Hollywood executives think DVDs should be released quicker to combat the growing threat of piracy, according to the Hollywood Reporter.  And they predict that the day may not be far off when some major films are available on DVD at the same time as their theatrical release.

"Your premiere may be at Wal-Mart," said Barry Meyer, chairman and chief executive of Warner Bros Entertainment.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, box office revenue in the US hit a record $9.5bn (£4.9bn) last year.

However, that figure was dwarfed by the estimated $24.5 billion (£12.7bn) in DVD and video rental and retail sales.