Saw this in today's Cleveland Plain Dealer:
DIRECT-TO-VIDEO ROUTE A SHORTCUT TO PROFITS
newhouse news service
The shelves of neighborhood video stores are becoming increasingly crowded with titles that never enjoyed a theatrical run. These direct-to-video films are competing with the latest blockbusters for shelf space in homes as well.
When the home video industry was in its infancy a mere 20 years ago, the phrase "direct to video" usually implied a low budget action film or erotic thriller with aspiring stars, occasionally the distant relatives of legitimate stars to give the film name recognition, and minimal production values. That's no longer the case.
More Hollywood studios are producing direct-to-video films. Many are family films that serve as follow-ups to established theatrical hits.
Universal Studios Home Video enjoyed the first major success of this type when it unveiled"The Land Before Time 2:The Great Valley Adventure" in 1994. The animated film continued the story of a group of young dinosaurs. There have been three more "Land Before Time" films since then.
Universal recently created a division devoted almost exclusively to films that bypass theaters, according to Suzie Peterson, senior VP of family television and direct-to-video programming.
The studio plans to release a new "American Tail" the third in that series, by the end of the year and has an "American Tail 4" in the works, said Peterson. All told the studio is hoping to release 4-6 direct-to-video films per year.
Not all of the Universalfilms are animated sequels. Some, like the "Darkman" and "Tremors" films, are live action genre films that continue a franchise that had its origins in theaters.
Disney has released direct-to-video titles based on well known characters such as Aladdin, Belle and the Little Mermaid. "Pocahontas 2: Journey to the New World" just arrived in stores, and "Lion King II: Simbas Pride" will come out at the end of October.
Disney is also exploring another format:"Kikis Delivery Service" a Japanese animated film that has been redubbed by Kirsten Dunst, Debbie Reynolds and the late Phil Hartman was due in stores this week. More Japanese titles are expected.
Warner Bros. has released "Dennis the Menace Strikes Again" a follow up to the theatrical feature.
Sept. 29 "Addams Family Reunion" will arrive in stores with a cast that includes Tim Curry as Gomez, DARRYL HANNAH as Morticia and Estelle as Grandma Addams.
Dan Capone, Director of marketing for the Family Entertainment Division at Warner Bros., said budgets for direct-to-video films typically range from 5 to 20 million and average 10 million. He said Warner Bros. is looking to produce 2-5 films per year.
I know this is very long winded, but there is some good info on the direct-to-video market. Bigger market than I thought.
Tom B.
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