Quote Originally Posted by kexodusc
I'm seeing more and more of my BluRays with digital copies...is that going to be the norm for BluRay titles? They're great for my iPod but I wonder how many people actually see it as value added?
It has rapidly become the norm at least for high profile new releases. Data from a year ago indicated that the redemption rate for digital copies ranged from 5% to 13%, and that digital copies included with Blu-rays were redeemed at twice the rate as those included with DVDs. I think some of this has to do with the fact that most computers still do not have BD drives, and the digital copy is the only way to transfer a movie to a computer or portable device if the purchaser buys it on Blu-ray (unless the title also comes with a DVD copy).

Those redemption rates don't indicate massive throngs of people using the digital copies, so it's not exactly a huge selling point for the majority of buyers. But, I think for the studios it allows them to float higher price points on Blu-rays compared to DVDs. It's much the same way that studios use the bonus features as a means by which to maintain higher prices on catalog or re-release titles. It basically gives additional incentive for the buyer to opt for the Blu-ray, and justify the higher price tag.

Even though digital copies are also sometimes included with special edition DVDs, those two-disc DVD sets have become an endangered species. Many of the bonus features are now exclusive to the Blu-ray version. And when a two-disc special edition DVD is available, the Blu-ray now carries virtually the same list price and might still have some additional supplemental features that even the special edition DVD lacks.