Blu-ray Disc Sales Up 68 Percent

Media Control GfK International announced the release of its Third Quarter Home Video Retail Sales Report.

According to the statement, third quarter combined retail sales of DVD and Blu-ray titles increased 8.8% over the previous quarter in Western Europe and Japan. In addition, year-over-year third quarter combined DVD/Blu-ray sales were down 3.8% while Blu-ray sales were up 67.6% from last year.

For more information visit: www.gfkrt.com


Unedited press release follows:

Media Control GfK International Announces Third Quarter DVD & Blu-ray Sales Report

– Retail Markets Up 8.8 Percent from Q2 in Western Europe/Japan –

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 25 — Media Control GfK International, the leader in international media and entertainment tracking servicing the global entertainment industry, announced today the release of its Third Quarter Home Video Retail Sales Report.

According to Media Control GfK International research, based on actual point-of-sale data, third quarter retail sales of combined DVD/Blu-ray units increased from the previous second quarter (+) 8.8% in Western Europe/Japan. Leading key retail markets included Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Sweden, and the U.K.

“We observe this quarter-to-quarter growth as a positive sign of recovery for the home entertainment retail markets, and anticipate a strong fourth quarter will help offset year-to-date declines” said Brad Hackley, President of Media Control GfK, USA.

Year-over-year third quarter sales volume of combined DVD/Blu-ray units were down (-) 3.8% in Western Europe/Japan. The Blu-ray format continued its double-digit growth trajectory with unit sales volume up (+) 67.6%, from last year.

Media Control GfK International’s Third Quarter Home Video Retail Sales Report provides total market estimated DVD & Blu-ray retail unit sales for four regions: Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and Australasia.

About Media Control GfK:
Established in 1976, Media Control is the world’s largest provider and expert of international media & entertainment performance metrics, collecting point-of-sale data from 29 countries and providing both local and global data analysis to industry clients necessary to make informed decisions in today’s rapidly-changing entertainment environment. Media Control has offices in over 30 countries.