who cares if you date 15 merryl streeps's. That is what the crux of this is. These are blue ray flame boys, we have transformers what do you have blue boys................................................????

Can't say that I really care which of these mega-million dollar entities finishes 1st or 2nd for the week/month/year...I'm just glad to get some of my favorite movies in High Definition, as well as these new releases. I can't cheer about Blu-ray or HDDVD (yes, it's good having both) outselling the other while I'm paying my hard earned money to make them more wealthy LOL, but as long as they give me some good movies, I'll keep spending!:) ...hmmm, now if one side started giving me movies for free, maybe then I could cheer!!!!

This is funny, it's desperation when Blu Ray titles go on sale, yet when Toshiba pushes HD DVD players for $200 with 7 movies, that isn't desperation? You'd think with standalone players already $150-$200 cheaper than Blu Ray players, that they would be selling on their own. I guess not.:cool:

You don't seem to get the point...HD DVD's promos have been about moving hardware! This strategy gets new hardware in homes, which then leads to increased disc sales. The free discs through rebate do not factor into their sales data -- it is simply a strategy to gain new adopters.

In contrast, the strategy of the BDA was to charge high prices, control the bulk of the content, and force the consumer to buy. Also, throw a BD drive in the PS3 and hope it sticks. Well, the content advantage took a hit with the Paramount move, the price strategy was not working as HD players had the majority of the marketshare, and the PS3 has been virtually a bust in pushing movies (data shows approximately 20% of PS3 owners buying movies).

So they continue with their BOGO sales, lose more money, and now need to sponsor promos that eat half the revenue from the discs. And even with this factor, they will lose in this week's sales data and may possibly lose the following week as well. This is what happens when 90% of BD households are nothing more than paper players (PS3's)...the gamer crowd needs to be constantly coaxed into buying movies with BOGO and 50%-Off sales. It may appear that they are moving more discs, but if the studios are constantly bleeding red how long do you think they'll continue pushing the format & remaining exclusive?

Since you claim Toshiba's low-priced hardware strategy isn't working, you may want to check stand-alone player marketshare again. They control nearly 60% and continue to lead after the Sony player surge dropped. Why do you think Sony and the other CE companies have halved the price of their BD players and are also offering the free discs with purchase?

You don't seem to get the point...HD DVD's promos have been about moving hardware! This strategy gets new hardware in homes, which then leads to increased disc sales. The free discs through rebate do not factor into their sales data -- it is simply a strategy to gain new adopters.

In contrast, the strategy of the BDA was to charge high prices, control the bulk of the content, and force the consumer to buy. Also, throw a BD drive in the PS3 and hope it sticks. Well, the content advantage took a hit with the Paramount move, the price strategy was not working as HD players had the majority of the marketshare, and the PS3 has been virtually a bust in pushing movies (data shows approximately 20% of PS3 owners buying movies).

So they continue with their BOGO sales, lose more money, and now need to sponsor promos that eat half the revenue from the discs. And even with this factor, they will lose in this week's sales data and may possibly lose the following week as well. This is what happens when 90% of BD households are nothing more than paper players (PS3's)...the gamer crowd needs to be constantly coaxed into buying movies with BOGO and 50%-Off sales. It may appear that they are moving more discs, but if the studios are constantly bleeding red how long do you think they'll continue pushing the format & remaining exclusive?

Since you claim Toshiba's low-priced hardware strategy isn't working, you may want to check stand-alone player marketshare again. They control nearly 60% and continue to lead after the Sony player surge dropped. Why do you think Sony and the other CE companies have halved the price of their BD players and are also offering the free discs with purchase?

I believe Toshiba's standalone is now at 53%, you might want to check up on your own numbers there.

My week started out Blu as well. I ordered 4 Blu-ray titles in the BOGO Disney promotion on Amazon. And guess what? I'm still picking up Transformers this week.

The real question is which format will I get the Kubrick titles for next week.

Do studios make more money selling disks at >$23.99 or do they do better selling disks at $13.50?

Warner is not a happy partner of the 2 for 1 sales I bet. BDA (specifically, Disney and Sony) are PUMPING disks to try and justify a lead in disk sales while HD DVD promotional group pushes players since they know disk sales only hurt long term viability of the format.

