Why the cost difference between blu-ray and dvd

[floridaswamprat]

One of the things that bothers me about blu-ray compared to dvd is the cost difference. Are blu-rays more expensive because they cost more to manufacture (and is the excess manufacturing cost substantial enough for the retail price difference)? Or is there some licensing costs for blus? Or is it simply supply and demand?

I think that if the price of blu-rays were more in line with that of dvds, that the format would overtake dvd sales. I am sure that for some the $5 or so difference does work as a deterrent (especially to those who are not enthusiasts).

[jscoggins]

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=210922

[BLOFELD]

Originally Posted by floridaswamprat

One of the things that bothers me about blu-ray compared to dvd is the cost difference. Are blu-rays more expensive because they cost more to manufacture (and is the excess manufacturing cost substantial enough for the retail price difference)? Or is there some licensing costs for blus? Or is it simply supply and demand?

I think that if the price of blu-rays were more in line with that of dvds, that the format would overtake dvd sales. I am sure that for some the $5 or so difference does work as a deterrent (especially to those who are not enthusiasts).

You'll notice the majority of times there is only a small price discrepancy between BR and DVDs. Some of the factors include:

1. The costs of blank blu ray discs are more than dvds
2. Because of the larger file size it takes longer to write a blu ray than a dvd, which ultimately increases the cost as time is money.
3. The technology used to write a Blu-Ray costs more than DVD.

[floridaswamprat]

Perhaps to clarify: I was writing mostly in regard to new or newer releases. After titles have been out for a year or so, the difference does seem to narrow.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by floridaswamprat

Perhaps to clarify: I was writing mostly in regard to new or newer releases. After titles have been out for a year or so, the difference does seem to narrow.

There have been instances where the BD is cheaper than the DVD on release day.

[BLOFELD]

Originally Posted by jscoggins

There have been instances where the BD is cheaper than the DVD on release day.

Often times the DVD is higher because it is out of print while the BR is not.

[jscoggins]

Originally Posted by BLOFELD

Often times the DVD is higher because it is out of print while the BR is not.

On release day?