Figures just published by the British Video Association show that James Cameron's film Avatar from Twentieth Century Fox becomes the first title to sell over 1 million copies on the high definition Blu-ray Disc.

In 2012, sales of Blu-ray Discs rose by 8.9% in volume compared to 2011. Blu-ray Discs increased their share of the Top 10 Films in 2012 to 30.1% compared with 25.8% in 2011, with over 4,800 titles of all genres now available on the hidef format.

2012 also saw Blu-ray player sales continue to rise up 8.3% with more 3D BD players being purchased than standard Blu-ray models. With over 2 million 3DTVs now in UK homes there has also been a substantial rise in 3D Blu-ray Disc sales, up 188% on the previous year.

"2012 saw more consumers discovering the Blu-ray and 3D Blu-ray high definition experience," says Lavinia Carey, Director General of the BVA. "The 18.5% rise in Blu-ray Disc catalogue sales shows that people are watching their favourite titles, old and new in high definition. Recent releases also show that 3D Blu-ray titles are doing well where they appeal to a particular audience and tend to perform best in sci-fi, animated/CGI and drama spectaculars. That's when video viewers who have large HD and 3D TV screens really benefit from the special effects and wonderful picture and sound quality that only comes on a Blu-ray Disc."

2012's Top 10 Blu-ray Disc best sellers by volume

1 The Dark Knight Rises* Warner Home Video
2 Avengers Assemble* Walt Disney Studios
3 Prometheus* 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
4 Sherlock Holmes - A Game Of Shadows* Warner Home Video
5 The Amazing Spider-Man Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
6 The Hunger Games Lionsgate
7 The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn - Part 1 eOne Entertainment
8 Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows - Part 2* Warner Home Video
9 Ted Universal Pictures (UK)
10 Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol Paramount Home Entertainment

2012's Top 10 3D Blu-ray Disc best sellers by volume

1 Hugo EIV
2 Prometheus 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
3 Avengers Assemble Walt Disney Studios
4 Underworld Awakening EIV
5 Avatar 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
6 Ghost Rider- Spirit of Vengeance eOne Entertainment
7 Wrath of the Titans* Warner Home Video
8 The Three Musketeers eOne Entertainment
9 The Amazing Spider-Man Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
10 The Adventures of Tintin - The Secret of the Unicorn Paramount Home Entertainment

Source: Official Charts Company/BVA. * box-sets.

Story filed 14.01.13