Warner Home Video (WHV), a Time Warner Entertainment company, today announced at the Consumer Electronics Show that its 1998 DVD wholesale domestic gross sales exceeded $170 million - a more than240 percent increase over DVD sales of approximately $50 million in 1997. This total encompasses Warner's distributed lines including New Line, MGM, HBO, Turner and Castle Rock.WHV said that in 1998, the first full year of DVD availability, DVD accounted for over 10 percent of the company's total domestic gross sales. DVD sales were particularly strong in the fourth quarter, accounting for 18 percent of all U.S. sell-through gross sales. "DVD's performance has exceeded expectations and our numbers prove it," saidWarren Lieberfarb, president, Warner Home Video. "DVD was a breakout hit during the holiday season and we expect consumer and retailer enthusiasm to experience continued growth in 1999." Demonstrating further evidence of strong demand for DVD, manufacturers shippedmore than 1.4 million DVD players since the spring 1997 launch. The one-millionth player was shipped in early November, with an additional 400,000 shipped through the remainder of the year, illustrating DVD's breakout success in the holiday season. Additionally, DVD was established in 1998 as a rental, as well as sell-through product,with rentals priced at the same or lower rates as VHS tapes. At year's end, DVD was available for sale or rent at more than 16,000 retail outlets nationwide. DVD, offering superior picture and sound quality, convenience, exciting interactive features, viewing options and an affordable price, was launched in test markets in March 1997 and rolled out nationwide in August of that year. To date, based on volume of players shipped, DVD's launch is ten times more successful than that of the CD or VCR. More than 2,400 DVD titles are currently available from every major studio for sale or rent, at traditional retail outlets and through on line services. With operations in 78 international territories - more than the video division of any other studio - Warner Home Video commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. WHV's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoire's of Warner Bros., Turner Home Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video, New Line Home Video, and MGM Home Entertainment.
Contact Info:
Gail Becker
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