Wal*Mart has decided to push high-definition systems in general, and Blu-ray in particular, in their stores. They’ve revamped their consumer electronics departments nationwide, and have added a “high-def Blu-ray experience area” in 1,200 stores. They’ve increased their selection of full HD (1080p) HDTVs by over 58%, and they’ve increased their selection of Blu-ray players by adding players from Magnavox, Samsung, and Panasonic to their existing Sony player offerings. Along with the additional players they’ve also expanded their selection of Blu-ray movies.

As a promotion, between June 8 and June 14, they’re offering a $100 Wal*Mart gift card with the purchase of any Blu-ray player. And, also beginning June 8th, they’ll be pricing selecting Blu-ray movies at only $15, including 3:10 to Yuma, WAR, Shooter, 300, and The Fifth Element.

Their press release announcing the changes:
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Joining Best Buy and Circuit City, Wal*Mart is offering an olive branch for the suckersunfortunates who were left with an abandoned format when HD DVD threw in the towel. Wal*Mart will allow you to return your HD DVD player for a refund - if you purchased it after November 1, 2007 and you have the original receipt. Returns must be made by April 30, 2008, and you don’t need the original packaging - just the unit and receipt. SlickDeals.net has the internal Wal*Mart memo about the returns, you may want to bring that along just in case your local store resists the return. Specifically eight models are being accepted for return, the UPCs are listed in the memo.

From SlickDeals and the WSJ, by way of EngadgetHD.

Toshiba, and the rest of the HD DVD camp, have done a wonderful job of completely ignoring the piles of bad news heaped on HD DVD over the past couple of months. They’ve continued to issue basically the same statement about how they see HD DVD as the better value, vow to continue the fight, etc. Well, the news today is perhaps the bleakest yet. Wal*Mart is dropping HD DVD completely and going Blu-ray exclusive, according to their official blog:

Enough about my family and on to the Wal-Mart plans… by June Wal-Mart will only be carrying BluRay movies and hardware machines, and of course standard def movies, DVD players, and up convert players. Not sure of the short term pricing plans, but history tells us that as more people move to a new technology prices typically go down.

Wal*Mart also issued an official statement:

Bentonville, Ark., Feb. 15, 2008 – Wal-Mart Stores, U.S. today announces that its 4,000 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores will move forward this year with one hi-definition movie and hardware format: Blu-ray. The change will take place quickly over the next several months whereby the retailer will phase out HD DVD offerings and reorganize shelf space. By June, Wal-Mart stores, Sam’s Clubs, www.walmart.com and www.samsclub.com will offer only Blu-ray movies and hardware machines, as well as standard definition movies and DVD players, and up converts.

“We’ve listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases,” said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Home Entertainment, Wal-Mart, U.S. “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.”

Wal-Mart will continue to sell through remaining HD DVD product, but in less than 30 days customers will see a more predominant move toward Blu-ray in stores, clubs and online. As the nation’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart thoughtfully reviewed all areas and impact in making its decision, and is excited to move forward with one format and share its future plans with customers.

With Wal*Mart dropping HD DVD completely, and Best Buy focusing on Blu-ray, you have the top two retailers of consumer electronics and media both pushing Blu-ray. And Netflix, the top online rental company, is also dropping HD DVD. How many more hits can HD DVD take before they just lay down?

Picked up from CNET News.com.

Wal*Mart is running more ‘Secret’ In-Store Specials tomorrow, Friday, December 7th. One is on the Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD Player. They’re selling it for $298, with 12 free HD DVDs. Personally, I’d buy it from Amazon for $224.98 with 10 free DVDs and save $73.02, which could buy you a could of HD DVDs with money left over. Hidden in the fine print when you look at the specific sale, Wal*Mart is also selling the older Toshiba HD-A2 for $198, with 10 free HD DVDs. You get five free movies in the store, five more via a mail-in offer, and the HD-A3 has two in the box.

They’re also selling the 40GB Sony PS3 for $399, which is the normal price, but they’re throwing in a $50 Gift Card. So you effectively save $50 since you can use the card on something else.

Via EngadgetHD.

Wal*Mart is selling the Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray Player for $348 with ten free Blu-ray Disc movies. Select five movies when you check out, and receive five more via a mail-in offer. Personally I’d probably opt for the 40GB PS3 at $399 for a solid Blu-ray player and game system, but this is a good deal if you’re just looking for a player.

Hat tip to Gizmodo.