Films in video revenues are shrinking and by 21

Is emblematic of a mature market, DVD sales in the first quarter were not only remote from 12.1 in value, but they are now also strong decline in the volume of 9.7, 31.3 million units, according to the CNC - GfK barometer.

In the wake of the round Patty, is the market of video which plunges by 14.3 in value, while the VHS cassette, in turn, its last hours.

The period lacked, of course, really carry titles, but figures are just pleasing, although they also reflect a consolidation of the market early. One of the explanations for the decline in volumes sold is indeed very net reduction of 1 euro operations carried out by the hypers and supermarkets, to which the DVD had become a product of appeal. On the first three months of 2006, DVD sales less than 3 euros represent only 1.1 of net sales, compared with 2.5 in 2005 over the period.

Success of the television series

Average prices are finally beginning to stabilize, at 12.14 euros, even if the new features see the average price drop, according to the CNC - GfK barometer. This might be explained by the increase in sales of cases related to the rise of the DVD of television series.

The distribution of sales is, in fact, indicative of the evolution of the consumption. The French buy less cinema. Films in video revenues are shrinking and by 21.7 to EUR 216 million, with still a strong plebiscite for American productions (67.5 market share), even if it is less clear that there is one year (72). On the other hand, the attraction of fiction TV on DVD is confirmed. Such realized a turnover of 62 million in the first quarter, compared with 46.3 million a year earlier over the period.

After the start of the year, video publishers will follow with more attention the developments in the market that several heads of displays, high-potential, are planned before the end of 2006: "Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire", "King Kong", "OSS 117, Cairo nest of spies" or "Les Bronzés 3".

Because today, the questions of the professionals focus on the structural evolution of the market. According to them, the arrival of the DVD high definition Blu - Ray or HD DVD in Europe at the end of the year seems unlikely to revive consumption. "All recent announcements show that there will be a standards war." This is very bad news. "This will maintain the confusion in the minds, and certainly not spur consumption," said Jean-Paul Commin, Deputy Director General of France Television Distribution.

Households will have to equip themselves in adapted readers, which will take time. Moreover, the prices of these DVD new standards will be significantly more high, which may be deterrent.

Another threat in the medium term: the development of VOD, which will allow the public to download clicked a film of his home. For now, the publishers diminish. Jean-Paul Commin and think it will take at least three years for this new competition has an impact on the market.