Continuum DVD sales update

Since our original report that Stargate: Continuum opened at number two on the U.S. DVD sales charts (being narrowly beat for the top slot by Harold and Kumar), we’ve been watching the Internets to find more solid data on how the new SG-1 movie is performing.

Two pieces of news arrived this week. First, the Blu-ray edition dropped from first to sixth place in its second week of release, according to Nielsen VideoScan (via Home Media Magazine). The Blu-ray release of Batman Begins took over the top spot (thanks, The Dark Knight), with Sony’s 21 at number two and the new family film Nim’s Island at number three.

While we don’t have any Week 2 info on the traditional DVD front, The-Numbers.com has posted its own sales chart for Stargate: Continuum‘s premiere week. This data doesn’t come from Nielsen’s VideoScan chart, but instead is based on sales data reported by each individual studio and other, publicly available information. So take the differences between the two reports with a grain of salt; this is not an exact science.

The Numbers has Stargate: Continuum debuting in the number three spot, behind Harold and Kumar and 21. Continuum is estimated to have sold approximately 276,677 DVD units in its first week, earning about $4.8 million.

The film’s production budget is believed to be a bit north of $7 million, but remember that MGM and FOX also spend millions on manufacturing, distributing, and promoting the movie.

The last SG-1 movie, Stargate; The Ark of Truth, opened in seventh place in the busier spring season, with a first week haul of about $4.2 million (251,642 units), according to The Numbers’ estimates.

However you crunch the numbers, it’s clearly a fantastic start for SG-1’s second direct-to-DVD release. Look for Stargate: Continuum now in stores throughout North America, and this week in the U.K.! Order online from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk and support GateWorld with your purchase.

(Thanks to Jonathan Mooney for the tip)