We’re all tired of the ever growing "HD format war" by this point, be honest. Blu-ray has proven that it’s defeated HD-DVD, despite the format’s valiant efforts to remain afloat. Today, while we still don’t have the press release from all the major players stating that HD-DVD is bowing out, we do have a press release from a MAJOR retail player in the format war, that details a decision. Wal-Mart, the largest retail chain in the U.S., has declared that they will be joining companies like Netflix and going Blu-ray exclusive, and dropping the sale of both HD-DVD discs and players all together. While this doesn’t directly affect our gaming world (yet), it’s a major victory for Sony and the PlayStation 3. Wal-Mart will now effecitvely be promoting PS3 with every Blu-ray Disc sold. Wal-Mart’s Senior Vice President of Home Entertainment, Gary Severson says:

We’ve listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference
toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases.

Wal-mart stated that while the phase-out of HD-DVD will not be as abrupt as you’d think (it will slowly decrease shelf space over the next 30 days), they will continue the sale of standard, old school DVD’s and hardware. Clarification on whether or not the 360′s HD-DVD add-on drive would suffer the same fate yielded no definitve answer at this time. We’re now one step closer to finally just being to buy a movie, folks, just one format.

It will be intriguing to see what happens in the next few days for the HD-DVD camp, as word that Toshiba will be "officially" announcing that they are dropping HD-DVD- in favor of Blu-ray-has emerged. I’m calling Tuesday or Wednesday as the press release day. Please, just hurry it up already, I want Star Wars and Lord of the Rings on Blu-ray, and I want them now. Now, the gamers wait- how long until Microsoft responds?

Press release after the jump. 

Wal-Mart Moving Exclusively Toward Blu-ray Format Movies and Players 

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.

[Update]: Word has it that Toshiba will be declaring defeat tomorrow, Tuesday February 19th.