Slashdot Mirror
Nintendo Eyeing the Big Screen
techstar25 writes "Coming soon reports that video game giant Nintendo is going to Hollywood by creating an in-house unit to develop animated features based on the numerous properties owned by the company. The plan calls for Nintendo to create a movie based on one of its own franchises for theatrical release in 2006. The original story is from Variety (reg. required)." It doesn't really say what properties to expect, but obviously it's Excite Bike.
Seriously, is anyone actally still awake in Hollywood or are these scripts actually being greenlighted by some giant evil Twilight-Zone-ish computer that lives in a cave someplace on the back lot of Warner Brothers? This news item seems like something they would have used as the basis of an episode of The Critic, fer cryin' out loud.
Every year during my review, I just pray the words "slashdot.org" aren't mentioned.
The plan calls for Nintendo to create a movie based on one of its own franchises for theatrical release in 2006
Sadly, it will be marketed to the kids and useless parents who cannot say "No!" will take the sprogs, ensuring huge profits.
Also watch for:
The McSuper McMario Happy Meal!
Metroid Special Edition Pepsi!
Mr. Driller Bubble Gum Flavoured Toothpaste!
and the drones will gobble it all up...
Trolling is a art,
Despite TRON holding a place in my heart- the movie was widely panned. However the video game raked in the quarters. (falshbacks to the beauty of the Discs of Tron environmental cabinet!)
Look at it this way: These movies are simply advertising vehicles for Nintendo's games. Good, bad, doesn't matter. Get the word out there and get the games bought. Thats the TRUE strategy.
In the future, I would want to not be isolated from my friends in the Space Station.
This is not what this announcement is about. Nintendo are moving into Japanese Animation, to produce movies akin to the likes of Studio Ghibli's productions. The latest Ghibli movie looks set to gross over $450 million in Japan alone, You can see why Nintendo would want in on that market.
Yes, this may end up as a vehicle to cross-promote their games, but the first slated movie that they are said to produce is based on collections of centuries old Japanese literature.
Doesn't exactly sound like a Mario movie.
Coming in 2006
No word on John Woo tho.