'Planet Earth' Generates Record HD DVD, Blu-ray Sales Revenue

[jed]

Proving once again that disc sales can be measured on any number of levels, Warner Home Video has announced that the dual-format release of 'Planet Earth: The Complete Series' is the biggest high-def disc moneymaker yet.

According to figures provided by Warner, which distributed the British series in the U.S. for BBC Video the box set has generated $3.2 million in consumer spending since its release on Blu-ray and HD DVD on April 24.

The Hollywood Reporter estimates that that number translates to about 42,000 units -- well below the record-breaking 100,000 units sold of 'The Departed,' but at roughly $70 a pop, Warner says the BBC series still tops the high-def charts from a revenue perspective. (The company says 'The Departed' has thus far generated 2.8 million in consumer spending.)

Full Story:
http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/686

[bear89103]

Awesome news for PE. It's a great series, and well worth it for both/either formats to own.

As for the revenue generation thing... all is stated in gross. If we were to take net, we might be looking at a whole different picture.

[DrMaustus]

I have bought this, but as a gift for the girlfriend. Can't wait for her birthday so we can watch it!

I'm still surprised at how little the sales actually are. 3.2 million? For both?! I guess we still have a long way to go before we can replace the aging DVD format...

[Neutral_Lurker]

I wonder how much the DVD set grossed..... that and syndication is where they'll reap their returns

[wingnut]

So what does this tell us about the Format War.

#1 Consumers are willing to pay $60+ for a documentary, the days of big blockbusters reigning supreme are changing.

#2 WB is laughing all the way to the bank, sticking with Dual Format they are clearly benefitting. Maybe other companies (Universal Included) will change their stance based on WB's success as a dual format supporter.

[mmmmDoNut]

Kind of interesting the HD DVD version on Amazon has been in the top ten since it was released.

[bear89103]

Originally Posted by wingnut

So what does this tell us about the Format War.

#1 Consumers are willing to pay $60+ for a documentary, the days of big blockbusters reigning supreme are changing.

#2 WB is laughing all the way to the bank, sticking with Dual Format they are clearly benefitting. Maybe other companies (Universal Included) will change their stance based on WB's success as a dual format supporter.

What would WB be more pleased with? Selling 47,000 of one format where their production costs are reduced by roughly 50%. Or Selling 47,000 of two formats combined?

If I was WB, I'd still take the later. Yes, right now they're at least capitalizing on sales from both sides. But they're also SPENDING almost twice as much by doing so.

[KaneRobot]

Originally Posted by wingnut

So what does this tell us about the Format War.

#1 Consumers are willing to pay $60+ for a documentary, the days of big blockbusters reigning supreme are changing.

...sort of. I think that the fact that only the hardcore or wealthy have both HDTVs AND HD movie players at this point cannot be disregarded. Those are the people who normally would buy something just like this. Anyone know how the standard DVD version did?

#2 WB is laughing all the way to the bank, sticking with Dual Format they are clearly benefitting. Maybe other companies (Universal Included) will change their stance based on WB's success as a dual format supporter.

Universal is going to almost certainly be one of the last companies to budge (if they ever do)...I could see a Lionsgate or a Weinstein going dual format though. Perhaps sooner than later.

[wingnut]

Originally Posted by bear89103

What would WB be more pleased with? Selling 47,000 of one format where their production costs are reduced by roughly 50%. Or Selling 47,000 of two formats combined?

If I was WB, I'd still take the later. Yes, right now they're at least capitalizing on sales from both sides. But they're also SPENDING almost twice as much by doing so.

Of course, but this is the hand that they were dealt and they adapted. Instead of picking a side and losing potential income they go dual format. They spend a little more money in doing so but they make more at the same time.

It's a matter of spending money to make money. Would they be making as much money if they went single format? IMO probablly not.

[bear89103]

Originally Posted by wingnut

Of course, but this is the hand that they were dealt and they adapted. Instead of picking a side and losing potential income they go dual format. They spend a little more money in doing so but they make more at the same time.

It's a matter of spending money to make money. Do you think they would be making as much money if they went single format? IMO probablly not.

No, I agree with you there. Whether they are or not making more money in this short term, they certainly are better poised to make more money in the future as they ensure that they're "losing-side-proof".

It's just worth mentioning the costs because your original comment made it sound like WB was just raking it in by going dual format. When it's probably more like just about even with the other studios if we base it upon net. Maybe a little more revenue, but still not all that much more.

[Spideybat]

Originally Posted by mmmmDoNut

Kind of interesting the HD DVD version on Amazon has been in the top ten since it was released.

I know. It's still at #4.

[freekedoutfish]

Originally Posted by wingnut

So what does this tell us about the Format War.

#1 Consumers are willing to pay $60+ for a documentary, the days of big blockbusters reigning supreme are changing.

#2 WB is laughing all the way to the bank, sticking with Dual Format they are clearly benefitting. Maybe other companies (Universal Included) will change their stance based on WB's success as a dual format supporter.

My personal opinion is that all these one-sided companies will eventually release films on both formats. They will come to their senses and realise their making a loss by alienating 1000s (and in a few years millions) of BR or HD DVD customers.

There is no real economic or business reason not to release films on both formats. It looses a company a large share of the market. They only do it because they want to suck up to certain companies like Sony who have alot of control and power and influence. And their being stubborn about their choices.

They dont want to stand up and say "ok we made a mistake, we should have gone with both format", due to pride. But I think they'l eventually come to their sense.

Or I can cross my fingers!

[chad5871]

I find it interesting that PE is often touted around the forums as a title that sells well, and considering the article stated it's only sold around 42,000 copies combined, that means that roughly 21,000 copies were sold to each format. That kinda makes the "measly" 13,900 copies of the Matrix sold in the first week alone seem not so bad after all.

[wingnut]

Originally Posted by chad5871

I find it interesting that PE is often touted around the forums as a title that sells well, and considering the article stated it's only sold around 42,000 copies combined, that means that roughly 21,000 copies were sold to each format. That kinda makes the "measly" 13,900 copies of the Matrix sold in the first week alone seem not so bad after all.

If you think about it that way I guess. But at $60+ that's like buying 3 movies.

42,000 X 3 = 126,000.

Theoretically speaking.

So yes, for a $60+ title and a documentary to boot, it sold extremely well.

[Neutral_Lurker]

well, even the cheaper Matrix set was 3 discs and cost more than Planet Earth from most retailers