Warner sells 250k copies of 300!
08-07-07, 11:41 AM
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Warner sells 250k copies of 300!
"Warner Home Video Breaks Another High Definition Record with ``300,'' the Fastest Selling Title with More Than 250K Copies Sold in Its First Full Week
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Warner Home Video (WHV) announced that it has the fastest and highest-selling high definition title in the market with the epic action-adventure, “300.” Since July 31, 2007, “300” has sold more than 250,000 copies to consumers on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc.
“300” provides another high definition milestone for Warner Home Video which was the first studio to break the 100K sold mark with “The Departed.” Overall WHV has six of the top 10 selling high definition titles with “300,” “The Departed,” “Superman Returns,” “Planet Earth - The Complete Collection,” “Batman Begins,” and “Happy Feet.” Warner also has the highest grossing high definition title with the dual-format release of “Planet Earth.”
“‘300’ is an amazing film, and the high definition sales we are seeing underscores the positive business benefits of supporting both HD DVD and Blu-ray,” said Ron Sanders, President of Warner Home Video. “This phenomenal response to ‘300’ is the latest proof that our approach makes the most sense in today’s market and has enabled Warner Home Video to continue to lead the market in high definition sales.”
As a result of its dual format strategy, WHV has more than 30% market share of DVD sales in the high definition market, selling more high definition product and releasing more titles than any other studio. Because of two competing high definition formats in the market, it is widely recognized that hardware prices for both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD have fallen faster than would normally be expected at this stage in the product cycle. However, research organizations, such as ABI Research(a), predict that further price reductions of hardware are needed to fuel mass adoption of high definition formats.
Based on the stylized graphic novel from icon Frank Miller (“Sin City”), “300” is an epic action-adventure about the 300 Spartan warriors led by the heroic King Leonidas who challenged Xerxes and his massive Persian army at the ancient Battle of Thermopylae. Leveraging the capabilities that the high definition formats enable, “300” on HD DVD incorporates exclusives interactive features. Any HD DVD player connected to the internet can take advantage of the web enabled features, which include the ability for viewers to pick their favorite scenes to assemble montages and share them with friends. Users can also rate scenes within the Warner connected community as well as purchase and collect wall paper and ring tones for mobile phones. Both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats include additional bonus material.
Warner Home Video HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The new formats also provide a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment. "
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today Warner Home Video (WHV) announced that it has the fastest and highest-selling high definition title in the market with the epic action-adventure, “300.” Since July 31, 2007, “300” has sold more than 250,000 copies to consumers on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc.
“300” provides another high definition milestone for Warner Home Video which was the first studio to break the 100K sold mark with “The Departed.” Overall WHV has six of the top 10 selling high definition titles with “300,” “The Departed,” “Superman Returns,” “Planet Earth - The Complete Collection,” “Batman Begins,” and “Happy Feet.” Warner also has the highest grossing high definition title with the dual-format release of “Planet Earth.”
“‘300’ is an amazing film, and the high definition sales we are seeing underscores the positive business benefits of supporting both HD DVD and Blu-ray,” said Ron Sanders, President of Warner Home Video. “This phenomenal response to ‘300’ is the latest proof that our approach makes the most sense in today’s market and has enabled Warner Home Video to continue to lead the market in high definition sales.”
As a result of its dual format strategy, WHV has more than 30% market share of DVD sales in the high definition market, selling more high definition product and releasing more titles than any other studio. Because of two competing high definition formats in the market, it is widely recognized that hardware prices for both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD have fallen faster than would normally be expected at this stage in the product cycle. However, research organizations, such as ABI Research(a), predict that further price reductions of hardware are needed to fuel mass adoption of high definition formats.
Based on the stylized graphic novel from icon Frank Miller (“Sin City”), “300” is an epic action-adventure about the 300 Spartan warriors led by the heroic King Leonidas who challenged Xerxes and his massive Persian army at the ancient Battle of Thermopylae. Leveraging the capabilities that the high definition formats enable, “300” on HD DVD incorporates exclusives interactive features. Any HD DVD player connected to the internet can take advantage of the web enabled features, which include the ability for viewers to pick their favorite scenes to assemble montages and share them with friends. Users can also rate scenes within the Warner connected community as well as purchase and collect wall paper and ring tones for mobile phones. Both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats include additional bonus material.
Warner Home Video HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The new formats also provide a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment. "
I still have yet to get my copy :-(
08-07-07, 11:58 AM
#3
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Great news for HD media, I really wasn't expecting these kind of numbers until the big holiday releases. Do I hear 500K for Transformers?
So, if Matrix was the first DVD to hit a million - and that was 2 1/2 yrs after launch, is HD currently ahead of DVD's pace? Because I'm sure one of the big releases will be hitting a million copies sold before fall of '08...(which would be 2 1/2 yr's after HD's launch)
So, if Matrix was the first DVD to hit a million - and that was 2 1/2 yrs after launch, is HD currently ahead of DVD's pace? Because I'm sure one of the big releases will be hitting a million copies sold before fall of '08...(which would be 2 1/2 yr's after HD's launch)
08-07-07, 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Artman
Great news for HD media, I really wasn't expecting these kind of numbers until the big holiday releases. Do I hear 500K for Transformers?
