HIGH-DEF DISC NEWS TAGGED "WAL-MART"Receive High-Def Disc News via RSS

Wal-Mart Cuts Down on DVD Displays

Wed Oct 07, 2009 at 02:00 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, Industry Trends (all tags)

Wal-Mart is working on a new merchandising campaign that seems to involve a lot less room for DVD and Blu-ray.

In Wal-Mart’s most recent reimagining, known as “Project Impact”, the retail chain is working to eliminate clutter in the aisles and promotion of items that just don’t sell. One of the largest cutbacks announced will be the elimination of display cases and corrugated stands for DVDs and Blu-ray Discs.

Wal-Mart claims that they still see DVD sales as an important category, but J.P Morgan analyst Imran Khan states otherwise. “We think the new strategy implies Wal-Mart no longer sees DVDs and Blu-ray discs as traffic drivers” he contends.

Sure, it’s a bummer, but it’s just one company, right? Yes and no. While many consumers shop online, or in electronics stores like Best Buy, Wal-Mart accounts for around 30% of DVD retail sales in the US.

With the increasing popularity of digital distribution platforms like Netflix and the addition of Red Box rental kiosks at Wal-Mart stores across the country, it isn’t hard to see why DVD sales may no longer be of interest to the chain.

Source: Wall Street Journal

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HDD Cool Stuff: 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Blu-ray w/IMAX Footage Exclusively at Wal-Mart

Wed Oct 07, 2009 at 12:00 PM ET
Tags: Paramount, Disc Announcements, Wal-Mart (all tags)

Now Wal-Mart gets in on the exclusive action for one of the top grossing films of 2009.

According to the administrator on Michael Bay's website and tformers.com, a Blu-ray edition of 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' where the IMAX scenes open up completely (like in 'The Dark Knight') will be exclusive to Wal-Mart stores.

You can find the latest specs for 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 20.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Blu-ray)

Walmart Emphasizing 1080p and Blu-ray in Technology Focus Shift

Thu May 21, 2009 at 05:00 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, High-Def Retailing, Industry Trends (all tags)

Walmart will be revamping 3,500 stores across the country in an effort to upgrade their electronics department. There have been hints that both Walmart and Best Buy will improve their specialty electronics offerings in order to ride to wave of Blu-Ray, 1080p, and flat panel TV technology.

Walmart has announced the following upgrades: color-defined signs for new departments, such as wireless and games; prominent display areas showcasing upcoming technology in video display and games; a greater selection of Blu-Ray discs and players; more sizes and options for 1080p & 120Hz HDTVs; a dedicated high-def “sound and site” section; 30 percent more wireless products; and an interactive display center for laptops.

Also, they will be expanding their product and brand offerings, which include a $198 Philips Blu-ray Player later in the week and 46-inch / 52-inch HDTVs from Vizio, Sony and Samsung.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.


HDD Spotlight Bargain (Canada): ‘Star Trek: TOS: S1’ Under $60 at Wal-Mart

Thu Apr 30, 2009 at 03:30 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, Paramount, High-def Deals (all tags)

Wal-Mart Canada has an exceptional unannounced deal on ‘Star Trek: The Original Series: Season One’ on Blu-ray.

Although the price stickers say $87.83, the Blu-ray title actually scans for $59.83 – a fantastic deal especially for those feeling the chokehold of the economy.

HDD staff has verified this rumor to be true, however there’s no telling how long this deal will last so if you live in Canada, head to Wal-Mart ASAP.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Star Trek: The Original Series - Season 1 (Blu-ray)

Get 6 Star Trek Movies on Blu-ray For Under $80 at Wal-Mart

Thu Apr 16, 2009 at 04:10 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, Paramount, High-def Deals (all tags)

The Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection Blu-ray is available for pre-order at Wal-Mart online.

Releasing on May 12, Paramount’s Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection will be hitting Blu-ray. The set contains the following films: 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture,' 'Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan,' 'Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,' 'Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home,' 'Star Trek V: The Final Frontier,' and 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.'

