View Full Version : Blockbuster Canada "setting up" HD DVD for false stats?


Z07VETTE
01-27-08, 09:38 PM
I noticed something interesting over the weekend.

Blockbuster Canada was supposedly doing a "pilot" program to see what consumers prefered and then would adjust stock accordingly. Well, I went to two different Blockbuster locations here in Canada that were not very close to each other yet they both had a perfect 80/20 split of Bluray/HD DVD movies to rent? Are you telling me both areas had the exact same amount of demand for the exact same movies so they adjusted accordingly? I normally go to Rogers video where they usually have about a 55/45 to 60/40 split in Blurays favour which to me is more accurate and no surprise since I believe they do not have the same "relationship" as Blockbuster has with Sony.

I have yet to ask BB why but I most likely will to hear what their official answer is, although I do have a theory:

Perhaps they are limiting the amount of HD DVDs available so that they can turn around a month from now and say "clearly we get more rentals for Bluray than we do for HD DVD". If they feel Bluray has won, why not just sell off all copies of their HD DVDs and use their space for Bluray to rent only. Strangely enough, for movies to buy, both stores had an equal selection of HD DVD and BD.


DO you guys think I'm reading too much into this or do you also think this may be another potential PR hoax to fudge BDs numbers like The BDA have done so many times in the past and still continue to do to this day.

Newbie
01-27-08, 11:12 PM
It's hard to believe BB Canada would do anything so they can turn around a month from now and say anything - who cares which format(s) they carry? They're not nearly big enough to influence the overall market.

I suspect their statement was basically a polite way of saying "we aren't ready to announce anything yet."

The Main Event
01-28-08, 12:45 AM
The selection at my local Blockbuster is incredible small, with maybe 15 titles for each format. About 50/50 split.

Tinker
01-28-08, 01:16 AM
The reason maybe that more current titles are released for BluRay then released for HD DVD. BB nor Rogers really carry catalog titles in my area. Both have more Blue on the self then Red movies.

jayray
01-28-08, 12:10 PM
In Mississauga, ON my BB has about the same for both formats. The trouble is BR has more recent releases and so the choice is greater. GET MORE TITLES OUT HD DVD STUDIOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:

TheSimplePanda
01-28-08, 12:14 PM
All the Blockbusters in Toronto seem to be 50/50 split - at least all the ones I've been to.

Queen Video in Toronto heavily favors Blu-ray, but only because "that's the one that rents out the most" according to them.

PooperScooper
01-28-08, 12:41 PM
sales numbers and such discussions belong in the sticky at top. thanks.

larry