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Tag: Guardians of the Galaxy

  • Disney pacts with China’s Youku Tudou to market Marvel films online

    Disney pacts with China’s Youku Tudou to market Marvel films online

    MUMBAI: Disney and China’s online video platform Youku Tudou have partnered, wherein the latter will be the exclusive online movie marketing platform in China for Marvel collection of movies and TV series.

     

    Youku Tudou will drive online marketing through promotion of trailers, online ticketing, live events and original programming dedicated to silver screen movies.

     

    Youku Tudou’s strength as the leading online movie marketing platform in China comes from its market position. Leveraging its 500 million unique monthly users across screens, marketing efforts are able to disseminate across Youku Tudou’s media and entertainment ecosystem resulting in greater audience impact than traditional offline movie advertising.

     

    Disney and Marvel titles resonate with Youku Tudou’s audience with over 530 million cumulative views of titles across movies, television series, trailers, Youku Tudou original productions, and live-streaming.

     

    Online marketing efforts contributed to boosting the box office revenue of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Guardians of the Galaxy and in the case of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, to almost 800 million, compared to 80 million RMB of the previous installment of the franchise in China. The trailers and Youku Original productions for Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy have over 41 million cumulative views with over 15.8 million combined movie VOD views on the Youku Tudou platform. The Avengers: Age of Ultron trailers and Youku Original productions have received over 25.7 million cumulative views with the movie currently in theaters.

     

    “We are committed to expanding our media and entertainment ecosystem by working with strong partners. These partnerships, like the one with Disney, are multifold and give Youku Tudou the opportunity to use its strengths to further its business model and drive future revenue streams through high-quality content, innovative marketing efforts, and merchandising channels,” said Youku Tudou chairman and CEO Victor Koo.

  • DreamWorks Animation wins two awards from Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

    DreamWorks Animation wins two awards from Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

    MUMBAI: DreamWorks Animation has been awarded two Technical Achievement Awards by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the development of two revolutionary tools used in feature filmmaking: Foliage System and OpenVDB.

     

    Both of these tools were most recently used in the making of How to Train Your Dragon 2, an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature and winner of this year’s Golden Globe, six Annie Awards from ASIFA-Hollywood and named Best Animated Feature by the National Board of Review. In addition to these two awards, Hewlett-Packard also received a Technical Achievement Award for its HP DreamColor LP2480zX Professional Display monitor, created in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation engineers.

     

    “At DreamWorks Animation, engineers, technicians and artists come together to create new technology stimulated by the vision and imagination of filmmakers such as writer/director Dean DeBlois (HTTYD2). I want to congratulate our engineers and artists, as well as the DreamColor team at Hewlett-Packard, on their Technical Achievement Awards that recognize outstanding innovation in the development of tools and technology that enhance the industry’s creative storytelling ability,” said DreamWorks Animation chief technology officer Lincoln Wallen.

     

    The Foliage System was first developed for 2001’s Shrek, where it was used to create more than 10,000 trees, the largest deployment of digital vegetation in any film at its time. Since then, DreamWorks Animation has continued to be the industry leader in innovating new tools and techniques that provide the greatest artistic flexibility in rendering foliage. DreamWorks Animation effects artists Scott Peterson, Jeff Budsberg, and Jonathan Gibbs received the award for the design and implementation of the Foliage System.

     

    OpenVDB is an open source data structure and set of tools that help manage the storage of enormous amounts of information created by complex visual effects such as water, dust, smoke and fire, found in both animated and live action films. OpenVDB’s efficiency reduces digital storage requirements and the need for long wait times when running simulations, which have resulted in it becoming a standard in the animation and VFX industry. With adoption at studios including Weta Digital, Disney Animation, and ILM, the tools were used in the making of several of this year’s Academy Award nominated films for Best Visual Effects, including X-Men: Days of Future Past, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Guardians of the Galaxy. DreamWorks Animation engineers Ken Museth, Peter Cucka, and Mihai Alden, received the award for the creation of OpenVDB. 

