Blu-ray Sales in Western Europe/Japan Up 67.6%

According to Media Control GfK International research, based on actual point-of-sale data, Blu-ray unit sales volume in the third quarter of the year in Western Europe and Japan was up 67.6% from last year. Combined DVD/Blu-ray units were down 3.8% year over year, but were 8.8% higher than in the second quarter of 2010.

Leading key retail markets included Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Sweden, and the U.K.

"We observe this quarter-to-quarter growth as a positive sign of recovery for the home entertainment retail markets, and anticipate a strong fourth quarter will help offset year-to-date declines" said Brad Hackley, President of Media Control GfK, USA.