Cordkillers 518 - You Got Your Movie in my Pickleball Theater!
Theaters across North America plan a $2.2 billion upgrade to enhance the moviegoing experience with better sound, seating, and new attractions like arcades and pickleball. Amazon’s MGM will produce a Sims movie, while Donald Glover works on a fun-focused Star Wars project about Lando.
This week on The FULL Experience: The Wire (510 - "-30-")
Next week: MAS*H (101 - "Pilot")
YouTube: https://youtu.be/yeguPA2rK2o
Supply Run
Eight of the largest theater chains in the US and Canada have announced plans to invest over $2.2 billion in upgrading more than 21,000 screens over the next three years. These upgrades aim to enhance moviegoer experiences with better sound, laser projection, immersive sound systems, improved food options, and more comfortable seating. Theaters will also feature new amenities like pickleball, ziplines, arcades, and bowling. The goal is to attract people back to theaters amidst rising competition from streaming.
Links:
Search Party
• The Sims Movie: Amazon’s MGM will produce a movie based on The Sims, co-written by Briony Redman and Kate Herron, with Herron directing.
Link: BBC
• Amazon’s Competition Show: Premiering October 30, Amazon’s new TV show will feature entrepreneurs pitching their products, which will be sold on Amazon if selected by the judges.
Link: WSJ
• Donald Glover’s Star Wars Project: Donald Glover is developing a Star Wars movie centered on Lando Calrissian, emphasizing a fun, less serious tone than typical Star Wars films.
Link: Variety
• Netflix Weekly Update:
• Black Mirror Season 7 will star Emma Corrin, Paul Giamatti, Issa Rae, and Awkwafina, set for a 2025 release.
• A teaser for Squid Game Season 2 features Gi-hun with a gun.
• Netflix is producing its third attempt at a Magic: The Gathering animated series, with Terry Matalas as showrunner.
• Arcane Season 2 will release on November 9.
• The Sandman Season 2 will include appearances by Loki, Thor, and Odin.
• Netflix reported 94 billion hours of programming streamed in the first half of 2024.
Links: Variety on Black Mirror, Deadline on Squid Game, Deadline on Magic: The Gathering, The Verge on Arcane, Variety on The Sandman, Variety on Streaming Stats
• Marvel’s Thunderbolts: A new trailer has been released for Marvel’s Thunderbolts, set to debut on May 2, 2024.
Link: The Verge
• Detroiters: The cult comedy series Detroiters will be available on Netflix starting October 15.
Link: Variety
Buried Treasure
• Ghostlight was recommended by Brian, while Tom suggested Pachinko as noteworthy titles to check out.
Got something to recommend? Email at cordkillers@gmail.com
Scanning the Horizon
• Google TV Streamer: Google has launched a new $100 set-top box, replacing Chromecast. It includes smart home control, AI-generated photo screensavers, and summaries of shows and movies using Google’s Gemini AI. A new sports tab and grid guide for 150 FAST channels are also available.
Link: TechCrunch
• Amazon Joins Motion Picture Association: Starting October 1, Amazon’s Prime Video and MGM Studio will officially join the Motion Picture Association, becoming members alongside major studios like Netflix and Disney.
Link: Engadget
• YouTube Pause Ads: YouTube has officially rolled out pause screen ads to all users. If you don’t subscribe to YouTube Premium, you’ll see ads every time you pause a video, similar to services like Hulu and Sling TV.
Link: The Verge
• Lionsgate and AI: Lionsgate has partnered with AI startup Runway to develop AI tools using its film library. This raises ethical concerns about AI’s role in Hollywood and its potential impact on creative jobs.
Link: Wired
Chatter
• Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox are leaving NBC Sports Chicago to form their own regional sports network called the Chicago Sports Network starting October 1. [Jason]
• A viewer from Fond Du Lac, WI, shared his experience watching The Wire on DVD from the local library, praising the Full Experience method. He also suggested Seaquest for the Full Experience, linking it to recent Oceangate events. [David]
• A viewer from Australia recommended Mr Bates vs. The Post Office for the Full Experience since it’s only four episodes long. [Joshua]