The panda brings us a new sales strategy for the peddling of direct to DVD sequels! We get wind of this co-release from the Shaolin caves of Yahoo:
In what is believed to be an industry first, Paramount Pictures is bundling its upcoming home video release of “Kung Fu Panda” with a direct-to-video companion film and will release the package on a Sunday — November 9 — instead of the traditional Tuesday.
The companion film, “Secrets of the Furious Five,” is slugged, “The ‘Kung Fu Panda’ story continues.” The film delves into the backstories of the “Kung Fu Panda” characters, with all-new animation and Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman reprising their respective voice roles as Po and Master Shifu.
What Paramount is calling the “Pandamonium Double Pack” will retail for less than $25. A single disc of “Kung Fu Panda” only also will be made available, priced below $20.
This is a good idea. You not only get maximum buzz for the direct to DVD film, you also throw them together for a price of less that 25 dollars! This is a great price point, and I’m surprised that the 2 films together will be at such a discounted rate the first day on the shelves. If you are going to pump a direct to DVD film, I think this is the best way to do it and Im curious to see how well the sales of this value pack do.
Kung Fu Panda was well received, and I can see those who plan to buy the film willing to shell out an extra 5 dollars for the sequel. I think this will be the first of many original / sequel packages to follow. I think it is smart marketing, and superior value for the consumer; everyone stands to win from this approach. We have the panda to thank; Buddha be praised.
International friends – what do you think of this idea? If you were going to buy a film, would you shell out an additional 5 dollars for a direct to DVD mystery sequel?
