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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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2007-04-30
Woo hoo, the summer blockbuster season is here and to celebrate we have a packed box office prediction contest, including copies of Spider-Man 2 Special Edition on DVD. To win one must simply predict the opening weekend box office of Spider-Man 3. Whoever comes the closest to predicting the film's opening 3-day weekend (Friday to Sunday), without going over, will win a copy of Spider-Man 2 Special Edition on DVD as well as Beverly Hills, 90210 - The Second Season on DVD.
Meanwhile, the person who comes the closest to the film's opening 3-day weekend (Friday to Sunday), without going under, will win a copy of Spider-Man 2 Special Edition on DVD as well as Born to Fight on DVD.
Entries must be received by 10 a.m., Pacific Time on Friday to be eligible, so don't delay!
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2007-04-27
New releases went one-two-three on the rental charts with Smokin' Aces leading the way after taking in $6.68 million.
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2007-04-16
For the second weekend in a row I had to dig hard to find some of the DVDs on this week's list. But unlike last weekend, there are a number of DVD releases that jumped out as contenders for DVD Pick of the Week including the gritty La Haine - Criterion Collection - Buy from Amazon and the Oscar winning The Last King of Scotland - Buy from Amazon. But in the end I went with sublime humor of The Venture Bros. - Season Two - Buy from Amazon, which may seem like a lowbrow choice compared to the others above, but it earns the title of DVD Pick of the Week.
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2005-02-27
The Aviator started out Oscar evening extremely well, but it was Million Dollar Baby that won the biggest prizes at the 77th annual Academy Awards.
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2005-01-25
The Oscar Nominations were announced this morning and at first glance it appears that most of the nominations went to films with smaller budgets and box office results.
Box office hits were nearly shut out of the major nominations.
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2004-11-29
Every week films get a second chance at success from the home market; or, in some cases, a first chance at success. Here is a list of wide releases, limited releases and a few from the growing TV on DVD section, including the winners of the DVD Pick of the Week, Spider-Man 2 - Special Edition and Tru Calling - The Complete First Season - Buy from Amazon.
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2004-10-20
Thanks to mostly unopposed openings several more markets, Shark Tale was able to repeat as the international box office champ this week. Not only that, but its $29.6 million more than doubled its international tally prior to the start of the weekend as the film now sits at $56.2 million. The best opening of the weekend, and most likely of its international run, was in the U.K. where the film managed to take in $9.1 million, ($13.6 million if you include last week's previews.) In France the result was strong with $4.2 million but in the face of local competition, it could only manage $3.4 million in Germany.
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2004-10-13
With openings in nearly a dozen new markets, Shark Tale was able to take top spot on the international charts with $9.4 million in 16 markets, pushing its early total to $19.2 million internationally and over $100 million worldwide. Highlights include $4.4 million in the U.K., (including previews) and $2.05 million in Mexico. How happy the studio is with these results depends on their expectations. Compared to the average film, Shark Tale is a massive hit. But compared to Dreamworks previous digitally animated film, Shrek 2, it is a large drop.
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2004-10-06
Collateral finished first on the international charts breaking The Village's five week run on top. Although, with a weekly take of only $9.4 million in 28 markets, it has as much to do with the weakness of the competition as it does with the strength of the film itself. The largest chunk of that box office came from France, where the film earned $3.8 million.
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2004-09-29
For the fifth week in a row The Village finished in first place with $14.0 million on 4000 screens in 38 markets. The biggest opening of the week was $5.2 million in Spain, but suffered another collapse in Mexico dropping 55% during its second weekend there. Its international total hit $100 million over the weekend, the fifth Disney film to do so this year, and the 17th overall.
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2004-09-21
The Village once again top took spot on the international scene, but by a very narrow margin. Still being plagued by sharp drop-offs, the film earned $11.2 million on 3,500 screens in 34 markets. So far the film has taken it $117 million internationally, higher than its $113 million it earned domestically. Although, it is much lower than M. Night Shyamalan's previous movie Signs.
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2004-09-13
There were very few surprises over the weekend, however, the box office as a whole was slightly depressed compared to expectations. This led to a 10.3% drop from last weekend, and more importantly a 9.4% drop from last year. After a summer that can best be described as mixed, Fall 2004 is getting off to a dubious start. Year to date 2004 has brought in $6.607 billion in ticket sales, up 4.8% from this time last year, inline with estimated ticket price increases.
