Should Combo Packs become standard? - Blu-ray Forum

obriensg1 · 12-09-2013, 04:00 PM

If studios really want to push Blu-ray, I feel like they should try to kill stand alone DVD. All these DVDs that end up being dirt cheap anyway and places like Target and Best Buy try to get rid of them cheap while the Blu-ray still looks expensive. Then people buy the DVD. Hell, I have friends who both upgraded to Blu-ray in the past 4-5 years still buy DVDs when the Blu-ray is out because 'If it's at the register for $5, and on Blu-ray for $20-$25, I know what wins'. Now on most people's budget, that's a sound argument. Hell, I've even picked up a few DVDs used on some older catalog titles.

What I'm thinking is that they could push tat Blu-ray is the future, and help their bottom line, by doing two things. First, drop the cost a few bucks. For example, "Fast 6" streets tomorrow. $20. Make it $15. The catch is though, there are NO DVD copies sold separately. You want to buy the film? Buy the combo pack. It's the same price as it would have been anyway. Then after a while, as more people get used to this they will have a lot more Blu-rays sitting around and a reason to go buy a player if they haven't done so.

These movies could still go on sale then. Maybe not $5, but let's say $7.99 or something like that. Plus, it would make stores that are already cutting back on what inventory they offer far less crowded, and help both groups. I went searching for 'Person of Interest: Season 2' in stores a few weeks ago. Only DVD could be found. It's sold as a combo pack. Why did they need to make a DVD version on it's own. Two Targets and one Best Buy lost money to Amazon because I couldn't find what I needed. I think DVDs sold on their own should at this point be restricted to older TV shows on lower budget older films hitting the market. Any new movie should skip a DVD release all together

Supaclyde · 12-09-2013, 04:04 PM

I don't think enough people care about blu-ray to make that happen. I almost feel like that would turn people toward digital distribuation.

If the DVD only numbers are good, I'm not sure why studios would push to combo packs. I'm sure the profit margins are way better for DVD that Blu-ray, seeing as how it cost pennies to press a DVD.

HD Goofnut · 12-09-2013, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by obriensg1

If studios really want to push Blu-ray, I feel like they should try to kill stand alone DVD. All these DVDs that end up being dirt cheap anyway and places like Target and Best Buy try to get rid of them cheap while the Blu-ray still looks expensive. Then people buy the DVD. Hell, I have friends who both upgraded to Blu-ray in the past 4-5 years still buy DVDs when the Blu-ray is out because 'If it's at the register for $5, and on Blu-ray for $20-$25, I know what wins'. Now on most people's budget, that's a sound argument. Hell, I've even picked up a few DVDs used on some older catalog titles.

What I'm thinking is that they could push tat Blu-ray is the future, and help their bottom line, by doing two things. First, drop the cost a few bucks. For example, "Fast 6" streets tomorrow. $20. Make it $15. The catch is though, there are NO DVD copies sold separately. You want to buy the film? Buy the combo pack. It's the same price as it would have been anyway. Then after a while, as more people get used to this they will have a lot more Blu-rays sitting around and a reason to go buy a player if they haven't done so.

These movies could still go on sale then. Maybe not $5, but let's say $7.99 or something like that. Plus, it would make stores that are already cutting back on what inventory they offer far less crowded, and help both groups. I went searching for 'Person of Interest: Season 2' in stores a few weeks ago. Only DVD could be found. It's sold as a combo pack. Why did they need to make a DVD version on it's own. Two Targets and one Best Buy lost money to Amazon because I couldn't find what I needed. I think DVDs sold on their own should at this point be restricted to older TV shows on lower budget older films hitting the market. Any new movie should skip a DVD release all together

I've been saying the same thing for the last few years. If the studios want BD to take hold they need to ditch the DVD only SKUs. New releases should get a combo pack and BD only release with the combo pack costing about $3-5 more than the BD only.

nolfoc · 12-09-2013, 04:08 PM

They are slowly doing this.. A lot of existing bd titles that have been released in the past have gotten a rerelease with a DVD in it

Hintermann · 12-09-2013, 04:08 PM

I have mixed feelings about this but on the whole support the idea of combos. I sometimes take a bunch of favourite films to watch on holiday and while DVD players in hotel rooms etc are common, BD players are not - at least not yet. In certain parts of the world that might remain so for a while. Also, our laptop only has a DVD player and so DVDs are still handy in certain situations.

