Combined DVD/Blu-Ray Units Up 9% From 2Q10 to 3Q10 in Western Europe/Japan

Media Control GfK International, in international media and entertainment tracking servicing the entertainment industry, announced the release of its Third Quarter Home Video Retail Sales Report.

According to Media Control GfK International research, based on actual point-of-sale data, third quarter retail sales of combined DVD/Blu-ray units increased from the previous second quarter 8.8% in Western Europe/Japan. Leading key retail markets included Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Sweden, and the U.K.

"We observe this quarter-to-quarter growth as a positive sign of recovery for the home entertainment retail markets, and anticipate a strong fourth quarter will help offset year-to-date declines", said Brad Hackley, President of Media Control GfK, USA.

Year-over-year third quarter sales volume of combined DVD/Blu-ray units were down 3.8% in Western Europe/Japan. The Blu-ray format continued its double-digit growth trajectory with unit sales volume up 67.6%, from last year.

Media Control GfK International’s Third Quarter Home Video Retail Sales Report provides total market estimated DVD & Blu-ray retail unit sales for four regions: Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and Australasia.