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2004-09-08
The weekend on the international scene was very much the same as last weekend, just a little bit slower. The Village was again the champ, thanks to seven openings in mostly mid-ranged markets. A $2.2 million debut in Australia was the top money earner as the film took in $9 million in 23 markets. It's international total is now $45 million and should be headed to $100 million before it is done.
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2004-08-31
As the summer box office comes to a close, The Village continues to set career best records for M. Night Shyamalan, but it's the sophomore stint drop-offs that the real story. The previously mentioned career best openings were in Belgium, Sweden and Norway totaled $2.6 million, but at the same time saw its U.K. and French numbers cut nearly in half from last weekend. This week it took in a total of $10.2 million in 14 markets, lifting its international total to $30.8 million
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2004-08-24
A trio of new openings pushed King Arthur into first place this week with $13 million in 33 markets. The film now sits at $88 million internationally, and should break $100 million by next weekend. Worldwide it looks headed for $200 million.
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2004-08-17
It's a little early to say what effect the 2004 Summer Olympics will have on the box office, but the early indication is that Eurocup 2004 had a larger effect. I, Robot hit its first international milestone topping the $100 million mark and now sits at $107.7 million. It accomplished this feat by taking in $18.8 million on more than 5,300 screens in 34 markets over the weekend. With Japan and Italy still ahead, $300 million worldwide is almost guaranteed while $200 million internationally is not out of the question.
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2004-08-10
With the summer juggernauts mostly wrapping up their runs, and very little in the way of new competition, I, Robot easily finished first on the international box office charts. Its weekend earnings of $31.3 million on more than 6,000 screens in 29 markets was nearly triple what the nearest competitor could take in. The film opened number one in the U.K. (8.7 million), Germany ($5.3 million) and Russia ($2.4 million) as well as strong holdovers in France ($2.6 million) and other nations. The film has already earned $71.2 million internationally, and should top its domestic numbers within a few weeks.
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2004-08-03
I, Robot first major expansion into the international markets proved very profitable for 20th Century Fox. Big openings Europe, $5 million in France and $4.7 million in Spain; Asia, $2.5 million in South Korea, $1.8 million in Taiwan; and in $1.9 million in Mexico help it earn $20.5 million over the weekend. Still early in its run, the Sci-Fi action film has earned $29.6 million in just 17 markets so far.
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2004-08-02
This weekend was another lesson in how hype can overcome bad reviews. It was also another lesson in how good reviews plus poor marketing results in a disappointing box office. Overall, the box office was again relatively flat from last weekend with just a 2.11% increase. It was up by 7.95% from last year; however, this weekend last year was the first weekend in August, so the 2003 to 2004 comparisons are not an accurate indicator. Year-to-date, 2004 continues to outpace 2003 by 6%, $5.63 billion to $5.33 billion.
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2004-07-27
Despite a severe, nearly 50% drop at the box office, Spider-man 2 remained on top with $31.6 million, including a record $1.6 million in India, the biggest opening for a Hollywood film in that market. However, the news isn't all good as big drop-offs continue to plague the Marvel web-slinger, 56% in France, 50% in the U.K. and 59% in Spain. But it is still earning immense figures thanks to record-breaking openings and should cross $600 million worldwide early in the mid-week and $300 million internationally during next weekend.
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2004-07-26
The weekend results were much better than expected, at least overall. Both new films took in more than expected, while all but one the holdovers beat our prediction. Even so, the week-to-week change was again very flat with a miniscule 0.37% drop from last weekend, but was 3.57% smaller than the same weekend last year.
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2004-07-23
Just two wide releases this week, but unfortunately they share a lot of the same target audience. This could result in ticket splitting making both films suffer at the box office. But it is more likely that one film will simply crush the other. With the sheer contrast between their critical reception, one of them certainly deserves to crush the other.