     

    HP’s DreamColor monitor was jointly developed with DreamWorks Animation to provide the highest color quality level LCD monitors required for graphic intense workflows, such as those for producing feature animation and visual effects. Karl Rasche, a DreamWorks software engineer, was recognized by the Academy, along with the other award winners from Hewlett-Packard, for the joint development of the HP DreamColor LP2480zx Professional Display.

  • Consumer products segment leads Disney’s record profits for Q1-2015

    Consumer products segment leads Disney’s record profits for Q1-2015

    BENGALURU: The Walt Disney Company Inc (Disney) reported 17.4 per cent higher operating income (op inc) of $3545 million (27.7 per cent of all segment operating revenue or TIO) for Q1-2015 (quarter ended 27 December, 2014, current quarter) versus $3020 million (24.5 per cent of TIO) in quarter ended 28 December, 2013 – Q1-2014.Op Inc in Q1-2015 was 27.7 per cent more than the Op Inc reported for the immediate trailing quarter (Q4-2014, previous quarter, quarter ended 27 September, 2014) at $2775 million (22.4 per cent of TIO).

     

    Leading the growth with a 45.6 per cent y-o-y increase in Q1-2015 at $626 million from the $430 million was its Consumer Products segment (CP).CP’s Op Inc in Q1-2015 grew 65.2 per cent from the $379 million in Q4-2014.Though a couple of Disney’s segments reported drops in revenues, Op Inc of all of Disney’s other segments – Media Networks (MN), Parks & Resorts (P&R), Studio Entertainment (SE) and Interactive, also showed positive y-o-y and q-o-q growth.

     

    Disney’s TIO for Q1-2015 grew 8.8 per cent y-o-y to $13391 million from $12309 million and was 8.1 per cent higher q-o-q than the $12389 million in Q4-2015.

     

    “This was yet another incredibly strong quarter for our Company, with diluted EPS up 23 per cent driven by record revenue as well as significant growth in segment operating income, ” said Disney chairman and CEO Robert A Iger.”Our results once again reflect the strength of our brands and high quality content and demonstrate that our proven franchise strategy creates long-term value across all of our businesses”

     

    Disney Segment results

     

    Media Networks

     

    MN is Disney’s largest segment, both in terms of revenue and Op Inc.MN reported 2.7 per cent growth in Op Inc to $1495 million (41.2 per cent of all Op Inc) in the current quarter from the $1455 million (48.2 per cent of all Op Inc) in Q1-2014 and a growth of 4 per cent from $1437 million (51.8 per cent of all Op Inc) in Q4-2014.

     

    During Q1-2015, MN revenue grew 10.8 per cent to $5860 million (43.8 per cent of TIO) from $5290 million (43 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2014 and was 12.3 per cent more than the $5217 million (42.1 per cent of TIO) in the previous quarter.

     

    Two sub-segments contribute to MN – Cable Networks and Broadcasting

     

    Cable Networks

     

    Cable Networks reported 11 per cent growth in revenue in Q1-2015 to $4166 million from $3759 million in Q1-2014.Cable Network’s Op Inc fell two per cent to $1255 million from $1277 million in Q1-2014.

     

    Disney says that Operating income at Cable Networks decreased two per cent due to a decrease at ESPN, which was partially offset by increases at the worldwide Disney Channels and ABC Family.

     

    The decrease at ESPN was due to higher programming and production costs and, to a lesser extent, higher marketing, general and administrative and technical costs and lower advertising revenue.These decreases were partially offset by affiliate fee contractual rate increases, a reduction in revenue deferrals as a result of changes in contractual provisions related to annual programming commitments and an increase in subscribers, taking into account the new SEC Network.

     

    Programming and production cost increases were due to a contractual rate increase for NFL programming and rights costs for the SEC Network.ESPN advertising revenue decreased due to lower ratings for certain of our programs, partially offset by higher rates.

     

    The increase at the worldwide Disney Channels was due to higher affiliate rates for the domestic channels and higher international advertising revenues, partially offset by higher programming costs.

