Anyhoo, 2008 is the turnaround year for Blu-ray, since the format war just ended and the entire film industry (including smaller studios like Anchor Bay and Blue Underground... *winks at Lazario*) is prepping its BD releases and PR campaign. One must remember that the format isn't even two years old yet, but compared to the adoption of the DVD format in its early stages, BD is doing incredibly well in comparison. Like Bill Hunt just wrote yesterday at the Digital Bits, 2009 is really going to be BD's breakout year, and will only be edged on by the digital TV switchover mandate in the U.S.
As to Blu-ray hardware prices, those will definitely be dropping over the course of 2008 and into 2009. Christmas '08 will especially see lots of sales and incentives popping up in both Blu-ray films and players. Again, Bill Hunt says it best when it comes to Blu-ray issues. And I quote:
The bold emphases are mine, of course, but you get the point. If price is an issue, save up and play the waiting game. It's definitely worth it. ^_^Bill Hunt wrote:Here's something else to keep in mind, lots of new models of Blu-ray players are coming later this spring and over the summer, which means the previous models will be price reduced. You can also expect retailers and the various manufacturers to offer major discounts and other incentives to encourage people to buy Blu-ray players as we head into the holidays later this year. You'll see outright sales, you'll see combo offers where when you buy a new HDTV you'll get a free or discounted Blu-ray player (and keep in mind, with the FCC mandated switch to all-digital broadcasting next February, lots of people will be looking at HDTVs in the coming months). Sony has said that it expects to see at least a few Blu-ray player models priced as low as $299 later this year, with prices possibly under $200 next year (see this piece at The New York Times). And here's something interesting.... Warren Communications News (subscription required) is reporting that Samsung is planning to have a Blu-ray player available for less than $250 at Wal-Mart stores later this year, probably in the third quarter.
So if you're interested in a Blu-ray player but price is an issue, just relax. The prices will continue to drop later this year, and plenty of great deals will be available in the coming months.
And yes... Planet Earth is utterly stunning in Blu-ray. I recommend the widely-available BBC release over the Discovery Channel version, of course - David Attenborough's narration is second to none.
And Amazon is selling it for even less than the DVD set right now! 
Oh well, good things come to those who wait, and we have an awesome edition to watch in the meantime.
