In 2012, the annual number of DVD rentals reached 755.4 million - with the number of foreign film DVD rentals reaching an all-time high.

2013.01.31 Press Releases
Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd. TSUTAYA Company

—We aim to further expand the viewing of foreign films by acquiring private label titles and re-releasing classic films—

At TSUTAYA stores, which have 1,473 locations nationwide, and through the internet home delivery rental service TSUTAYA DISCAS, the total number of video software rentals*1 from January to December 2012 reached 755.4 million, and the average number of rentals per person*2 also reached a record high of 29.0 per year.

■Rental numbers of foreign films are recovering, with annual rental figures reaching an all-time high.
When comparing DVD rental trends by genre, while the number of rentals for Japanese films and Korean TV dramas, which had seen remarkable growth recently, remained at around 100% of the previous year's level, the recovery in rentals of foreign films in 2012 (107% compared to the same period of the previous year) was a key factor supporting the overall growth.

When comparing the top-selling films by annual rental volume with those shown in theaters, foreign films tend to account for a higher proportion compared to box office revenue*3. On the other hand, films that were not released in theaters or had limited theatrical releases, and other films that did not rank among the top in box office revenue, are being displayed in stores for extended periods, resulting in a large number of viewers and an increase in rental numbers. This suggests that DVD rentals, especially for foreign films, are becoming an opportunity for people to rediscover interesting movies.

Although it is said that people are moving away from foreign films, TSUTAYA is creating opportunities to watch foreign films through initiatives such as acquiring and expanding the distribution of films as private label works, and restoring classic films that have gone out of print. By helping people rediscover the appeal of foreign films, TSUTAYA will continue to create opportunities for people to visit theaters as well as other retail outlets.

*Please refer to the attached PDF file for graphs and charts.  
*1 Video software rentals include DVDs, Blu-rays, and VHS tapes.
*2 The average number of rentals per person is calculated based on the total number of T-CARD members and TSUTAYA DISCAS members who are registered to rent at TSUTAYA stores.
*3 All figures regarding film box office revenue in this document are quoted from materials released by the Japan Film Producers Association.

Documents related to this matter

In 2012, Annual DVD Rentals Reached 755.4 Million

Inquiries regarding this matter
Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd.
Yuta Takahashi, Public Relations Officer, TSUTAYA Company
TEL: 03-6800-4764