Posted on 11/06/2004 4:14:50 PM PST by freedom44
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Tales of a family of superheroes and a green ogre are expected to dominate U.S. entertainment this week with the Friday releases of "Shrek 2" on DVD and video and "The Incredibles" in theaters. DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. said there was no battle between Shrek and Pixar Animation Studio Inc's, and investors recently have boosted shares in both companies on anticipation they would be blockbusters.
DreamWorks set its "Shrek 2" DVD release for a Friday rather than a customary Tuesday to avoid being overshadowed by another national drama -- the presidential election, a spokeswoman for the studio said.
DreamWorks also had released the original "Shrek" to home video and DVD on the first Friday of November three years ago. "Shrek" sold 43 million units worldwide. The studio declined to forecast how the sequel would do.
"Shrek 2," about a cranky green ogre and his bride, made the second-highest grossing debut ever in May, behind "Spider-Man," and went on to sell more than $432 million worth of tickets to become the third-highest grossing movie in the United States and Canada.
"Shrek 2" figured in last week's successful initial public offering for DreamWorks Animation, bringing market capitalization for the offshoot of Glendale, California-based DreamWorks to $4 billion.
Shares of DreamWorks Animation were nearly unchanged on Friday, down 5 cents to $40.30 on the New York Stock Exchange, although they have climbed $1.55 since the IPO Oct. 28.
Shares of Pixar rose more than $3 to $84.39 on Friday in anticipation of the opening of "The Incredibles."
Pixar founder Steve Jobs held previews of the film for Wall Street financial analysts earlier this week, and analysts on Friday attributed the stock gains to the favorable impressions created by those previews and positive reviews of the film.
Jeffries analyst Robert Routh said he expected the film to gross $610 million worldwide.
"The Incredibles," the sixth feature created under Pixar's partnership with The Walt Disney Co, is the Emeryville, California-based company's first PG-rated film.
The SW teaser trailer is with "The Incredibles."
Took the kids to see the Incredibles today. Loved it. Lots of humor for parents as well as action for children. Great character depth. Highly recommend it.
Good for the single-digit set (ages 5 and 9, in my case)? I was puzzled to hear one reviewer say flatly that it is not for little kids.
Dan
Never... I have the LD and its worth a lot in that format... Along with the SW originals...
These CGI cartoon movies are like printing money.
Shrek II came out on DVD yesterday.
Incredibles bump. Great flick.
Thinking of taking the kids tomorrow to see The Incredibles .... sound fun!
For young children it's perhaps too fast paced and more like an animated action flik. I took my ten year old to see it today, and was pleasantly surprised at my own enjoyment level with the film. Positive messages as well.
I can't wait for the extended version LOTR: Return of the King DVD.
That should be out this month.
There are "violent" scenes in "The Incredibles"..lot of blowing up cars, machines, etc. Depends on what your definition of "little kids" are. Ages 8 and below, don't bother to take. It will just go over there heads.
Can you comment since you've seen it?
No no no, ROTK:EE = *next* month!
)c8
Dan
Saw the Star Wars III trailer tonight before "The Incredibles". LoL
Puss'nBoots steals the show.
He gets the biggest laugh.
Very enjoyable parody of Hollywood.
I missed the Ayn Rand comment. May have been taking my 5 year old to the bathroom.
The violence doesn't bother my kids (5, 7, 11). They know all the Lord of the Rings by heart.
Shrek II is also very funny, good and with another good message. That's some fairy godmother.
The Incredibles is a must-see.
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