Twister is the best-supported answer for the first movie in the U.S. DVD launch: it appears first in Warner Home Video’s initial 25-title test batch in March 1997. But it is not established as the first DVD movie worldwide. DVD films had reached Japan in December 1996, and the available accounts do not name the first Japanese title.
Was Twister the first movie released on DVD?
In the United States, Twister was listed first among Warner Home Video’s first 25 DVD titles. Home Video History dates that seven-city soft launch to March 24, 1997. Home Media Magazine likewise describes Warner and MGM titles in an initial U.S. test during March 1997, naming Twister among them. So the most precise answer is that Twister was first in the listed batch—not that it was the only movie released that day. (Home Video History; Home Media Magazine)
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Twister (DVD) | $5.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Twisters Double Feature [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nXcJDUOjL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Twisters Double Feature [DVD] | $14.96 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Twisters - Collector's Edition [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZQz3NUZoL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Twisters - Collector's Edition [DVD] | $7.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Twister | $12.16 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
4 Film Favorites: Survival (Outbreak, The Perfect Storm, Poseidon, Twister) | $7.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Was it the first DVD movie worldwide?
That is not established by these accounts. Home Media Magazine’s retrospective says DVD players went on sale in Japan in November 1996 and the first movies arrived there in December—before the U.S. test launch. It does not identify the first Japanese movie, so the worldwide-first question remains unresolved. Calling Twister the first movie ever released on DVD would overstate what the documented U.S. launch shows. (Home Media Magazine)
What was the U.S. DVD launch?
The March 1997 U.S. launch was a limited test, not a nationwide release. Home Video History identifies Warner’s initial 25-title group and dates its seven-city soft launch to March 24, 1997. Home Media Magazine describes the test as including Warner and MGM titles, with Bonnie & Clyde and The Mask among the titles alongside Twister. Warner’s nationwide rollout followed in August 1997, according to Home Media Magazine. The March date is attributed here to Home Video History; the sources reviewed do not resolve differing dates sometimes given for the launch. (Home Video History; Home Media Magazine)
#1 Best Overall
When did Disney release its first DVD films?
Disney’s milestone came later: D23 gives December 2, 1997, as the date of the studio’s first films on DVD. That is Disney’s first DVD release, not the start of DVD movies in the United States or worldwide. (D23)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How quickly did DVD spread after the launch?
Home Video History reports that Best Buy sold approximately 2,500 Warner DVDs through the 74 stores carrying the format on the first launch day. Home Media Magazine later reported that 1 million DVD players were shipped to retail in November 1998 and that 1.4 million U.S. homes had DVD players in December 1998. These figures illustrate the format’s early expansion; they do not determine which film came first. (Home Video History; Home Media Magazine)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4 FILM FAVORITES: SURVIVAL (DVD MOVIE)
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Movie dvd
Rank #2
- Genre: Action / Adventure
- Number of Discs: 2
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 236
- Director: Jan de Bont^Lee Isaac Chung
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
