New releases dominated the DVD sales chart earning the top three spots and five of the top ten. Leading the way was The Muppets with 884,000 units / $15.05 million. This is a little weaker than I would like, but perhaps it performed better on Blu-ray. I'm not overly optimistic, because live action kids movies tend to struggle on high definition. Hop was relatively close behind with 705,000 units / $11.97 million. It was a Friday release, so this is more impressive than it sounds. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo debuted in third place with 644,000 units / $10.93 million. Happy Feet Two fell from first to fourth with 228,000 units / $3.54 million over the week for a total of 975,000 units / $14.74 million after two. Its performance continues to be weak. The Descendants rounded out the top five with 201,000 units / $3.15 million for the week and 747,000 units / $11.34 million after two. This is acceptable for a limited release film, even one that expanded as well as it did.

The Sitter only managed seventh place with 193,000 units / $3.23 million, which is weak, even compared to its box office run. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy opened in ninth spot with 144,000 units / $2.31 million. On the one hand, the film never expanded truly wide, so a top ten debut on the home market is pretty good. On the other hand, I think the studio was hoping for a lot more throughout its run.

- C.S.Strowbridge

Date posted: 2012-04-03