First week sales of the action-adventure hit Van Helsing scared up sales of over four million combined DVD and VHS units in the first six days of release for a total consumer spend of $65 million. Universal Studios Home Entertainment released the title on October 19, 2004.
“We are elated by these results and are particularly pleased by the momentum generated by this title in just the short time it has been released,” stated Craig Kornblau, president of USHE. “It’s a great way for us to kick off our fall slate.”
Universal Studios Home Entertainment is poised for a record-breaking fourth quarter with a release schedule representing 36% of the domestic box office of all feature titles being released during that period.
Van Helsing stars Hugh Jackman as the fearless monster hunter on a mission to vanquish evil. Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh, David Wenham and Will Kemp co-star in the lavish production directed by Stephen Sommers and produced by Stephen Sommers and Bob Ducsay. The fully loaded DVD includes comprehensive behind-the-scenes details including a groundbreaking interactive 360-degree tour through the set of Dracula’s castle; “You Are In the Movie,” a segment showing assorted camera angles not seen in theaters; a feature on the making of the film and the creation of the visual effects; outtakes; commentaries; and the Van Helsing Xbox game.
A three-disc gift set, the “Van Helsing Ultimate Collector’s Edition DVD,” available for a limited time, takes an in-depth look at the amazing sets and the story of the monster hunter hero. In addition, the three original films that inspired Van Helsing — Dracula, Frankenstein and The Wolf Man — are included as a bonus for monster lore fans of all ages.
The DVD release is supported by cross promotions with Carl’s Jr. and Pumpkin Masters throughout the month of October.
