PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
09-14-09 | 01:39 PM
#1
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
Check out this news item from Anime News Network:
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-13/miyazaki-ponyo-slides-to-no.21-with-$656000
PONYO has made more money theatrically than any other Miyazaki film released in the U.S.
However it's still only the fifth highest grossing anime film released to theaters in the U.S. The four highest grossing are...[cue theme song]...the first three Pokemon movies (POKEMON THE FIRST MOVIE, POKEMON THE MOVIE 2000, and POKEMON THE MOVIE 3: LORD OF THE UNKNOWN TOWER) and YU-GI-OH!: THE MOVIE.
(I was going to add this to my Pokemon thread, but I figured nobody would read it there.)
Even though my ardor for Miyazaki has cooled in the last seven years, it's nice to see one of his movies (his weakest, IMHO) finally make some money. And I'm happy to see the Pokemon movies at the top of the heap, even though so many of the later ones (esp. movies 6, 7 & 8) were so much better, but didn't rate a theatrical release at all.
The link isn't working, so I'll just copy and paste the story from ANN here:
The Box Office Mojo website reports that Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's Ponyo anime film has earned an estimated US$656,000 during the September 11-13 weekend. In its fifth weekend in American theaters, Ponyo slides from #16 to #21 at the box office as it faces four new films. With 589 theaters (301 less than last weekend), Ponyo has an estimated per-screen average of US$1,114. Ticket sales has dropped 49.9% from last weekend.
With a current estimated total of US$14,362,000, Ponyo is still the fifth highest grossing theatrical anime release in the United States, below Pokemon 3 - The Movie (US$17,052,128). The only anime films with higher American box office totals are the first three Pokémon movies and Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Movie. After their fifth full weekend of release, Princess Mononoke (1999) had earned US$1,638,393 on 26 theaters, Spirited Away (2002) had earned US$3,424,435 on 151 theaters, and Howl's Moving Castle (2005) had earned US$3,817,641 on 177 theaters. Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli were also responsible for Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle.
Ponyo's story follows an ordinary boy named Sosuke (Frankie Jonas in the English dub) and his friendship with Ponyo (Noah Cyrus), an unusual goldfish from the seas. The other English-language castmembers include Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Lily Tomlin, and Betty White. The Yahoo! Movies and Apple websites have been streaming the trailers.
Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself opened at #1 with approximately $24,030,000 in ticket sales. 9, Sorority Row and Whiteout debuted in 2nd, 6th and 7th spots respectively.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-13/miyazaki-ponyo-slides-to-no.21-with-$656000
PONYO has made more money theatrically than any other Miyazaki film released in the U.S.
However it's still only the fifth highest grossing anime film released to theaters in the U.S. The four highest grossing are...[cue theme song]...the first three Pokemon movies (POKEMON THE FIRST MOVIE, POKEMON THE MOVIE 2000, and POKEMON THE MOVIE 3: LORD OF THE UNKNOWN TOWER) and YU-GI-OH!: THE MOVIE.
(I was going to add this to my Pokemon thread, but I figured nobody would read it there.)
Even though my ardor for Miyazaki has cooled in the last seven years, it's nice to see one of his movies (his weakest, IMHO) finally make some money. And I'm happy to see the Pokemon movies at the top of the heap, even though so many of the later ones (esp. movies 6, 7 & 8) were so much better, but didn't rate a theatrical release at all.
The link isn't working, so I'll just copy and paste the story from ANN here:
The Box Office Mojo website reports that Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's Ponyo anime film has earned an estimated US$656,000 during the September 11-13 weekend. In its fifth weekend in American theaters, Ponyo slides from #16 to #21 at the box office as it faces four new films. With 589 theaters (301 less than last weekend), Ponyo has an estimated per-screen average of US$1,114. Ticket sales has dropped 49.9% from last weekend.
With a current estimated total of US$14,362,000, Ponyo is still the fifth highest grossing theatrical anime release in the United States, below Pokemon 3 - The Movie (US$17,052,128). The only anime films with higher American box office totals are the first three Pokémon movies and Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Movie. After their fifth full weekend of release, Princess Mononoke (1999) had earned US$1,638,393 on 26 theaters, Spirited Away (2002) had earned US$3,424,435 on 151 theaters, and Howl's Moving Castle (2005) had earned US$3,817,641 on 177 theaters. Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli were also responsible for Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle.
Ponyo's story follows an ordinary boy named Sosuke (Frankie Jonas in the English dub) and his friendship with Ponyo (Noah Cyrus), an unusual goldfish from the seas. The other English-language castmembers include Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Lily Tomlin, and Betty White. The Yahoo! Movies and Apple websites have been streaming the trailers.
Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself opened at #1 with approximately $24,030,000 in ticket sales. 9, Sorority Row and Whiteout debuted in 2nd, 6th and 7th spots respectively.
Last edited by Ash Ketchum; 09-14-09 at 01:45 PM.
09-14-09 | 01:41 PM
#2
Moderator
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
really?! that's surprising ... and great news. I've seen it twice once on day of release, then a second time with some kids. However let's hope that Disney doesn't throw out 'Tales of Earthsea' and think THAT film will succeed.
09-14-09 | 01:56 PM
#3
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
You'd think that with Disney's backing and big name Hollywood stars these Miyazaki films would do better. I don't know why they didn't do more promotion on ABC or the various Disney channels. And they've got that Japan pavilion at EPCOT. Why not have a few costumed characters or put some Miyazaki stuff in that museum towards the back?
09-14-09 | 02:19 PM
#5
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
But what really stood out were the expensive anime figures in a glass case. It was mostly Evangelion stuff. Found a pic:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheukiecfu/2648350464/
09-14-09 | 04:38 PM
#6
Senior Member
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
I have yet to see it but it looks interesting, probably won't get a chance to see it until DVD now though.
09-14-09 | 06:00 PM
#7
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
Wow, that is surprising because I liked this one the least of all his films.
Is it because this has the widest release of any of his films? Or is it because of a lack of competition out now?
Is it because this has the widest release of any of his films? Or is it because of a lack of competition out now?
09-14-09 | 06:03 PM
#8
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
There were commercials for it during Disney's Saturday morning block of programs on ABC.
09-14-09 | 07:23 PM
#9
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
I dont get how Ghibli films can only make a fraction of the Japanese intake in theaters. The numbers to me are embarassing, considering the number of fans there are in the US.
09-15-09 | 09:21 AM
#10
Moderator
09-15-09 | 10:57 AM
#11
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Legend
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
The hardcore American Miyazaki fans do not constitute the family audience needed to make these films hits in theaters. The first three Pokemon movies hit big because they had a major studio (Warner Bros.) backing them and they came off a high tide of Pokemon awareness and popularity among moviegoing family audiences, thanks to the games and the TV show. Miyazaki films do not come with that type of audience awareness. They're not based on pre-sold properties. Plus, they're quite a bit more challenging than the average animated family film. They usually find most of their family audience after the theatrical release when the families have time to discover the films on tape or DVD or TV showings and they get word-of-mouth from peers.
09-15-09 | 11:44 PM
#12
Anime Talk Contributor / Moderator
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
I'm not that surprised by this (especially after all the promotions that they have done). Miyazaki releases just aren't as popular (understatement) as Japan. Even I saw this in the theater already, I'm looking forward to the upcoming release in likely BD (in December).
09-19-09 | 03:40 PM
#13
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
I'm so excited by the fact this should be receiving a Blu-ray release. I wonder if Spirited Away or one of the other Miyazaki films will come out on Blu-ray the same time to coincide? Should be awesome!
09-19-09 | 09:29 PM
#14
Anime Talk Contributor / Moderator
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
Ponyo is expected to have a DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo releases. It doesn't look like any other Ghibli BD releases is coming any time soon. Though it's expected that Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, and My Neighbor Totoro will receive special edition re-releases (DVD).
09-21-09 | 05:34 AM
#15
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
UltimateDisney says the same that rereleases are forthcoming, but I don't know what they would add to these "Special Editions", but I am curious to see. I guess we should be expecting an announcement for it by next month
10-07-09 | 10:49 AM
#16
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From: WA
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
Forget the re-releases, I want to know when Ponyo is being released in R1-land! If it's not out by Christmas, I may well have to go get the R3.
10-17-09 | 12:30 PM
#17
DVD Talk Special Edition
10-22-09 | 11:49 PM
#20
Anime Talk Contributor / Moderator
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
My local Suncoast has a release date for Ponyo. It's available for pre-order @ your local TWEC chain stores. The release date listed was 3/2/2010. It remains to be seen if this date will hold up.
- DVD (Reg): $29.99
- DVD (SE): $34.99
- Blu-ray: $39.99
10-26-09 | 12:50 AM
#21
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
December 8th, according to AsianBluRayGuide
Good news for those of us who want to see Hayao Miyazaki's latest Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea in glorious HD as soon as possible without paying a premium price for the Japanese Blu-ray Disc release. According to Rope of Silicone, Walt Disney Home Entertainment will bring the significant cheaper US DVD and Blu-ray Disc release on the same day as in Japan, meaning December 8th. So the October date mentioned back in July was (just as espected) just some retailer related date.
