James Cameron's Avatar Breaks DVD Records During Its Earth Day Release

Just four months after the movie's theatrical release, the initial DVD and Blu-ray releases of James Cameron's eco sci-fi epic Avatar further proves its high market value as fans rushed to purchase the video copies of the film during its Apr. 22, 2010 release.

The film achieves record-breaking statistics amidst the fact that there is no third-dimension aspect to these releases yet. In fact, the DVD and Blu-ray copies provide no-frills, movie-only versions, no DVD extras to expect at all. The major selling point of the initial Blu-ray release is that it uses the entire capacity of a Blu-ray disc to provide the highest possible quality of high definition resolution for the movie.

Avatar execs take advantage of a near future 3D release which is another way to hit the consumer demands for this new form of entertainment. Backed up by continuous releases of 3D TVs and home theater systems incorporating the new technology, 3D copies are set to bring another record for such a pioneer 3D release by 2011. Moreover, according to the Hollywood Reporter, Fox Home Entertainment is already planning another release by November for a special edition DVD. A four-disc edition including around 10 to 15 minutes of additional footage will be available to view via seamless branching. Aside from the inclusion of some deleted scenes, there will also be a two-hour documentary on the making of the movie and a couple of other perks.

Clearly, the business people are maximizing everything they can to profit from the Avatar franchise. And it's up to the consumers if they take the bait for every single release Avatar provides.

The Earth Day release easily surpassed The Dark Knight record of being the fastest-selling Blu-ray and DVD with more than 4 million total copies sold during its first day in the stores. The Dark Knight had a total of 600,000 units sold in its first day. In a few days, Avatar is expected to topple this year's DVD release sales records, including the 6.5 million mark set by The Twilight Saga: New Moon. And with a number of batches of DVD and Blu-ray releases already lined up for "Avatar," it is very likely that it will soon set all-time home video sales records as well.