To DVD or to Download, that is the question.
The sales of DVDs has been declining over the last few years, with the recession having some impact on sales, however it is the growing trend for online and digital movie viewing, and even rentals, that are taking over the DVD spotlight.
The decline has even become apparent in the purchase of the DVD player. A report carried out by Mintel found that sales have fallen from 7.3 million back in 2007, down to 5.7 million in sales last year. With the usage of the Internet rapidly growing in popularity, especially amongst youth audiences, the ease of access to films and TV series’ online is far too great – whether it be legally or illegally. Could the fate of the DVD player go the way of the VHS Player sooner than predicted?
This raises the all important question – why do people buy DVDs? Many viewers will buy DVDs based on their liking for the film, their interest in seeing the extra features or they buy them as gifts for others. The last few years has seen the DVD prices continuously drop as soon as they leave the top 20 chart, just to keep up with bargain shoppers who seek out their rental and online competitors.
Online movies options are giving viewers a convenient ease of access and saving them time away from shopping for DVDs, and with DVD rentals making their way onto the shelf’s as quickly as DVD releases, the low rental costs and movie package deals, including snacks, give viewers an even better reason to go rental.
What we need to consider is adding more value for the consumers when they purchase DVDs. The DVD release provides a great opportunity to get the public experiencing an element of the film, whether it be a an interactive stand, photo opportunity, free give-aways or live stunt/performances. More people are spending night’s in and this is the perfect platform for DVDs to understand the viewers needs and how to add to that i.e. partnerships with foods and drinks.