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2004-07-20
Another 11 openings, mostly in European markets, helped Spider-man 2 swing to new heights this week on the international charts. This week it earned $62.3 million on roughly 9,400 screens in 61 markets, which pushed it international total to $200.1 million and in just 19 days. Highlights include $15.7 million in the U.K., $11.6 million in France and $7.7 million in Spain. The news was less impressive in Northern Europe where a heat wave hurt the industry as a whole; specifically, this lead to smaller than expected openings in Belgium and Holland and a steep drop in Germany. Worldwide the film has topped $500 million, just the fifth film to do so this year, and the 35th all-time. With Italy the only remaining major opening left, and it doesn't open there till mid-September, the weekly numbers have most likely peaked. However, it should still quickly climb the charts.
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2004-07-19
The number one movie this week was right on target with moviegoers, beating almost all predictions, but it may have come at the expense of others films. This kept the box office relatively flat both from last week (up 3.13%) and last year (up 1.95%). Year-to-date still has 2004 up by 6% over 2003, $5.16 billion to $4.86 billion.
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2004-07-16
Just two wide releases this week, but together they make almost the perfect duo, the potential blockbuster and the counter-programming smaller film. Hopefully, this will result in both films maximizing their box office. However, with neither film likely to win many awards their maximized profits are unlikely to be particularly impressive.
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2004-07-14
The documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, which some are describing as a real life Spinal Tap, pulled in $46,359 in three theatres for an average of $15,453. Two other films topped $10,000 including De-Lovely with a $14,212 average and the overall box office champ, Spider-Man 2 with $10,845.
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2004-07-14
Spider-man 2's the latest Hollywood blockbuster to be super-sized for the IMAX screen. The Marvel Comics icon opens in IMAX theatres on July 23rd, however, like all recent films to play on both IMAX and regular movie screens don't expect to see separate box office reports for its IMAX earnings. They will most likely just be lumped in with regular box office numbers.
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2004-07-13
With openings in more than 20 markets, Spider-man 2 took top spot on the international charts this week with $50.9 million on 6,723 screen in 50 markets. Most of this week's openings were like its domestic opening, huge, but not record breaking. So far the film has earned $113.9 million and is ahead of the first's film pace, in fact, it has already topped Spider-Man's total in five markets: Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand and Turkey. Worldwide the film has earned nearly $400 million and with very impressive legs it should more double that before its run is over.
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2004-07-12
No real surprises this weekend, at least none of them pleasant. The box office was a little slow compared to predictions and that lead to a serious decrease of 10.5% from last weekend. The year-to-year comparison and not bad, but are starting to show signs of serious weakness; the weekend box office was up, but at just 2.65% it's below ticket price inflation. With a year-to-date box office increase of only 6.5% so far, it won't take much to see this year's gains drop below ticket price inflation.
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2004-07-09
A trio of newcomers open wide this week, but it will be unlikely that any of them will unseat the current box office champ, Spider-man 2.
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2004-07-08
A trio of films topped $10,000 over the 3 day weekend, and if you add in Monday's results, that numbers goes up to five. Topping the list was the overall box office champ, Spider-Man 2 with $21,232 per theatre average. Close behind was De-Lovely with an average of $18,310 in 16 theatres, while Before Sunset with $10,971 average in 20 theatres.
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2004-07-07
Despite crushing records domestically, Shrek 2's prospects may be even brighter internationally. This week the digital ogre pulled in a massive $78.7 million on approximately 4,700 screens in 30 markets. Highlights include a record breaking opening in the U.K. of $29.2 million, nearly triple the figure the original managed there. It's international total now sits at an impressive $176.4 million and should easily top $400 million by the time it finishes. Worldwide the film has earned $587 million, good enough for third place for the year and 24th all-time.
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2004-07-07
Most analysts were expecting Spider-man 2 to crush many records; that didn't work out. In fact, none of the films met expectations over the weekend. Fortunately, while reality couldn't keep up with expectations, it was still enough to post big increases both from last weekend (11.4%) and last year (21.5%.) However, the increase from last year is a bit misleading as July 4th fell on the Friday, which has historically hurt the box office.
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2004-07-02
Just the one film opening this weekend, but it's a monster. It's also going to suck all the box office away from the other movies. Last weekend we had seven films break $10 million, this weekend even with the 4th of July boost we might only have three or four films do the same.
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2004-07-02
Spider-man 2 earned a record breaking $40.4 million on Wednesday, and while that was up to my lofty expectations, it was still more than enough to break records.
