Broadcastdvd Gearing Up For '750 Mph' Ride

Riding a growing wave of DVD popularity, BroadcastDVD is launching "750 MPH," a DVD-based progressive-rock magazine, as a point-of-purchase giveaway in more than 500 Wherehouse Music stores nationwide in the winter.

BroadcastDVD is best known for its DVD-based quarterly magazine, or DVzine, "FILM-FEST," which chronicles the independent film festival circuit. The Santa Monica-based company also publishes xsDVD, a DVzine dedicated to extreme sports.

BroadcastDVD recently signed a deal with Toshiba to distribute 100,000 copies of "FILM-FEST's" fourth issue with its new DVD players this month, BroadcastDVD co-founder and CEO James Volk said.

The DVzine publisher's latest foray into the rock world is part of a larger strategy to introduce a line of DVD-based magazines that will eventually include indie film festivals, progressive rock, extreme sports and fashion, BroadcastDVD vp Scott Epstein said.

The premier issue of "750 MPH" will include more than two hours of music, music videos, live performances, interviews and profiles of musicians.

Volk said he's keeping a lid on "750 MPH's" featured artists until the Jan. 2 premiere draws closer.

In addition to existing and original footage of showcased artists, "750 MPH" will offer new movie trailers of theatrical releases, comedic film shorts and the latest PC video game samplers geared toward progressive-rock fans.

The premiere issue of "750 MPH," named for the speed of sound, is financially supported by Wherehouse advertising, while "FILM-FEST" is ad-supported but also carries a retail price of $14.95.

"We're going to release the first few issues of '750 MPH' free and see if we can't finance it strictly with advertising," Volk said. n