Movie Movie Podcast

Yesterday Peter posted his dismay about Piranha 3DD being released in basically no theaters this Friday (It’s actually playing in 75 theaters, and ONE in NYC) and it got me curious as to what the hell is going on.  Well it turns out that The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films are trying out a new release strategy.  They are releasing Pirahna not only in theaters Friday, but also on VOD services as a rental.  So essentially if your cable provider allows new releases On Demand, you will be able to rent it right from your cable, or from services like Playstation Video Store, VUDU, or Amazon Instant Video.  It also has the distinction of being the first-ever Facebook 3D film release.  If you still want to watch this in 3D they will have  a version available that works with the old school red and blue glasses.  If you don’t have them, they will also have directions on how to ghetto-rig some.

My main question is: Why? If you had no faith in this film, why was it even green-lit? It seems like this is the ultimate dumping of a film.  Also, the best part of Piranha 3D was that it was such a great theater experience.  With horror comedies like this you almost have to see them in a theater.  The first weekend crowd for stuff like this is a very loyal bunch and will all be in on the joke.  By limiting the amount of actual screens that get the film, you a ruining part of that communal experience.  Now I know that it is possible that fanboys like myself and my moviemovie bros will probably organize a group viewing with booze and laughs and stuff, and it becomes a huge success, but I still think they are cutting the potential of the film to make money out from under it.

I hope I’m wrong.