Slashdot Mirror
Revamping the Movie Distribution Chain
ianscot writes "Steve Soderberg's latest film will be released in a manner that directly challenges the traditional Hollywood distribution chain. Soderberg's been influenced by Mark Cuban, the dot-com billionaire who owns the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, and Todd Wagner, another dot-commer whose ideas about the movie business are radical departures. Wagner's financing this one. The movie, Bubble, is the first of six that Soderberg will film in HD video; all will be released simultaneously in theaters, as HDNet movies, and on DVDs." From the article: "As independents, Soderbergh and Wagner are willing to talk openly about subjects that are being hotly debated behind closed doors elsewhere in Hollywood. When Disney chief Robert Iger recently brought up the concept of shortening the window between theatrical release and DVD, he was fiercely criticised by the National Association of Theatre Owners."
... is because generally it's higher resolution than DVDs and their sound system is usually better than what I have at home. Other reasons would be a social gathering or something. It's hardly ever the case that I go to watch movies because I can't wait for the DVDs to come out.
> WONDERFULL! I'm sick of paying $7 + $5 for movie popcorn and a drink
> when I could buy (to own forever) the movie later for $20 (provided I don't get it
> through another means before then).
And not have to deal with a theater where two people bring kids in who whine in the movie or have to go pee ten times during the movie, a bunch of teenagers bring their cell phones in and text message each other with bright screens flashing around and they're the polite ones who don't leave their phone on and have it ring in the middle of the movie or the people who bring PDAs in yet another distraction.
I have not been to a theater release movie in the last five years where a cell phone has NOT gone off in the middle of it. Thankfully many people don't answer them but people still do sometimes.
> "When Disney chief Robert Iger recently brought up the concept of shortening the window between theatrical release and DVD, he was fiercely criticised by the National Association of Theatre Owners."
No shit. The National Association of Theatre Owners need their own fierce criticism for doing shit-all about making the cinema experience worthwhile. It feels more like a cattlerun where you're forced in then out and must deal with everything that happens inside no matter what.
Band routinely sell merchandise and CD's after concerts. You've seen the band and as a souvenir you can buy the album for usually less than retail prices.
For films something similar could be done: You have seen the movie, and you were -no doubt- very impressed. A very good mindset for the merchant that is offering the DVD right at the exit(at a less then retail price). Instead of complaining, theatre owners should grasp this golden opportunity.
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