Summer films: Sales bells ring
Look for many of the summer blockbuster movies √≥ even ones that haven’t opened in theaters yet √≥ to arrive on DVD in time for holiday shopping.
As video marketers seek to maximize the momentum from theatrical campaigns, movies are coming to video a lot sooner than ever, in about four months, down from six months just a few years ago, according to The DVD Release Report.
That means most of the summer movies will be in stores as holiday shoppers head to the mall.
“The progression from a summer theatrical release to a holiday video release is a well-worn path,” says industry analyst Tom Adams, president of Adams Media Research. “Even late-summer releases will be out in time for the holidays.”
The year’s No. 1 movie so far, Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, is expected to arrive in stores Nov. 8. That was the same week that top sellers Shrek 2 and Finding Nemo came out in previous years.
Other movies that will be released for holiday sales, although no dates have been announced, include The Longest Yard, The Amityville Horror and Cinderella Man.
Also likely to be released in the fourth quarter of this year: War of the Worlds, Madagascar, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Fantastic Four, Bewitched, Kingdom of Heaven, The Interpreter and Batman Begins.
Other releases aimed at gift buyers include:
√ØThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Sept. 13.
ïRobots, Sept. 20.
√Ø Last year’s holiday hit, Polar Express, Nov. 22.
“The fourth quarter is going to be wildly competitive,” says Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
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