WEEKLY CineBUZZ REPORT - 15 August 2001

Rise of the 3D (Vending) Machine

Marchon3D Vending Unit

If $10 popcorn wasn't bad enough, the folks at Marchon3D (along with several exhibs) have decided that selling 3D glasses in vending machines is a  great idea.
Marchon3D is going to sell its EX3D eye wear line at in-cinema self-serve machines stocked with $22-$30 glasses in various styles and colors.  Limited edition styles will go for as much as $70.

Now, why would anyone want to purchase 3D glasses if you receive a pair as part of  the 3D admission up-charge?  Good question, and the folks at Marchon3D say they have the answer.  The EX3D glasses will work on any passive 3D system, be it movie, TV, game console, or PC and of course some people want their own specs in a special color or style. Good idea?  I guess if the cinema has room in its lobby and a lot of vein moviegoers, hey why not.

Weekly Box Office Update

The box office went ape again, as the Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Fox) was top banana for a second week. For Fox the movie has been a barrel full of money as it has now grossed over $104 million domestically and an additional $74 million internationally.  Not bad for a PG13 flix with a $93 million budget.
Surprisingly, The Help (Buena Vista) landed in 2nd place with a $35 million take in its 5 day debut.  We'll see if it has legs as the international play will be nil.  Rounding out 3rd was Final Destination 5 (Warner) which opened with a lackluster $18 million and may be the final destination for this series. The 3D format didn't add much of a draw to this box office flop.

The Smurfs (Sony/Columbia) came in 4th and has grossed over $101 million domestically and a whopping $141 million overseas - love those blue tykes.  In 5th was 30 Minutes or Less (Sony/Columbia) at $13 million and going nowhere.  Finally, it was not very gleeful for Fox as Glee The 3D Concert took in a measly $5.7 million. Proving once again that what plays great on the small screen doesn't translate to the silver - 3D  or not.

More Bad Apples

As a follow-up to a prior post, "One (Actually 3) Bad Apples in the Bunch" posted 23 July 2011, it turns out there were a total of 24 fake Apple stores in Kunming City, China.  Discovered last month and exposed by a tourist the fake stores have caused a storm of publicity within China regarding piracy as the Chinese are now becoming the victims of the scam.  Its one thing to purchase a fake purse but another when you are buying what you believe is a original iPad.  In a very unusual move, China National Radio, the state-run and official voice of the government issued a statement and posted on their website that all use of the Apple logo, signage, and sale of bogus products was to immediately cease.

Hmmm, we'll wait and see what happens.  In some quarters piracy is a way of life and not viewed as a crime but a tribute of respect to the inventor.

Best and Happy Movie Going!
Jim Lavorato