The Video Software Dealers Association Announces The First Titles To Receive DVD Certifications For Outstanding Sales Performance

17-Jul-00

The Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) announced the first eight titles to qualify under its new DVD Certification Program to recognize outstanding sales performance of DVD titles. These titles were announced during the association's 19th annual convention in Las Vegas, Nevada by VSDA President Bo Andersen. The VSDA announced the launch of its DVD Certification Program on March 17, 2000. Similar to the record industry's long-standing sales awards, DVD sales certifications are awarded at three levels that are defined as the number of DVD product units sold in the United States (shipped units minus returns). ""We are extremely proud to be able to recognize titles which have attained these outstanding sales figures. These impressive sales numbers reinforce the incredible acceptance of this format by consumers and the renewed vigor and excitement that DVD has brought to the home video industry,"" said Andersen. The first titles submitted and qualified for certification are: Silver Level (500,000 units sold) ""Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery"" (New Line Home Video) ""Big Daddy"" (Columbia TriStar Home Video) ""Blade"" (New Line Home Video) ""Blue Streak"" (Columbia TriStar Home Video) ""The Fifth Element"" (Columbia TriStar Home Video) ""Stuart Little"" (Columbia TriStar Home Video) Gold Level (1,000,000 units sold) ""Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me"" (New Line Home Video) Platinum Level (2,000,000 units sold) ""The Matrix"" (Warner Home Video) To kick-off the program at retail, VSDA will be supplying its retail members with in-store promotional materials including silver, gold and platinum stickers that retailers can place on certified titles, and shelf talkers to aid them in creating special DVD Certified Title sections. ""Consumers in my area love DVD. These awards can serve as a guide and reminder for consumers seeking to rent or buy the best in filmed entertainment,"" added VSDA Chairman Mark Vrieling. DVD titles are eligible for certification as of street date and will continue through the life of the product. This allows titles to be certified whenever they reach goal levels, regardless of the year they are released. The VSDA DVD Award design has been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and each award will be given a serial number to prevent counterfeiting. Established in 1981, the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) is a not-for-profit international trade association for the $17 billion home entertainment industry. VSDA represents more than 3,000 companies throughout the United States, Canada and 22 other countries. Membership comprises the full spectrum of video retailers (both independents and large chains), as well as the home video divisions of all major and independent motion picture studios, video game and multimedia producers, and other related businesses, which constitute and support the home video entertainment industry.