The buy one get one free promotion is nothing less then a stunt by the BDA to try and capture the weekly sales on what would otherwise be a sure win for HD DVD.

They just want to say that Blu-ray outsold HD DVD every week in 2007 (and not mention the fact that half of the movies were given away for free).

Giving away movies to fudge the numbers... and then they'll pretend that consumers are choosing Blu-ray... a typical BDA move.

+1

Now I'm going to go out and buy a few more HD-DVDs that I've wanted for a while so I can counter the BDA strategy.

You've got to hand it to the BD camp, this 2 for 1 deal is a masterstroke, especially this week (and for once, it's not a dirty, underhanded tactic). I'm sure that at this very moment, Toshiba and co. is scrambling to come up with something similar when Spider Man 3 and the trilogy comes out.

You've got to hand it to the BD camp, this 2 for 1 deal is a masterstroke, especially this week (and for once, it's not a dirty, underhanded tactic). I'm sure that at this very moment, Toshiba and co. is scrambling to come up with something similar when Spider Man 3 and the trilogy comes out.

The problem is that Toshiba and the HD-DVD group has never focused on sale prices for software, thus allowing the BDA to claim "victory" on their subsidized-sales inflated numbers.

Most have not upgraded from VHS to DVD yet :D
The war will not be one or lost in Japan so don't worry yourself :)

I still hear employees at work complaining they can't find VHS tapes in stores anymore.

You've got to hand it to the BD camp, this 2 for 1 deal is a masterstroke, especially this week (and for once, it's not a dirty, underhanded tactic). I'm sure that at this very moment, Toshiba and co. is scrambling to come up with something similar when Spider Man 3 and the trilogy comes out.

and BDA will probably do something for Bourne Ultimatum when it comes out. God it's good to have one foot in each side.

The one thing I've noticed in this war is that the BDA is marketing focussed. To a marketer, perception is everything. The BDA will do anything to ensure that they are perceived to be winning. And the result is ... they are winning.

Oh, its winning in a "if we do any better we'll be bankrupt by next year" type of way, but its still winning. They understand how to sway opinion, and they react to potential threats (through FUD, price drops, promotions, etc.).

Okay, I don't like the BDA and their FUD. But I have to admit they are by far the better marketers. HD-DVD needs to take a page from their book, IMO. We don't so much need BOGO, as we need modest but real price reductions. Oh, I'd love to get a BOGO sale, but the real issue is, which format do I believe I am going to continue to get reasonably priced software from?

At the moment, you can rely on a BD sale every few months. This leads to a perception that BD software is cheaper. Beyond a 1-week sales figure, that is what is at stake. Combo disks have done the opposite for HD DVD -- it is perceived as the expensive format.

So, by all means, have a sale to counteract Spiderman 3, but HD DVD needs to reduce the prices across the board -- especially on combo disks. I know this is cutting into profits, but hey -- there is no way in the world that we will get even close to mass adoption at current prices. So why slow the early adoption with them? HD DVD is supposed to be cheaper to produce anyway!

HD DVDs need to be at most $3 more expensive than their DVD counterparts. Perhaps parity would be even better. I thought the idea of HD DVD is not to soak the consumer for more money per disk, but to get people to rebuy catalogs worth billions, and to stave off the threat of internet download.

Your correct response should simply have been: "My bad, you're right. It's right there on the main page".

It would have saved me this response. :mad:

ROFL!

I totally agree as well, I am picking up two Disney/BV movies tonight because of this deal, basically costs me $15 per movie with taxes (Canadian). Even though I know Transformers will be watched tomorrow before any of the BD flicks I get, but this is definitely making BD out to be the stronger seller, which is in a way unfair. The HD-DVD studios need to do something similar, I think my BD collection is almost on par in terms of numbers to my HD now, which is surprising, but too many deals were had recently.

Do studios make more money selling disks at >$23.99 or do they do better selling disks at $13.50?

Warner is not a happy partner of the 2 for 1 sales I bet. BDA (specifically, Disney and Sony) are PUMPING disks to try and justify a lead in disk sales while HD DVD promotional group pushes players since they know disk sales only hurt long term viability of the format.

Huh? I'm not sure your post could be any more wrong.

The studios/distributors make the same regardless of what the retailers are charging the end user, so I'm guessing they like whichever price point sells more disks.

