DVD helps build Disney consumer products sales

High School Musical, Hannah Montana lead franchises

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 6/10/2008

JUNE 10 | Led by such growing franchises as High School Musical and Hannah Montana, global retail sales of licensed Disney studio merchandise should hit a record $30 billion in fiscal 2008, according to the company.

Last year, the Disney Consumer Products group tallied $27 billion, which is more than double its global sales haul from five years ago.

High School Musical and Hannah Montana products alone should tally $2.7 billion in 2008. This licensed merchandise is buoyed by upcoming theatrical release High School Musical 3: Senior Year and in-development feature Hannah Montana: The Movie. Up first is DVD and Blu-ray release of Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds on Aug. 19.

“It’s the Disney difference that accounts for this unprecedented growth fueled by unmatched content and rich franchises nurtured across The Walt Disney Co.,” said Andy Mooney, Disney Consumer Products chairman during the International Licensing Show. “In just five years, retail sales of Disney products have doubled and we have diversified our portfolio of brands with smash hits like High School Musical, evergreens like Disney Princess and expanding franchises in Disney-Pixar’s Cars and Disney Fairies. Our product offerings now reach all ages.”

The studio’s Disney Fairies property, underscored by the Oct. 28 launch of made for DVD movie Tinker Bell, and Disney Princess brand should rake in $5 billion combined in licensed retail sales this fiscal year. Timed to the Tinker Bell DVD and Blu-ray bow, the new Nintendo DS title Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell will bow later this year.

The Disney Princess line should be propelled by the Oct. 7 platinum edition DVD and Blu-ray release of Sleeping Beauty.

Elsewhere within the consumer products division, licensed merchandise for Cars is forecast to generate $2.5 billion in global retail sales. Cars 2 will unspool in theaters in 2012, further powering the property.

Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Mandy and My Friends Tigger & Pooh also will be supported with merchandise this year.

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