2008 at the Box Office - Page 9

Malcolm R · 02-03-2008, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryRL

The movie earned the best per-theater average of any film released to more than 600 theaters, as well as the biggest opening ever for a concert movie. The film also ranks as the biggest opener during a Super Bowl weekend, besting the $21.6 million start of "When a Stranger Calls" two years ago.

I don't think it's fair to compare this to regular films since, as you mentioned, the ticket prices were 2-3x higher than for a traditional film. Also, from anecdotal reports, it was screening 24 hours a day which also seems unusual. Any "records" it is deemed to have set should at least have an asterisk.

Jose Martinez · 02-04-2008, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryRL

:Expect Miley Cyrus' stock to go through the roof as a result of this movie's phenomenal opening.

Unless she pulls a "Zoey"

Although, on the outside, it looks like Billy Ray is doing a better job in parenting than the Spears. So Miley may have a future.

Adam Lenhardt · 02-04-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malcolm R

I don't think it's fair to compare this to regular films since, as you mentioned, the ticket prices were 2-3x higher than for a traditional film. Also, from anecdotal reports, it was screening 24 hours a day which also seems unusual. Any "records" it is deemed to have set should at least have an asterisk.

It's still unprecedented for a concert film, especially one that's a digital slap together job. Together with the phenomenal success of the "High School Musical" TV movies, it's a sign of the Disney Channel generation's consumer power.

Adam_Duncan · 02-04-2008, 04:33 AM

I personally find it astounding and also quite disturbing that Hannah Montana actually topped the box office by a large margin. This and HSM are just vapid drivel that should never have got off the drawing boards. Yeah, it's kid's stuff, but the stuff I was watching as a kid was a hell of a lot better than this swill.

I also have much dislike towards Disney. They need to be brought down a peg or two.

TerryRL · 02-04-2008, 05:16 AM

Adam, if you don't mind my asking, what do you have against Disney?

Shawn.F · 02-04-2008, 07:15 AM

Hmmm...Hannah Montana tops box office and sets records, Patriots lose the Superbowl...yep, two signs that The Apocalypse is coming (well, around New England it is)!

Eh, considering how much you hear about Hannah Montana concerts in the news and what not (plus the fact that they are charging $15 a ticket), I'm not all that surprised.

TerryRL · 02-04-2008, 08:05 AM

I'm impressed by the fact that nearly 2 million people paid that much to see the movie to begin with. Had it opened in "regular" theaters, it would've still debuted at #1 with over $13 million. That's still impressive for a movie opening in only 683 theaters.

In a regularly priced theater the movie would've still earned more than $19K per-theater. Not nearly as gaudy as $42K, but still a stellar number.

Kevin Grey · 02-04-2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malcolm R

I don't think it's fair to compare this to regular films since, as you mentioned, the ticket prices were 2-3x higher than for a traditional film. Also, from anecdotal reports, it was screening 24 hours a day which also seems unusual. Any "records" it is deemed to have set should at least have an asterisk.

Many popular movies have had round the clock screenings in at least some parts of the country so that certainly isn't anything to demand an asterisk.

Adam_Duncan · 02-04-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryRL

Adam, if you don't mind my asking, what do you have against Disney?

Well, we're heading into off-topic territory, but this has much to do with it:

Greg Burk of the Los Angeles Times reports that five heavy-metal concerts scheduled at House of Blues clubs on Walt Disney Co. property in Anaheim, California and Orlando, Florida have been hastily shifted to other venues or canceled recently, according to House of Blues web site calendars.

A Sept. 7 show featuring MACHINE HEAD, ARCH ENEMY, THROWDOWN and SANCTITY, booked two months earlier, was moved on two days' notice from the House of Blues in Anaheim's Downtown Disney entertainment complex to the Glass House in Pomona. Thursday's concert with CANNIBAL CORPSE, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, THE RED CHORD and THE ABSENCE, originally slated for the Anaheim House of Blues, was moved to the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana. A Sept. 26 Anaheim House of Blues concert featuring OBITUARY, ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY, FULL BLOWN CHAOS and HEMLOCK has been canceled outright.

At the House of Blues in Orlando, Fla., on Disney World property, a Sept. 17 concert of the MACHINE HEAD lineup has been moved to Club Firestone in downtown Orlando. The same action has been taken with the Oct. 11 CANNIBAL CORPSE package.

Asked about the scheduling changes, John Vlautin, vice president of communications for Live Nation (formerly Clear Channel), the concert-promotion organization that owns the nationwide House of Blues chain, issued a statement Thursday that said only: "House of Blues offers a range of entertainment to match the audience at our venues. It was determined that the mix of entertainment at our two Disney locations should be different from our other venues."

Vlautin declined to comment on why metal bands have been singled out after years of similar bookings or whether other metal events already scheduled, including SUFFOCATION, EDGUY and STATIC-X, will be affected.

Rob Doughty, communications vice president for Disneyland Resorts, declined to comment, referring inquiries to Vlautin. Paul McGuigan, concert promoter at the Anaheim House of Blues, also declined to comment through a club spokeswoman.

The Walt Disney Co., through Vlautin, issued a short statement Thursday that included no specifics about the shifts of the metal concerts: "In consultation with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, the House of Blues will provide a mix of entertainment for guests visiting Disney Resorts."

There have been other cancellations since this report.

TerryRL · 02-04-2008, 11:28 AM

Thanks for answering my question. I can see why someone (namely metal fans) would be frustrated with the company.

Back on-topic, Paramount execs seem to be very pleased with the initial online reactions to their spot for "Iron Man". Universal was also pleased with the response toward their spot for "Wanted". Both sides are confident that their movies will be major box office successes this summer. "Wanted" originally was going to be a March release, but the studio believed it was better suited for the summer season after seeing early cuts of it.

Speaking of Universal, looks like they will be unveiling the new trailer for "The Incredible Hulk" sometime next month.

TerryRL · 02-04-2008, 07:38 PM

Weekend Actuals

#1 "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" $31.1 million
#2 "The Eye" $12.4 million
#3 "27 Dresses" $8.5 million ($57.2 million) -36%
#4 "Meet the Spartans" $7.3 million ($28.5 million) -60%
#5 "Rambo" $7.1 million ($29.9 million) -61%
#6 "Juno" $7.0 million ($109.8 million) -31%
#7 "The Bucket List" $6.7 million ($67.5 million) -36%
#8 "Untraceable" $5.1 million ($19.1 million) -55%
#9 "Cloverfield" $4.8 million ($71.9 million) -62%
#10 "There Will Be Blood" $4.7 million ($21.0 million) -4%
#11 "Over Her Dead Body" $4.0 million
#12 "Strange Wilderness" $3.0 million

Top 12 Gross: $101.9 million