September 21, 2007–On Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Israelis are expected to rent 350,000 films, BDI reports. According to Orna Yefet, there's a rise of 50% noted in number of videos, DVDs rented ahead of Judaism's most holy day compared to regular week, BDI reports
More than 100,000 people were expected to rent about 350,000 videos and DVDs in the three days before the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which takes place Friday, according to movie rental chains.
A survey conducted by Business Data Israel (BDI) showed a rise of 50% in the number of films rented and a 25% increase in the number of films sold ahead of Yom Kippur compared to a regular week. The survey revealed that the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Pesach also saw a rise in the number of movies rented, particularly children's movies, due to the school vacation.
Data show that the most wanted films are thrillers (22%), followed by dramas (17%) and comedies (13%).
In recent years, a 10% rise has been noted every year in the number of sold DVDs and videos. The best-sellers are children's movies, collections of popular films and TV series episodes, and nostalgic movies.
The survey also revealed that many of the sold films are used as gifts. About 80% of movies are sold in chain stores, and the rest are sold in private stores.