3-D isn't big draw 2nd time around

Few films re-released with the technology have been box-office hits

December 17, 2012|By Ben Fritz, Los Angeles Times

Turning a profit on any of them may require more modest marketing budgets. To promote "Finding Nemo," Disney brought journalists from around the country to a media day at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. There's no similar media junket planned for the 3-D re-release of "Monsters, Inc."

After the unimpressive showing for "Phantom Menace" in February, Fox and Lucasfilm scheduled the next two "Star Wars" movies just three weeks apart in September and October of 2013. That will enable the movie companies to run one set of commercials to promote both pictures.

"It has everything to do with getting more bang for our marketing buck," said Fox domestic distribution president Chris Aronson.

Marketing may also be what ends up making the 3-D version of "Monsters, Inc." a worthwhile release for Disney, even if it barely breaks even at the box office. Right before every showing, audiences will see a trailer for a brand-new Disney animated movie — June's sequel, "Monsters University."

And yes, it will be in 3-D.

ben.fritz@latimes.com