Steve Soderbergh to Release Films in Tandem with DVD
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Written By Reprise Media | May 2, 2005 | Share This
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Say what you want about the cheese factor of Erin Brockovich, Steven Soderbergh is actually one very hip guy. What else would explain the recent announcement of his plans to change the movie industry, one film at a time. Actually, make that six.
The Oscar-winning director is partnering with 2929 Entertainment to direct 6 films to be released simultaneously in movie theatres and on DVD, pay-per-view, and satellite television.
A few words from 2929 partner Todd Wagner:
“From a consumer standpoint, it’s about choice. We’re letting people decide, for the first time, if they want to go out or stay home when a movie debuts.”
As expected, theatre owners are worried over the prospect of empty seats. Too bad, says Soderbergh:
“Economically, the film business in general is using a model that is outdated and, worse than that, inefficient. It’s worth finding out if this is going to work better.”
This is big news, especially considering a big name director like Soderbergh is attached to the project. He may be able to give it more momentum than an unknown or indie director would bring.
The discussion on TechDirt is an amusing look at what people love/hate about going to the theatre. In some respects, the movie industry has kept up with the changing times. Take seats for example. The width of the standard seat has increased by as much as 4 inches, with cup holders designed to accommodate those big buckets of cola that seem to be standard nowadays (thanks, obesity epidemic!).
In other, more critical ways, the movie-going experience has declined. Pre-movie ads appended to the front of films speak to a captive audience that has no other option other than to view the ads or show up late and risk getting a bad seat.
With all the news of anti-piracy legislation running amok (up to 3 years in jail for a first offense), it’s refreshing to hear about someone looking at the problem in a new light.
Even though I’m a homebody in many other ways, for me there’s nothing that replaces the actual theatre experience itself, sticky floors/packed theatres/long ticket lines and all.
Topics: People on the Move |