     

    International advertising revenues were driven by the company’s new channel in Germany, which was launched in January 2014.Increased programming costs were driven by higher pilot write-offs and costs for the new channel in Germany.The increase at ABC Family was due to higher affiliate revenue due to higher rates and increased advertising revenue reflecting higher units sold.

     

    Broadcasting

     

    Revenue from Broadcasting grew 11 per cent to $1694 million in Q1-2015 from $1531 million in Q1-2014.Op Inc for this sub-segment grew 35 per cent to $240 million from $178 million in Q1-2014.

     

    The company says that Operating income at Broadcasting increased due to an increase in affiliate fees and higher program sales.These increases were partially offset by lower advertising revenue.

     

    The increase in affiliate revenues was due to contractual rate increases and new contractual provisions.Program sales growth included higher sales of Criminal Minds, Scandal and Once Upon A Time.Lower advertising revenue was due to fewer units sold at the ABC Television Network, partially offset by an increase at the owned television stations due to higher political advertising and an increase from higher primetime rates.

     

    Parks & Resorts

     

    P&R revenue in the current quarter at $3910 million (29.2 per cent of all revenue) was 8.7 per cent more than the $3597 million (29.2 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2014 but was 1.3 per cent lower than the $3960 million (32 per cent of TIO) in the previous quarter.

     

    P&R reported 20 per cent growth in Op Inc to $805 million (22.7 per cent of all Op Inc) in Q1-2015 from $671 million (22.2 per cent of all Op Inc) and a growth of 17.2 per cent from the $687 million (24.8 per cent of all Op Inc) in the previous quarter.

     

    Disney says that Operating income growth for the quarter was driven by an increase at domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease at its international operations.

     

    Higher operating income at Disney’s domestic operations reflected both higher volumes and guest spending growth at its parks and resorts and, to a lesser extent, at its cruise business, partially offset by higher costs.Guest spending growth at Disney’s parks and resorts reflected higher average ticket prices and increased merchandise, food and beverage spending.The volume increase at its cruise business reflected higher passenger cruise ship days due to the impact of the Disney Magic being in dry-dock for a portion of the prior-year quarter.Increased costs were driven by labour and other cost inflation, higher pension and post-retirement medical costs and increased depreciation driven by new attractions.

     

    The decrease at Disney’s international operations was driven by higher Shanghai Disney Resort pre-opening expenses, the impact of a weaker Japanese yen on Tokyo Disney Resort royalties and higher costs at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, partially offset by an increase at Disneyland Paris.The increase at Disneyland Paris was due to higher guest spending, attendance and occupied room nights, partially offset by higher costs driven by higher volumes, new guest offerings and marketing costs.The increase in guest spending was driven by higher average ticket prices.

     

    Studio Entertainment

     

    SE reported a 1.8 per cent drop in revenue to $1858 million (13.9 per cent of TIO) in the current quarter from $1893 million (15.4 per cent of TIO) reported for the year ago quarter and a 4.5 per cent growth from the $1178 million (14.4 per cent of TIO) in the previous quarter.

     

    SE Op Inc in Q1-2015 grew 30 per cent to $544 million (15.3 per cent of all Op Inc) in the current quarter from $409 million (13.5 per cent of all Op Inc) in Q1-2014 and more than doubled (up 2.14 times) from $254 million (9.2 per cent of all Op Inc) in the previous quarter.

     

    The company says that higher operating income was due to an increase in home entertainment results, higher revenue share with the Consumer Products segment due to the performance of Frozen merchandise and higher TV/SVOD distribution results driven by more titles available internationally.These increases were partially offset by lower theatrical distribution results.

     

    The increase in home entertainment results was driven by higher unit sales and lower per unit costs.

     

    Unit sales growth was driven by Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Frozen and Maleficent in the current quarter compared to Monsters University and The Lone Ranger in the prior-year quarter, which did not include the release of a Marvel title.The decrease in unit costs reflected distribution cost savings and lower production cost amortization reflecting a higher amortization rate on The Lone Ranger in the prior year quarter.

