Blu-ray Sales: Hugo's Huge in High Definition

March 14, 2012

Hugo led a limited number of new releases on top of the Blu-ray sales chart. It sold 523,000 units while generating $14.37 million in sales. This is a good result compared to its theatrical run, but not great given the film's production budget. Its opening week Blu-ray share was 51%, which is fantastic for a family film, although this is not your typical family film. Puss in Boots was in second place with 504,000 units / $14.11 million during its first full week of release, giving it early totals of 1.08 million units / $30.10 million. It is already one of the best selling Blu-rays released this year. Justice League: Doom opened in third place with 161,000 units / $3.06 million. For a direct-to-DVD release, an opening week Blu-ray share of 62% is outstanding. There is one caveat. The target demographic for this release lines up nearly perfectly with the demographic most likely to own a Blu-ray setup. Lady and the Tramp slid to fourth place with 103,000 units / $2.62 million for the week and 1.48 million / $37.08 million after roughly a month. As if to emphasize how slow it was on the home market, Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Triology Box Set climbed back into the top five with 85,000 units / $5.82 million for the week and totals of 656,000 units / $36.43 million.

The only other new release to chart was Johnny English Reborn, which opened in ninth place with 31,000 units / $773,000. It bombed domestically, so this result is not unexpected. In fact, its opening week Blu-ray share was 35%, which is better than average for a comedy.

Overall Blu-ray market was more robust when compared to last week seeing growth of 10% in terms of units and 22% in terms of dollars. On the other hand, it was mixed when compared to last year, as 16% fewer units were sold, but 6% more revenue was generated. On the other hand, DVD sales were down across the board, so the overall Blu-ray share rose to 38% in terms of units and 52% in terms of revenue. Given the time of year and the lack of blockbuster titles that made their debut this week, this is a great result.

Next week will likely be no better than this week in terms of units. The best selling release will likely be Immortals; however, Game of Thrones: Season One could generate more revenue. Last year new releases were pretty week, with Bambi and Jackass 3 battling for top spot. Since no DVD sold 500,000 units or more, we should be able to earn a win.


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Filed under: Video Sales, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Lady and the Tramp, Puss in Boots, Hugo, Johnny English Reborn, Justice League: Doom