Awareness of DVD Found Low
from Yankee Group here suggests consumer awareness of the new DVD format remains relatively low.
Of the 1,900 U.S. households surveyed, 28% were familiar with DVD. Of those who knew of DVD, 13% said they were very or somewhat likely to buy a DVD player within 12 months. "Raising DVD's profile in the marketplace should be a top priority for all the hardware and software vendors backing the format," said James Penhune, program manager at Yankee Group. "Purchase intentions are fairly high among those households who are aware of DVD, but consumers who haven't heard of the product can't possibly buy it."
DVD hardware and software have been available since the spring and studios are now stepping up their releases on DVD. Meanwhile computers with DVD-ROM drives began shipping during the fourth quarter.
"DVD is competing for the consumer's attention with a host of other new 'convergence' products that are available now or on the drawing board," said Penhune. "Our research shows higher levels of awareness for digital TV, for example, which is not expected to reach the market for at least a year."
DVD will have a strong presence during the 1998 International Consumer Electronics Show, Jan. 8 to 11, in Las Vegas. The DVD Video Group, Los Angeles, will sponsor a pavilion area at the show. "The launch of DVD has been a resounding success and we are looking forward to reaching even more people through our presence at CES," said Emiel Petrone, chairman of the DVD group and executive vice president of Philips Electronics, Atlanta.
HBO to Release 'Hostile Waters'
NEW YORK -- HBO Home Video here will release "Hostile Waters," a thriller about a collision between Soviet and American submarines, Jan. 20. Critically acclaimed, the movie stars Martin Sheen, Max von Sydow and Rutger Hauer. It is based on a true story.
'Nico Icon' Is Set For Jan. 27
NEW YORK -- Fox Lorber Home Video here will release "Nico Icon" to the rental market Jan. 27, with an order date of Jan. 7. It also will be available on DVD, with a suggested retail price of $24.98. The film is about Christa Paffgen's transformation from a German model and actress into the pop icon Nico.
Two Coming From Paramount
HOLLYWOOD -- Paramount Home Video here plans to release "Event Horizon" and "Good Burger" to the rental market.
"Event Horizon," a science fiction thriller starring Laurence Fishburne, will street Jan. 27. It earned $26 million at the box office. "Good Burger," a comedy from Nickelodeon starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchel from the show "All That," will be released Feb. 17. It earned $24 million in its theatrical run.
"Most Wanted" Hits Stores Feb. 17
LOS ANGELES -- "Most Wanted," an action thriller starring Keenan Ivory Wayans, Academy Award-winner Jon Voight, Academy Award-nominee Eric Roberts, Paul Sorvino and Jill Hennessey, is set for a Feb. 17 street date. Pre-order for the release, from New Line Home Video here, is Jan. 27.
Top 10 Supermarket Video Rental Titles
Title (Weeks Out) Studio Retail Last Week
1Con Air (1) Buena Vista $ 107.11 New
2Men In Black (3) Columbia 23.95 1
3George of the Jungle (2) Disney 22.99 2
4Face/Off (5) Paramount 105.52 3
5The Lost World (6) Universal 22.98 4
6Speed 2: Cruise Control (2) Fox 107.12 5
7Land Before Time V (1) Universal 19.98 New
8Liar Liar (12) Universal 22.98 8
9Batman & Robin (8) Warner 22.98 9
10Jingle All the Way (7) Fox 19.98 7
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.