Wal-Mart online is offering the set for a great pre-order price of $79.86 currently. Click here for details.

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Discs mentioned in this article: (Click for specs and reviews)
Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection (Blu-ray)

Wal-Mart Offers $100 Gift Card With Blu-ray Players

Mon Jun 09, 2008 at 03:00 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

The world's largest retailer is throwing its weight behind Blu-ray with a one week special offer to customers purchasing Blu-ray players.

As reported by Reuters last week, the retail heavyweight is offering a $100 Wal-Mart gift card to customers who purchase Blu-ray players between June 8th and June 14th -- just in time for Father's Day.

Wal-Mart's shift to Blu-ray exclusivity was one of many blows to rival HD DVD earlier this year. Now it looks like the retail giant is working to get its customer's on board with the remaining next generation format.

The offer is good for purchases made in store and online, and applies to several players, including the Playstation 3 and component systems from companies such as Sony and Magnavox among others.

Wal-Mart is also highlighting a selection of Blu-ray titles available at significant savings, starting at prices as low as $15. Specific titles include '3:10 to Yuma,' 'Shooter,' and '300.'

For more information and to take advantage of this offer click here.

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Wal-Mart to Go Blu-ray Exclusive

Fri Feb 15, 2008 at 12:46 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, High-Def Retailing (all tags)

The nation's top retailer will phase out its HD DVD support by early summer.

That's the official word this morning from Wal-Mart, first announced on the company's gadget blog, CheckOut.com.

According to Wal-Mart execs, the company will begin emphasizing Blu-ray in both brick-and-mortar stores and online over the next thirty days, with plans to completely phase out HD DVD movie and hardware sales by June 2008. The company will continue to sell DVDs and standard-definition hardware.

"We've listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases, explained Gary Severson, senior vice president, Home Entertainment, Wal-Mart US.

"With the customers best interest in all we do, we wanted to share our decision and timeline with them as soon as possible, knowing it will help simplify their purchase decision, increase selection, and increase adoption long term. We anticipate enhancing our selection with continued great values in hi-definition Blu-ray products, so our customers can further enhance their entertainment experience at home."

As we've previously reported, Wal-Mart was a key promotional partner for the HD DVD camp this past holiday season, with the retailer prominently featuring a Toshiba HD DVD player in one of its television commercials.

Today's announcement from the retailer comes on the heels of news earlier this week that both Netflix and Best Buy had endorsed Blu-ray.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Wal-Mart Chooses a Hi Def Platform [CheckOut.com]
Wal-Mart on Blu-ray bandwagon [CNN Money]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Best Buy to Recommend Blu-ray over HD DVD (Feb 11, 2008)
Netflix Goes Blu-ray Exclusive (Feb 11, 2008)
HD DVD Takes Centerstage at Wal-Mart (Nov 01, 2007)

New Wal-Mart "Secret Sale" Details Confirmed

Thu Dec 06, 2007 at 08:03 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, High-Def Retailing, PlayStation 3, Toshiba (all tags)

Both high-def disc formats will be featured in Wal-Mart's next "secret sale" on Friday, but those hoping for price cuts akin to last month's $99 HD DVD player will be disappointed.

Instead, the word of the day appears to be "value-add," with the discount retailer offering up different freebies with purchase of hardware on both sides of the high-def format war.

On the Blu side of the aisle, Wal-Mart will be throwing in a free $50 Gift Card with purchase of the Blu-ray-enabled $399 40GB Playstation.

For those who lean red, the retailer will be offering Toshiba's HD-A3 and HD-A2 HD DVD players with five free HD DVD movies off the shelf -- that's in addition to the five free movies by mail (and in the case of the HD-A3, the two movies in the box). Both Toshiba players will be sold at list price -- $298 for the HD-A3, and $198 for the HD-A2.

Wal-Mart officially unveiled the specials today on its holiday site, confirming reports that first surfaced in our own forums earlier this week.