     

    Lower theatrical distribution results reflected the performance of Big Hero 6 in the current quarter compared to Frozen in the prior-year quarter.In addition, the current quarter included the continuing performance of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, which was released in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 whereas the prior-year quarter included the release of Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World.

     

    Consumer Products

     

    CP Op Inc has been mentioned above.CP revenue in Q1-2015 grew 22.5 per cent to $1379 million (10.3 per cent of TIO) from $1126 million (9.1 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2014 and was 28.6 per cent more than the $1072 million (8.7 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter.

     

    Disney says that higher operating income was due to increases at its Merchandise Licensing and Retail businesses.The increase in operating income at Merchandise Licensing was due to the performance of merchandise based on Frozen and, to a lesser extent, Disney Channel properties, Mickey and Minnie, Spider-Man and Avengers.

     

    At Disney’s Retail business, higher operating income for the quarter was due to comparable store sales growth and higher online sales in all regions driven by sales of Frozen merchandise.

     

    Interactive

     

    Interactive is Disney’s smallest in terms of revenue and Op Inc.Interactive reported revenue of $384 million (3.1 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2015, $403 million (3.3 per cent of TIO) in Q1-2014 and $362 million (2.9 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2014.

     

    Op Inc for the Interactive segment grew to US 73 million in Q1-2015 versus the $55 million in Q1-2014 and $18 million in Q4-2014.

     

    The company says that improved operating results were due to an increase at its mobile games business driven by the success of Tsum Tsum and Frozen Free Fall as well as lower product development costs due to fewer titles in development.This increase was partially offset by lower results at our console games business reflecting higher per unit costs driven by the mix of Disney Infinity products sold, lower unit sales and higher marketing costs.The decrease in unit sales was driven by lower sales of Infinity accessories and catalogue titles, partially offset by higher sales of Infinity starter packs.

     

    Click here to read first quarter earnings for fiscal 2015

  • Disney FY-2104 op inc grows 21 per cent; Studio Entertainment segment op inc up 234 per cent

    Disney FY-2104 op inc grows 21 per cent; Studio Entertainment segment op inc up 234 per cent

    BENGALURU: The Walt Disney Company Inc (Disney) reported operating income (op inc) of $ 13,005 million (26.6 per cent of overall revenue or TIO) in the year ended 27 September 2014 (FY-2014), up 21.3 per cent from the $ 10,724 million (23.8 per cent of TIO) in FY-2013. The company’s TIO in FY-2014 at $ 48,813 million was 8.4 per cent more than the $ 45,041 million in 2013.

     

    “Our results for fiscal 2014 were the highest in the company’s history, marking our fourth consecutive year of record performance,” said Disney chairman and CEO Robert A Iger. “We’re obviously very pleased with this achievement and believe it reflects the extraordinary quality of our content and our unique ability to leverage success across the company to create significant value, as well as our focus on embracing and adapting to emerging consumer trends and technology.”

     

    Disney’s Studio Entertainment segment reported a 234.3 per cent growth in op inc in FY-2014 at $ 1,549 million (11.9 per cent of all op inc) from $ 661 million (6.2 per cent of all op inc) in FY-2013. This segment’s revenue in FY-2014 at $ 7,278 million (14.9 per cent of TIO) grew 21.7 per cent to $ 5,979 million (13.3 per cent of TIO) in the previous year.

     

    Here is what Disney has to say about Studio Entertainment numbers: 

     

    Higher operating income was driven by increases in worldwide theatrical distribution and worldwide home entertainment. Higher worldwide theatrical distribution results were due to the success of Guardians of the Galaxy and Maleficent in the current quarter compared to Monsters University and The Lone Ranger in the prior year quarter.

     

    The increase in worldwide home entertainment was due to higher unit sales, lower per unit costs and higher net effective price resulting from the success of Frozen. Other significant titles included Captain America 2: The Winter Soldier in the current quarter and Iron Man 3 in the prior-year quarter. 

