Carr Gottstein Rolls Out More DVD Titles
Foods here is expanding its selection of DVDs for rental, said Gary Schloss, vice president for general merchandise.
"We are putting more and more of our rental departments into DVD," he said.
Last month, he said, "we brought in a couple of dozen more DVD titles per store that look like they could be good renters for us."
The company, which currently is only renting DVD software, brought in its first titles in time for the holiday season, said Schloss. So far, the rental activity has been slow because of the high hardware prices, "but it's coming," he said.
It's a category that is getting ready to explode, Schloss said. Once the price points on the hardware come down into the $200 range, he believes there will be some real movement.
"I think all videos will go to that format eventually," said Schloss.
Carr Gottstein is starting to promote the format in its advertising, mentioning that certain titles are "Now available on DVD," and saying, "Look for your favorite movies now on DVD" or "Visit our new DVD rental department."
Monarch to Enlist 'Ernest' for Release
LA VERGNE, Tenn. -- Monarch Home Video here will release "Ernest in the Army," starring Jim Varney, to the rental market Feb. 24. The PG-rated comedy has a pre-order date of Feb. 3 and a 60-day pay-per-view window.
Retailers who buy a three-pack of the title will receive up to $150 off airline travel, including two 10% discount certificates and two 5% certificates, which are good for any flight on any airline.
Buena Vista's 'Cop' To Hit Street in April
BURBANK, Calif. -- "Cop Land," the $45 million movie starring Sylvester Stallone, Robert DeNiro, Harvey Keitel and Ray Liotta, will be the top title in the April release slate for Buena Vista Home Entertainment here. It will street April 21, with a 55-day pay-per-view window, and will be promoted with trailers on "Scream 2," "Mimic," "An American Werewolf in Paris" and "Playing God."
Other April rental titles from Buena Vista include "Mrs. Brown," featuring the Golden Globe-winning performance of Judi Dench, which also streets April 21 with a 55-day PPV window. April 14, the $15 million comedy "Rocketman" will release with a 55-day PPV window, as well as "The House of Yes" and "Moondance," both with 90-day PPV windows. All April titles will prebook March 24.
Meanwhile, Buena Vista has announced the release on DVD of six titles Feb. 3. They are "Slingblade," "Crimson Tide," "The Crow," "The Crow: City of Angels," "While You Were Sleeping" and "Air Bud." Each DVD title carries a suggested retail price of $29.99.
Herklotz Buys 50% Of Stock in Plaza
LOS ANGELES -- John C. Herklotz, chairman of American Happenings, has bought out the 50% stock interest in Plaza Entertainment controlled by Gordon R. Granger. Herklotz assumes Granger's title and duties as chairman.
Eric Parkinson, Plaza's president and chief executive officer, will maintain his 50% ownership in the company, and will oversee its three-year growth plan. Parkinson founded Plaza in 1996.
Meanwhile, Herklotz will donate 15% of the revenues from the May 12 family film release "The Giant of Thunder Mountain" to the Children's Miracle Network here.
Top 10 Supermarket Video Rental Titles
Title (Weeks Out) Studio Retail Last Week
1Men In Black (7) Columbia $ 23.95 1
2Con Air (5) Buena Vista 107.11 4
3Conspiracy Theory (3) Warner 107.11 3
4My Best Friend's Wedding (4) Columbia 22.95 2
5Soul Food (1) Fox 19.98 New
6Belle's Magical World (1) Buena Vista 22.99 New
7Contact (4) Warner 107.11 5
8Picture Perfect (1) Fox 103.91 New
9George of the Jungle (6) Buena Vista 22.99 6
10Buddy (1) Columbia 22.95 New
This chart, tailored for the supermarket video market, is based on information taken from more than 1,000 supermarket rental locations serviced by Ingram Entertainment, La Vergne, Tenn.
