Movies

http://news.walmart.com/news-archive/2013/04/24/walmart-gives-superman-fans-exclusive-access-to-the-first-screening-of-man-of-steel {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 08:25

Mentioned this last week, now it's official. I'm unaware of any precedent and think it's a smart move all around for SUPR2. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 08:29

eh, star trek 2 did it first with their app. islander Apr 24, 08:44

"This program marks the first time in entertainment history that a studio has partnered with a retailer to provide such an opportunity" {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 09:12

semantics/corporate propaganda/whatever. but a few thousand walmart people seeing superman 2 days early is not a big deal islander Apr 24, 09:20

I just wonder how these pre-sales will be accounted for: midnight, friday b.o., or just into the wknd total... {nm} Oleg Max Apr 24, 09:22

it may even be possible that it goes to another wb (the way sneaks are treated). maybe notfabio will have more, but i personally islander Apr 24, 09:24

I dunno. don't underestimate the power of a Wal Mart shopper :) {nm} Oleg Max Apr 24, 09:28

can i continue to underestimate their intelligence? :) islander Apr 24, 09:32

I was going to respond "Sure, while they save money and you don't." But then you said you shopped there this a.m. LOL. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 09:51

Other than the obvious Walmart loss leaders, I find it hard to find anything there that is any kind of bargain. BSmurf Apr 24, 11:27

My sister's the expert on this, but at least here in Canada (greater Toronto) they have price match so they're guaranteed lowest. :-) {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 11:36

My guess is identically to how Fandango, Movietickets, etc. grosses are treated. WalMart's in it to bring in shoppers. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 09:49

7pm is the new midnight. {nm} Antibody Apr 24, 09:50

its not even 2 days. more like 2 hours. LOL adrenalin112 Apr 24, 09:41

That's true it's literally just a few hours, but 7pm is very convenient and a movie like this will have a big wanna-see-first factor. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 09:53

SUPR2 would have had 7pm showings with or without Walmart. {nm} Antibody Apr 24, 09:54

Sure, but I think many people aren't even aware 7pm showings are more common now because midnights went in the tank after Aurora. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 10:02

The WalMart sales power and PR for the movie also wouldn't be there. If lines, sales, etc. are huge May 18 that'll get PR. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 10:04

Capacity could be added as tickets sell. 4,000 screens @ 250 seats = 1 million sales (about $8M). Sure WalMart can't sell 1M? :-) KalElFan Apr 24, 09:42

With 3,700 stores, that would only be 270 tickets per store, and again they're starting sales 4 weeks out. Wave of the future? :-) {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 09:44

perhaps the better benefit will be the long (relatively) term effect of shoppers exposed to the (assume to be) massive in-store marketing islander Apr 24, 09:51

since more and more cinemas are offering assigned seats. im done with the GA tix for overcrowded showtimes. {nm} adrenalin112 Apr 24, 10:56

v: The 6,372 exclusive screenings will take place at 2,379 theaters, with consumers able to purchase up to four tix for either 2D or 3D. Antibody Apr 24, 10:21

So nationwide, probably > avg price, capacity, etc. Max potential might be 6,372 x 314 seats = approx 2M tickets, x $9 = $18M. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 10:53

Variety links still don't work, BTW (even via Google), after that one time they did. Problem with non-US, IE 9 and 10, or something. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 11:04

Tagging Early 7pm 6,372 exclusive screenings at 2,379 theaters [SUPR2] {nm} Antibody Apr 24, 11:13

It'll be for the first showing, 7pm on Thursday Jun 13, sales starting 4 weeks out on Sat. May 18. Presales and PR could be huge. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 09:14

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/business/media/warner-bros-enlists-walmart-stores-to-promote-man-of-steel.html {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 11:56

More evidence of how much coverage this is getting. Also mentions "about one million" tickets will be set aside. {nm} KalElFan Apr 24, 11:58