[chelsea.tone]

Earlier this week, Warner Home Video announced that their high definition releases of '300' sold a combined total of 250,000 units during its first week of sale. At that time, it was not revealed how many of those were Blu-ray and how many were HD DVD. Today, a blog post by USA Today writer Mike Snider indicates that the sales ratio was 65-to-35 in favor of Blu-ray, indicating around 163,000 copies of '300' on Blu-ray were sold

[bosque]

They needn't bother packing HD-DVDs with much better extras than the Blu-Ray discs if sales are going to be so far in Blu-Ray's favour.

[FOXCLOSE]

Kind of puts interactivity in its place.
The early adopter at least only cares about great picture and sound. I have mixed feelings about this.

[Spidey987]

They've already hinted at a 300 re-release when BD-J is implemented in players. So even if HD DVD sales are lagging behind Blu-ray, there's every reason to put effort into interactive features now as it'll just make it easier for them when the new discs need to be released.

[Sonic67]

Originally Posted by bosque

They needn't bother packing HD-DVDs with much better extras than the Blu-Ray discs if sales are going to be so far in Blu-Ray's favour.

I make the sale about 1.8 times more assuming it's correct? Plus at least HD DVD owners will not have to worry about buying a second disk with features later. The HD DVD is also slightly more expensive as it's a combo disk. Anyway at least overall sales were better. Let's hope it isn't a one off.

[Pecker]

It'll be a real shame if this thread descends into a format war thread.

Suffice to say, it's important to remember that the HD DVD costs $5 more than the BD (being a combo), and the film will probably appeal to a similar demographic as PS3 gamers.

65:35 is very similar to overall sales at the moment, so I don't see why it should be anything other than expected, if that's how it turns out.

Steve W

[domtheone]

Originally Posted by Pecker

65:35 is very similar to overall sales at the moment, so I don't see why it should be anything other than expected, if that's how it turns out.
Steve W

Indeed.

One would expect BR sales to be significantly more since they're are multiple times more BR players than HD-DVD players in existence.

I'm pleasantly surprised the ratio is only 2/1 when the Hardware ratio must be several times that....

[Pecker]

Originally Posted by domtheone

I'm pleasantly surprised the ratio is only 2/1 when the Hardware ratio must be several times that....

Actually 1.85:1.

And to think that some were predicting 3:1

Steve W

[stevos]

Well you can add one more to the total sales, as i have just purchased it (bluray because hdmi from my ps3 looks better than component from my 360). I just hope the transfer lives up to expectations, the film just looked so good in the cinema.

[enablerbro1]

Interesting stat, especially when you consider the relative poor sales of PS3s in the US. I wonder how many people are being put off by these combo discs (I'm one). I wonder how those sales figures compare with ownership of PS3s; I'd wager that HD take up is relatively slow and the majority of those with it have a PS3. In a country the size of the US a quarter of a million sales isn't high if it accounts for the majority of total sales.

Not even half the story here I think.

[stevos]

250,000 sales on launch is pretty poor for a major title but then we are still in the early days of the formats. I suspect a lot of people (like me) are buying certain films more for their show off factor than anything else. It will be interesting to see how less special effects heavy films have done.

[domtheone]

Originally Posted by enablerbro1

I wonder how many people are being put off by these combo discs (I'm one).

I'm another.

Not going to pay any sort of premium when I can wait for a cheaper price solo release.

Also, half the compatibility issues seem to be with Combo's as well.

Don't think they do HD-DVD any significant favours.

[Pecker]

I like combos...sometimes.

I imported the HD DVD of 'Music & Lyrics' because the UK version wasn't a combo. It enables my family to watch the film on the projector, then my little girl to watch it in her room.

But I really think Warner should bite the bullet and put them out for the same price as a standard HD DVD, rather than with a $5 premium.

BTW, I haven't contributed to '300's 250k sales on either format. It's becoming increasingly easy to import titles for £11-£12, but this one was over £18, so I'll just wait until the price drops.

Steve W

[amardilo]

I am waiting for the UK HD DVD release as it may not be a combo and I am not in any big hurry to watch this film right now.

[Lion]

I wonder how many standard dvds of 300 have been sold ?
and the ratio of that figure compared to both hi def formats ?
I suppose I could do a google search to find out...
but I'm feeling way to chilled out and lazy today.

[stevos]

It would be interesting to see a graph of combined hd sales per month, to see if the format (hd) is showing any signs of taking off.

[enablerbro1]

Given that Tosh are just releasing the third gen of HD DVD players it is no wonder consumers are slow/cautious to take the new format up. Players need to drop to £100 before I think we'll see significant take up. Once Tesco et al are knocking them out for £99.99 then HD will be on its way as an established format rather than a niche/AVphile one.

The dual format thing is probably also confusing for consumers.

[SAH]

Originally Posted by stevos

It would be interesting to see a graph of combined hd sales per month, to see if the format (hd) is showing any signs of taking off.

300 is blast off, 250k in one week is a massive increase on previous best sellers.

[mattym]

Originally Posted by Pecker

Actually 1.85:1.

And to think that some were predicting 3:1

Steve W

some were prdeicting a hddvd draw or win

the question:

Is 300 the title that will definately sell more copies on HD DVD than BD as this is a simultaneous release with BD version missing all the features?

the answer

Oh, and yes, they really should be hoping for a lead with '300'. Certainly, at the very least, a draw (or near enough).

the final sales numbers will be very interesting

[reddevil63]

Not bothered by those sale figures in favour of blu-ray.

Thing is there are many who probably have both a blu-ray and HD-DVD player.

The blu-ray version is cheaper by £2.00 if you have a gander at MovieTyme website so probably most opted for the cheaper version....I did.

[bosque]

Originally Posted by reddevil63

Not bothered by those sale figures in favour of blu-ray.

Thing is there are many who probably have both a blu-ray and HD-DVD player.

The blu-ray version is cheaper by £2.00 if you have a gander at MovieTyme website so probably most opted for the cheaper version....I did.

It's agreed that the HD-DVD release has much better extras which make great use of HiDefinition capabilities, while the Blu-Ray only contains the extras available on an SD disc. Having to pay £2 for this advantage is almost a no-brainer.

[stevos]

I wonder what proportion of people actually watch 'extras', i for one don't bother with them and know no one that does outside this forum. I can see people watching them for the cult films (starwars) but not sure about normal ones.

[shaithis]

I have both formats and went with the bluray.

I don't watch extras, the BR was cheaper and I am sick to death with the loading times of the tosh player.

[mattym]

looks like the BD version outsold the hddvd nearly 2:1, according to the nielsons anyway, but we have nowhere to discuss those now