‘New Moon’ DVD Moves 4 Million Copies in Just One Weekend

Until not long ago, it was being said that there wasn’t a production of the same genre more popular than “Twilight,” both in terms of box office performance and the frenzy generated by Twilight-related events. With the release of the “New Moon” DVD, on March 20, a new record was established, with the DVD moving 4 million copies in just one weekend of release, Deadline Hollywood informs.

In all fairness, the event was mediated long before it occurred, since it also coincided with Summit Entertainment, the movie studio behind the Twilight phenomenon, kicked off the promo campaign for the third film, “Eclipse.” However, even if it hadn’t been so publicized, chances are fans would have still crowded for the special “New Moon at Midnight” event, especially since it included appearances from members of the cast and other wonderful surprises.

“Summit Entertainment announced today that the home entertainment release of the studio’s The Twilight Saga: New Moon sold just over 4 million DVD units in its first weekend of release. The tally surpasses the first weekend sales of Twilight in 2009, which sold 3.8 million DVD units, and went on to be the top selling DVD title of the year with 9.2 million units sold. The DVD launch of New Moon commenced this past Saturday morning with 7,000 retails locations nationwide taking part in events at midnight, giving fans their first chance to obtain a DVD of the film,” a press statement from Summit and cited by Deadline Hollywood says.

To point out the obvious, the wonderful fan reaction is extremely pleasing for the studio, because it stands as testimony for the strength of the franchise as well. “Once again the incredibly dedicated fans of the Twilight Saga came out in massive numbers this weekend for the opportunity to be one of the first to take home the second movie in the series. As we have said all along, the fans are what makes this franchise and we once again thank them for their support,” Co-Chairman Rob Friedman says.

“New Moon” was directed by Chris Weitz and came out in November last year. The third film, “Eclipse,” will be helmed by David Slade (of “Hard Candy” and “30 Days of Night” fame) and is scheduled for release on June 30.