NARM: Panel pushes potential of Blu-ray for music
PHYSICAL: High-def $300-priced Neil Young box set sells out
By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 6/10/2009
JUNE 10 | PHYSICAL: SAN DIEGO—Although Blu-ray Disc music titles currently have a small following, they present a great retail opportunity, according to participants at a Wednesday National Assn. of Recording Merchandisers session.
Typically, a Blu-ray music title will sell about 10% of what a Blu-ray film does, noted Universal Music Group VP Jim Belcher. Still, he and others at the session believe Blu-ray can transform music retailing, because the format infuses songs with new value.
The format’s high-quality video and sound make for the perfect music community experience, which retailers can rally around as a selling point. In particular, NARM participants want retailers to excite their consumer base by hosting Blu-ray listener parties.
“About 40 people I know had a party at a Best Buy watching Blu-rays,” noted Larry Johnson, a producer on Neil Young’s recent Blu-ray release, Neil Young Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972. “Stores can do that across the country.”
Zane Vella, founder of Related Content Data Base, acknowledged that today’s consumers seem more concerned with convenience than quality, as they increasingly choose download services over bricks-and-mortar stores to quickly satisfy their music needs.
But with such listener parties, “you can educate the consumer to appreciate sound quality and to appreciate the deeper experience you get when you combine great video with sound,” said Vella.
He suggested that Blu-ray could be that energizing force for bricks-and-mortar music retailers, as 3D has been to theaters.
Certain consumers are embracing Blu-ray music titles. Warner Music’s June 2 Neil Young Archives Vol. 1: 1963-1972 has already sold out of its initial shipment. The label is surprised that it needs to already replenish stock, noted Johnson.
The 10-disc set retails for about $300, which is much higher than the standard single-disc Blu-ray title.
Johnson believes that people are really attracted to the set’s automatic notice of new available downloads each time the BD Live-enhanced discs are played.
“This keeps it fresh for Neil, but it drives me crazy,” said Johnson, who is managing delivering updates to fans. “He keeps giving and giving.”
Johnson said to next look out for access to a download of concert footage from a past Hollywood Bowl performance.
Additionally, he told NARM attendees that he is currently in development on a second Blu-ray installment of Young’s work.
