Blockbuster, Prodigy to Team
tertainment here and Prodigy Communications Corp., White Plains, N.Y., have agreed to design, develop and host a co-branded Internet service. Blockbuster is marketing the service and distributing the software through its 4,000 stores.
With the service, subscribers can receive a customizable page with entertainment information, video releases and Blockbuster specials.
The first three months of the service will cost $9.95 a month, rising to $19.95 per month for the remainder of the first year. "Consumers can get a fast and reliable Internet connection through Prodigy, surf the Web and get exposure to Blockbuster.com offerings," said Gena Kay Sedlak, vice president of technology at Blockbuster.
Internet Hollywood Joins the Business
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Hollywood Entertainment here has formed Internet Hollywood, a new subsidiary to operate and expand the company's on-line businesses, including Reel.com, Emeryville, Calif.
Jeffrey Jordan was named president of Internet Hollywood and David Martin was named to succeed Jordan at Hollywood Entertainment as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Previously, Martin held several positions in the investment field. Hollywood said it was looking at financing alternatives to develop or acquire other Internet entertainment businesses. "The creation of Internet Hollywood reflects our continued focus on the Internet as well as our desire to accelerate the growth of this area of our business," said Mark Wattles, chairman and chief executive officer of Hollywood Entertainment.
Movie Ticket Prices Increased
NEW YORK -- In a move that can only be good news for video rentals, movie-theater ticket prices went up the last weekend of February. The average ticket price per adult for the Loews and Sony chains went up 4% to 8% to an average between $7.50 and $8.50, but here prices reached the nation's highest level, $9.50.
VSDA Seeks Board Nominees
ENCINO, Calif. -- The Video Software Dealers Association is accepting nominations for three seats on its national board of directors. The nominations must be received by April 9. Terms for each seat will be three years.
To qualify, candidates must be regular members of the VSDA with dues paid, and receive no less than 10 letters of nomination signed by one or more regular association members, who must also have their dues paid.
Printed ballots will be mailed on or before May 24 and winners will be announced prior to the annual board of directors meeting at the VSDA convention, July 8 to 10 in Los Angeles.
Top 10 Supermarket Video Rental Titles
Last
Rank Wk Title (Wks Out)
There's Something (3)
1 1 About Mary
Fox $108.97
Mulan (3)
2 3 Buena Vista $26.99
Snake Eyes (1)
3 N Paramount $104.16
Rush Hour (4)
4 4 Warner $107.37
Practical Magic (1)
5 N Warner $107.37
Antz (2)
6 2 DreamWorks $26.99
The Truman Show (6)
7 5 Paramount $107.37
Rounders (2)
8 * Buena Vista $107.37
Out of Sight (7)
9 6 Universal $107.37
How Stella Got Her (7)
10 7 Groove Back
Fox $104.16
N=New*Not in Top 10 last week Week ended FEB. 21
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.
