"Diamond," "Eragon" split spoils on DVD charts

By Thomas K. Arnold

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "Blood Diamond" rode lingering Oscar buzz to take the top spot on the national DVD rental chart in its first week in stores.

But the African drama couldn't match the bigger box office of another new release, the fantasy "Eragon," in the race for the No. 1 spot on the national DVD sales chart.

"Eragon," with nearly $75 million in theatrical earnings under its belt, was the top seller on Nielsen VideoScan's First Alert sales chart for the week ending March 25, while it debuted at No. 3 on Home Media Magazine's rental chart with an estimated $7.8 million in revenue.

"Diamond," the week's top renter with $9 million, bowed at No. 2 on the sales chart. The film came to video with a $56.8 million theatrical pedigree and five Oscar nominations, including best actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and supporting actor (Djimon Hounsou).

"Casino Royale," the previous week's top seller and renter, finished third on the sales chart and second on the rental chart, with $8 million. After two weeks in stores, "Royale" is the year's No. 2 DVD seller, behind "The Departed."

"Rocky Balboa" debuted at No. 4 on both charts. The final installment in the "Rocky" saga made a surprisingly muscular theatrical showing late last year, grossing more than $70 million.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter