Survey sees payoff on 3-D

Study analyzed more than 4,000 U.S. theaters

Theaters that exhibited the November 2007 release "Beowulf" in 3-D saw a 65% sales increase in total boxoffice over comparable theaters that exhibited it in 2-D, according to a new study from the Nielsen Co.'s Nielsen PreView.


Nielsen PreView's 3-D study analyzed more than 4,000 U.S. theaters -- some with 3-D and others without -- that housed at least four screens. These sites were considered comparable theaters in that they had a proven track record in the action/adventure genre.


Besides the edge in boxoffice sales, theaters that chose to exhibit "Beowulf" in 3-D on more than one screen saw their sales climb even higher to 100% versus what was expected.


In part, the results reflect a premium ticket price for 3-D. "People are willing to pay this higher price for a better theater experience," said Dan O'Toole, new product director at Nielsen Ventures.


"With all the upcoming hype around 3-D, we wanted to take a hard look and see if there is truly a consumer appetite for 3-D," said Ann Marie Dumais, senior vp at Nielsen PreView. "Our new research approach contrasted theaters in such a way to demonstrate consumers, when given a choice, will choose 3-D."


A related Nielsen study found that while consumers have an appetite for 3-D films, they often lack general awareness and education about what 3-D is and where to find it. In a recent Nielsen moviegoer survey, 48% were unaware their movie was available in 3-D. "We are talking about are they aware that a given movie is offered in both formats, what that looks like and where to find it," Dumais said.


There are currently a little more than 1,000 3-D-ready digital cinema screens in North America. At least 10 3-D titles are expected to open in 2009.


The Hollywood Reporter is part of The Nielsen Company.

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‘The Dark Knight’ Fake Newscast Gives Anthony Michael Hall a Job

If, like us, you're not a regular watcher of USA Network's The Dead Zone, it's possible the last time you saw Anthony Michael Hall onscreen was in Six Degrees of Separation — which, God help us, came out in 1993. But Hall has a role in The Dark Knight, as Gotham City newscaster Mike Engel, and Hall shows up in this fake Crossfire-type show — airing now on Comcast cable systems, apparently — with several other characters from Gotham, including Harvey Dent's sycophantic campaign manager. This is one of those viral-video marketing ideas that seems great when someone describes it to you but gets a little boring when you watch it all the way through. (It's news! But fake! And not funny!) It's worth checking out, though, for the political intrigue — and for our dear sweet Farmer Ted, finally all grown up.

Gotham Tonight With Mike Engel [YouTube via /Film]

The Real Lisa Simpson Files For Divorce

Actress Yeardley Smith Erikson, the woman behind cartoon character Lisa Simpson's voice, has filed for divorce from her husband of four years. The top voiceover artist has cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split. She wed Daniel Erikson, her second husband, in 2002 - a decade after divorcing her first husband Christopher Grove. The couple has no children.


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Mel B - Spice Girl Mel B To Release Solo Album

Pop star MELANIE BROWN is planning to relaunch her solo career after the success of the SPICE GIRL's recent reunion tour.

The 32-year-old singer, who earned herself the nickname 'Scary Spice' during her time in the band, finished up her world tour with the Wannabe stars earlier this year (Feb08) - and is now ready to storm the stage on her own with the release of long-awaited sophomore album.

According to celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, the singer has spent the past week (begs12May08) working with music producer Scott Storch - who has worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton.

Brown is also rumoured to be working with Britney Spears' former-flame, music producer J.R. Rotem.

A source says of the project: "Mel is going for a pop sound with a bit of an urban edge."

Brown released her debut solo LP Hot in October 2000, although the disc received mediocre reviews from critics and only charted in the U.K. at number 28.

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Ledger's family write about heartbreak

Ledger's family write about heartbreak

Heath Ledger's fellowship have expressed their heartache at losing their logos and brother in a serial publication of death notices in an Australian paper.
In a message published in the West Aussie, the actor's mother Sortie wrote: "Our darling boy, special in so many shipway to entirely of us. You knew you were so loved. You lived life with bravery and dare and we ar so grateful for the wonderful times we shared. We will be there for Matilda [Ledger's girl]."
Ledger's older sister Kate wrote: "I can scarcely respire when I try to write this. We were the ultimate in soul couple. I palpate both my warmness and life-time have been torn asunder. I loved our special negotiation, our daily chats from where ever so you were in the worldly concern."
She also wrote: "I specially loved completely the preciously prison term we spent together. We were so fortunate to throw you as long as we did. You were so many things to so many people, only to me you were just my little brother."
The actor's don Kim wrote: "My beautiful boy, so loving, so talented, so independent, so caring, so brigham Young... no more bromus secalinus games teammate... this is it, couldn't wash up you anyway!"
"My body aches for the speech sound of your voice, our chats, our laughs and our life and times together."
A message from completely of the house read: "How do we discover our sudden and tragic loss?... You were the near amazing individual "old soul" in a offspring man's body."
"Your true bequest lives on in beautiful little Matilda, world Health Organization will always remain in the greatest of care. Our hearts are broken."
Ledger was launch dead in his Freshly House of York apartment earlier this hebdomad. Police are investigating the possibility that he died from a drugs o.d..
To view our gallery special 'Heath Ledger: In Pictures' click here.




Enthroned

The OC star joins Desperate Housewives

The OC star joins Desperate Housewives

'The OC' star Chris Carmack is reportedly

Spears' father angry over pregnancy interview?

Spears' father angry over pregnancy interview?

Jamie Lynn Spears' begetter is reportedly "furious" o'er his daughter's decision to deal the story of her gestation to a cartridge.
16-year-old Jamie Lynn, babe to Britney, revealed that she is expecting a baby with fellow Casey Aldridge in an interview with OK! Powder magazine.
The magazine was published yesterday and Spears mother Lynne was as well interviewed by the publication.
However, Jamie Lynn's pappa Jamie, wHO is separated from Lynne, is said to have strongly disapproved of the way they announced the pregnancy.
A source told Usmagazine.com: "He redact his invertebrate foot belt down and refused to take any money and 'profit off of his children'."
The source besides claims that Jamie is "devastated" by the word and "feels Jamie Lynn ruined her life".




Dr. Motte