While we have new photos from “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” and news about “Deathly Hallows” (see below) to occupy our time, reaction to the news that HBP has been pushed back until next July continues to dominate the press. Today, the LA Times has a new article online that notes the furious reaction by Harry Potter fans (“among the most intense devotees in contemporary pop culture”), and points out that “petitions were circulating, rumors were flying and angry screeds were being posted on Internet sites within minutes of the Thursday announcement.” The fact that fans were upset with the announcement of the new release date was not lost on Warner Bros president Alan Horn. The LA Times included this gem that reads as follows. “Horn acknowledged that the studio would have to pacify fans in the months to come: “We would never do anything to hurt one of the movies or the series. We love our fans.”
On a related note, the rescheduling of the film has impacted other events tied in to the previously scheduled release this fall. The BBC reports that indeed the Royal Performance and UK premiere of the film had been canceled.But he was hopeful a Royal premiere would still go ahead this year.
In the same article, WB’s Alan Horn is also cited as saying “I’ve seen the movie. It is fabulous. We would have been perfectly able to have it out in November.”
Among all the disappointment, there is a bit of bright news for IMAX who announced that “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince would be screening on the day of release, July 17, 2009. Reps for the company also said that “when “Harry Potter” does open next summer, it will appear in close to 100 of its new digital theaters, as opposed to about 40 estimated to be in operation by November. “It’s a better revenue opportunity for us at that point.” IMAX says that, as announced previously, they will also release HBP which will contain parts of the film in 3-D.
“We would never do anything to hurt one of the movies or the series. We love our fans.”
Really? If you really love us fans, then why on earth are you moving the release date for absolutely no reason other than for WB to make more money? If you really “love” the fans, move the release date back. WB needs to be reminded that it’s from us fans that they get their revenue from. Nov 21st was much better date than July 17th, as it’s the Friday before Thanksgiving break. But no, of course not. Fan “loving” WB isn’t going to listen to the fans themselves.
Can we protest about this? Like something more visual than signatures in a petition. Maybe we could all send an eraser to WB since they “erased” HBP from 2008 :P
Pacify fans? Do they really think thats even possible? Insannity!
Warner Bros. are gonna have a full uprising on their hands!
Can I just ask, What bright spark thought “Hey lets anger the biggest fanbase in the world! Thats a great plan! ” ?
If you love your fans why do something you know is going to anger fans worldwide.
Phew…Rant over…
There will be no pacifying, unless the original release date is put back in place. BOYCOTT WB!!! The nerve, that he even thinks we are going to roll over and be oh so happy for these stupid pictures now… forget it. I don’t even want to see this movie any more at ALL, WB has completely ruined this experience for me 100%.
That’s very nice and all that Mr. Horn loves the fans, but guess what, trying to pacify us with more imax releases and such is just more infuriating. Of course nothing would be done to hurt the movie or series, it can’t be because fans like us will go to see it no matter what! So, I’m just going to venture that Mr. Horn loves the more proper response is Mr. Horn loves the franchise
"Harry," said Ron, pulling Harry's ear down to his mouth and still giggling weakly, "you know who this girl is, Harry? She's Loony... Loony Lovegood... ha ha ha..."
“We would never do anything to hurt one of the movies or the series. We love our fans.”
Really? If you really love us fans, then why on earth are you moving the release date for absolutely no reason other than for WB to make more money? If you really “love” the fans, move the release date back. WB needs to be reminded that it’s from us fans that they get their revenue from. Nov 21st was much better date than July 17th, as it’s the Friday before Thanksgiving break. But no, of course not. Fan “loving” WB isn’t going to listen to the fans themselves.
Can we protest about this? Like something more visual than signatures in a petition. Maybe we could all send an eraser to WB since they “erased” HBP from 2008 :P