In its Q3 2010 Software Sales update, the Digital Entertainment Group Europe reveals that Blu-ray disc sales across Europe have doubled year-on-year, now accounting for €445 million spent year-to-date. Combined with DVD sales, consumer spending has increased 0.7% across the sector overall compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of €4 billion.

The results emphasise the continued growth in popularity and consumer adoption of Blu-ray as well as demand for higher quality home entertainment experiences, says the communiqué. Spurred by a range of successful Blu-ray film releases, including Avatar, The Clash of The Titans, 2012, Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes throughout 2010, growth has DEGE’s topped expectations.

DVD sales have noted a dip compared to the same period last year, however the substantial rise of Blu-ray sales more than offset this decline.

“Over the past two years, we have seen Blu-ray come into the home entertainment limelight as consumers are becoming more discerning in terms of the quality they want and are seeking more immersive home entertainment experiences,” commented Yves Caillaud, Senior Vice President (EMEA) of Warner Home Video and Digital Distribution and Chairman of the DEGE. “During the last quarter of the year, we expect to see sales continue to gain momentum as the latest Blu-ray blockbusters make it onto everyone’s Christmas lists.”

“It is also important to note that today’s figures do not reflect the rapidly growing digital distribution sector, which would further underscore the strength in consumer spending in the European Home Entertainment sector,” Caillaud added.

The sales results are derived from official European market performance figures and include the following countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and UK.

In a separate research based on actual point-of-sale data, Media Control GfK International reveals that third quarter retail sales of combined DVD/Blu-ray units increased from the previous second quarter by 8.8% in Western Europe and Japan. Year-over-year third quarter sales volume of combined DVD/Blu-ray units were down 3.8% in Western Europe and Japan. The Blu-ray format continued its double-digit growth trajectory with unit sales volume up 67.6%, from last year.

Story filed 10.11.10