The millionth Blu-ray disc sold in Europe

The High Definition format war has entered a new stage with the announcement that Blu-ray on Disc movie sales across Europe have topped one million units. The statement was made by the Blu-ray Disc Association European Promotions Committee in the last week of November.
Of the High Definition movie discs bought by consumers year-to-date in Europe, 73% were in the Blu-ray Disc format and 27% were HD DVD, according to sales data provided by Media Control GfK International.
Blu-ray Disc (BD), the High Definition packaged media universally supported by the film, music, gaming and computer industries, is the number one selling  High Definition packaged media.  The one million unit milestone relates to movies only. If BD game disc production is added into the equation, then the total number of discs produced for sale in Europe exceeds 21 million units.
Darren Ambridge, group product manager TV/HV for Sony UK has commented to IER on this announcement:  “It’s an important milestone because it confirms our expectations that there is a real consumer appetite for HD movies and shows that they are enjoying their HD movies on Blu-ray as a preference to HD DVD.
“Blu-ray product sales are  driven from two angles. First it is hardware availability and pricing. Since March consumers have been able to choose from a number of hardware options including PS3 and a number of Blu-ray players from top brands like Sony, Panasonic, Samsung and Pioneer. At the same time prices have fallen, making Blu-ray an affordable HD solution.
“The second factor is software availability. The choice of movies available on Blu-ray is much bigger than HD DVD and includes blockbuster hits like Spiderman 3, Casino Royale and Pirates of the Caribbean, making Blu-ray the obvious choice for movie fans.”