If you're looking for any really deep thoughts, then you've come to the wrong place. However, if you're looking for simple opinions on ordinary, mundane things, then you've come to the right place.
We've all seen it: huge advertising campaigns marking the impending release of new things. Remember the build-up to the new Energizer batteries? Or how about the Duracell batteries? The grand opening of a new theme park or shopping mall? Well, I'm sure you've got the picture. And I'm sure you've noticed that it is much, much worse when it comes to new movies hitting the theaters. Now I have to ask: why all the hype?
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will be appearing in theaters soon (Wednesday, May 19, 1999). You know about it, I know about it, and probably the entire world knows about it. Star Wars and its two sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi, comprise arguably the best known set of movies in the world. It has a tremendous fan following that has gobbled up the numerous books spawned by the trilogy and the recent Star Wars: Special Edition releases. I admit to being a fan of the trilogy and the books, but I again have to ask: why all the hype?
From a business standpoint I suppose I can understand. For one thing, introducing Star Wars as "Episode IV" hinted that there would eventually be something chronologically set before it released at a later date. Now, after so many years since the release of The Return of the Jedi, the release of a new Star Wars movie is certain to cause a surge in interest, To engender interest and ensure a big payback, a large advertising machine would be necessary. Certainly all of Mr. Lucas' restrictions on the initial theatrical release of the movie would pique everyone's interest and cause a stampede to get the tickets for the first showing. I admit to wanting to see it myself. But I think that it's all gotten out of control.
Here in Hawai'i we have one theater chain that will be open at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday morning to show the movie at the earliest possible time. I have no idea whether there are other theaters across the country that are doing the same thing, but I imagine there has to be at least one other doing something just like it and others doing even more. I, for one, am not going to go out at that late at night--or that early in the morning--just to see a movie, no matter how interested I might be in seeing it. It just isn't worth it. And can you imagine how many of those theater goers are going to call in sick the next day--whether to school or to work--just because they stayed out until at least two-thirty in the morning to see a movie? Maybe it's old age kicking in, but I think anyone--especially a student--who goes to see the movie and doesn't show up the next day at school or in the office deserves whatever penalties he or she gets. Furthermore, any student who gets caught deserves at least straight Fs for whatever classes he or she missed the following day. Yeah, yeah, go ahead and razz me. It's harsh, but you're talking to someone who thinks education more important than going to the movies. At least on school nights.
Now, I admit to looking forward to seeing new movies. However, I'm willing to wait until their release on video. Okay, by that time they might be old news, but have you seen the rushes on the video stores when the videos do come out? I remember going looking for Mulan when it first came out and not finding a single copy except for one in Spanish, which I didn't want. I foolishly chose not to reserve a copy, and ended up waiting almost two months before I could get the video. I have no doubt that there will be a similar rush on the stores when Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace finally reaches the shelves. And of course, you can be assured of another advertising campaign to highlight its release there, too.
There have been other movies that have had similar advertising campaigns working for them. The recent Godzilla movie (American) had a big build-up to the point that the actual movie was--to some viewers--a tragic let-down. Independence Day likewise had a big campaign and probably had the same thing happen to it. The Relic is another example. I skimmed the recent Time magazine report on Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and what reviewers thought about it and have a feeling that it, too, will go the same route. But isn't that the way with most movies? Some like it, some don't, and life goes on. As I recall, some movies got bad reviews but grossed a lot because the public decided for itself what it liked. Maybe that will happen here.
As for me, I can go my merry way and wait. They say patience is a virtue. Well, heck, I must be a pretty virtuous guy because I'm willing to wait six, nine, even twelve months for things to come out on videotape. Maybe I miss out on the theater experience: forced to sit in not-so-comfortable chairs very close and crane my neck at awkward angles or very far and having to look around people in front of me, spilled food and drink on the floor beneath my feet, people whispering to each other or telling young children to be quiet, others getting up in what might be an exciting scene to use the restroom and forcing me to look away to make room for them, not to mention the price of the said food and drink or the theater admission alone. Or having to get up myself in the middle to buy more food or use the restroom and possibly missing a key scene because there's such a long line of others with the same idea.
I'd much rather stay at home and watch it all from the comfort of my couch, with maybe just my family or a friend or two watching with me. We can always pause or stop the tape to use the restroom or refill our drinks. We can find comfortable positions sprawled on the floor or on couches. We have space enough to stretch out without imposing on anyone else. We don't have stereo sound necessarily, but at least we won't be deafened by loud explosions--we control the volume, after all. Furthermore, we can watch the tape as often as we like, just paying for it once. If we wanted to see the movie a second time in the theater, we'd have to pay the admission price again and again spend more money on food and drink.
Can you blame me for preferring the videotape to the theater release?
I don't know if this has prompted any deep or interesting thoughts in you, but if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to send me an e-mail. I'm generally up for any debate and maybe--just maybe--we can start some sort of regular exchange of thoughts.
Comments? Suggestions? E-mail me with your words of wisdom. I'm up for a hearty e-mail debate if you are!
Get your own Free Home Page