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2004-07-02
During the past week promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here the list of this week's releases, a couple of new sites and few updates including the winner for the week, Spider-Man 2 - Official Site. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
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2004-06-30
June couldn't maintain the momentum built up at the end of May with only a few films able to match expectations. And that makes July's prospects a little less bright. Without the free advertising monster hits bring in, the industry as a whole tends to suffer. July only has one sure-fire hit, and I've already talked about it in another preview. However, there are a few others that should hit the $100 million club and maybe even one or two that will make it to $200 million.
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2004-06-30
It's not a question of whether Spider-man 2 will open big; we all know it will. It's not even a question of if records will fall; we all know that will happen as well. It's a question of how many records will Spider-man 2 break, and by what margin.
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2004-06-28
Every week films get a second chance at success from the home market; or, in some cases, a first chance at success. Here is a list of wide releases, limited releases and a few from the growing TV on DVD section. There were several candidate for the DVD pick of the week, but in the end I picked Blazing Saddles - 30th Anniversary Special Edition - Buy from Amazon.
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2004-06-01
After a rather mediocre May, June looks a lot stronger with two films that should break $300 million. Not surprisingly, these monster hits are being released unopposed during their respective weeks. And also not surprisingly, they are being released at opposite ends of the month. The rest of the films are unlikely to make much of an impact, although a few should cross the increasingly irrelevant $100 million plateau.
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2004-05-31
Every week films get a second chance at success from the home market; or, in some cases, a first chance at success. This was a hugely busy week for DVD releases. Taking a look at the list of releases we find almost 700 DVDs, unfortunately, it's mostly a case of quantity not quality. There are a LOT of re-releases coming out this week, many related to upcoming films. However, there is not one release that shouts Pick of the Week, so I didn't choose one. But there are so many DVD being released that there should be at least one to fit everyone's tastes.
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2004-05-27
During the past week promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here the list of this week's releases, a couple of new sites and few updates including the winner for the week, Baadasssss! - Official Site. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
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2004-04-15
During the past week promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here the list of this week's releases, a couple of new sites and few updates including the winner for the week, The Punisher - Official Site. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
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2004-03-19
During the past week promotional websites for several movies
were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here the list of this week's releases, a couple of new sites and few updates including the winner for the week, Connie and Carla - Official Site. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
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2003-12-18
During the past week promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here is a list of highlights, (including this week's winner Lord of the Rings: Return of the King - Official Site plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
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2003-11-27
During the past week promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here's a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
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2003-10-30
k promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here’s a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
50 First Dates
Current Content: Placeholder site with no content.
The Alamo
Current Content: The flash site was launched just in time for the movie's release to be delayed, so don't expect many updates till we're closer to April of next year. So far the site has the regular features, synopsis, trailer, cast and crew bios, image gallery. And a few extras like a Educator's Guide, (in Adobe Acrobat format) and others marked coming soon like Behind the Scenes and Screen Savers. There's also animated segues and sound effects, but no background music.
Alien: The Director's Cut
Current Content: The movie opened in a few hundred theatres yesterday, but the modern reviews have not been added yet..
Alien vs. Predator
Current Content: Redirects you to the Fox movie page. But the teaser trailer is available at Apple.com.
The Barbarian Invasions
Current Content: Typical Miramax site with the trailer marked coming soon.
Dirt
Current Content: Simple site with just the synopsis, trailer, cast bios and a few reviews. Outside the intro and the trailer there is no sound or animation, which is too bad since the quirky nature of the film would lend itself perfectly to a flashier site.
The Human Stain
Current Content: Typical Miramax site.
Looney Tunes: Back in Action
Current Content: Flash site launched and it definitely the most fun site this week. Most of the content is there to entertain, not inform you about the movie. In fact, they don't even have a synopsis yet. They do have the trailer, along with two cartoons, plenty of images, sound clips, descriptions of all the major characters, acme gadget, spy car, etc. There are also seven small games to play. Information on the soundtrack is marked coming soon; and when that section is added hopefully so will some background music. There is also a decided lack of subtly with product placements that is a problem. Even so, this site wins this week's whimsical Weekly Website Awards.
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Current Content: Just in time for Halloween, monster wallpaper and e-cards were added.
Love Actually
Current Content: The first of two TV Spots was added this week.
