The home entertainment industry got a much-needed shot in the arm when Paramount/DreamWorks’ “Transformers” set a new first-week DVD sales record for the year: 8.3 million units sold in the first six days since the summer theatrical blockbuster’s Oct. 16 release.

The film also set a new 2007 record for first-day sales, with consumers buying more than 4.5 million units on the DVD’s Tuesday street date. “Transformers” also sold more than 100,000 HD DVDs that day and 190,000 HD DVDs its first week, setting two additional sales records.

“The performance of the ‘Transformers’ DVD and HD DVD has demonstrated the phenomenal success of this global franchise,” said Kelley Avery, president of worldwide home entertainment for Paramount Pictures. “We’re happy to be kicking off the fourth quarter with a title that clearly shows home entertainment releases are still an event that drives consumers into stores--which is a win for both content providers and retailers.”

“Transformers,” directed by Michael Bay and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, earned $316.5 million in U.S. theaters, with a total global boxoffice of more than $700 million.