Blockbuster Video will soon begin renting Blu-ray movies in all of its stores, a clear sign that Sony’s high-definition movie format is picking up steam and could soon have more mainstream adoption. Previously, Blockbuster provided Blu-ray rentals only in a few stores, as well as via its Web site.
The movie-rental company will also begin selling Blu-ray movies in all its retail stores. All stores will also be equipped with an HDTV and PlayStation 3.
Before you get too excited about the in-store PS3s, Blockbuster has said that the PS3-equipped kiosks, which will also include a 42-inch HDTV, will be setup to play Blu-ray movies, not Metal Gear Solid 4 or Killzone 2.
“[W]ith this national rollout, we believe Blockbuster is perfectly positioned to drive consumer adoption of this next generation DVD format and to become the customer’s headquarters when it comes to renting or buying Blu-ray movies, whether in-store or online,” said David Podeschi, Blockbuster Senior Vice President, Merchandising, Distribution and Logistics.
Blockbuster’s nationwide move coincides with the removal this month of all HD-DVD kiosks from Wal-Mart stores. It also coincides with Amazon’s “buy two get one free” Blu-ray sale, which will surely budget people in the direction of Sony’s proprietary format.