50strat54 · 12-09-2013, 04:08 PM

There is still a substantial market for DVDs.

I like the Combos with Digital codes, think they are great. I bought Person Of Interest S2 Bluray/DVD/UV code from Overstock.com for $19.99 and thought that was a great deal.

The studios make decisions [combos, packaging, pricing] based of the numbers they come in. Customers will give them the info based on what package they purchase. Lots of people are still buying DVDs.

I know this is the Bluray forum with a lot of obsessives but the general population still buys and enjoys DVDs and are not overly concerned with getting the bluray over the DVD.

Me on the other hand...

bigdaddyhorse · 12-09-2013, 04:11 PM

The main reason I would want all combos is so shopping in stores could be done again. With most major outlets mixing their dvds and bds, it's beyond annoying to even look for anything anymore. If everything that was movie on a disc was the same in the same place, going to the store could be fun again. I don't want to pay extra for a dvd I don't want and will never use though, but if it's the only way to own it, I will.

Mr. Cinema · 12-09-2013, 04:11 PM

I wish combo packs would vanish. Give me the fully loaded BD + a UV digital copy and I'm good. Had BD truly dominated, we would have never gotten BD/DVD combo packs in the first place. But they had to throw in something to help boost BD sales.

MifuneFan · 12-09-2013, 04:13 PM

I personally wouldn't mind it, but at the same time I do think it's a little hypocritical since I doubt any one here would like it if a studio forced anything on you.

Think of it from a DVD collector's POV. They probably don't want anything to do with Blu-ray, yet are now being forced to buy combo packs to get their DVD's. That means a completely different packaging that won't match the rest of their DVD's, and likely higher costs too.

I guarantee if the same thing happened with BD, and let's say a 4K disc format, nearly every member here would be complaining about studios jamming 4K down our throats and killing off our abilities to choose what to buy, etc.. etc..

The fact remains that if people wanted to buy Blu-ray they will, forcing that is hardly the way to go about it. Even if they buy combo packs, you can't force them to pony up $50+ for a Blu-ray player when they've been perfectly content with DVD's, despite the BD generation being nearly 10 years old. If they haven't gotten the message yet that DVD's are inferior, a forced packaged probably won't convince them either.

obriensg1 · 12-09-2013, 04:35 PM

Well that's why I think the prices should drop a bit as incentive. For example, if the average new release cost about $5 less then it does now. I know that a buddy of mine doesn't buy movies at $20, but he used to much more when they were $15. I've been in stores on occasion and seen combo packs, or even stand alone Blu-rays, as less then or equal to the cost of the DVD version. That's the message that should be sent. Blu-rays cost less money than your DVDs.

djgeneral · 12-09-2013, 04:35 PM

I don't think DVD is going to die anytime soon really. It is still, by far, the #1 form of media compared to Blu

JakeytheJoker · 12-09-2013, 04:45 PM

If studios really want Blu Ray to take over then they need to start releasing big movies exclusively on Blu Ray. One reason why people went to DVD is because if you wanted newer films you could only get them on DVD. Gamers will gladly drop several hundred bucks every few years just to keep playing new games and Blu Ray players are a lot cheaper than any game system and are backwards compatible.

bhampton · 12-09-2013, 04:50 PM

Here's one thing I often think about ... These days when I buy a movie I often get several copies of the movie and that seems wrong somehow.

When I bought 007 Skyfall it came with Blu Ray, DVD, UV, and iTunes.

I loaned a neighbor the DVD and she apologized for keeping it all week end. I said "Why should I mind, I bought 4 copies of the movie."

Of course, I'm only interested in the Blu so I guess it's up to me to try to find Blu only versions as possible.