     

    Let us look at the results for FY-2014 and Q4-2014 reported by Disney.

     

     Overall Revenue:

     

    In Q4-2014 (quarter ended September 27, 2014), Disney reported a 7.1 growth of TIO to $ 12,389 million from US$ 11568 million in the corresponding quarter of last fiscal, but was marginally less (0.6 per cent less) than the $ 12,466 million in Q3-2014. 

     

    Q4-2014 op inc at $ 2,775 million (22.4 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2014 was 11.7 per cent more than the $ 2,484 million (21.5 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2013, but 28.1 per cent lower than the $ 3,857 million (30.9 per cent of TIO) in Q3-2014. 

     

    Segment Revenue: 

     

    Five segments contribute to Disney’s numbers – Media Networks; Parks and resorts; Studio entertainment; Consumer products; and Interactive.

     

    Media Networks Segment:

     

    The company’s Media Network segment is the largest in terms of contribution to overall revenue (TIO) and op inc This segment consists of two sub-segments – Cable Networks and Broadcasting.

     

    In FY-2014, Disney’s Media Network segment reported revenue of $ 21,152 million (43.3 per cent of TIO), up 3.9 per cent from the $ 20,356 million (45.2 per cent of TIO) in FY-2013. Op inc from this segment rose 7.4 per cent to $ 7,321 million (56.3 per cent of overall op inc) in FY-2014 from $ 6,818 million (63.6 per cent of overall op inc) in FY-2013.

     

    Disney’s Media Network segment reported 5.5 per cent rise in revenue from $ 4,946 million (42.8 per cent of TIO)  in Q4-2013 to $ 5,217 million (42.1 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2014, but was 5.3 per cent less than $ 5,511 million (44.2 per cent of TIO) in Q3-2014. Op inc dropped marginally by 0.3 per cent from $ 1,443 million (58.1 per cent of overall op inc) in Q4-2013 to $ 1,437 million in Q4-2014, but was 37.2 per cent lower than the $ 2,296 million (59.5 per cent of overall Op Inc) in Q3-2014 (51.8 per cent of op rev).

     

    Parks and Resorts

     

    In FY-2014, this segment’s revenue at $ 15,099 million (30.9 per cent of TIO) grew 7.2 per cent from $ 14,087 million (31.3 per cent of TIO) in FY-2013. Op inc increased 20 per cent in FY-2014 to $ 2,663 million (20.5 per cent of overall op inc) from $ 2,220 million (20 per cent of overall op inc) in FY-2013.

     

    Disney’s Parks and resorts segment reported 6.6 per cent growth in y-o-y revenue to $ 3,960 million (32 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2014 from $ 3,716 million (32.1 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2013, but marginally less (0.5 per cent less) than the $ 3,980 million (31.8 per cent of overall revenue) in Q3-2014. This segment’s op inc grew 6.6 per cent to $ 687 million (24.8 per cent of overall op inc) in Q4-2014 from $ 571 million (23 per cent of overall op inc), but was 19 per cent less than the $ 848 million (22 per cent of overall op inc) in Q3-2014.

     

    Here is what Disney has to say about Parks and Resorts numbers:

     

    Operating income growth for the quarter was due to an increase at our domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease at our international operations.

     

    Higher operating income at our domestic operations was driven by increased guest spending and attendance, partially offset by higher costs and lower vacation club ownership sales. The increase in guest spending was primarily due to higher average ticket prices for theme park admissions and for sailings at our cruise line and increased food, beverage and merchandise spending. Higher costs reflected increased costs for MyMagic+ and the absence of an offset in the prior-year quarter from a property sale, partially offset by lower pension and post-retirement medical costs. Decreased vacation club ownership sales reflected the prior-year success of The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, for which sales commenced at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

     

    The decrease at our international operations was due to lower operating performance at Disneyland.

     

    Lower operating income at Disneyland Paris was driven by higher operating and marketing costs and lower attendance, partially offset by increased guest spending, due to higher average ticket prices, and higher real estate sales.

