UK DVD Sales Slump Dramatically As Blu Ray Enjoys Strong Growth

Nearly 100 million DVDs were sold during the first six months of 2009 according to the British Video Association which tracks sales of a number of video supports.

The figure, although impressive, hides the fact that the sales were down 7.7 percent by volume and almost double that figure by value. This points to the fact that many retailers have been using heavy discounting to attract customers.

The demise of the old Woolworths and Zavvi might have been one factor affecting the sales. Lavinia Carey, of the BVA says that the two retailers owned a sixth of the market last year and this has vanished.

But sales volume for Blu-ray have significantly gone up. 3.1 million blue discs were sold over the same 6 months period, a 231 percent rise. Should the same trend continue for the next two years, Blu Ray sales will hit 38 million.

There are currently more than 1500 Blu-ray releases o the market and all new movies are simultaneously released on DVD and on Blu-ray. Furthermore, Blu-ray players no longer carry the price premium they used to. Sub £100 are now common place.

Ditto for HD ready screens which are vital to watch high definition footage in all their glory. Entry level HD television sets can be purchased for under £200.

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