Coming in 2025, The Netflix Mall

[silverscreenselect]

Netflix is taking over two shopping malls in Dallas, TX, and King of Prussia, PA, and will transform them into 100,000+ square foot entertainment complexes called the Netflix House centered on Netflix properties like Bridgerton, Squid Game, and Stranger Things. The complexes will feature retail stores, eateries (I know what they'll be serving at the seafood restaurant), and "experiential activities." Supposedly, guests can dance along with extras dressed as cast members from Bridgerton on a mockup dance floor.

https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/n ... 236040989/

[BackInTex]

I would be interested in your take on Sony Picture's acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse.

[silverscreenselect]

I would be interested in your take on Sony Picture's acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse.

The most immediate effect will be that it should be easier to find a buyer to take over the Dallas locations that just closed when the franchisee went bankrupt. I'm guessing Sony will pump some extra money into that. Long-term, Alamo is not big enough a chain to make a huge impact on the Columbia box office receipts even if every Columbia film finds a screen for a decent-sized run. The upcoming Columbia schedule for the rest of the year isn't much. They have two Marvel movies, Venom and Kraven the Hunter, and a Brad Pitt/George Clooney dramedy about a pair of rival business hustlers.

They could use the chain to stage events either to promote Sony gaming products or upcoming Columbia movies. Imagine them holding a series of "Share a beer with George and Brad" events in different cities the week before their film opens with lots of press in attendance.

I think the real benefits for Sony will be to reassure filmmakers that they are committed to theatrical distribution. Sony is the only major studio without a streaming tie-in. Fox and Disney have Disney+/Hulu; Paramount has Paramount+; Universal has Peacock; and Warner has Max.