Re: MGM Midnite Movies "dead again" remark
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by BradleyS
I'm reading a lot of definitive pronouncements from folks who (I assume) lack any experience in home video sales or marketing. I have nothing against opinion and speculation, but let's admit that's all it is. I wouldn't necessarily assume that studios are being lazy or incompetent because they can't find a way to turn a profit on CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN. We're talking about niche titles that appeal to a very small group of people. There isn't a marketing campaign in the world that is going to make people outside that niche buy films like this, especially these days.
Sometimes we classic film fans need to take a step back for some perspective. MGM's financial problems have pretty much nothing to do with their release (or lack thereof) of obscure older films on DVD. Catalog titles have always been a small percentage of overall DVD revenue, and now that the market is absolutely saturated and sales have slowed, many studios are cutting the number of classic titles they're releasing. Even WHV has slowed dramatically. The only thing we can do is keep supporting studios like Sony who are reaffirming their commitment to classic titles.
|
I may not have experience in home video sales or marketing, but I do have common sense and sometimes the decisions these companies make are downright baffling. Sometimes I think Bonzo the Chimp works in those departments. But here are some of my thoughts on this:
1.) It's a good idea to put something out on the market for everyone. This makes you more customers, keeps everyone happy.
2.) These studios need to stop expecting Home Runs all of the time, and should settle for the occasional Single now and then. They cannot expect something like CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN to do the same business as IRON MAN (2008). But the execs are looking for constant big hitters. Ain't always gonna happen. They can still put out a few of their older titles in between their mega-blockbusters, and will still stay in business and surely retain their vast Empire$, even if it means they'll have to make some quarters along the way in between the dollars.
3.) There is a core niche audience out there at the moment for these older titles, but every year the companies delay, the older the films become and the more their potential core audience dies off. Doesn't it make more sense to squeeeeezzzzeeeeee whatever juice may be left in these older movies NOW rather than Later? People like me who are coming closer and closer to 50 (and those who are already 60) and who remember these nostalgic titles from old TV broadcasts and theaters aren't going to be coming back once they're gone.
4.) If - as these studios claim - there is no potential for these older niche titles, then why don't they just sell 'em off to companies who DO care and who WILL do something to preserve them while there's still a modest audience who cares about them? What have they got to lose if - as they steadfastly claim - "these titles won't sell well"...? At least they can make SOME type of cash rather than let them turn to ashes on their vault shelves.