As we've previously reported, Wal-Mart's Nov 2nd "secret sale" resulted in record HD DVD player sales for Toshiba, with the retailer reportedly moving somewhere between 40,000 to 70,000 units at the door-busting price of just $99.

This Friday's sale kicks off at 8am at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. The retailer warns that supplies are limited, so if you're hoping to take advantage of these deals, an early arrival may be in order.

To discuss these and other next-gen hardware and software deals, visit the Blu-ray Bargains and HD DVD Bargains areas in our forums area.

Related links:
Secret In-Store Specials [Wal-Mart.com]
Dec 7th Secret sale at Wal-mart [High-Def Digest Forums]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Report: Weekend Toshiba HD DVD Player Sales Top 90,000

New Wal-Mart "Secret Sale" Details Confirmed

Thu Dec 06, 2007 at 08:03 PM ET
Tags: Wal-Mart, High-Def Retailing, PlayStation 3, Toshiba (all tags)

Both high-def disc formats will be featured in Wal-Mart's next "secret sale" on Friday, but those hoping for price cuts akin to last month's $99 HD DVD player will be disappointed.

Instead, the word of the day appears to be "value-add," with the discount retailer offering up different freebies with purchase of hardware on both sides of the high-def format war.

On the Blu side of the aisle, Wal-Mart will be throwing in a free $50 Gift Card with purchase of the Blu-ray-enabled $399 40GB Playstation.

For those who lean red, the retailer will be offering Toshiba's HD-A3 and HD-A2 HD DVD players with five free HD DVD movies off the shelf -- that's in addition to the five free movies by mail (and in the case of the HD-A3, the two movies in the box). Both Toshiba players will be sold at list price -- $298 for the HD-A3, and $198 for the HD-A2.

Wal-Mart officially unveiled the specials today on its holiday site, confirming reports that first surfaced in our own forums earlier this week.

As we've previously reported, Wal-Mart's Nov 2nd "secret sale" resulted in record HD DVD player sales for Toshiba, with the retailer reportedly moving somewhere between 40,000 to 70,000 units at the door-busting price of just $99.

This Friday's sale kicks off at 8am at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. The retailer warns that supplies are limited, so if you're hoping to take advantage of these deals, an early arrival may be in order.

To discuss these and other next-gen hardware and software deals, visit the Blu-ray Bargains and HD DVD Bargains areas in our forums area.

Related links:
Secret In-Store Specials [Wal-Mart.com]
Dec 7th Secret sale at Wal-mart [High-Def Digest Forums]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Report: Weekend Toshiba HD DVD Player Sales Top 90,000

Venturer HD DVD Player Surfaces at Wal-Mart

Thu Nov 29, 2007 at 11:00 AM ET
Tags: Venturer, Wal-Mart, Hardware (all tags)

The long-anticipated budget HD DVD player from Venturer has finally arrived, and is being sold by Wal-Mart for $199.

Back when it was first announced in late August, Venturer's SHD7000 player had been expected to break low-price records this holiday season, but with Toshiba's entry-level HD DVD players being sold for as little as $99 earlier this month (also at Wal-Mart), Venturer's HD DVD launch has lost a bit of its thunder.

Still, with Wal-Mart carrying the player, there's no telling how many Christmas shoppers may be wooed by its low price. (At press time, the retail giant was offering the player at select stores and online for $199.)

According to early reports, the player is functionally identical to Toshiba's HA-A3 HD DVD player, offering 1080i video output via HDMI and Dolby TrueHD support.

See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.

Related links:
Venturer SHD7000 HD DVD Player [Wal-Mart.com]
Earlier on High-Def Digest:
Venturer to Release Budget HD DVD Player for the Holidays (Aug 28, 2007)
Venturer HD DVD Player: $199? (Aug 29, 2007)
HD DVD Takes Centerstage at Wal-Mart (Oct 31, 2007)


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