Ranting on Combo Packs: How the Movie Biz is Forcing You to Buy What You Don't Want

Rant's target: Blu-ray (Photo via crackednoodle.com)

So, I head to HMV after work to buy Black Swan for my fiancé. To my surprise (wasn't really surprised but it works here), the Blu-ray combo pack was selling for $32.99...is it just me or is that alot of dough for a movie?

I sparked a conversation with the friendly customer service dude and asked him where I can find the Blu-ray without the digital copy/DVD/laserdisc/VHS/Super 8/audio book combo. He said that it's the only version they carry. He continued by saying "That's how they get you." How they get me? What did I, or any consumer, do to warrant this target on our wallets or the "getting of us"? They must be in dire straits, in need of some cash so that they can continue providing us with the entertainment we all crave.

Not so much. According to the financials released by the Motion Picture Association of America, domestic revenue (U.S. and Canada) was $10.6 billion. Internationally, they pocketed $21.2 billion. DVD and Blu-ray? About $18.8 billion in rentals and sales (also includes digital copies). Some might say that they have costs they need to cover like manufacturing, distribution and Will Smith's salary. As a consumer, this is irrelevant. In the end, they're not broke.

Imagine going to a restaurant that sells the best striploin in town. You order that sweet piece of beef, but are forced to buy a $15 Glass of Shiraz and an extra side of mash because it's a combo. That shit would certainly not fly in the real world. If you want the steak on the solo, you can get it.

Consumers provide the fuel that keeps this entertainment engine humming. So Mr. Movie Industry, keep it real. Instead of forcing a product on us, just give us what we want. Damn! All I wanna do is buy a Blu-ray!

-Paqman