     

    Studio Entertainment

     

    Three sub-segments of the Studio entertainment segment contribute to Disney’s revenue – Theatrical distribution; Home entertainment; and TV/SVOD distribution and other.

     

    Annual figures for this segment have been mentioned above.

     

    Disney’s Studio entertainment segment reported 18.1 per cent jump in revenue in Q4-2014 at $ 1,778 million (14.4 per cent of TIO) from $ 1,506 million (13 per cent of TIO), but was 1.6 per cent lower than the $ 1,807 million (14.5 per cent of TIO). This segment reported more than double (2.35 times) growth in op Inc in Q4-2014 at $ 254 million (9.2 per cent of overall op inc), but was 38.2 per cent lower than the $ 411 million (10.7 per cent of overall revenue) in Q3-2014. 

     

    Consumer Products 

     

    This segment has two revenue streams – licensing and publishing (licensing); and retail and other (retail).

     

    Consumer products segment reported 12.1 per cent growth in consumer products to $ 3,985 million (8.2 per cent of TIO) in FY-2014 from $ 3,555 million (7.9 per cent of TIO) in the last year. Op inc from this segment for FY-2014 grew 21.9 per cent to $ 1,356 million (10.4 per cent of overall op inc) from $ 1,112 million (10.4 per cent of overall op inc).

     

     Disney’s Consumer products segment reported 6.8 per cent increase in revenue in Q4-2014 to $ 1,072 million (8.7 per cent of TIO) from $ 1,004 million (8.7 per cent of TIO) in Q4-2013 and 18.8 per cent more than the $ 902 million (7.2 per cent of all revenues) in Q3-2014. This segment reported 9.2 per cent hike in op inc to $ 379 million (13.7 per cent of overall op inc) from $ 347 million (14 per cent of overall revenue) in Q4-2013 and 38.8 per cent more than the $ 273 million (7.1 per cent of overall Op Inc) in Q3-2014. 

     

    Disney says that higher operating income from Consumer products was due to an increase at its Merchandise Licensing business driven by the performance of Frozen and Spider-Man merchandise partially offset by lower revenues from Monsters and Iron Man merchandise.

     

    Interactive 

     

    Disney says that Interactive revenues for the quarter (Q4-2014) decreased by $34 million to $362 million, and segment operating income increased to $18 million driven by the success of our mobile game Tsum Tsum and recognition of a minimum guarantee for a games licensing contract. These increases were partially offset by lower Disney Infinity performance due to the timing of the launch of Disney Infinity 2.0, which was launched on 23 September 2014, compared to Disney Infinity 1.0, which was launched on 18 August 2013.

     

     

    Please click here for financial results

  • American films continue to win at Chinese box-office

    American films continue to win at Chinese box-office

    NEW DELHI: Marvel Studios LLC continues its winning streak in China as Guardians of the Galaxy topped the Mainland box office.
     
    In its first three days in cinemas, the James Gunn film made RMB185 million ($30.2 million) from approximately 4.74 million admissions. Released only in 3-D, the sci-fi film represented approximately 39.2 per cent of all screenings nationwide.
     
    In April, Captain America: The Winter Soldier made RMB224 million ($36.6 million) from approximately 5.17 million admissions over the three-day Ching Ming holiday weekend. It secured RMB720 million ($118 million) during its theatrical run.

    Nonetheless, Guardians of the Galaxy has by far had the best weekend for a Marvel Studios origin film in China. Three years ago, Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) opened with RMB34.3 million ($5.60 million), for a total of RMB98.1 million ($16 million).
     
    Ning Hao’s Breakup Buddies dropped to second place with RMB99.8 million ($16.3 million) over the weekend. After 13 days, it has made RMB931 million ($152 million).

    At its current rate, road movie comedy is expected to break the RMB1 billion ($163 million) mark by this weekend, making it the second domestic film to do so in 2014. Lost in Thailand (2012) took 21 days to reach the RMB1 billion mark in 2012. Earlier this year, The Monkey King took 23 days.
     
