Director of 'Sixth Sense' opposes simultaneous DVD releases

October 29, 2005

35 year old director M. Night Shyamalan, traveled to Orlando Florida to voice his opinion on the concept of releasing films on DVD the day that they are released to theaters. It is interesting to get his viewpoint as he is a content creator in the true sense, and being young and creative, we might think he is more likely to be open to change.

It is also interesting to read the love hate relationship he has with the DVD. On one hand, he wishes to only produce content for the big screen, yet at the same time, it is the DVD that enabled him to purchase his home.

Shyamalan said his speech at the ShowEast convention in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday night, was intended to address "the human factor."

"When I sit down next to you in a movie theater, we get to share each other's point of view. We become part of a collective soul. That's the magic in the movies," he was quoted as telling some 800 theater operators and suppliers.

"Nobody has benefited more from DVD sales than me. I bought my house on DVD sales from `The Sixth Sense,'" he said. "But take away my house. That's not why I do what I do."

He added: "If this thing happens, you know the majority of your theaters are closing. It's going to crush you guys."

We can set down next to one another in the living room as well, and not have to listen to a cell phone conversation in the next row. Frankly, we have to realize that the necessity of a movie theater has become endangered due to technology that is available for our homes, both in sound and vision. A DVD player can be purchased for the price of a single outing to the theater with a friend these days and there is no stress hoping to get the best seat in the house. Watching the film in the privacy and comfort of your own home, coupled with viewing the film when you are ready, not when the theater decides to play it, is a powerful combination.

For some films, it's just more "fun" to view them on the big screen, but they are few and far between for myself. Yet, lets hope the cinema can react to the changing times and come up with ways to keep drawing the crowds. I think the day that they are crushed is still a ways off if they can adapt. Please take up the challenge.

Source: ABC News