Napoleon Dynamite DVD: Smashing Expectations?
#1
DVD Talk Reviewer Emeritus
Thread Starter
Napoleon Dynamite DVD: Smashing Expectations?
I actually had trouble finding the "Napoleon Dynamite" DVD Tuesday afternoon. My local Wal-Mart and Circuit City sold out early, and clerks at both stores told me they were stunned by how many people came in asking for it. I finally found it at Best Buy, where a huge display was nearly depleted. Anyone else have trouble finding it?
I thought this film made a relatively small splash at the box office and was more of a cult flick, but this thing seems to have exploded. This morning, I noticed a small item at Movie City News about this topic. I think it's great news for the film, but I'm still amazed by its success.
I thought this film made a relatively small splash at the box office and was more of a cult flick, but this thing seems to have exploded. This morning, I noticed a small item at Movie City News about this topic. I think it's great news for the film, but I'm still amazed by its success.
#3
Needs to contact an admin about multiple accounts
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Jason Bovberg
I actually had trouble finding the "Napoleon Dynamite" DVD Tuesday afternoon. My local Wal-Mart and Circuit City sold out early, and clerks at both stores told me they were stunned by how many people came in asking for it. I finally found it at Best Buy, where a huge display was nearly depleted. Anyone else have trouble finding it?
I thought this film made a relatively small splash at the box office and was more of a cult flick, but this thing seems to have exploded. This morning, I noticed a small item at Movie City News about this topic. I think it's great news for the film, but I'm still amazed by its success.
I thought this film made a relatively small splash at the box office and was more of a cult flick, but this thing seems to have exploded. This morning, I noticed a small item at Movie City News about this topic. I think it's great news for the film, but I'm still amazed by its success.
It's major cult film, but one where everybody who loved it is DVD savvy and bought a copy. It happens from time to time.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 787
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#5
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,701
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Jason Bovberg
I thought this film made a relatively small splash at the box office
#6
DVD Talk Special Edition
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: World of Shit
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I liked the movie and was barely able to get a copy at Best Buy. I think that Christmas has alot to do with this selling so much on its release week also. I was stunned at how it's a little hard to find the new Top Gun SE as well. Apparently Cruise and Dynamite are stocking-stuffer buddies.
#7
DVD Talk Reviewer Emeritus
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by ThatGuamGuy
$44 million is not a small splash, especially when the movie cost less than half a million.
#8
Suspended
If was sold out pretty much everywhere here. My GF managed to find a copy at Hot Topic that came with a magnet for $24.99 (A bit expensive but well worth it)
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Posts: 787
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Geeks, sharks, lovable neurotics and a fast-food fiend have given the Sundance Film Festival one of its biggest years ever at theaters.
While none of the movies that came out of last January’s festival approached the $140 million success of Sundance’s all-time smash “The Blair Witch Project,” the independent-film showcase has produced a string of mini-hits.
First-time filmmaker Jared Hess’ “Napoleon Dynamite,” about a collection of Idaho nerds finding their place in the world, grossing $44 million in domestic revenues.
Director Chris Kentis’ shark nightmare “Open Water,” based on a true story of a couple mistakenly left behind among hungry predators on a scuba-diving trip, grossing $30 million in domestic revenues.
Writer-director Zach Braff’s romance “Garden State,” in which he stars as an actor reuniting with offbeat pals during a funeral homecoming, grossing $26 million in domestic revenues.
“Super Size Me,” tracing director Morgan Spurlock’s health deterioration on an all-McDonald’s diet, grossing $11.5 million in domestic revenues, impressive results for a documentary.
“There’s been a real blending of indie film and commercial prospects out of Sundance,” said Steve Gilula, head of distribution for Fox Searchlight, which released “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Garden State.” “Financially, other than ‘Blair Witch,’ I don’t think there’s any year that compares.”
Small films, small revenues
A combination of factors has contributed to the popularity of indie films. More small distributors have emerged, with some players willing to put up cash to market and widely release niche movies. Many independent filmmakers have moved from an esoteric art-house sensibility toward mainstream tastes. And audiences have a growing appetite for something beyond the usual Hollywood offerings, said Sundance festival chief Geoffrey Gilmore.
