Pooh
08-18-2004, 06:08 AM
Tue Aug 17,10:02 AM ET
By Mike Snider, USA TODAY
Fans and retailers alike are preparing for the assault of the most anticipated DVD of them all: the Star Wars Trilogy.
Fox plans to ship millions of the four-disc collection ($70) to retailers, many of which have special promotions rewarding those who preorder the DVDs before the release Sept. 21.
Despite high interest, Star Wars is a dark horse to be the year's top seller. This summer's box office smashes Shrek 2 and Spider-Man 2 are due on DVD by year's end. Another possible top seller, The Passion of the Christ, is due Aug. 31.
In addition to the three films in George Lucas' original trilogy, the box set has a documentary about the films.
Despite the force behind Star Wars, its price probably will prevent it from taking the year's top-selling spot.
"We have three movies at a higher price point than a single movie. That counts you out automatically," Lucasfilm's Jim Ward says.
But staying power eventually could gain it a spot among overall best sellers. Overall, Star Wars films have sold more than 120 million copies worldwide. "Fans and collectors alike will want to replace their VHS (versions) with the DVD version," says Judith McCourt, market research director for Video Store magazine.
Britt Dietz, 21, of Santa Ana, Calif., says, "Since Star Wars, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and Episode 2: Attack of the Clones have come out on DVD, all of us have been drooling over the prospect of the original trilogy."
Among the 70 or so members of the Orange County (Calif.) Star Wars Society, many have preordered the DVD. "We are planning a viewing party at one of our member's houses who has the largest big-screen TV to enjoy the new high quality," he says.
Feeding Star Wars mania:
The bargains. Fans won't have to search the galaxy for a deal. Amazon.com is selling it for $41.99, a 40% discount. It's been a top seller there since presales began in April. Barnes & Noble and Fye stores' preorder price is $50.
The booty. At Bestbuy.com, those who preorder get a Beneath the Dome "mockumentary" DVD about R2-D2. Musicland customers get a collectible lithograph when they reserve the DVD. Hastings plans to give prizes to costumed fans and a numbered lithograph to the first 7,500 customers at its 150 stores' midnight sales events.
The controversy. The versions of Lucas' beloved films that are on these new DVDs are not the original theatrical releases but the special editions that played in theaters in 1997. Rumor have circulated about additional changes, but Ward would not deny or confirm them. "We want to encourage our fans to check them out themselves."
By Mike Snider, USA TODAY
Fans and retailers alike are preparing for the assault of the most anticipated DVD of them all: the Star Wars Trilogy.
Fox plans to ship millions of the four-disc collection ($70) to retailers, many of which have special promotions rewarding those who preorder the DVDs before the release Sept. 21.
Despite high interest, Star Wars is a dark horse to be the year's top seller. This summer's box office smashes Shrek 2 and Spider-Man 2 are due on DVD by year's end. Another possible top seller, The Passion of the Christ, is due Aug. 31.
In addition to the three films in George Lucas' original trilogy, the box set has a documentary about the films.
Despite the force behind Star Wars, its price probably will prevent it from taking the year's top-selling spot.
"We have three movies at a higher price point than a single movie. That counts you out automatically," Lucasfilm's Jim Ward says.
But staying power eventually could gain it a spot among overall best sellers. Overall, Star Wars films have sold more than 120 million copies worldwide. "Fans and collectors alike will want to replace their VHS (versions) with the DVD version," says Judith McCourt, market research director for Video Store magazine.
Britt Dietz, 21, of Santa Ana, Calif., says, "Since Star Wars, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace and Episode 2: Attack of the Clones have come out on DVD, all of us have been drooling over the prospect of the original trilogy."
Among the 70 or so members of the Orange County (Calif.) Star Wars Society, many have preordered the DVD. "We are planning a viewing party at one of our member's houses who has the largest big-screen TV to enjoy the new high quality," he says.
Feeding Star Wars mania:
The bargains. Fans won't have to search the galaxy for a deal. Amazon.com is selling it for $41.99, a 40% discount. It's been a top seller there since presales began in April. Barnes & Noble and Fye stores' preorder price is $50.
The booty. At Bestbuy.com, those who preorder get a Beneath the Dome "mockumentary" DVD about R2-D2. Musicland customers get a collectible lithograph when they reserve the DVD. Hastings plans to give prizes to costumed fans and a numbered lithograph to the first 7,500 customers at its 150 stores' midnight sales events.
The controversy. The versions of Lucas' beloved films that are on these new DVDs are not the original theatrical releases but the special editions that played in theaters in 1997. Rumor have circulated about additional changes, but Ward would not deny or confirm them. "We want to encourage our fans to check them out themselves."