A musical movie is not something that can immediately appeal to a broad audience. Exclusive release helps to build the buzz. |
Certainly for Disney it's riskier than their standard animation film because it has a lot fewer merchandising opportunities. My guess is they'll at least break even. It's being introduced early in the season and there's not much out there competing with it. The other studios are staying away from it. |
It certainly was a historical event that Japan played a major role in, and whether the younger generation will want to see that, and through American eyes, learn more about Pearl Harbor and World War II, remains to be seen. |
Once it's in play (a nomination), you want to try to go out there and get as many votes as you can. |
The Best Picture is the one that benefits the studio to the greatest extent. It's a strong signal that this is considered one of the five best pictures of the year. |
There are multiple revenue streams, so theatrical gross is important because it signals the subsequent revenue through home video rentals, sales of DVDs, pay television and others. |
This year, Hollywood has not produced as many must-see movies. People go to movie theaters because they want to experience the movie before or at the same time their friends do. Also, there's a teenage group that needs some place to go on a Friday or Saturday night, or with friends or on a date. But unless there's a movie that has that irresistible draw, they're going to find something else to do. |