On 10th September, Blu-ray Partners France, the national Blu-ray Disc promotion group held its Blu-ray Disc press summit at the Deauville American Film Festival. The event was the first in a series of BD Film Festivals organised across Europe, which are also due to take place in Milan, Prague, Stockholm and Brussels during the Autumn.
A two-hour press briefing was attended by over 40 senior media contacts and BD Partner France members. The event was opened by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, chairman of this year’s festival jury and director of films such as Amelie Poulain, Delicatessen and Alien Resurrection.
Arnaud Brunet, general Secretary of Blu-ray Partners France, presented the latest market developments, which include an increase of over 300% in Blu-ray movie sales. Of the top 25 performing movies in France, Blu-ray titles now enjoy an average market share of 14% compared to DVD. You can view his presentation here.
Daniel-Georges Levi, President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment France and President Blu-ray Partners France, commented: I am excited by the accelerating market acceptance of the Blu-ray format in France and expect Blu-ray to be one of the most sought after gifts during this year’s Christmas season.
The press summit included a visit to the specially designed Blu-ray booth, where BD experts were on hand to demonstrate and discuss the latest players and discs. The evening concluded with a walk down the red carpet, a ceremony in tribute to actress Robin Wright-Penn and a premiere screening of her latest film.
The event was an excellent opportunity to get an inside view of the Blu-ray Disc market, and feedback from the press that attended was very positive.
The dates of the upcoming Blu-ray Disc Film Festivals are:
- 7-10th October:  Milan, Italy
- 15-17th October:  Prague, Czech
- 29 October:  Brussels, Belgium
- 19-20th November:  Stockholm, Sweden
- 24-25th November: Copenhagen, Denmark
- 24-25th November: Oslo, Norway
Please contact bda@brands2life.com to receive more information on how to register for these national press events.
Here are a few photos taken at the Deauville event:
