Netflix Goes the Blu-ray Way

Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:22AM EST

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The movies-by-mail giant says that from now on, it will only buy Blu-ray discs, and that it expects to "phase out" its inventory of HD DVD movies by the end of the year. Talk about a nail in the coffin.

In a press release, Netflix says that it will keep renting out HD DVD movies "until the discs' natural life cycle takes them out of circulation in the coming months." The statement goes on to say that the industry has "picked a winner" in the format war, and that "focusing on one format will enable us to create the best experience for subscribers" who want HD movies.

The news is the harshest blow for HD DVD since Warner Brothers announced it was jumping ship and going exclusively with Blu-ray. It's sure to have a chilling effect on already dwindling HD DVD player sales, and while Netflix still has a few hundred HD DVD titles for rent, HD DVD viewers will eventually be left with Blockbuster (which has by-mail HD DVD titles for rent) and local video stores (which may or may not have HD DVD movies on their shelves). Indeed, I've been renting my share of HD DVDs from Netflix, and I have several upcoming titles in my "Saved" queue; now it looks like I'll have to rent "I Am Legend" somewhere else—or just get the DVD version, until I give in and get a Blu-ray player myself.

OK, HD DVD fans, what's your take on Netflix's decision? And for those of you on the fence, how does the Netflix news factor into your decision?

Related:
Press release

Comments on Netflix Goes the Blu-ray Way

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  • 1 Posted by questholiday74 on Mon Feb 11, 2008 10:56AM EST Report Abuse

    It is terrible that the customer (who is suppose to be right) is being forced to purchase a blu-ray player. This country was founded on the idea of freedom of choice. Now a days its starting to feel and look like the people don't get a choice. I own a HD-Player and I love it. Reading that most of the companies are running to Blu-ray only tells me that Sony can buy any company whenever they want. Sony started off buying the NFL lincense now they are buying the movie studios. Soon I won't be able to choose my food or anything, society is turning into mindless robots. I will now just download my movies illegally so that no company makes a profit. I refuse to be forced to buy a blu-ray movie.

  • 2 Posted by striz923 on Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:16PM EST Report Abuse

    the better product is winning. This is not saying that HD-DVD is bad, but it is better if companies can focus on one. Just be glad this war was over faster than the VHS-Beta one.

  • 3 Posted by scottiecordes on Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:18PM EST Report Abuse

    Unfortunately, technology winners and product obsolesence do force consumers to buy a product. Has anybody tried to get a VHS tape lately (or Betamax for that matter)? 8-Track? Vinyl record? Laser Disk? I am sure this announcement will trigger the usual Red Vs. Blue back and forth. With that said, to #1, engaging in illegal activity is not a good answer. You only risk getting caught, and it's not like a company like Sony is going to feel it in their pocketbooks. This quote WAR unquote, should never have happened in the first place.

  • 4 Posted by marks_email01 on Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:52PM EST Report Abuse

    Good riddance. About time this stupid format war was over. Extra costs for dual-format players and catalogs at your video store only get passed on to the consumer, not to mention the risk of shelling out big bucks for quickly obsoleted equipment. I feel for poster #1, but this is exactly the reason I exercised my choice as a consumer by refusing to buy any hi-def stuff until this was all sorted out.

  • 5 Posted by juicemonkey01 on Mon Feb 11, 2008 1:56PM EST Report Abuse

    I find it funny that #1 is complaining about HD-DVD losing the war and how they are now adopting the "screw the world" mentality. If it is that big of a deal then in the future don't be one of the first to buy an emerging technology in the middle of a format war. You had to know that there was a chance that HD-DVD wouldn't win and that you may be on the losing end. Well that is exactly what happened and now you want to whine about it. I don't think anyone except for other HD-DVD owners are going to shed a tear for you.

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