Godzilla Minus One Sets One More Record

 Godzilla Minus One was one of 2023’s most unexpected breakout hits. Given the Toho-backed monster movie wasn’t even expected to head to a home release, its record-setting current dominance of the No. 1 spot on both Netflix and iTunes is yet another feather in its scaly cap. Brandon Blake, entertainment attorney los Angeles at Blake & Wang P.A. has the good news to share.

 


Brandon Blake

A New Record

This marks the first time that a film streaming on Netflix and available as an iTunes VOD release has taken the first position on both charts. That this record would go to an unexpected, unannounced release is even more exceptional. The film took $56M in North America in its theatrical release cycle.

 

It likely could have done more, too. Thanks to the complexities of its agreement with Legendary Entertainment, Godzilla Minus One had all theatrical dates pulled after February 2024 due to the March release of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, to avoid in-franchise competition. Hence the reasons for an almost six-month window between theatrical release and home availability, too. What is quite unusual is that it is now competing with Godzilla x Kong on VOD, although that title has not yet moved over to streaming on Max and is still in theaters.

Unexpected Netflix Involvement

The news that Netflix had acquired the title for multiple markets, including the US, was another surprise. It was more-or-less announced by a tweet on X pulled from Netflix’s official page. Intriguingly, it wasn’t covered on the new titles list Netflix shares at the start of the month, either.

 

It’s also pretty interesting that the film went directly into the $5.99 “bargain bin” on iTunes when new releases would typically have a higher-priced early rental period. This may be to offset the ubiquity of Netflix subscriptions, where the film is free for subscribers.

Despite these unusual circumstances, the film has certainly been a strong VOD performer so far, and we expect it to retain a competitive chart position for several weeks to come.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Sticky Question of Residuals: Could Netflix Have the Answer?

Image
 Has there been any more contentious issue in the entertainment industry this year than that of residuals? One potential solution to this thorny issue lies in the success-based residual metrics already employed in parts of Europe- ironically, and most notably, by Netflix themselves. Brandon Blake, entertainment lawyer Los Angeles from Blake & Wang P.A, takes a look at this most unusual development. Brandon Blake The European Model Where European copyright legislation and Netflix meet, there could be middle ground. Netflix has already established several collective streamer residual agreements in European countries, from France to Germany, and Scandinavia. These agreements offer additional compensation to creators for well-performing content. However, the level of transparency regarding compensation details remains a concern for both unions and streamers.   It’s no secret that European entertainment markets are more heavily regulated than others, with EU law mandating regi
Read more

Fall Film Festival Acquisitions to Know

Image
 With the traditional red carpet promenade severely limited by strike action, the fall film festival circuit gave indie movies a near-unprecedented chance to shine to buyers. While some jitteriness around the SAG-AFTRA waiver system caused slower-than-normal sales and some of the larger AMPTP distributors to opt for a ‘wait and see’ policy, there have been some strong acquisitions to keep on your radar. Entertainment lawyer Brandon Blake, of Blake & Wang P.A., highlights just a few to watch. Brandon Blake Festival and Post-Festival Sales Of the titles acquired during the festival itself, we see Sing Sing (to A24) headed to 2024 theatrical release in a seven-figure deal. Sorry/Not Sorry (Greenwich Entertainment) and Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World (Wavelengths)also attracted considerable festival attention. Despite the quiet market overall for documentaries, Netflix took home Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa alongside Women of the Hour as the fi
Read more

Is Kung Fu Panda 4 the Key to a Reinvigorated 2024 Box Office?

Image
 With Dune: Part Two having finally powered up the 2024 box office, it's time to build on that impetus if the wider box office recovery is to continue. There could be another strong contender lurking in the wings for this weekend’s releases- but it will doubtless surprise you to learn that this hope lies with the fourth installment of the animated Kung Fu Panda saga! Blake & Wang P.A. entertainment attorney Los Angeles , Brandon Blake, has more on this ironic twist for us.                                                                          Brandon Blake Two $40M Grosses on the Cards For the first time since July 2023 and the Barbenheimer dual release, we have a chance at not one, but two, films grossing over $40M this weekend. In fact, those figures may top $50M! While Dune: Part Two has had the benefit of massive hype and anticipation, Kung Fu Panda 4 may well turn out to be the more profitable production. Dune: Part Two has already grossed over $100M globally,
Read more