My Local Blockbuster Store Is Done With HD-DVD Too

The local B&M Blockbuster store that I usually go to is having the new make-over to become one of the twelve prototypes of the future Blockbuster. I drop off the rental today but couldn't locate the 3 HD-DVD shelves. The manager, with a small pin badge on uniform that said Blu-ray certified, told me he just packed all of them and sent it back. Crap! What happened there! This store was one out of the 250 nation chain units to carry HD-DVD but not anymore.

He was quite helpful despite my nosy questions, he also said they are dropping in-store HD-DVD nationwide and has nothing to do with tighter room in a new layout. Not that I didn't believed him, (well, I didn't) I actually called more than 10 stores in DFW area that marked with Blu-ray option to find out more. Only one of them is offering HD-DVD and they didn't mention anything about operation HD-CRAP-OUT

My prediction is Blockbuster may cease the remainder of 250 stores that are still carrying HD-DVD. With Netflix announcement to stop buying HD-DVD disc, the Blockbuster's mail order departments are anticipating a higher demand from HD-DVD renters, new or existing. I doubt they will expand the in-store option but certain could use the rest to fulfill the mail-order crowd.