Odeon take stand against Burton's Alice in Wonderland

Odeon have taken the bold move to stand up to movie giants Disney after the film studio revealed plans to release the film on DVD no sooner than the end of May.

It is normal for films to stay on cinematic release for up to 17 weeks. However with Disney’s new plans in effect, this would mean downsizing the screen time – and consequently box office profit – to just 12 weeks.

Although the UK premiere of Alice in Wonderland has still been given the green light this Thursday at Odeon’s branch in Leicester Square, London, the firm will not make the film part of their plans in the future.

Both Vue and Cineworld have both struck deals with Disney to show the film however, and it will be shown in most branches nationwide.

Disney say that by making the film available on DVD so soon it will help combat piracy, allowing people to own a legal copy of the film within very little time of it being released on the big screen.

However, Odeon’s stance is that a change in the amount of time a film is on theatrical release will damage the industry, especially small-time cinemas that will not make as much profit due to a small time-frame for audiences to watch the film.

And it is not only Odeon that oppose Disney’s new plans – some companies in Belgium and the US also agree with Odeon, and will not show the film as a result.

Disney’s animated box office hit Up was also planned for a shorter release time, yet stiff opposition from cinemas nationwide meant that plans were reversed to protect any future dispute over the release of the studio’s productions. Similarly, Night at the Museum was pulled off-screen within weeks in 2005 after producers 20th Century Fox revealed plans to reduce the film’s screen-time.

So where can I watch the film?

Since Odeon have pulled the plug on Burton’s new creation, the nearest Cineworld is in Southampton, whilst Eastleigh has the closest Vue. In a nutshell, for us Bournemouth folk, perhaps 17 weeks will have to do…

The latest trailer for Alice in Wonderland can be seen below. The film is due for theatrical release on 5th March 2010.