The UK has seen continued growth in its DVD market, with total year-end sales hitting a new high of 250 million units during 2007, compared with 229 million in 2006, according to data from the British Video Association.

The film and children’s sectors saw particularly significant gains throughout the year, notably film has been driving market development during the year, with volumes up 13.2%. Titles including Casino Royale, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End all sold in excess of 2 million units. The children’s sector also saw double-digit growth, with volumes up 12.8% from 2006.

“As DVD approaches its 10th birthday, we are delighted to see a mature market continue to grow, whilst developing new channels for consumer consumption,” BVA director general Lavinia Carey said. “There have been concerns that new technologies and piracy would reduce the physical sales of video. However, distributors and retailers have reacted by offering consumers even more choice and value for money and consumers are clearly responding as the market continues to increase on a monthly basis.

“The increasing popularity of next-generation, high-definition discs which, as forecast by the BVA, have exceeded sales of 1 million units in 2007, demonstrates that consumers are willing to pay for premium product,” Carey added. “This is a format that will continue to grow.

Story filed 09.01.08