Love Don't Cost a Thing
Current Content: A new placeholder site was launched with less content as the last placeholder site. But the flash site is marked coming soon.
The Matrix Revolutions
Current Content: The cast and crew bios were added.
Paycheck
Current Content: Placeholder site with just the synopsis, trailer and image gallery.
The Perfect Score
Current Content: Just a redirect to Paramount's movie page.
Shattered Glass
Current Content: The movie opens in limited release this weekend and the new website was also launched. The site has the usual features including synopsis, trailer, cast bios and crew list (no bios.) There's also a learning guide (in Adobe Acrobat format) and a message board. There's also background music for the opening, but as soon as you enter the main site it stops.
Spider-Man 2
Current Content: A new poster was added to the site this week.
Troy
Current Content: Another redirect.
Submitted by:
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2003-10-09
k promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here’s a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
This will be an abridged version due previously mentioned scheduling conflict. But you can't really tell.
The Alamo
Current Content: The full trailer is up, along with the old teaser trailer.
Barbershop 2
Current Content: A placeholder site so far with just the teaser trailer.
Big Fish
Current Content: Typical Sony placeholder site with just the synopsis and trailer.
Broken Lizard's Club Dread
Current Content: Typical Fox Searchlight placeholder site with just the synopsis so far.
Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind
Current Content: The site is based on the company Lacuna from the movie. Right now its just a commercial for that company, but it says to check back tomorrow for further updates.
The Dreamers
Current Content: Typical Fox Searchlight placeholder site with just the synopsis so far.
Dopamine
Current Content: Simple site without sound or animation. There's some interesting content, including some on the role of Dopamine in the brain. But overall there's not enough to keep a surfer's attention for too long.
Elf
Current Content: Another game was added, Stocking Stuffer. But that background music is getting to me something awful. And to think, I've got to listen to every week to check for updates.
Girls Will Be Girls
Current Content: The format is the same as most IFC sites, but there is more content than most of their sites. Trailer, synopsis and cast and crew bios are all there, so are a few clips, image gallery and even sites for the three girls from the film.
Good Boy
Current Content: Another game was added to the site, this one a variation on concentration. Overall, this is a good site especially for its target audience.
House of the Dead
Current Content: The original site was removed due its graphic nature. The new site is toned down, but relatively unchanged.
Intolerable Cruelty
Current Content: Two TV spots and four clips were added just in time for the movie's release.
Kill Bill
Current Content: No changes from last week, and with Volume 1 opening tomorrow I doubt the remaining three character intros will be added till Volume 2 is nearing its release date.
Looney Tunes: Back in Action
Current Content: The second blog was added to the site, which adds a bit more background information.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Current Content: Did they really need the whole name in the URL? I don't think so. A large portion of the site is called The Journey, which alternates between entries in the Captain's Log and information about life on a ship from the sails to meals. There are also regulars features, but so far much of this is marked coming soon. Synopsis, Cast and Crew Bios, Production Notes and Featurettes are all marked coming soon. That does leave the trailer, images, interviews with three consultants (in .pdf format) and something called The Broadband Experience. The last feature is for Internet Explorer users only, so I can't review it. There are also several international sites, but they are all marked coming soon. The only complaint is the URL, but to deny it an award based on that would be petty, so it wins this week's nugatory Weekly Website Award.
The Matrix Revolutions
Current Content: As expected, there were more updates this week. This time it was information on The Matrix Reloaded's DVD release and a couple more posters, one just for international sites.
Mystic River
Current Content: There were no new additions since the last update. It is still an understated yet compelling website.
Shark Tale
Current Content: New name, new URL, same intro.
The Singing Detective
Current Content: The flash site launched and while it takes a little advantage of the animation flash allows, there is no sound outside the trailer and a clip from E.T. The site does have synopsis and cast and crew bios, but I was looking forward to for some behind the scenes info.
Spider-Man 2
Current Content: Quite a big update this week. A new webisode was added with director Sam Raimi and costume designer James Acheson that is about the changes to Spider-man's costume. The character section was added with brief bios and connections between the characters. In addition, the Ultimate Quiz will quickly show how much time you spent reading Spider-man comics as a kid (for me it was obviously too much.) There were also some more behind the scenes images and another wallpaper added.
