Do you think making a Direct to DVD movie is more risky or less risky?

[:]

Good or bad idea to have Direct to DVD movie for Futurama? Give your reasons people.

[#1 :]

As compared to what?

[#2 :]

To being released in theatres.

[#3 :]

Needs to be in TV board.

[#4 :]

It does pertain to Futurama.

[#5 :]

Where does it say that? Are you talking about DVDs in general or the possible Futurama movie? Cause you failed to point that out.

[#6 :]

Well I was talking about the possible movie but like you said, I failed to point it out. Here I'll edit.

[#7 :]

Unfortunetly, I don't think that the Futurama would do very well in theaters, so yes, I think it would be a smart move by FOX to do a direct-to-DVD movie. It would probably reach a larger fanbase as well.

[#8 :]

I second with Nasty.

[#9 :]

me too, if they're going to sell a VHS version as well

[#10 :]

yeah, definitely, if it was in the cinema everyone who isn't into futurama probably wouldn't get it properly

[#11 :]

Thirded

[#12 :]

On the whole "theater release" subject, if a reknowned critic says that it's a great movie, then people will see it. If Indiana Jones 4 is sold out, they'll go see Futurama...or just wait for the next screening.

Even though the things I said, it's probally better to release directly to DVD/VHS, if they do a VHS as well. The problem with a direct release is what's been going on with Disney with their movie sequels going direct to DVD and sucking. Has anybody seen Inspector Gadget 2 or Tarzan 2?

The upside would be that having it direct to DVD would stir up Best Buy or Blockbuster to show it off on TV, in newspapers, or online, bringing more people to see it.

If it's in theaters, it could win Oscars!

[#13 :]

 

Thirded

Fourthed...ded. Yeah, that's not a word...I suck.

As those before me have already noted, Futurama's fanbase, while pretty big, isn't large enough to equal huge box office numbers (which, let's face it, is all any of us care about    ). The numbers would probably be better with a direct-to-DVD release. And, if the numbers are good, this could mean more Futurama movies in the future...which would be good, seeing as how DXC and MG were looking more towards a trilogy. Which, in turn, is good for all us fans.

[#14 :]

Yes, a trilogy of Futurama movies. And then, they'd go back and rerelease them with better visuals. After that, they'd make a prequel trilogy, followed by a DVD box set of the first trilogy with edits, some of which make people made, like Bender not taking the first shot...in a drinking contest.

[#15 :]

See that one vote for the sandwich i did that

[#16 :]

 

Originally posted by i_c_weiner:
Yes, a trilogy of Futurama movies. And then, they'd go back and rerelease them with better visuals. After that, they'd make a prequel trilogy, followed by a DVD box set of the first trilogy with edits, some of which make people made, like Bender not taking the first shot...in a drinking contest.

So in terms, your saying it'll be good. Very good.

Gorky: You don't suck. You're just weird. And seeing as this is a place for weird nerds like us, you just qualify as normal.

[#17 :]

 

Originally posted by i_c_weiner:
Yes, a trilogy of Futurama movies. And then, they'd go back and rerelease them with better visuals. After that, they'd make a prequel trilogy, followed by a DVD box set of the first trilogy with edits, some of which make people made, like Bender not taking the first shot...in a drinking contest.

it's funny because it's poisonous

[#18 :]

I think I'm gonna make me a sandwhich...

[#19 :]

I think it's less risky to release the new movies on DVD.  If the new movies are released on DVD, it would attract a bigger fanbase.  Plus, I think a Futurama movie trillogy would be cool!

[#20 :]

The biggest problem with Direct-to-DVD movies these days is that because they're Direct-to-DVD, they often don't have the same effort put into the storyling, animation, etc.

However, I don't think that will be an issue with Futurama, so there's not much to be lost.

Also, I think the last choice should be "I think I'm gonna make me a sammich..." for ultimate comedy.

[#21 :]

I think that whenever a television series, cartoon or whatever, comes out with a movie in theaters, their regular seasons always suck after that. I fear for the Simpsons.

[#22 :]

"A complete sang-wich?"

I'd prefer a theatrical release, but I'll take whatever I can get. I guess I'll just play it on my big TV, turn out the lights, and turn the volume up loud. Best case scenario: This movie does insanely well, and subsequent movies are released into theatres (with maybe a rerelease of the first one).

[#23 :]

 

Originally posted by Spacedal11:
Where does it say that? Are you talking about DVDs in general or the possible Futurama movie? Cause you failed to point that out.

Well, considering it's in Gen. Diss., and we've been getting steady rumors about a possible direct to dvd movie, it seemed pretty darn obvious to me.

But as per the question - it all depends on whether or not Fox bothers to promote it this time around.  ::Flashbacks to "it all begins at 8!"::

[#24 :]

 

Originally posted by j_ohanley:
"A complete sang-wich?"

I'd prefer a theatrical release, but I'll take whatever I can get. I guess I'll just play it on my big TV, turn out the lights, and turn the volume up loud. Best case scenario: This movie does insanely well, and subsequent movies are released into theatres (with maybe a rerelease of the first one).

Yeah, that'd be awesome.