So, if Matrix was the first DVD to hit a million - and that was 2 1/2 yrs after launch, is HD currently ahead of DVD's pace? Because I'm sure one of the big releases will be hitting a million copies sold before fall of '08...(which would be 2 1/2 yr's after HD's launch)
So, if Matrix was the first DVD to hit a million - and that was 2 1/2 yrs after launch, is HD currently ahead of DVD's pace? Because I'm sure one of the big releases will be hitting a million copies sold before fall of '08...(which would be 2 1/2 yr's after HD's launch)
08-07-07, 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Doughboy
What would be the first title to sell a million copies on HD-DVD/Blu-ray?
08-07-07, 12:52 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by The Bus
I think Transformers can very easily sell 500k if 300 sold 250,000 in the first week.
First to 1MM? My guess goes to The Dark Knight.
First to 1MM? My guess goes to The Dark Knight.
08-07-07, 01:23 PM
#9
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I just hope WB doesn't use this talk of their successful dual-format strategy as a reason to justify TotalHD. I'd bet good money any TotalHD release would have at minimum twice as many defective discs as the current WB combos.
08-07-07, 01:30 PM
#10
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Maybe other studios will take a look at this, and decide dual-format support is where it is at.
08-07-07, 01:49 PM
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Originally Posted by The Bus
Combo pricing aside, I think Warner is the only studio that is doing the right thing, both for consumers and investors.
They consistently put out great dvd's and now I'm very happy with HD even though Blu-Ray seem to have more titles...for now
08-07-07, 01:53 PM
#13
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Originally Posted by The Bus
Combo pricing aside, I think Warner is the only studio that is doing the right thing, both for consumers and investors.
08-07-07, 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Artman
If 300 or Transformers doesn't hit it before than, yeah that'd be my guess. If Indy 4 hit's HD by itself and in a boxset those combined sales might get there too.
08-07-07, 02:39 PM
#15
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Batman: TDK was the title I was thinking would sell 1 million as well. I think 2007 holiday and beyond we will see the push towards 500K sold(Transformers/POTC 3 perhaps) with 1 million coming next year during the holiday season. Batman should be released somewhere around there. Indy is a candidate as well but there is the big question of if it will be available or not.
I think we could shut down hope of any catalog title being the first to 1 million at this point, unless someone drops a major title out of right field surprise within the next year.
I think we could shut down hope of any catalog title being the first to 1 million at this point, unless someone drops a major title out of right field surprise within the next year.
Last edited by DthRdrX; 08-07-07 at 04:13 PM.
08-07-07, 03:08 PM
#16
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I would be very surprised if Transformers hit 1 million copies just because I think it's a Paramount/Dreamworks title, meaning it would only be on HD-DVD.
I agree that Dark Knight will probably get that honor. It stands to get released on both formats.
Go Warner! Love the fact that they are a dual supporter, and love the fact that they are the studio really raking it in because they are a dual supporter. Other studios should pay attention.
I agree that Dark Knight will probably get that honor. It stands to get released on both formats.
Go Warner! Love the fact that they are a dual supporter, and love the fact that they are the studio really raking it in because they are a dual supporter. Other studios should pay attention.
08-07-07, 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by clckworang
I would be very surprised if Transformers hit 1 million copies just because I think it's a Paramount/Dreamworks title, meaning it would only be on HD-DVD.
08-07-07, 03:11 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by clckworang
I would be very surprised if Transformers hit 1 million copies just because I think it's a Paramount/Dreamworks title, meaning it would only be on HD-DVD.
08-07-07, 03:35 PM
#20
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Yep, you're right. Got mixed up with Universal. Happy so many of you were able to correct me. 
(also got mixed up because I get HD-DVD screeners from Paramount at work)
(also got mixed up because I get HD-DVD screeners from Paramount at work)
08-07-07, 05:39 PM
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http://www.hometheaterspot.com/fusio...p?post/827379/
Unofficial report is that the Blu-ray version outsold the HD DVD version 2:1. We'll see the official numbers soon enough.
Unofficial report is that the Blu-ray version outsold the HD DVD version 2:1. We'll see the official numbers soon enough.
08-07-07, 05:42 PM
#24
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Originally Posted by bee_01
http://www.hometheaterspot.com/fusio...p?post/827379/
Unofficial report is that the Blu-ray version outsold the HD DVD version 2:1. We'll see the official numbers soon enough.
Unofficial report is that the Blu-ray version outsold the HD DVD version 2:1. We'll see the official numbers soon enough.
08-07-07, 05:45 PM
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65:35 isn't too bad when you consider that 300 is another one of those "PS3 demographic" titles.
I own a Tosh A1 and a PS3 and bought the Blu-ray version since it was cheaper than the combo disk (which have caused me problems in the past). The HD DVD PIP is neat but I'm not that big on extras.
I own a Tosh A1 and a PS3 and bought the Blu-ray version since it was cheaper than the combo disk (which have caused me problems in the past). The HD DVD PIP is neat but I'm not that big on extras.