Submitted by:
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2003-09-03
k promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here’s a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. It seemed like a slow week this week, not for a lack of site updates, (there are two dozen of them.) But most of them were either placeholder sites, or minor changes. This made handing out the weekly award more difficult. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
Carnage
Current Contents: Another silent, still site. In fact, as of writing this, there wasn't even a trailer yet (it is marked coming soon.) This site could also use some additional formatting to split up some of the longer sections into separate pages.
The Cat in the Hat
Current Content: Placeholder site with the synopsis, teaser trailer and cast and crew (no bios.)
Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star
Current Content: With the movie opening this week, this site hasn't changed much since it first launched. A few clips were added to Dickie's Family Diary, and some more might be added later on. One feature I neglected to mention last time was the audio clips. There are a few audio clips that play when you visit the site, some are from the movie, while others were made specifically for the site.
Dogville
Current Content: This site is very unusual, which makes it match the movie quite well. While the usual features are all present most of them are presented in an avant-garde way. Not sure if this is good or just strange for the sake of being strange. It does have some nice background music that is long enough not to become repetitive.
Dummy
Current Content: Just the placeholder site with the trailer, however, there's also another page with additional clips. Both pages are worth checking out.
Good Boy
Current Content: The placeholder was replaced by the flash site this week, although the flash site is still incomplete. Every section introduces one of the dogs that were in the movie, including facts about its breed. Every section also has animation and a short clip from the movie. Sections on the site include synopsis, trailer and image gallery and downloads. Two more sections (Scoop and Playtime) are still marked coming soon.
Home Room
Current Content: Like too many other sites, this one has no sound or animation outside the trailer. This is too bad cause it is otherwise a good site. It hits all the major areas a site should have and does it in a compelling way. But it needs music to set it apart.
In the Cut
Current Content: Redirect to Sony Pictures movie page.
Jersey Girl
Current Content: It's a Miramax site. Hopefully Kevin Smith will make a more elaborate site before the release date.
Kill Bill
Current Content: The old site is gone and has been replaced with e new placeholder site. Of all the content of the previous site, only the teaser trailer and the message boards came across.
The Last Samurai
Current Content: The second trailer has been added to the site.
Luther
Current Content: More information has been added, mostly in the History section.
Millennium Actress
Current Content: There is plenty of animation and music in the background of this site. The music even matches what is happening in the background animation, a very nice touch. In addition, all the regular features are here, synopsis, trailer, cast and crew bios, and production notes. There's also an interview with the director and screenwriter, but it is just a transcript and not a video clip.
The Order
Current Content: Nothing has changed since the site was last reviewed and the problem with the sound levels is still there.
Out of Time
Current Content: Placeholder site with just the synopsis and trailer.
Party Monster
Current Content: For a movie focused so much on the New York Party scene, this is one quiet website. Outside the trailer there are no sounds at all, and the trailer is the only animation on the site as well. The most unusual, and biggest, feature on the site is the production diary. These are not just a few notes, this is page after page of text (and quite a few images) detailing the making of the movie from the initial idea to the wrap party. Still, without sound or animation it is hard for a site to rise above the rest.
Prey for Rock and Roll
Current Content: I love a site with music and this site has three complete songs. Hell, you can even play all three songs at once. The site also has the usual features, synopsis, cast bios, trailer and three clips. If there were just some animated intros it could have been an award winning site.
The Run Down
Current Content: The flash site launched this week, and it has almost everything a site should have. Synopsis, trailer (including one in Spanish), cast, crew and character bios, image gallery, sound board, it even has a game. And there is another features marked coming soon, and some additional clips should be added before the release date. With animated intros, audio clips, background music and interactive features this site takes home the unpretentious Weekly Website Award.
School of Rock
Current Content: The trailer, which was released a while ago, was added to the placeholder site.
Shaolin Soccer
Current Content: Despite being a Miramax site, this is not the same as all other Miramax sites. But somehow there is less content than usual. Just the two trailers, no synopsis and cast and crew (no bios) like other Miramax sites.
Spider-Man 2
Current Content: The full site is now up, but a lot of features are still marked coming soon, and there should be regular updates till the movie opens in mid-2004. So far the synopsis is up and so are the cast and crew bios, character bios are marked coming soon. Just a note, many features require you to sign in before you can view them. This includes the polls and webisodes, but it's worth it.
