'Revenge of Sith' midnight shows reap about $17 million

Hollywood Reporter ^ | 5/20/05 | Brian Fuson

[BurbankKarl]

While the storm troopers of doubt circled the beleaguered boxoffice of late, the Force was beginning to flex its power as 20th Century Fox's "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith" was shattering records out of the gate with an estimated $16.5 million-to-$17 million in receipts from the midnight shows alone, the distributor said Thursday. "We'll be counting the grosses for a while. It's an absolutely remarkable number. It seems like the industry got kickstarted last night at midnight," said Bruce Snyder, president of domestic distribution for Fox. Snyder noted that final numbers will not be available for some time because midnight shows are not usually broken out of a single day's gross at the boxoffice. "Revenge of the Sith" began playing midnight shows in 2,900 theaters in North America at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Snyder could not give a firm screen count, but noted that it could be significantly higher because of interlocking, the practice of taking one print and showing it on multiple screens within a theater, and the lack of any other films playing midnight shows on Thursday.

[Borges]

I still don't think it will get to 'Titanic' numbers.

[ProudVet77]

Just imagine how far down Jane "the Hanoi Hooker" Fonda's movie will sink. ;)

[Borges]

Release that movie now was pure counterprogramming. It was aimed at women with no interest in SW.

[misterrob]

Or the Rings Movies...

Still...

George Lucas is one seriously rich MF

[Michael Barnes]

Probably not since its already available on the torrent networks and usenet..

[Borges]

I wonder how many people have the equipment time and know how to download it though. I can't imagine nerds of that stripe wouldn't go see it in theater anyway. Though that may slightly impact DVD sales.

[Antonello]

Lower than the Sarlacc's stomach pit, I'd imagine.

[Cicero]

I think it's been all downhill since the first Star Wars movie, which I liked best. But there's no way this could have been less than a blockbuster.

[Frank_Discussion]

On another thread:

I just got back from the movie, and this is what I, Obi-Juan_Discussion has to say about it:

I felt a great disturbance in the FReep, as if millions of legs suddenly cried out in irritation and were suddenly pulled.

(Lucas scammed us, he scammed France, and his movie is the best thing I've seen in a long, long time.)

[Betaille]

"George Lucas is one seriously rich MF"

But aren't all rich people Republicans??? /sarchasm

[macamadamia]

"interlocking, the practice of taking one print and showing it on multiple screens within a theater"



Simultaneously????

[Tax-chick]

I don't understand why people would bother to illegally watch a movie on their computer screen, when it only costs $5 or so to see it in a real movie theater.

At least at this point ... I see that you might save a few bucks compared to buying the DVD.

[Dog]

I'm going to see it tomorrow...so it is good?

[SevenofNine]

I go see Star Wars Karl
I going wait probably after this weekend I could wait LOL!!

[Frank_Discussion]

Ohhhh Yes!

[FreedomCalls]

It's already up as a torrent on PirateBay.org.

[Salvation]

I think everyone needs to read this and be aware of the NewAge twist to this movie.

MOVIEGUIDE(R) Reviews: REVENGE OF THE SITH

On Thursday, the final installment of the most famous movie series of all-time storms into your local cineplex. STAR WARS: EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH is all over television and magazines, but only MOVIEGUIDE(R) is lifting up Darth Vader's mask to see what meaning lies underneath this exciting, epic spectacle.

MOVIEGUIDE(R) sees some problems in the STAR WARS philosophy, however. Lucas understands the insidious nature of evil, but here he places it in a strong New Age pagan context. Throughout the entire STAR WARS saga, Obi-Wan and Yoda warn Anakin and Luke Skywalker to stay away from the dark side of the force, but in this final installment, Obi-Wan says that only evil people believe in absolute -- or black and white -- truths. This statement contradicts the movie's own characters, as well as what God teaches us. Thus, the new STAR WARS movie presents a confused worldview that ultimately undermines the story's moral, redemptive power."

As a tragic drama and as an exciting, epic spectacle, REVENGE OF THE SITH succeeds brilliantly... As an expression of ultimate truth, however, its success is mixed. On the positive side, there are no sex scenes, obscenities or profanities in the movie.

"Parents and teachers need to apply plenty of media wisdom if they allow their children and students to be touched by the pagan worldview in the STAR WARS saga." Media wisdom involves paying careful attention to what you're watching and dissecting its messages.

For the complete review of REVENGE OF THE SITH, and other current movies, visit www.movieguide.org.

When you need help figuring out what a movie is saying, look to the most trusted source of Christian movie analysis, MOVIEGUIDE(R).

Christian Film & Television Commission^TM
2510-G Las Posas Road #502
Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: 805-383-2000
Fax: 805-383-4089
www.movieguide.org

[Dog]

Thank you.