Movie Theaters Vs. Christopher Nolan

If there is one word that can describe the pre-release buzz for “Interstellar’s” impending release, it has to be “trailblazing.” With Christopher Nolan’s recent push to shoot and release the film, we’ve seen everything from an early release window for all celluloid versions to handy charts popping up all over the internet to describe just which version of the film you should see.

Of course, much like his crime fighting triumvirate in “The Dark Knight,” the man who is dead set on preserving the magic of cinema has made some powerful enemies.

Those enemies, according to The Hollywood Reporter, are none other than the theatrical exhibitors that have already had enough of a growing pain converting all of their film projection rooms to strictly digital operations.

Out of the crowd of upset business owners in the theatrical world, two in particular have stepped forward and voiced unfavorable opinions about the fact that Interstellar will be available in 35mm, 70mm, and IMAX 70mm, as well as 4K Digital and Digital IMAX.

Those two people are Byron Berkley (CEO and President of Foothills Cinemas) and Joe Paletta (CEO and founder of Spotlight Theaters.) Both men are from similar backgrounds as theatrical entrepreneurs operating limited theatrical chains in the south.

However, it’s Byron Berkley’s remarks that are most telling when it comes to the mindset of those theater owners who’ve spent the time and money to jump forward into the ever growing digital scene. He said: “It makes no sense to step back in time.”

Looking at this issue through the perspective of theatrical exhibitors, it’s hard not to feel sympathy as the digital conversion has been a huge issue with smaller theatrical companies struggling financially to keep up with the ever increasing march towards digital totality.

And yet, at the same time, the “Interstellar” model of release is something that should be capitalized on by those who are having a rough go at bringing themselves into the digital forefront.

While it may cost a little more in some cases to show “Interstellar” on the film it was made to be printed on, it’s a novelty from a filmmaker that knows how to draw a crowd.

“Interstellar” comes to select theaters on November 5th in 35mm, 70mm, IMAX 70MM, as well as 4K Digital and IMAX Digital.

It releases everywhere on November 7th.