It seems like everyone online is commentating on this story, so Movie Buzzers might as well get involved, too!
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Universal is planning to offer its upcoming Ben Stiller/Eddie Murphy comedy Tower Heist via Video-On-Demand only three weeks after the film’s opening. It opens November 4, so you’ll be able to watch it in the comfort of your own home by Thanksgiving. Well that doesn’t sound so bad… yet.
But for the “luxury” of seeing the film at home so quickly the price tag is rather hefty: $59.99. Apparently that price is aimed to satisfy a family that might already pay that much to see the average movie, but Tower Heist isn’t exactly a family comedy. Of course, you either have to live in Portland, Oregon or Atlanta, Georgia to take part in this “exceptional” offer as this is only a test to see if the market will bear that price.
And it likely won’t. Yes, Hollywood has been losing money as DVD sales decline, but let’s be honest: people generally enjoy the social aspect of the theater going experience, and if they do prefer to watch films at home cheaper alternatives like WAITING FOR THE DVD always seem to do the trick. I personally don’t mind waiting a few months to rent a movie for $1 from Redbox if it’s not a film that I feel compelled to see in theaters. Plus assuming that families will gather ’round the tube on Thanksgiving to watch this instead of football is insane.
Perhaps this stunt would work with something like a Harry Potter, Sex and the City, or Twilight film so people could have parties surrounding the viewing and make it financially smart, but I don’t think anyone is partying down to see a Brett Ratner movie. Then again, huge Potter/Twilight fans will already line up the night of the film’s release and wouldn’t want to wait even three weeks.
I encourage any Movie Buzzers readers out in Oregon or Georgia to completely shun this stunt to send Hollywood the message that trying to find yet another way to rip people off isn’t going to work. I mean, aren’t the studios happy enough with selling higher-priced tickets to crappy 3D movies?
What are your thoughts, readers? Let us know in the comments below!
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