I'm not very knowledgeable about the economics of the musical theater, but despite the organizations that produce musicals always looking for donations and holding fundraising galas, and despite sky-high ticket prices, only 20 percent of musicals recoup? Yet they sit on their most valuable asset, recordings of their most successful shows.
Wait a year after the show closes before releasing the DVD if necessary, but then aren't all sales just gravy?
I know. It probably has something to do with the unions.