'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs' is still in theaters, so exhibitors are in a stew over Sony's decision to release the animated feature for early rental to owners of Sony-branded digital devices, thus violating the sacred (to theater owners) four-month window between theatrical and home release.This follows the outcry over Paramount's decision to release 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' on DVD only 88 days after its theatrical debut. Paramount claimed the move was an "anomaly," designed to position the film for holiday shoppers.
But now the collapsing window is looking like a trend: Owners of Sony-branded Bravia TVs and the latest generation of networked Sony Blu-ray players will be able to rent 'Meatballs' nearly a month earlier than the Jan. 4 date set for the DVD and Blu-ray discs, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Last year, Sony also set an early digital release for 'Hancock,' but exhibitors were less upset by what was then a three-and-a-half month window. However, the early release for 'Meatballs' will have a definite impact on its theatrical run: At least four major theater chains -- Regal Entertainment, AMC Entertainment, Cinemark and Marcus Theatres -- are prepared to pull the film from its screens. Last weekend, the film, which has grossed $121 million, was in 1,126 theaters, but because of the protest, could play in as few as 300.
While that definitely stings for the film's box-office haul, the high price of digital viewing (a ludicrous $24.95) far exceeds what it costs to see it in theaters -- assuming it's still playing anywhere near you.
Reader Comments (15)
jocardan at 2:32PM on Nov 15th 2009
This doesn't seem to be quite fair to theatre owners as people will stop going to the movies if they know that they can buy a movie shortly after release. Big screen TVs make this an even more appealing an idea. A several people could pool their resources to buy a DVD and save on the big expense of going to the theatres. Microwave popcorn works as well as the theatre version and a lot cheaper.
Michael G at 2:33PM on Nov 15th 2009
I dont really care about what happens to these orany movies. They are all overpriced anyways, and it is only the greedy dollar that dictates these policies. I welcome any early release!!!
shakingmyhead at 6:10PM on Nov 15th 2009
Those greedy dollars help pay for that movie to be made and those theaters employ a lot of people- who won't have a job if people don't go to the movies.
Sony should honor the partnership for the theaters that show their movies. Because the only reason they release it early- is the greedy dollar
Paul at 3:21PM on Nov 15th 2009
Being able to view a movie, "Bigger than life" in a theater has obvious advantages. The ability to see and hear action films still impresses me. I hope they take their argument, as a body, to Sony and others, to not be so hasty with the DVD distribution. Leaving the movie on the big screen for a while could actually be a good thing. While I agree with others that it's an expensive outing, avoid the consession stand, go to an earlier, less expensive, or weekend viewing and always eat a snack before you go!
Robert at 3:52PM on Nov 15th 2009
Movies are still the best entertainment deal you and your family will ever have.
Try going to a live conncert, or play, or anything else, you will find the movies a unique and worthwhile experience.
I hope this is the exception to the rule, but i guess you can't stop progress....i can't blame theatre owners for being upset about this.
Randy at 9:11AM on Nov 16th 2009
Because of the high price of a new DVD, there will still be plenty of people who, like me, won't buy a copy until it's in the bargain bins...if ever. And in my opinion, if theater owners really want more business they should cut the price of all snack bar item by half. I will not pay $10 to see a film and then cough up an additional $8-$11 for One drink and a large popcorn just so they can keep five teenagers standing around doing nothing.
Becca at 4:33PM on Nov 15th 2009
Cheaper than what we pay in Canada for 2 people to see a movie in theatres! Sounds like a deal to me lol
David at 4:38PM on Nov 15th 2009
I don't go to movies anymore. Why pay $10-12 to see a movie in the theatre that might might be good or not. I'd rather wait 3 months and rent it for a dollar on Netflix, no cell phone, kids crying, loud people next to me and support actors who make 20 million a film.
brad at 4:43PM on Nov 15th 2009
There is nothing like going to a movie in person, just like someone else posted, eat before! and try for matinees! I saw Cloudy in Imax 3d, pretty neat. The theatres need a chance to make money too, so keep the standard window, not sure they legally have to but kudos to AMC, and the other theatres for saying they will pull the movie early. Its the smaller chains that will suffer and ultimately it will trickly down to even theatre employees...
bob ferguson at 4:46PM on Nov 15th 2009
Theaters are having trouble enough as it is without these Corporate Greedy Giants attempts to do without the Entertainment outlet that helped put them and their films into the public s view in the 1st place.
Doing without Concession stands ? This is where
( and Only where ) the theater owners make their profit these days - the impatient gadget fool who made this statement oughta learn to wait a little longer for home entertainment media release gratification... The Big Screen movie going experience need nt die so some gadget plugged in fool can isolate himself further from public contact. ( tho I can appreciate the end result for the sake of said public )
gr8bsn at 5:28PM on Nov 15th 2009
Let's see here. Movie theater = screaming babies, talking kids, and crappy overpriced concessions. $10 a ticket.
Home = HDTV, 8 speaker surround sound system, comfortable furniture, pizza, and beer. $2 for a Netflix rental.
Bob at 5:37PM on Nov 15th 2009
Movie Theaters in a Few Years should be Faded Out.
The Industry is hurting Movie Making and Profits have dwindled.The Piracy Industry,plus a Recession hasn't helped.In these times what average Consumer will pay about $40.at a Theater? Versus,going to a Video Rental,Download from the Net or either Buying a Copy of what's playing In theaters again a GOOD COPY,NOT JUNK,for about $5.00.You Buy some fast food for both or heck hit the Olive Garden Soup Salad deal for about $25.00 incl tip.Your still at $30.00 not the $40.00 At the Theater for overpriced snacks,candys,and stale nachos,and dogs.
Technology has killed the theaters,change is good!or is it?Oh! you still have money to buy Trojans..
Karine at 6:20PM on Nov 15th 2009
Why on earth would I spend 24.95 for some friggin movie ? Unless I invite all my nwighbors and charge them 5 bucks to watch .. But when looking at some of these posts - the majority thinks its a grat deal to cough up alost 25 bucks for a movie that might be viewed 2 or three times .. Certainly more than going to see any friggin movie at matinee prices ...
bill at 7:43PM on Nov 15th 2009
Unnnnnh. Completely a dull moment. Another freaking cartoon movie. Enough already
colcam at 7:51PM on Nov 15th 2009
The "biggest problem" with the movie market today is that it strives to be everything to everybody, pouring huge amounts of money into making something, even more money into advertising it-- and it winds up being half tomato soup, the other half butterscotch ice cream in an attempt to appeal to everyone.
And they they don't understand why "everyone" winds up being spelled "NO one."
.