[Oct. 20] Update: According to a tweet from Disney producer Frank Marshall, Ponyo will be released in the US in March 2010! I asked him about the date Rope of Silicone stated but I didn't receive an answer yet. Hard to believe that Disney won't take advantage of the upcoming Christmas sales, especially since a French BD release for December was announced two days ago. [via The Ghibli Blog]
[Oct. 20] Update: According to a tweet from Disney producer Frank Marshall, Ponyo will be released in the US in March 2010! I asked him about the date Rope of Silicone stated but I didn't receive an answer yet. Hard to believe that Disney won't take advantage of the upcoming Christmas sales, especially since a French BD release for December was announced two days ago. [via The Ghibli Blog]
10-30-09 | 07:27 PM
#22
Anime Talk Contributor / Moderator
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
...and picture of the SE (w/Plush) release.
Originally Posted by ANN
Frank Marshall, the co-producer of the North American release of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's Ponyo film, confirmed on his personal Twitter account on Thursday evening that the film's DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) releases will both ship on March 2. He added that a 2-Disc DVD & Plush Gift Set will bundle a plush doll of the title character for a limited time only. While a similar BD-and-plush gift set has not been scheduled, Marshall said that "if the DVD version works, there could be a Blu-Ray plush version."
Marshall acknowledged that the home video releases was originally slated for December 8, but noted that the final releases will include "a fabulous journey into the World of Ghibli." However, he said the Japanese Ponyo wa Kōshite Umareta ~Miyazaki Hayao no Shisō Katei~ (Ponyo Was Born Like This: Hayao Miyazaki's Thought Process) documentary will only be available in Japan.
The film is still playing in American theaters, where it has grossed US$15,050,041 as of this past Sunday.
Source: Nausicaa.net
Marshall acknowledged that the home video releases was originally slated for December 8, but noted that the final releases will include "a fabulous journey into the World of Ghibli." However, he said the Japanese Ponyo wa Kōshite Umareta ~Miyazaki Hayao no Shisō Katei~ (Ponyo Was Born Like This: Hayao Miyazaki's Thought Process) documentary will only be available in Japan.
The film is still playing in American theaters, where it has grossed US$15,050,041 as of this past Sunday.
Source: Nausicaa.net
10-30-09 | 10:01 PM
#23
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
Oh well, looks like the 12 and a half hour documentary won't be included, but as long as the US version has all the BD extras from Japan, then it should be good.
That will be my reason to upgrade from the current DVD, which was pretty boring on extras....
That will be my reason to upgrade from the current DVD, which was pretty boring on extras....
12-05-09 | 06:36 AM
#24
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: PONYO is Miyazaki's biggest hit in the U.S.
from dvdtimes:
Different extras it seems, compared to the Japanese release.
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment have announced the US DVD and Blu-ray Disc release of Ponyo on 2nd March 2010. The latest film from director Hayao Miyazaki is inspired by the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale “The Little Mermaid” and also incorporates a very contemporary concern for nature. The plot centres around a goldfish named Ponyo who befriends a five-year-old human boy, Sōsuke, and wants to become a human girl.
Priced at $39.99 SRP on Blu-ray Disc and $29.99 SRP on 2-Disc DVD, extras include:
The World of Ghibli- Allows fans to immerse themselves in the amazing worlds from each film created by legendary filmmaker, Hayao Miyazaki in this multi-layered interactive experience. Lands to explore include:
Ponyo’s Land
Kiki’s Land
Castle’s Land
Totoro’s Land
Behind the Studio- Unprecedented access to all the background, inspiration and process behind the making of Ponyo and the inner workings of Studio Ghibli through a series of documentaries. They include all new interviews with Hayao Miyazaki, and composer Joe Hisaishi. Also included in this feature are:
Creating Ponyo
Ponyo & Fujimoto
The Nursery
Behind the Microphone: The Voice of Ponyo
Producers Perspective: Telling the Story
Scoring Miyazaki
The Scenery in Ghibli
Original Japanese Trailer
Priced at $39.99 SRP on Blu-ray Disc and $29.99 SRP on 2-Disc DVD, extras include:
The World of Ghibli- Allows fans to immerse themselves in the amazing worlds from each film created by legendary filmmaker, Hayao Miyazaki in this multi-layered interactive experience. Lands to explore include:
Ponyo’s Land
Kiki’s Land
Castle’s Land
Totoro’s Land
Behind the Studio- Unprecedented access to all the background, inspiration and process behind the making of Ponyo and the inner workings of Studio Ghibli through a series of documentaries. They include all new interviews with Hayao Miyazaki, and composer Joe Hisaishi. Also included in this feature are:
Creating Ponyo
Ponyo & Fujimoto
The Nursery
Behind the Microphone: The Voice of Ponyo
Producers Perspective: Telling the Story
Scoring Miyazaki
The Scenery in Ghibli
Original Japanese Trailer