Blu-ray Sales, Feb. 24-Mar. 2: Thor Overcomes Gravity

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Blu-ray Sales, Feb. 24-Mar. 2: Thor Overcomes Gravity

Posted March 6, 2014 08:48 AM by Josh Katz

For the week that ended on March 2nd, Disney and Marvel's Thor: The Dark World took the top spot on both the Blu-ray-only and overall package media charts. This adventure fantasy - the sequel to the 2011 blockbuster that made stars of both Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston - netted a large profit when it premiered theatrically last November. Though it only grossed $206 million domestically (on top of its estimated $170-million production budget), the additional $435 million it made in international markets helped solidify Thor as a viable franchise for its parent studios. Last week, the film had a Blu-ray market share of 59%.

Next up on the overall package media and Blu-ray-only sales ranking was Warner's Gravity. Gravity was one of 2013's breakout hits; the critically acclaimed (it has a strong Metacritic score of 96%) sci-fi thriller has grossed over $707 million worldwide, and last Sunday, it won seven Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects and Best Director. On the Blu-ray-only list, Gravity sold 51% as many discs as Thor: The Dark World and had a Blu-ray market share of 52%, and on the overall package media chart, the film sold 57% as many total units as the Marvel feature.

Finally, HBO Home Entertainment's Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season rounded out the top three spots on the Blu-ray-only and overall package media charts. This adaptation of author George R. R. Martin's acclaimed A Song of Fire and Ice series has been a hit for the network since its premiere in 2011, and the third season saw its ratings rise to even higher levels. Its dominance of the home media charts hasn't been surprising, considering the anticipation over the show's return next month. On both the Blu-ray-only and overall package media lists, Game of Thrones sold 9% as many discs as Thor (and had a Blu-ray market share of 58%).

Top Ten Blu-ray Sellers for Week Ending 03/02/14:
  1. Thor: The Dark World
  2. Gravity
  3. Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season
  4. The Jungle Book
  5. Ender's Game
  6. Captain Phillips
  7. Nebraska
  8. Despicable Me 2
  9. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2
  10. Escape Plan
Top Five Home Media Sellers for Week Ending 03/02/14 (% of Blu-ray's Market Share Noted):
  1. Thor: The Dark World (59%)
  2. Gravity (52%)
  3. Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season (58%)
  4. The Jungle Book (48%)
  5. Ender's Game (42%)
Top Five Blu-ray 3D Sellers for Week Ending 03/02/14 (Per % of Total Unit Sales):
  1. Thor: The Dark World 3D (25%)
  2. Gravity 3D (14%)
  3. Pacific Rim 3D (9%)
  4. The Wolverine 3D (9%)
  5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 3D (7%)