Meaning: Avi Arad's quote, "But the community knew Blade, and everybody but us was shocked at the box office, and subsequently the DVD. That was the beginning of the DVD revolution, and Blade was just like wildfire," captures a pivotal moment in the history of cinema and home entertainment. This statement reflects the unexpected success of the film "Blade" and its significant impact on the movie industry, particularly in relation to the rise of DVD technology.

"Blade," released in 1998, was a groundbreaking film that achieved commercial success, despite being based on a relatively lesser-known Marvel Comics character. Directed by Stephen Norrington and starring Wesley Snipes in the titular role, "Blade" combined elements of action, horror, and superhero genres, appealing to a diverse audience. The film's success at the box office surprised many industry insiders, including Avi Arad, who was involved in the production of the film.

Arad's reference to "the community" recognizing the potential of "Blade" highlights the importance of audience reception and word-of-mouth promotion in contributing to the film's success. While the movie may not have been widely anticipated by mainstream audiences, it found a devoted fan base within the community of comic book enthusiasts and genre film aficionados. Their support and enthusiasm for the film ultimately propelled it to success, defying initial expectations.

The impact of "Blade" extended beyond its theatrical run and into the realm of home entertainment with the advent of the DVD format. Arad's mention of the film's success on DVD signifies a pivotal moment in the transition from VHS to DVD as the dominant home media format. As DVD players became more accessible and affordable, "Blade" and other films experienced a surge in popularity as consumers embraced the superior audiovisual quality and added features offered by DVDs.

Arad's characterization of "Blade" as "just like wildfire" emphasizes the rapid and widespread adoption of the film on DVD, symbolizing the beginning of a revolution in home entertainment. The success of "Blade" on DVD contributed to the growth of the format and served as a catalyst for the expansion of the home video market. This shift in consumer behavior and viewing habits laid the foundation for the eventual decline of VHS and the dominance of DVDs in the early 2000s.

In addition to its impact on the home entertainment landscape, "Blade" also played a significant role in the popularization of superhero films. While the superhero genre had seen success with franchises like "Superman" and "Batman" in previous decades, "Blade" demonstrated the potential for darker, more mature superhero stories to resonate with audiences. This paved the way for the future success of superhero films and contributed to the diversification of the genre in the years to come.

Overall, Avi Arad's quote encapsulates the unexpected triumph of "Blade" at the box office and its subsequent influence on the DVD revolution. The film's ability to resonate with audiences, coupled with the timing of its release during the rise of DVD technology, positioned "Blade" as a cultural phenomenon that left a lasting impact on both the film industry and the home entertainment market.