Digital Streaming Versus DVD Market

Published 11:20 am Monday, August 20, 2012

(NewsUSA) – Ask any movie studio executive if the DVD gravy train is dead, and they will unequivocally tell you, “No.” But, they will also grudgingly admit that DVD popularity is slowing down.

One only has to look at the demise of retail giant Blockbuster to see that it’s true.

Taking its place, of course, is digital entertainment — the downloading and streaming of movies and television shows to consumers’ computers, Internet-enabled televisions and mobile devices.

Email newsletter signup

Sign up for The Vicksburg Post's free newsletters

Check which newsletters you would like to receive
  • Vicksburg News: Sent daily at 5 am
  • Vicksburg Sports: Sent daily at 10 am
  • Vicksburg Living: Sent on 15th of each month

While some in Hollywood may be uncomfortable with this new direction, others are looking at it as an opportunity and potential boon for growth, marketing and, yes, the almighty and important bottom line.

“Whether studios like it or not, business currents and consumer interests have clearly shifted,” said Peter Hoffman, CEO of Seven Arts Pictures. “We can either capitalize on this trend or stick our head in the sand and hope everything will remain business as usual,” he added.

And Seven Arts, Hoffman stated, has never been one to shy away from the future.

Which is why the Los Angeles-based studio released its latest movie, “The Pool Boys,” on DVD, Blu-Ray, iTunes, and streaming digital distribution. This way, Hoffman said, we can better promote “The Pool Boys,” and all of our upcoming releases.

So, what of those small plastic discs that most consumers have come to know and, if not exactly love, have certainly grown accustomed to?

According to the movie studio industry, DVDs will continue to play a role, albeit a supporting one to digital.

“DVDs are going to continue to be a viable part of a studio’s revenue,” predicted Hoffman. “But there is clearly a strong consumer interest in digital viewing as well.”

To this end, it would seem that studios would do well to embrace the age-old adage of “give the customer what they want.” As is the case with Seven Arts’ “The Pool Boys” release, it’s DVD, Blu-Ray, streaming and digital download. This gives consumers an array of choices, making it a win-win for movie viewers.

Learn more about the “The Pool Boys” at www.ThePoolBoysMovie.com, then see the movie “On Demand” from your local cable provider. This movie can also be seen on computers, mobile phones, tablet computers and DVD.