Disney Just Bought LUCASFILM LTD. = Star Wars Franchise

[macleod1979]

It's a smart buy, and I think its going to really benefit the fans. New films every few years? Great news!

[Peter Pirate 2]

Originally Posted by pilferk

I'm not sure I follow.

Walt raiding competitors and other studios/art houses was something you would have objected to?

I think sequels are, at this point, a way of life. They invest so much time and money into developing (or re-developing) an IP...companies need to maximize that investment. That means, among other things, redeploying the IP into public consciousness every few years.

We are not the society we were 30 to 40 years ago. Our public attention span doesn't seem to have the length and breadth it did back in the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. We don't seem to "latch on" to mythos for as long as we used to, and, instead, jump from one thing to the next. It's like cultural ADHD.

One symptom of that means that companies have to keep their IPs right in front of us, or they fade in popularity and income generation. SW is the perfect example.

There were YEARS between sequels...but if you look at Star Wars merchandise sales, they remained strong throughout...even as Star Wars (the original movie) had been out of theaters for years. Or, I should say, was no longer in it's original RUN in theaters. It was a summer staple, year after year, at drive ins and $1 movie houses across the country.

But that's rather the point. You don't see that anymore. This years summer blockbuster (Avengers) will, by next summer, have it's shelf space replaced by whatever big IP comes out NEXT year. That cycle continues year after year, and, actually, the time span seems to get shorter and shorter.

I'm with you: I prefer original IPs to sequels when it comes to films. But I understand WHY the studios do this stuff. It's a reflection of our culture, as much as anything else.

No argument then. I too understand why these things are done but I don't have to like it nor must I believe it will always be this way.

Pixar, just a few years ago brought quality and imagination first to the forefront with great success. Disney, no longer able to imagine anything bought them. They will eventually drift down to Disney standards but the fact that Pixar did it means other well backed dreamers can still do it too.

[lockedoutlogic]

Originally Posted by Peter Pirate 2

I think you almost always agree with with me but still wish to appear more diplomatic.

Are you accusing me if being diplomatic?

Take it back! I'm offended...I'm as "diplomatic" as an armored cavalry division

[lockedoutlogic]

Originally Posted by pilferk

99.9% of the time (with the exception of the "character meet and greet", obviously), I'm right there with you.

But this is a different enough scenario to grant some pause.

I THINK (though we'll have to wait and see) Star Wars might be the exception. Mostly because there is 30 years worth of material already "in the bank", so to speak. They're not rushing to create something based on a new, unproven IP.

They're rolling out THEIR vision of an existing IP. It's more like opening Toy Story Midway Mania..which rolled out prior to TS3 by a couple years...than it is, say, something based on "Brave" or "Princess and the Frog" or "Rapunzel".

I can see them wanting to "synergize" that with the movie opening...at least somewhat. Again, I don't expect completion by the release date...but within 6 to 12 months? Wouldn't surprise me a bit.

I do agree that this buy is different...because they already KNOW the crap merchandise sells (star wars merch has been the top selling licensed material in 6 of the last 7 years...and the material coming out has been absolute crapola)...so there is more of an "immediate construction" opportunity than with the prior buys...

But I still need to see some real commitment to new construction at WDW and we haven't got there yet.
MK didn't need the construction - but got it for merch expansion...

Epcot is falling behind and needs a concerted effort again.

Studios and AK have needed more vision since day 1...and though they've been expanded...they are not worth $100 bucks a day.

For gods sakes...downtown is crying for help and they have sat on it in embarrassing fashion for 5 years.

I'm critical on this...I know. But I need to see it. All parts need more "re-investment"...and they can use Lucas freely to try and do that now.

But as I have stated before "Trust only the shovels" at WDW

[mike the canuck]

George Lucas Will Give Most of His $4 Billion From Disney to Charity
http://www.slashfilm.com/george-luca...ey-to-charity/

[Planogirl]

Originally Posted by lockedoutlogic

But as I have stated before "Trust only the shovels" at WDW

I like that. It sums up my thoughts very concisely.

[pilferk]

Originally Posted by lockedoutlogic

I do agree that this buy is different...because they already KNOW the crap merchandise sells (star wars merch has been the top selling licensed material in 6 of the last 7 years...and the material coming out has been absolute crapola)...so there is more of an "immediate construction" opportunity than with the prior buys...

But I still need to see some real commitment to new construction at WDW and we haven't got there yet.
MK didn't need the construction - but got it for merch expansion...

Epcot is falling behind and needs a concerted effort again.

Studios and AK have needed more vision since day 1...and though they've been expanded...they are not worth $100 bucks a day.

For gods sakes...downtown is crying for help and they have sat on it in embarrassing fashion for 5 years.

I'm critical on this...I know. But I need to see it. All parts need more "re-investment"...and they can use Lucas freely to try and do that now.

But as I have stated before "Trust only the shovels" at WDW

Oh, I agree. No matter what they announce, until there is vertical construction (and not always even then..Witness Pop Century Phase II), there's no sure thing.

But this is different. We're speculating on likelihood, not certainties, or already announced projects. For sure, it's not a definite.

[DCTooTall]

Originally Posted by lockedoutlogic

But I still need to see some real commitment to new construction at WDW and we haven't got there yet.
MK didn't need the construction - but got it for merch expansion...

Epcot is falling behind and needs a concerted effort again.

Studios and AK have needed more vision since day 1...and though they've been expanded...they are not worth $100 bucks a day.

For gods sakes...downtown is crying for help and they have sat on it in embarrassing fashion for 5 years.

I'm critical on this...I know. But I need to see it. All parts need more "re-investment"...and they can use Lucas freely to try and do that now.

But as I have stated before "Trust only the shovels" at WDW

FWIW's... Here's my take on a couple of things above...

MK didn't really need the construction, But i'll be willing to say it got it for more than just the merch possibilities. I'm betting the increased capacity of the park (so they can cram more people in during capacity crowd times like the holidays), The addition of a people-eater (Mermaid Omnimover) to chew threw Fantasyland Crowds, and the addition of a tableservice restaurant (to use up all those "Free Dining" credits in the MK) wher also big considerations.

EPCOT..... Totally agree....At the very least, 'Futureworld' needs some SERIOUS help.

MGM.... I believe it had a decent 'vision' at the beginning, it just didn't have much in the way of capacity. It did however meet it's initial goal of a working studio with a few attractions for paying guests to visit. (and of course, back then one-day tickets were much cheaper than $100). Today however... It really does need some help. With the closing of the functional studio, The park doesn't really have the focus or vision it could have, and the layout no longer really fits the needs of the current use of the property.

AK... Totally needs some help, and i'm thinking/hoping that what they do with the Pandora Project will help fix some of the gaps within the park's offerings.

[Peter Pirate 2]

Originally Posted by lockedoutlogic

Are you accusing me if being diplomatic?

Take it back! I'm offended...I'm as "diplomatic" as an armored cavalry division

Lol! Only with me because YOU know I'm one of the old-timers ... who is not trying real hard. How's that?

[bwang123]