French consumers spentEuros 770.3m on DVD and VHS purchases in the first half of 2005, a one percentfall on the same period last year.

The total number of units sold was up, however,with a 22.6% increase.

The discrepancy can be explained by a shift inpricing. During first half of 2005, DVDs cost an average Euros 12.19 - a fallof 20.2% compared to the same period last year.

Over a one-year period, the average price wasEuros 13.98 with catalogue titles going for just over Euros 10 and new filmsjust over Euros 20.

The figures, released by the CNC on Monday,noted a 97.5% market share for DVDs, representing Euros 751.4m in sales. Videowas worth Euros 18.9m.

Film sales were worth Euros 468.3m in first halfof 2005 for 60.8% of the market. Non-film sales were worth Euros 248.5m for a32.3% slice of the market.

Local films are faring better this year with20.2% of the total as compared to only 14.2% last year.