But anyway, yeah, dvd movies are more plausable.  Futurama has a good cult fanbase that will (more or less) guarantee good sales of a movie.  A theatrical film, however, would be risky because while the fanbase is dedicdated, it's still sort of "cult" and not really big enough to ensure good ticket sales.  I suppose Adult Swim has made it a lot more popular, but even then you run into the problem of casual viewers who would rather just watch the show for free on tv, or wait for the movie to be aired on tv (a problem with any tv to movie translation, cult show or not).

But when (and if) the movie comes out, perhaps I'll find someone with a huge widescreen tv (perhaps a home theater) and gather a bunch of people together, so it'll be just like seeing it in the theater.  And some of the people I invite better bring cell phones and crying babies.....

[#25 :]

I would love a theatrical release. Not just for the thrill of seeing it on the big screen, but also because i'm a projectionist at a movie theater which means i would get a private screening. Plus a button to wear on my tacky uniform shirt, And i'd get to take home the trailer reel! And maybe the promotional poster, but i doubt it, i think those get destroyed after.

[#26 :]

The Dvd's are actually more of a good bet because according to recent hollywood studies (according to Entertainment tonight technically), more people would rather rent DVD's/Watch Movies at home then go to a theater...

[#27 :]

 

Originally posted by Nixorbo:
 Well, considering it's in Gen. Diss., and we've been getting steady rumors about a possible direct to dvd movie, it seemed pretty darn obvious to me.

Well he didn't say Futurama DVDs. So I thought he might have been talking in the wrong thread.

Though we are hoping that FOX isn't a bitch about this and permits there to be some movies.

[#28 :]

There is a lower risk, but also a lower potential payoff.

[#29 :]

Direct to DVD is less risky and has big buying audience as proved from the Season DVD's. I'd love it in theaters, and I guess it could make more that way in the sense it'd get the theater money as extra on top of the DVD money. I doubt it'd do well in theaters though, I'm sure it'd sell well on DVD however...

[#30 :]

Disney seem to do quite well with their Direct to DVD releases, and if there's an audience for Lion King IV: Timon & Pumba Get The Munchies.  Then there's an audience for Futurama.

[#31 :]

God, piracy is gonna kill it though. BUY THE F#@$in thing people! Man that pisses me off. If I stroll into a store and stick a copy of it under my shirt I am scum, but if I download it off the internet, I am prudent. Jesus.

By the way, this is in no way an attack on anyone here (it's more directed toward a couple of friends)... and sorry for the rant.


Anyhoo, I believe if they don't charge $30 a copy, it will do better than in the theater. If they overcharge by a crapton, not so well. Heck if it were $40 I probably wouldn't buy it... ... I'm sorry Futurama, I probably would anyway. 

[#32 :]

I've never seen a single DVD go over $25, so thinking that a direct-to-DVD Futurama movie would be $40 sounds a little out there.

[#33 :]

Direct to DVD seems more appropriate somehow.  Futurama's greatness wasn't seen by Fox until DVD sales took off, so I'm left imagining a clandestine campaign for the new movies where Fox won't have to openly admit they were wrong for cancelling it.  It'd go something like this: "Hey, people!  Get the latest collection of four old Simpsons episodes in a new wrapper at your local store today!  Also something about Futurama or something..."

My point is, for a movie to do well in theaters, it has to do well right out of the gates so it can trickle down gradually over its life at the box office.  I don't think Futurama ever had a strong enough following to get the kind of premier weekend numbers that Fox would require for release, nor would they sink enough money into promoting it to generate the necessary interest.

That's what I think anyway, after bringing my considerable expertise to bear on the subject.

::Expertise blown away by someone breathing too hard::

[#34 :]

Fox also invested in Napolean Dynomite and Star Wars, and they did pretty well when you consider how Fox thought they'd do at first.

I think that a DVD would do better, since the selling and fanbase widening have done well for the Season DVDs.

[#35 :]

Yeah, a DVD would do better.
With the Theaters, there is all the advertising and such, and it could fail there, assuring the death of the series.

[#36 :]

Direct to DVD would be better as long as the DVD isn't too expensive. Fox did a horrible job promoting the series, and I can't imagine they'd do a good job for a feature film.

[#37 :]

One thing to consider is that the Fox Home Entertainment and Film division(s) and the Fox network are different things.  The Fox NETWORK didn't like dealing with Groening and Co. day to day.  They didn't like paying for the production of a show they hated.  The Fox entertainment people just want to sell dvds, and have shown themselves to be more commited to doing so.  Remember when there were ads for Futurama Vol 1 (even during the first airing of "Less then Hero" ), despite there being zero ads for the show itself?  That's because the Fox Entertainment people cared enough to have the show do well, while the Fox network people didn't.

So, based on the at least decent amount of advertising I've seen for the dvd sets, I don't see any reason why a dvd movie wouldn't be well advertised.  A theatrical movie might be more difficult though, and way more costly.

[#38 :]

i truly wouldn't mind seeing a futurama movie in the theatre, but hey i'll take what i can get, and going straight to dvd seems the more conservative ploy, as there's less costs associated with distribution advertising...

[#39 :]

 

Originally posted by Spacedal11:
 Well he didn't say Futurama DVDs. So I thought he might have been talking in the wrong thread.

Though we are hoping that FOX isn't a bitch about this and permits there to be some movies.

I'm not a he. K thx bye.