Roadshow Theatrical Release
Created on : January 10, 2024 12:05
Denotation
A roadshow theatrical release, sometimes known as a reserved seat engagement, is the technique of releasing a movie for a set amount of time in a small number of big-city theaters prior to its general release. Roadshows typically have a premium ambiance and slightly higher pricing than a broad release, much like a live theater production.
Description
A Roadshow Theatrical Release refers to a specific and traditional method of releasing a film in movie theaters, characterized by a series of exclusive, high profile film screenings in select cities before the movie's wide release. This approach is often associated with big-budget and prestigious film productions such as epic films, film musicals, or other high profile film releases.
The term "Roadshow" originally derived from the practice of taking a show on the road to various locations and in the context of cinema, it describes a touring exhibition of a film before it reaches a wider audience for films. Roadshow theatrical releases were particularly popular in the mid-20th century and were marked by several distinctive features:
Limited Engagements:
The film is initially released in a limited number of film theaters in major cities, creating a sense of exclusivity and anticipation. These engagements often last for several weeks.
Reserved Seating:
Audiences for roadshow theatrical releases typically had the opportunity to reserve specific seats in advance, emphasizing the premium nature of the cinematic experience.
Intermissions:
Many roadshow films were longer than the typical feature length movies and they often included an intermission providing audiences with a break during the film screening.
Programs and Souvenirs:
Film audiences attending a roadshow cinematic presentation often received film festival programs or souvenirs related to the film, adding to the overall event-like atmosphere.
Higher Ticket Prices:
Tickets for roadshow movie releases were priced higher than regular movie tickets, reflecting the premium nature of the film experience and helping to offset the costs associated with the exclusive film screenings.
One of the most famous examples of roadshow film release is film The Sound of Music (1965). In recent years, the traditional roadshow film model has become less common due to changes in film distribution and films exhibition practices, with many movies opting for simultaneous wide cinema releases or staggered international film releases. However, the concept of creating an film festival event around a film's premiere, with special film screenings and added amenities, continues to be employed for certain high profile film releases.