Ready, Set…Launch Fall Releases Set State for 4Q

September marks an end to the slow summer season for studios and a bridge to the fourth quarter when nearly half of annual sales are generated. And while most of the big theatrical hits are being held back until the holiday shopping season, a handful of summer hits and a flood of TV box sets are arriving in stores in late August and early September. DVD sets of popular shows from last year are the focal point in September as the studios try to peak interest in the fall season after a summer of reruns. Buena Vista Home Entertainment has several box sets from hit shows on ABC due out, starting with the Emmy-nominated “Ugly Betty: The Complete First Season” on Aug. 21.

Then, Buena Vista kicks off September with the Sept. 4 release of “Desperate Housewives: The Complete Third Season—The Dirty Laundry Edition” followed by “Grey’s Anatomy: The Complete Third Season—Seriously Extended” on Sept. 11.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment has the 2006-2007 season of “My Name is Earl” due out for the start of its third season. “My Name is Earl: Season Two”will arrive in stores on Sept. 25. Also due in September is “Nip/Tuck The Complete Fourth Season” from Warner Home Video on Sept. 4, and “Heroes: Season 1” from Universal Home Entertainment.

Buena Vista also has a back-to-school season release due out for its “Little Einsteins” franchise. “Little Einsteins: Rocket’s Firebird Rescue” is due out Aug. 21 and will help support Target’s exclusive line of Little Einstein products that will be in stores through the holiday season. The staggered rollout of product that began in July includes toys, games and books, as well as other products.

“‘Little Einsteins’ products have always sold exceptionally well at Target stores so there seems to be a natural affinity,” said Simon Waters, vp of global franchise management for infant, toddler and preschool for Disney Consumer Products.

This fall will also mark the first time major studios release nearly all of their major theatrical titles on high-definition DVD the same day and date as standard DVD.

The season was kicked off with the early August release of “300”—the surprise hit of 2006—and will be followed by “Wild Hogs” on Aug. 14. The comedy starring Martin Lawrence and John Travolta will retail for a $29.99 SRP on standard DVD and $34.99 on Blu-ray.

Paramount Home Entertainment will follow with “Blades of Glory” on Aug. 28. The Will Ferrell comedy that earned $120 million in theaters will come out on both HD-DVD and Blu-ray.

Several films that took in a small take at the box office this summer also are due in September including “Delta Force” from Lion’s Gate Home Entertainment (Sept. 4 on DVD and Blu-ray), the action film “The Condemned” from Lion’s Gate (Sept. 11 on DVD and Blu-ray) and “Black Book” from Sony Entertainment (Sept. 25 on DVD and Blu-ray).