New figures released today by the British Video Association, using data provided by the Official Charts Company, show that the home entertainment market is alive and kicking, despite difficult trading conditions across the entire retail sector. The surge in sales of Blu-ray discs was driven by a strong performance throughout the year, credit crunch notwithstanding. Blu-ray disc sales hit a new high in the run-up to Christmas; 1.5 million discs were sold in December alone, up almost 400% against the same period in 2007. In total the format has sold 3.7 million units in 2008, demonstrating the public’s enthusiasm for high quality picture and sound in the home.
Dark Knight (Warner Home Video) has taken the crown for best selling Blu-ray title of the year with 281,000 copies sold (including sales of the box set with Batman Begins) on the high definition format in just three weeks. Released in early December it became the best-selling Blu-ray title in history, selling more copies on Blu-ray in its first full week (178,000 copies including Batman Begins box-set) in the shops than any other movie ever released on the format.
While Blu-ray has increasingly established its position as the number one choice of next generation of home entertainment, DVDs have also enjoyed a solid year. Mamma Mia! – The Movie (Universal Pictures) officially became the UK’s fastest-selling DVD in history, achieving sales of 3.1 million in its first full week in the shops, and 5.1 million by the end of 2008. This is an unprecedented performance by a title with just five weeks on sale. While specific figures are not available, the title was heavily pre-ordered months before release to ensure no one missed out on the Abba magic for Christmas!
Lavinia Carey, Director General of the British Video Association, says: “The growth in disc sales throughout 2008 reveals that the home entertainment market is showing resilience in a difficult economic climate. The demise of EUK and Woolworths had a significant impact on pre-Christmas trading and the news since Christmas of Zavvi going into administration is a consequence of EUK going down. But we are not surprised that home entertainment is generally bearing up well; as people tighten their belts, many have rejected more extravagant outings in favour of a cosy evening at home with their favourite titles. We expect the growth of Blu-ray to continue in 2009 on the back of strong releases such as Quantum of Solace, Tropic Thunder and The Duchess.”
Looking forward to 2009, Screen Digest predicts Blu-ray disc sales will rise to 17 million units over the next 12 months, accounting seven per cent of the total disc market whilst DVD will remain popular with 241 million discs being bought by the British Public.
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