Why are DVDs so often released later in Canada than in the US?

Question

I don't understand it - even ones that have no French audio track or subtitling will often be released a month or more later in Canada - but not always. Why is this?

Answer 1

It's likely some or perhaps all of the DVDs sold in Canada are released by local distributers, not necessarily the same companies who release them in the USA. They have their own agenda... it could be waiting for the French translations, but it might also be for their own marketing purposes.

Most films are strategically released in theaters... they're timed to maximize profits, to reduce competition, to take advantage of holidays, and to tape into any free press available (film star appearances on TV, etc). It's typical that some similar decisions are made for a major DVD release, and these may be a bit different that those same factors in the USA. In fact, there may be competition... if a DVD is being released in the USA today, some of those resources may not yet be available in Canada, or the stars are busy on a US promotional tour, whatever. There are a bunch of factors.

This isn't unique to Canada... in fact, Canadians probably have it better than, say, the UK. There's such a wait for releases in the UK that consumers won't buy a DVD player that's region-locked... they demand the ability to buy a US or Canadian release (Region 1) rather than wait.