Consider: Release Dates

Careful thought and much attention is given to the date that a film is released in theaters. Most often, with the amount of time and money that goes into advertising, once a release date is set, it stays that way. However, if the past three or four days are anything to go by, it should show that nothing is set in stone. So today, consider the uncertainty of release dates.

It has just been announced that three major winter season films have been officially or most likely bumped to some time early next year: The Soloist starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx, Defiance starring Daniel Craig, and The Road starring Viggo Mortensen.

The Soloist was announced first and upsets me the most. I am a huge Robert Downey, Jr. fan and was looking forward to seeing him in a third movie this year, but now it appears we will all have to wait until March to see this particular film. Both actors were being hailed as early possible Oscar contenders, but now neither will be eligible. RDJ still has a chance to be nominated for his supporting role in Tropic Thunder, though, something that Paramount is reported to be pushing for.

Today, I learned that apparently Defiance has been rescheduled to December 31st. This is interesting, as that makes it still eligible for this year's Oscars. Unfortunately, it won't be given a wide release until some time in January, making it impossible to see the film in 2008 unless you live in LA or NYC.

Finally, The Road. It seemed like that was safe even if nothing else was, what with the success of the last adaptation of a Cormac McCarthy novel (last year's Best Picture No Country For Old Men), but even the combination of McCarthy's story and a Lord of the Rings alum (Mortensen) aren't enough to save The Road from the Oscar-less release date of February or March. I should note, however, that there is no definitive report on when the reschedule is or even if it has officially been moved.

What would push studios to move such obvious awards contenders to a time of year where traditionally nothing is remembered by the time the next Oscar season rolls around? Conflicting reports are coming in from all angles: sensitivity over the current financial crisis, crowded Oscar slates, crowded opening weekends, and of course money.

I'm selfish - I think that delaying all of these films is a terrible idea, but I was embittered when I found out that I would have to wait until next July to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Perhaps all three will benefit. Maybe not with Oscar gold, but with critical acclaim and huge box office returns. Only time will tell.