-Brian

Mandalorian · 12-09-2013, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

I personally wouldn't mind it, but at the same time I do think it's a little hypocritical since I doubt any one here would like it if a studio forced anything on you.

Think of it from a DVD collector's POV. They probably don't want anything to do with Blu-ray, yet are now being forced to buy combo packs to get their DVD's. That means a completely different packaging that won't match the rest of their DVD's, and likely higher costs too.

I guarantee if the same thing happened with BD, and let's say a 4K disc format, nearly every member here would be complaining about studios jamming 4K down our throats and killing off our abilities to choose what to buy, etc.. etc..

The fact remains that if people wanted to buy Blu-ray they will, forcing that is hardly the way to go about it. Even if they buy combo packs, you can't force them to pony up $50+ for a Blu-ray player when they've been perfectly content with DVD's, despite the BD generation being nearly 10 years old. If they haven't gotten the message yet that DVD's are inferior, a forced packaged probably won't convince them either.

My sentiments exactly. Very well said.

Member-222782 · 12-09-2013, 05:06 PM

I'm generally not against combo-packs but in some cases I do think it's a waste of space that might actually add to the price. . Criterion's Zatoichi set is a good example - there's a bunch of DVDs I'm never going to use. I wonder how much lower the price would be if it was just Blu-rays. Price is likely negligible on single film combo-packs but on a 25-film collection I think there would be a dramatic price difference.

MifuneFan · 12-09-2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cine74

I'm generally not against combo-packs but in some cases I do think it's a waste of space that might actually add to the price. . Criterion's Zatoichi set is a good example - there's a bunch of DVDs I'm never going to use. I wonder how much lower the price would be if it was just Blu-rays. Price is likely negligible on single film combo-packs but on a 25-film collection I think there would be a dramatic price difference.

It wouldn't have been any lower.

Chaotic · 12-09-2013, 05:14 PM

Love combo packs. When a blu-ray of mine isnt working (like Monsters University) i can watch the dvd

Mandalorian · 12-09-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaotic

Love combo packs. When a blu-ray of mine isnt working (like Monsters University) i can watch the dvd

HD digital copies make even better substitutes.

i007spectre · 12-09-2013, 05:20 PM

I always tell people to buy the combo packs, because some day they will probably get a blu-ray player. But until then they have a DVD.

threeupdwn · 12-09-2013, 05:28 PM

I don't think going "Combo Pack" only would force people away from DVD, probably anger them more than anything. I used to NOT want a combo pack, just the BD was fine. But in the past year or so I have gone to wanting Combo Packs. As someone said before, traveling, hotels/condos etc., usually have a DVD player. And while I used to have no need for digital copies, I have come to love them , again becuse of work./travel.

I get the idea though, but I think there are still many a "regular" shopper who might be/is confused by Combo Packs.

