The blockbuster hit from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, Transformers, is the year’s top-selling week one DVD so far with North American sales reaching 8.3 million units since the title’s debut on October 16, it was announced today by Paramount Home Entertainment.
The biggest original film of the year from director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg, in association with Hasbro, Inc., is also the best-selling DVD day one for the year with over 4.5 million units sold on Tuesday.
Additionally, the smash hit has exploded into the high definition market, selling over 100,000 HD DVDs its first day of release, rocketing past previous releases to become the best-selling day one high definition title on either format since their inceptions. Transformers has sold over 190,000 HD DVDs in its first week making it the fastest and best-selling week one release on either high definition format as well as the best selling HD DVD ever. The Transformers DVD is also the top-selling October DVD release in the history of the home entertainment industry.
“The performance of the ‘Transformers’ DVD and HD DVD has demonstrated the phenomenal success of this global franchise,” said Kelley Avery, president, Worldwide Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures. “We’re happy to be kicking off the fourth quarter with a title that clearly shows home entertainment releases are still an event that drives consumers into storeswhich is a win for both content providers and retailers.”
Earning over $700 million at the global box office, the live-action feature film Transformers is the latest success in a worldwide franchise that has emerged as one of the most successful properties in action figure history, spawning numerous television series and comic books and a wealth of toys, games and other licensed merchandise. In 2007, Transformers has become one of the hottest properties for boys in a variety of categories, including toys, publishing, video games, apparel and back-to-school. Hasbro’s licensing arm, HPG, has signed more than 250 licensees in 70 countries around the world.
The first live-action film based on the enduringly popular “Robots in Disguise”, Transformers features the ultimate battle between good and evil, as the peace-loving Autobots seek to protect humanity from the evil forces of the Decepticons. The Transformers Special Edition two-disc DVD and HD DVD sets provide an incredible experience with an arsenal of bonus material that delivers excitement and fun for long-time fans, as well as for viewers who are new to the Transformers universe. Further, the HD DVD includes a host of highly advanced web-enabled features that will continue to roll-out through the rest of the year.