    The only other new film to reach the top ten is the domestic monster film Bugs 3D. Released only in 3-D, it made RMB12.13 million ($1.98 million) from approximately 328,000 admissions.
     
    Two years ago, Million Dollar Crocodile (2012) opened with RMB6.50 million ($1.06 million) for a total of RMB12.9 million ($2.10 million) during its theatrical run.
     
    Peter Chan’s Dearest dropped to third place with RMB22.3 million ($3.65 million) between Friday and Sunday. The child abduction drama has made RMB292 million ($47.7 million) after 18 days.

    Black & White: The Dawn of Justice was fifth place with RMB10.5 million ($1.71 million) between Friday and Sunday. The 3-D action sequel has made RMB187 million ($30.6 million) after 12 days.

    With RMB4.05 million ($661,000) between Friday and Sunday, Ann Hui’sThe Golden Era has made RMB44.12 million ($7.20 million) after 12 days.
     
    Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) returned to Chinese cinemas yesterday with a special 3-D re-release.
     
    In Hong Kong, Gone Girl became the top film this weekend due to the lack of any strong newcomers. The David Fincher mystery-drama made HK$3.92 million ($505,720) from 36 locations between Thursday and Sunday. After 11 days in cinemas, it has made HK$10.3 million ($1.33 million).
     
    Last week’s top film Dracula Untold dropped to second place with HK$2.06 million ($265,750) between Thursday and Sunday. It has made HK$9.83 million ($1.27 million) after 11 days.
     
    The top new film was spy thriller The November Man. From 34 locations, it made HK$1.69 million ($218,000) from 34 locations over four days.

     

  • Marvel releases first full trailer of Guardians of the Galaxy

    Marvel releases first full trailer of Guardians of the Galaxy

    MUMBAI: Marvel Studios unveiled its newest team of superheroes on Tuesday night with the first trailer for the movie Guardians of the Galaxy. The footage for the film, based on the cult Marvel comic, premiered on American Broadcasting Company (ABC)’s late night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!

     

    From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team – the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits – Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon; Groot, a tree-like humanoid; the deadly and enigmatic Gamora; and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand–with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

     

    Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, which first appeared in comic books in Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (Jan. 1969), stars Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation), Zoe Saldana (Avatar), Dave Bautista (Riddick), featuring Vin Diesel (Fast and Furious) as the voice of Groot, Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook) as the voice of Rocket, Golden Globe Award nominee Lee Pace (The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug), Michael Rooker (Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer), Karen Gillan (Doctor Who), Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond), with Academy Award nominee John C. Reilly (Chicago), Primetime Emmy Award winner Glenn Close (Damages) as Nova Prime Rael and Academy Award winner Benicio del Toro (Traffic) as The Collector.

     

    James Gunn (Thor: The Dark World) is the director of the film with Kevin Feige (Spiderman series) producing, and Louis D’Esposito (The Avengers), Victoria Alonso (Thor), Jeremy Latcham (Iron Man), Alan Fine (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and Stan Lee (X-Men: Days of Future Past) serve as executive producers. The story is by Nicole Perlman and James Gunn, with screenplay by James Gunn. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy releases in U.S. theatres on 1 August 2014.

     

    Check out the world premiere of The Guardians of the Galaxy trailer

  • Vin Diesel in talks to join ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’

    Vin Diesel in talks to join ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’

    MUMBAI: Vin Diesel just might be Groot. The Fast and The Furious franchise actor is in negotiations to join Marvel’s newest ensemble tent pole. If it all works out, Vin Diesel would play the tree-like alien in the James Gunn-directed Guardians Of The Galaxy.

     

    Diesel posted a captionless pic of Groot up on his Facebook page. For a while the drawing from the GOTG comic stood as his cover page before being taken down and then disappeared all together from his public timeline.

     

    The Groot character can absorb wood to gain strength and recover from injuries as well as control trees. While hyper-intelligent, the alien seems to only ever say the line “I am Groot” over and over to those who cannot hear his real voice.