12-09-2013, 04:13 PM	#9
MifuneFan Blu-ray Emperor Top contributor Member since:Mar 2012 Location:New York City 4K collection:27 Blu-ray collection:1143 Trading Score:69	I personally wouldn't mind it, but at the same time I do think it's a little hypocritical since I doubt any one here would like it if a studio forced anything on you. Think of it from a DVD collector's POV. They probably don't want anything to do with Blu-ray, yet are now being forced to buy combo packs to get their DVD's. That means a completely different packaging that won't match the rest of their DVD's, and likely higher costs too. I guarantee if the same thing happened with BD, and let's say a 4K disc format, nearly every member here would be complaining about studios jamming 4K down our throats and killing off our abilities to choose what to buy, etc.. etc.. The fact remains that if people wanted to buy Blu-ray they will, forcing that is hardly the way to go about it. Even if they buy combo packs, you can't force them to pony up $50+ for a Blu-ray player when they've been perfectly content with DVD's, despite the BD generation being nearly 10 years old. If they haven't gotten the message yet that DVD's are inferior, a forced packaged probably won't convince them either. Last edited by MifuneFan; 12-09-2013 at 04:20 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-09-2013, 04:00 PM	#1
obriensg1 Power Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Minnesota Home Theater Gallery:23 4K collection:246 Blu-ray collection:581 DVD collection:228 Digital collection:317 Blu-ray reviews:5 Trading Score:97	Should Combo Packs become standard? If studios really want to push Blu-ray, I feel like they should try to kill stand alone DVD. All these DVDs that end up being dirt cheap anyway and places like Target and Best Buy try to get rid of them cheap while the Blu-ray still looks expensive. Then people buy the DVD. Hell, I have friends who both upgraded to Blu-ray in the past 4-5 years still buy DVDs when the Blu-ray is out because 'If it's at the register for $5, and on Blu-ray for $20-$25, I know what wins'. Now on most people's budget, that's a sound argument. Hell, I've even picked up a few DVDs used on some older catalog titles. What I'm thinking is that they could push tat Blu-ray is the future, and help their bottom line, by doing two things. First, drop the cost a few bucks. For example, "Fast 6" streets tomorrow. $20. Make it $15. The catch is though, there are NO DVD copies sold separately. You want to buy the film? Buy the combo pack. It's the same price as it would have been anyway. Then after a while, as more people get used to this they will have a lot more Blu-rays sitting around and a reason to go buy a player if they haven't done so. These movies could still go on sale then. Maybe not $5, but let's say $7.99 or something like that. Plus, it would make stores that are already cutting back on what inventory they offer far less crowded, and help both groups. I went searching for 'Person of Interest: Season 2' in stores a few weeks ago. Only DVD could be found. It's sold as a combo pack. Why did they need to make a DVD version on it's own. Two Targets and one Best Buy lost money to Amazon because I couldn't find what I needed. I think DVDs sold on their own should at this point be restricted to older TV shows on lower budget older films hitting the market. Any new movie should skip a DVD release all together

12-09-2013, 04:04 PM	#2
Supaclyde Expert Member Member since:Nov 2012 Location:Almost Heaven, WV 4K collection:147 Blu-ray collection:1436 Digital collection:118 Trading Score:86	I don't think enough people care about blu-ray to make that happen. I almost feel like that would turn people toward digital distribuation. If the DVD only numbers are good, I'm not sure why studios would push to combo packs. I'm sure the profit margins are way better for DVD that Blu-ray, seeing as how it cost pennies to press a DVD.

12-09-2013, 04:08 PM	#4
nolfoc Banned Top contributor Member since:Nov 2008 Blu-ray collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 108 Trading Score:49	They are slowly doing this.. A lot of existing bd titles that have been released in the past have gotten a rerelease with a DVD in it

12-09-2013, 04:08 PM	#5
Hintermann Special Member Member since:Sep 2010 Location:Bexhill on Sea, UK Blu-ray reviews:2	I have mixed feelings about this but on the whole support the idea of combos. I sometimes take a bunch of favourite films to watch on holiday and while DVD players in hotel rooms etc are common, BD players are not - at least not yet. In certain parts of the world that might remain so for a while. Also, our laptop only has a DVD player and so DVDs are still handy in certain situations.

12-09-2013, 04:08 PM	#6
50strat54 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Sep 2013 Trading Score:86	There is still a substantial market for DVDs. I like the Combos with Digital codes, think they are great. I bought Person Of Interest S2 Bluray/DVD/UV code from Overstock.com for $19.99 and thought that was a great deal. The studios make decisions [combos, packaging, pricing] based of the numbers they come in. Customers will give them the info based on what package they purchase. Lots of people are still buying DVDs. I know this is the Bluray forum with a lot of obsessives but the general population still buys and enjoys DVDs and are not overly concerned with getting the bluray over the DVD. Me on the other hand...

12-09-2013, 04:11 PM	#7
bigdaddyhorse Blu-ray Knight Top contributor Member since:Oct 2012 Location:SE MI. 4K collection:152 Blu-ray collection:1242 DVD collection:1148 Blu-ray reviews:5 Trading Score:103	The main reason I would want all combos is so shopping in stores could be done again. With most major outlets mixing their dvds and bds, it's beyond annoying to even look for anything anymore. If everything that was movie on a disc was the same in the same place, going to the store could be fun again. I don't want to pay extra for a dvd I don't want and will never use though, but if it's the only way to own it, I will.

