where the f**k is alice?24.02.10
edit: sooo Odeon have backed down now over their threats, although as with VUE no one has yet announced what the terms of this agreement might be (here’s hoping its not a ‘we promise never to do this ever again’). Either way though I’m pleased things have concluded this way as now companies can actually assess how much the shorter window does actually effect DVD/ cinema sales.
Its like the end sequence of Jurassic Park. Two dueling giants, neither of which we can really sympathise with but ultimately, in this particular battle (17 week release window), we’re rooting for the T-Rex (Disney).
Odeon seem to be seriously wasting their energies on waging a war against a yet unproven fear of smaller release windows, instead of looking into ways in which they can change their business model to keep up with the changing world. The stand off between Disney and Odeon over the shortening of the DVD and theatrical release window really highlights how much a of a potential bully (is that wording a bit too harsh?) exhibitors can be when it comes to looking at new release models. (and not to mention that Odeon’s argument of their 3D technology spend doesn’t logically add up)The 17 week window has become sacristan to most of the larger cinema chains, as though it were written in stone. Its also not the first time (and yes it will not be the last) that the cinemas and the CEA have been up in arms at distributors and studios attempting to break away from this. Lest us not forget Phil Clapp’s (booo hiss) exposing e-mail calling for a boycott of Revolver’s all platform release of British Indie Mum & Dad (regardless of the fact that he felt the film to be of ‘minor importance’). This time though the CEA have stayed quiet but they did issue this press release which quietly declaired their backing of Odeon’s stance and again the holy 17 week window.
The previous Odeon boycott of Rambo was felt to be the reason that the film was unable to reach the predicted no.1 spot, and the effect this will have on Alice is yet to be seen, but as the UK’s largest cinema chain I expect this is a financial dent that will show. But with other chains agreeing to the shorter theatrical/ DVD window (although the full ‘compromise’ terms of this are unknown) it is a small but strategic win for the future of film releases that benefit audiences and film makers.
I’m guessing that as this Guardian article highlights the change over of personnel at Disney is a large reason why Alice has ended up being a champion in this fight. And although its only a small change to the window, its great for once to see a Studio fight this corner against exhibitors where smaller distributors for the most part simply can’t afford too.
