Blockbuster goes Blu-ray, HD DVD=beta?,

I got my first DVD player direct from American Express in a special order for card members, it was $800 and I believe it was in December of 1997 and nobody had one that I know of so Newbie is off be about 8 yrs.
That same unit could be had today for $50, I am not even sure if it did 480p but I doubt it did, the funny thing was other than the fact it was all on one side it wasnt a huge leap over my Laser Disc player.
I even have a old DVD of "GoodFella's" that has to be flipped over to finish the movie, never could figure out why that disc was like that.
It is too bad that HDDVD is in a struggle because it would appear it is superior and has itself figured out instead of Blueray wich looks like a work in progress.

Untill the general public cares about either of these formats the arguements are mute, as of now it doesnt look like people really care about taking on another format.
Now if there are cheap players and movie clubs gave away a player with a purchase contract...say 10 in 3 years or whatever then maybe something would fly.