And the Summer Blockbuster Is?
It’s not officially summer yet, but I’ve already taken the family to 3 of the more popular films that have been recently released in the theatres:
- Iron Man
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
- Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Now, when I think of a blockbuster movie I immediately jump back to my teen years and the release of Star Wars. That would be Episode IV…the VERY first release to date myself. This of course was before 16+ screen theatres where new movies are shown on 3 or 4 screens at one location to accommodate the demand. Star Wars Episode IV was playing at a large single-screen theatre in Honolulu on South King Street near the police station. Anyone remember the name of that theatre? Anyway, I remember the lines going down AND around the block for tickets. It was insane.
Another blockbuster I remember was Jaws playing at the Waikiki 3 Theatre on Kalakaua Avenue right across the street from the beach. I’m sure the area hotels appreciated that choice of venues. After seeing that movie, I was looking in the water below my surfboard a lot more than ever before.
This past Memorial weekend, I didn’t see any lines for the Indiana Jones and Chronicles of Narnia sequels and there were plenty of seats inside. With all the flap about high gas prices keeping Americans at home, I thought for sure the theatre would be crowded. I guess the public couldn’t even afford to travel down the street to the local cinema and opted to pop in a Netflix DVD instead.
So, will there be a summer blockbuster this year? I know my daughter will be dragging me to “Kung Fu Panda” in June, so perhaps that will be the choice among the younger moviegoers, but I think the nod will go to Pixar’s “Wall-E“. As for me, I’m hoping that M. Night Shyamalan can make a comeback with “The Happening” after his disappointing “Lady in the Water.” My other choice for a “must see” is “The Dark Knight“, which is the first sequel to “Batman Begins” one of my personal favorites.
Let us know about your blockbuster movie memories and what you think this summer’s hot movie will be. To see a list of this summer’s films, check out FirstShowing.Net.
on May 29th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Heard this morning that Iron Man still sits on the top of the heap in terms of cash pulled in at the box office. Also, I’m dying to see Indiana Jones only because I’ve seen the other 3 and have enjoyed them. Almost saw it over the long holiday weekend, but the kids rebelled saying they didn’t want to see it until they finished all 3 previous movies in the series.
Never saw Batman Begins but my kids claimed I did rent it in the past. Apparently, I feel asleep while it was on. I suppose I should go out and rent it again and then wait for The Dark Knight since my youngest will be on me to see it.
All in all, we’re a bit reluctant to go to the theaters because all 5 of us to see one movie equals about $50. That doesn’t include snacks or dinner out prior to the film. $50 at home easily gets me a couple of movies and take-out pizza for the entire gang. With the current state of the economy, it’s these little things that families start to shy away from.
on May 29th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Indy of course!
on May 30th, 2008 at 6:25 am
I saw the new Indy movie last weekend. You’re right, a lot of empty seats in the theater. Tickets are more expensive this year and the concession stand is even more overpriced. The movie itself - I could only give it a “B” for an entertainment grade.
I’m sure the current Bush “trickle down” economic situation is forcing many Americans to be less frivolous with any left-over $$$ for entertainment. Now with the option of Netflix or other DVD rental format - watching a movie at home is a much cheaper choice, especially if there’s less gas burned up getting the rental versus driving to the cinema.
In addition, the Indy movie didn’t have great reviews around here. All the less reason to spend $50 to watch a movie when you could use that $50 to buy a quarter of a tank of gas.
In the future, I think that I might stick to DVD rentals, pop my own popcorn, admit myself for free, and pause the movie whenever “nature calls”.
on May 30th, 2008 at 8:29 am
DVD rentals are the way to go and I highly recommend Netflix. Manage your queue online, great customer service, DVDs come right to your door, and sending them back is a snap. I’ve heard people say the Blockbuster program is better because you can return DVDs at a local store and get another rental the same day; however, you still have to drive to the store and wander the aisles looking for something of interest if you want to take something home that night. Fundamentally, it’s the same old video store experience it’s always been. I’d much rather build a list of movies and TV shows I want and then let come to me. I started with the 3 DVD plan originally but my wife encouraged me to step up to the 5 DVD for the summer. It was meant to be just for the summer, but since moving to the 5 DVD plan we haven’t gone back. It’s great.
on May 30th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I use Blockbuster after trying Netflix for awhile. I was having issues with children’s DVD’s from Netflix being heavily scratched or even cracked. It made me question Netflix’s inspection process, if any, when DVD’s were returned.
Blockbuster’s program of being able to return by mail or the store is their advantage over Netflix, but you pay a premium for this option and there is a limit to how often you can return a mailed DVD to the store. Another caveat is that DVD’s you get at the store cannot be returned by mail.
Pricing is about the same and having compared the two programs I think Netflix’s turnaround rate is about a day faster than Blockbuster’s. I’d recommend giving Netflix a try first.
on June 1st, 2008 at 1:49 pm
You guys are right, the price to go to the theatre is getting way too high. Tickets are getting bad enough, and don’t even get me started on the popcorn and soda.
on June 7th, 2008 at 9:24 am
thanks for the movie info. definitely will save the ‘must see on a big screen’ for a hot summer day. prices make it easy to bypass the snack bar.
most memorable film was seeing “Little Women” with my Grandmother. She had me read the book first. This was the ‘original’ film with June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh.
Always avoided the films with knights & chariots that my younger brother saw with my dad.