DVD players may start growing faster. Industries partner on big promo, starting Nov. 15th.............................
nt.excite.com
Historic Promotion of DVD Products Unites Industry Leaders; Key Retailers and Manufacturers Launch Breakthrough DVD Program for Holiday Buyers
LOS ANGELES (ENTERTAINMENT WIRE) - Eight companies from the world of entertainment, consumer electronics and retailing are joining forces for an unprecedented promotion of DVD products, featuring aggressively priced DVD players, free DVD discs and free DVD rentals.
The multipartner promotion represents the most comprehensive undertaking ever for a consumer electronics product.
The campaign, running Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, unites Best Buy, The Good Guys!, The Wiz, Toshiba, Hollywood Entertainment, West Coast Entertainment, New Line Home Video and Warner Home Video in a first-ever series of DVD consumer promotions combining hardware manufacturers, software providers, and rental and sell-through retailers.
Consumers who purchase any featured DVD player at Best Buy, The Wiz or The Good Guys! will receive five free DVD discs plus a coupon book with 13 free DVD rental coupons redeemable at Hollywood Entertainment or West Coast Entertainment.
"DVD is one of the most successful new products in consumer electronics history," said Jim Cardwell, executive vice president, North America, Warner Home Video. "The fourth quarter is the prime selling period for consumer electronics and these promotions position DVD players as the holiday gift for 1998."
"Toshiba is proud to partner with retailers, studios and software rental providers that are as excited about DVD as we are," said Steve Nickerson, vice president of marketing, Toshiba. "This DVD promotion provides all the aspects consumers look for: reasonable hardware prices and availability of movies for rent. It's a perfect way to start a DVD video collection."
Newspaper advertising in all major markets will begin Nov. 15. The five retail partners will also support the campaign through in-store promotions.
"Holiday shoppers can now buy DVD players for as low as $299 and receive free movies from Warner and New Line and free DVD rentals," said Joe Pagano, vice president-music and movies, Best Buy. "This is the best deal yet, one that highlights how affordable and accessible DVD really is."
"We are totally committed to the DVD format and feel that DVD rental is key to the growth of the configuration. This promotion will help increase that penetration," added George Meyer, vice president-music and movies, The Wiz.
The five free DVD movies provided by Warner and New Line are "Lost in Space," "Sphere," "U.S. Marshals," "Eraser" and "City of Angels."
"From a technical standpoint, DVD significantly improves the home movie experience," said Jeff Yapp, president and chief operating officer, Hollywood Entertainment. "We're excited to offer DVD at over 1,000 stores."
Consumers who buy any featured DVD player will receive the free movies packaged with the 13-free-DVD-rental coupon book. To claim the free merchandise, consumers can mail an in-store coupon from The Good Guys!, The Wiz or Best Buy along with proof of purchase for the DVD player.
|