I too don't think this thread was a waste. I was gonna post something similar when I noticed the only red in the Best Buy add was Transformers, yet there was a whole page devoted to Blu-Ray. It felt like Toshiba was being lazy and assumed Transformers would sell players. They need to realize that the average consumer doesn't know **** about this war. If they were smart, they would have bought space next to the Transformers add to really spark curiosity in the average consumer. I feel that they dropped the ball this week.

Lets cross our fingers that they do have a counter measure for Crappy Man 3.

The Blu Ray guys can have as many b1g1 tittles as they want but none of those will be Transformers. ;)

Actually the retailers are passing on the studio savings - otherwise would not WB also be in the BOGO deal? Common sense....Disney (Panny) and Sony are taking a bath for the team....

By my estimate BD has generated less than $35M more than HD DVD is software sales since inception - in fact factoring in all the promos probably in the $30M at best....

The PS3 players sold ONLY for BD playback in the US - assume 20% of PS3s are used for movies is around $1B!

That is right. $1B in hardware subsidy costs on the PS3 alone (that is for 20% of PS3s sold in the US) for a $30M or so software sales edge....in my books is a catastrophe. Factoring in the disk replication subsidies it is almost a tragedy!

Only saving grace for BD is the 20K or so weekly sales advantage on Neilson that gives them a 65%:35% current market share on advantage....but as any normal person knows, sales ratio does not translate to money....it's a gimmick number. Hard $$ is what matters...and HD DVD is killing BD there!

The only numbers I want to see at this point are the number of NEW customers each has gained each week.

Selling disks doesnt mean squat when you are just selling them to the same old customers as last week.

Woohoo Customer #4356 just got his 295th disk!!!
We win the format war!

Blue ray strike back.
Come on HD DVD Studio I need see sale!!!!!!!!!

I had great plans for this week as far as HD DVD. I figured we would see Transformers sell a ton of copies. I also figured they would make an HD DVD week by having deals with players + transformers. That along with a bunch of sales on other HD DVD movies.

Nope. All I saw was blu-ray discs on sale. No doubt it was meant to offset the sales figures for Transformers, but it worked. To give you an idea though, between Amazon, Circuit City and Best Buy, I picked up 8 blu-ray movies. Each had slightly different sets of movies so it wasn't hard to do.

My point is, this is what blu-ray has been doing a lot of. 2 for 1 sales, 3 for 2, etc. The best deal that came for HD DVD was the Amazon sale end of Aug that which also incldued blu-ray. Note, I do not have a fry's near me, so I dont get to take advantage of any of their sales.

Here's to hoping that HD DVD retaliates with a similar sale on the week of Spider-Man 3 release. I'd really like to pick up a bunch of Universal catalogs, and would be more than happy to get 8-10 movies. I also do not understand why disc prices for HD DVD are higher when you consider that they cost less to produce (from what i've heard. I don't know the numbers).

I wish this thread also had a poll on how long until it gets locked...:)

And i'm also getting more movies on HD DVD than BD for the rest of the year. HD DVD has more titles I want( I will get the HD DVD version for titles available on both formats)than BD for the rest of the year.

I'm curious why you bought both HD DVD & BD versions of Nature's Journey?

The same thing happened to me... I seen the great Circuit City Blu-Ray deals and ended up jumping on them even though I don't have a PS3 yet. I was kinda beating myself up for supporting Blu-Ray.. I felt all Dirty haha.. I ended up returning them when I found out Circuit City was doing a unadvertised BOGO deal on HD DVD.. I got 8 HD DVD's and I'll be back for more! As for Blu-Ray deals, I'll wait until I get the player before I spend my money... Deals come and go. Black Friday is only minutes away!

It's ****** that you lose out being on one side and you lose out being format neutral once one side loses.. Oh well, gotta have my movies in HD and nothing less! DVD is a pastime for me!

To the OP I say, I started out the week Blu too, but after a recent trip to CC, (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11914663#post11914663) I'm squarely in the purple. I love this war. I think I'm putting that in my sig.

Oh for the love of God. Not more anecdotal crap.

Sigh.........Transformers will do just fine folks.

i agree, transformers will be the #1 top seller on HD DV! no doubt