“I do think the independent film audience is maturing,” Gilmore said. “People are interested in things that aren’t fitting into the formulaic studio mold.”
***Saw another Sundance movie which was released after this article was published has since gone on to gross $55 million in domestic revenues.
While none of the movies that came out of last January’s festival approached the $140 million success of Sundance’s all-time smash “The Blair Witch Project,” the independent-film showcase has produced a string of mini-hits.
First-time filmmaker Jared Hess’ “Napoleon Dynamite,” about a collection of Idaho nerds finding their place in the world, grossing $44 million in domestic revenues.
Director Chris Kentis’ shark nightmare “Open Water,” based on a true story of a couple mistakenly left behind among hungry predators on a scuba-diving trip, grossing $30 million in domestic revenues.
Writer-director Zach Braff’s romance “Garden State,” in which he stars as an actor reuniting with offbeat pals during a funeral homecoming, grossing $26 million in domestic revenues.
“Super Size Me,” tracing director Morgan Spurlock’s health deterioration on an all-McDonald’s diet, grossing $11.5 million in domestic revenues, impressive results for a documentary.
“There’s been a real blending of indie film and commercial prospects out of Sundance,” said Steve Gilula, head of distribution for Fox Searchlight, which released “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Garden State.” “Financially, other than ‘Blair Witch,’ I don’t think there’s any year that compares.”
Small films, small revenues
A combination of factors has contributed to the popularity of indie films. More small distributors have emerged, with some players willing to put up cash to market and widely release niche movies. Many independent filmmakers have moved from an esoteric art-house sensibility toward mainstream tastes. And audiences have a growing appetite for something beyond the usual Hollywood offerings, said Sundance festival chief Geoffrey Gilmore.
“I do think the independent film audience is maturing,” Gilmore said. “People are interested in things that aren’t fitting into the formulaic studio mold.”
***Saw another Sundance movie which was released after this article was published has since gone on to gross $55 million in domestic revenues.
#10
DVD Talk Godfather
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: City of the lakers.. riots.. and drug dealing cops.. los(t) Angel(e)s. ca.
Posts: 54,199
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by GizmoDVD
If was sold out pretty much everywhere here. My GF managed to find a copy at Hot Topic that came with a magnet for $24.99 (A bit expensive but well worth it)
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NEW YORK, NY
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here in NYC, I have seen copies everywhere. I was told by a clerk that a lot of people have bought this dvd, more than the clerk expected, but it is definitely not a problem to find the dvd. Best Buy, FYE, Virgin, Tower, Circuit City, Costco, HMV all had tons of this dvd and were no where close to running out. The studios probably made sure that NYC stores had more than enough copies since there are more people who are into indy films in NYC than pretty much anywhere in the US.
#13
Suspended
Well, two targets, 3 blockbusters, hot topic, and best buy were sold out come wednesday. Maybe we will see Napoleon Dynamite 2? Heh
#15
DVD Talk Godfather
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: City of the lakers.. riots.. and drug dealing cops.. los(t) Angel(e)s. ca.
Posts: 54,199
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Originally Posted by Geist
So what are the chances that this success doesn't mean a double dip will be put in production...?
doubtful. Fox usually doesn't pay much attention to double dipping on the "indie" films they put out.
#16
DVD Talk Special Edition
It is not always about how much a movie costs or how many special effects they include. A good solid movie will sell. I had a friend telling me about ND but I have not seen it. I may have to pick it up based on the growing popularity.
#18
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I remember this happening with The Fast and the Furious when it came out. I stopped at Target, Mejier, and Best Buy before I finally called it quits. I was very suprised that it was gone that fast.
#23
DVD Talk Legend
went looking for it today. the place I work at (TRU) sold out, and I went to Best Buy afterwards and they just sold out today. nuts.
#24
New Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I dropped by a Seattle area Best Buy on Tue and this DVD was totally sold out. I also overheard multiple customers asking about this DVD. I was definitely surprised but it seemed like all the new titles were selling out. I ended up getting the last copy of Shaun of the Dead (the last stack was literally disappearing while I browsed).