Cinema Topped DVD Sales in 2009

MONTEREY: American consumers spent more money going out to the movies than they did on DVDs last year, according to Adams Media Research, with home-entertainment sales dropping 13 percent in 2009.

The report, quoted in the Wall Street Journal, reports that Americans spent $9.87 billion at the box office in 2009, reflecting a 10-percent increase. Spending on DVD and Blu-ray, meanwhile, fell 13 percent to $8.73 billion.

"Consumers are still in love with movies," Tom Adams, the president of Adams Media Research, is quoted as saying. "In this environment, however, they’re seeking the biggest bang for their bucks."

While DVD sales are down, rental revenues are up, rising to $8.15 billion from $8.11 billion in 2008, thanks in part to online services such as Netflix and kiosk operators llike Redbox.