Yesterday, we reported on Steven Spielberg and George Lucas predicting the drastic changes they anticipate for the theater-going experience, which they believe would entail a bigger and more expensive event, albeit with fewer selections. Ironically, Paramount is now testing out a new "experience" for their upcoming zombie apocalypse thriller WORLD WAR Z, offering what they call a "mega ticket," which guarantees a number of ammenities to accompany an advance screening of the film, including:
-One (1) adult admission ticket to the 6/19 advance 3D show of World War Z
-One (1) HD digital copy of movie when available*
-One (1) pair of World War Z collector's custom 3D glasses**
-One (1) official limited-edition movie poster
-One (1) small popcorn
* One (1) HD digital movie copy available to download or stream when released on street date. Internet connection and compatible device required.
So, for $50 you get a decent amount of stuff, although I think it would be up to the individual consumer if these items are worth the cash or not. For some, posters and 3D glasses could be worthless, while things like an HD digital download and a small popcorn (especially at concession prices) may sweeten the deal for others. It's an interesting move and, if successful, could lead to future films offering similar "mega" tickets. Naturally, this is being tested in a limited amount of theaters in some select locations, but if it takes off, I'd expect the idea to expand to other markets. I think some will scoff at this idea initially, but ultimately, I think it comes down to individual preference. You could certainly wait and see the movie in wide release, but for some fans it may be worth the price to see it early and get some swag to go with it.
Would you pay more to see, say, STAR WARS: EPISODE VII or THE AVENGERS 2 a few days earlier? A week earlier? And get some swag, like t-shirts, posters, downloads, etc.? I'm willing to bet the bigger movies would fetch a mighty dollar for their tentpole "sure thing" films. In fact, I'd probably be one of them for a select few.
What do you think? Were Spielberg and Lucas on the money? Would you buy a "mega ticket" for a movie you wanted to see badly enough?
Get your WORLD WAR Z "mega ticket" here if you are near one of the following areas:
Regal Atlantic Station 16 IMAX & RPX – Atlanta, GA
Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Stadium 24 & RPX – Houston, TX
UA King Of Prussia Stadium 16 & IMAX – King of Prussia, PA
Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX – Los Angeles, CA
Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 IMAX & RPX – San Diego, CA