Taking Lives
Current Content: Typical Warner Bros. placeholder site, this time without any pictures. Release date is early 2004, so there's plenty of time for more features to be added.
Zero Day
Current Content: This film opens tonight, however, the website is very Spartan with just the synopsis and trailer. Most of the information is 'off-site' at the Essex County Sheriff's Report. This helps give the film a more real feeling.
Submitted by: C.
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2003-07-24
k promotional websites for several movies were launched and some older ones added additional content. Here’s a list of highlights, plus one last look at websites for films opening this week. If you know of any new movie websites not on this list feel free to e-mail me with the details.
American Wedding
Current Content: Cast and crew bios and production notes are up, TV Spots and clips are still marked coming soon, however.
Buffalo Soldiers
Current Content: One word: Miramax. This is a Miramax site. Small image of the poster. Trailer. Showtimes. Cast and crew, (no bios.) Synopsis. Just like every other Miramax site.
Civil Brand
Current Content: The placeholder site was removed and replaced with the standard Lions Gate Films under construction warning. Eventually it redirects you to the Lions Gates Films index page. This might be due the 'Caged Heat' vibe the images used on original site was giving off. Or was I the only one that felt that way?
Fighting Tempations
Current Content: Just a placeholder site with a synopsis, trailer and nine images.
Gigli
Current Content: A flipbook was added with about half a dozen images. I also heard Jennifer Lopez's 'booty' was trimmed down for the poster. But I can neither confirm nor deny that.
Hotel
Current Content: Another movie being released this week whose site that hasn't been updated since the last review. Which is a shame, as this site's only purpose seems to be to try to shock. It uses foul language, nudity and violence in a most unappealing way. Maybe if they talked more about the plot and characters it would be more engaging. Then again, if what some people are saying is true Hotel doesn't have a plot.
Intolerable Cruelty
Current Content: None, the URL just redirects you to Universal Pictures movie index.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life
Current Content: Major new look right before its release. It's mostly the same content with a better format. Animated segues, sound effects, background music. In fact, there are clips of nine songs. Impressive. In addition to the usual suspects there is also information about some of the mythology in the movie, lots of images and video clips. Also, there was something called iPIX but that wouldn't work with my browser.
Masked and Anonymous
Current Content: It appears that nothing has changed since this site was last reviewed in the beginning of the month. So the review again before it opens this week: This movie has a huge cast of very famous people, and the site wisely focuses a lot of attention on them. There’s page after page of information: Cast and crew bios, production notes, two essays, etc. The amount of multimedia is limited to the trailer and a couple of songs. But the text is so well written that no more is needed.
Mondays in the Sun
Current Content: As far as I can tell, nothing has changed on this site since it opened three months ago. More time is still spent on the director and producer than the rest of the movie.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Current Content: Sony's typical placeholder site. Synopsis, cast and crew (no bios), trailer and a few images. Expect a flash site within a few weeks.
The Run Down
Current Content: Another placeholder site. This time with a synopsis, cast and crew (no bios) and 9 images in the image gallery.
Seabiscuit
Current Content: The rest of the content has filtered in, but the overall continuity failed come together. Too bad, because it is an otherwise great site.
Second Hand Lions
Current Content: This movie site received a bit of a rework this week. It has the same content as before, just a different format. Now each section is linked by a picture with some animation and sound.
Spider-Man 2
Current Content: Would it be too early to call this the biggest movie of 2004? So far it's just a placeholder site with a synopsis and wallpaper.
Spy Kids 3D - Game Over
Current Content: The last two levels were added, theoretically. You see, you have to beat each level to progress to the next. And since I'm old and my reflexes are no longer as sharp as they once were, I'm unable to beat Platforms, the third level game. (Several hours pass) Woohoo! I finally beat Platforms. Never say I'm not willing to waste my time to bring you the information you desire. Moving on ... Level 4 (Lava Mountain) was much easier and allowed me to take on play the Unwinnable Level. If you can win here all hidden secrets can become unlocked, (with a little searching.) Even before the bonuses are unlocked this site is excellent, with them it easily wins the surreal Weekly Website Award.
Submitted by: C.
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