Cinema exhibition industry year in review

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December 21, 2007

JOE MOODABE’S cinema exhibition industry year in review

Overall 2007 was a good year for the New Zealand cinema exhibition industry according to Joe Moodabe, Executive Chairman, SKYCITY Cinemas. The year got off to a strong start, principally driven by the Christmas release of Casino Royale, which went on to be the biggest James Bond title ever released in New Zealand.

Big action adventure films like Ghost Rider, 300, Spiderman, Pirates of the Caribbean - At World’s End, Fantastic 4 -Rise of the Silver Surfer, Transformers, Die Hard 4.0, Bourne Ultimatum, Oceans 13, Rush Hour 3, were all hits with moviegoers.

Comedies like Hot Fuzz, Mr Bean’s Holiday, Blades of Glory, Knocked Up, The Simpson’s Movie, and Wild Hogs received a lot of laughs and the spectacular special effects of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix and Bridge to Terabithia made them two of the stand out releases of the year.

Animated films continued their surge in popularity, lead by one of the biggest sensations of the year Shrek 3 as well as Ratatouille, Open Season, and Surf’s Up. Kiwi films Black Sheep and Eagle vs. Shark were also audience favourites.

Large format films experienced resurgence in popularity towards the end of the year, as movie lovers rediscovered New Zealand’s largest cinema screen at SKYCITY Cinema’s IMAX Queen Street.

“IMAX and IMAX 3D enable us to tell stories in a unique and exciting way. Seeing some of the year’s favourite characters like Harry Potter and Autobots and Decepticons come alive on the giant IMAX screen, or the breathtaking scenery and compelling live action of Mystic India is an incomparable movie-going experience,” said Joe Moodabe.

For the run up to Christmas and into January 2008, expect Jerry Seinfeld’s foray into animation with The Bee Movie, Disney’s fairy tale for adults Enchanted, and the National Treasure sequel to be very popular.

Also watch out for:

• Will Smith’s I am Legend opening on January 3.
• The special effects spectacular The Golden Compass and National Treasure: Book of Secrets starring Nicolas Cage opening on Boxing Day.

• Ridley Scott’s American Gangster.
• The comedy hit of the 2007 festivals, Death at a Funeral.
• Cloverfield from ‘hot director’ J.J Abrams.
• The star power of Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, and Philip Seymour Hoffman in Charlie Wilson’s War.
• And, The Water Horse, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Aliens vs. Predator Requiem.

Other releases to look forward to in 2008 include Indiana Jones 4, Bond 22, Mama Mia and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

For movie information and bookings, visit www.skycitycinemas.co.nz, or phone 09 302 0002.

ENDS

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