Musical still a hit on DVD
Disney TV movie fastest selling ever despite iTunes sales
By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 5/24/2006
MAY 24 | Apple iTunes’ two-month head start on sales of High School Musical didn’t seem to dampen DVD sales of the Disney Channel’s runaway tween hit.
Consumers bought more than 400,000 units of the TV movie on DVD its first day in stores Tuesday, making it the fastest-selling TV DVD release this year and the fastest-selling TV movie ever, Buena Vista Home Entertainment announced Wednesday.
“The success of High School Musical on DVD continues the phenomenon of the franchise,” said BVHE president Bob Chapek. “With the triple-platinum-selling soundtrack at the top of the charts and the TV program the highest rated in the history of Disney Channel, we are delighted that this release has set a new benchmark within our strong lineup of TV properties.”
The TV show has been a popular download on iTunes since its online release on March 14, days after it debuted on the Disney Channel. The movie was the first feature length film Disney made available through the service, where it sells for $9.99 and can be watched on a computer or video iPod like other videos on the site. However, it can’t be burned to a DVD for TV viewing.
Disney said the iTunes release was a one-time deal based on the success of the High School Musical soundtrack, which sold more than 1 million song downloads, mostly through iTunes.
The DVD includes bonus materials that aren’t available with the digital download, such as a Learn the Moves feature on the dance sequences in the film, new music video “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and a look behind-the-scenes.