12-09-2013, 04:11 PM	#8
Mr. Cinema Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jan 2008 Location:NC 4K collection:34 Blu-ray collection:35 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:85	I wish combo packs would vanish. Give me the fully loaded BD + a UV digital copy and I'm good. Had BD truly dominated, we would have never gotten BD/DVD combo packs in the first place. But they had to throw in something to help boost BD sales.

12-09-2013, 04:35 PM	#10
obriensg1 Power Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Minnesota Home Theater Gallery:23 4K collection:246 Blu-ray collection:581 DVD collection:228 Digital collection:317 Blu-ray reviews:5 Trading Score:97	Well that's why I think the prices should drop a bit as incentive. For example, if the average new release cost about $5 less then it does now. I know that a buddy of mine doesn't buy movies at $20, but he used to much more when they were $15. I've been in stores on occasion and seen combo packs, or even stand alone Blu-rays, as less then or equal to the cost of the DVD version. That's the message that should be sent. Blu-rays cost less money than your DVDs.

12-09-2013, 04:35 PM	#11
djgeneral Moderator Member since:Jan 2011 Location:Michigan 4K collection:1 Blu-ray collection:605 DVD collection:239 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:161	I don't think DVD is going to die anytime soon really. It is still, by far, the #1 form of media compared to Blu

12-09-2013, 04:45 PM	#12
JakeytheJoker Member Member since:Dec 2013 Location:Florida, USA Blu-ray collection:126 DVD collection:8	If studios really want Blu Ray to take over then they need to start releasing big movies exclusively on Blu Ray. One reason why people went to DVD is because if you wanted newer films you could only get them on DVD. Gamers will gladly drop several hundred bucks every few years just to keep playing new games and Blu Ray players are a lot cheaper than any game system and are backwards compatible.

12-09-2013, 04:50 PM	#13
bhampton Blu-ray Count Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:981 Blu-ray collection:2537 DVD collection:67 Blu-ray reviews: 6 Trading Score:18	Here's one thing I often think about ... These days when I buy a movie I often get several copies of the movie and that seems wrong somehow. When I bought 007 Skyfall it came with Blu Ray, DVD, UV, and iTunes. I loaned a neighbor the DVD and she apologized for keeping it all week end. I said "Why should I mind, I bought 4 copies of the movie." Of course, I'm only interested in the Blu so I guess it's up to me to try to find Blu only versions as possible. -Brian

12-09-2013, 05:06 PM	#15
Member-222782 Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Jun 2012 4K collection:645 Blu-ray collection:4556 DVD collection:474 Trading Score:140	I'm generally not against combo-packs but in some cases I do think it's a waste of space that might actually add to the price. . Criterion's Zatoichi set is a good example - there's a bunch of DVDs I'm never going to use. I wonder how much lower the price would be if it was just Blu-rays. Price is likely negligible on single film combo-packs but on a 25-film collection I think there would be a dramatic price difference.

12-09-2013, 05:14 PM	#17
Chaotic Blu-ray Grand Duke Member since:Mar 2009 Location:Denver, CO	Love combo packs. When a blu-ray of mine isnt working (like Monsters University) i can watch the dvd

12-09-2013, 05:20 PM	#19
i007spectre Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Aug 2012 Location:Missouri Home Theater Gallery:20 4K collection:130 Blu-ray collection:530 Trading Score:2	I always tell people to buy the combo packs, because some day they will probably get a blu-ray player. But until then they have a DVD.

12-09-2013, 05:28 PM	#20
threeupdwn Member Member since:Jan 2013 Blu-ray collection:136	I don't think going "Combo Pack" only would force people away from DVD, probably anger them more than anything. I used to NOT want a combo pack, just the BD was fine. But in the past year or so I have gone to wanting Combo Packs. As someone said before, traveling, hotels/condos etc., usually have a DVD player. And while I used to have no need for digital copies, I have come to love them , again becuse of work./travel. I get the idea though, but I think there are still many a "regular" shopper who might be/is confused by Combo Packs.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals