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NO WAY, IN LOTS OF HOMES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NETWORK…
…COMPANY RELEASES OOP TITLES TO CELEBRATE
MORE THAN 5,000 VIDEOS RATED BY BBFC IN 2021…
…BUT DECLINING NUMBERS HIT REVENUE
BBFC: “CONSUMERS WANT SAME RATINGS AT CINEMA AND HOME”
FRIGHTFEST UNVEILS 2022 SLATE
STRANGE DAYS
GO NORTH
SOME KIND OF HAPPENING
LARKING AROUND
A WAY OF LIFE
FLAMINGOS IN THE WILD
AT THE MOVIES
TWEET OF THE WEEK
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK 
It’s the halfway point in the year and with it comes a report from the Official Charts Company in what’s been happening over the first six months of 2022 in the Official Film Chart and beyond, as it’s totted up the sales from the year so far to come up with the bestsellers at the halfway mark. And it’s no surprise that the biggie thus far is Spider-Man: No Way Home, with the Tom Holland starrer shifting 750,000 units across disc and digital since its March launch, more than double that of its closest rival, Dune. Capping a strong 2022 for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the third biggest, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, also the second biggest digital download, ahead of No Time To Die, with the latest Bond selling through well into 2022 after its blockbusting bow in December 2021, and it’s the second biggest physical seller of 2022, bested only by No Way Home. Top Gun was the biggest catalogue seller of the year so far, making it to the pole position on the runway earlier this year, and sitting at number 11 on overall sales in the first sis months of the year, You can see the full listing here but in the meantime, Martin Talbot, Chief Executive, Official Charts Company said: “Congratulations to Spider-Man and the team behind the latest movie on their fantastic achievement in the first half of the year. The success of the title (along with the Dune, Ghostbusters, James Bond and Sing releases) emphasises just how popular buying and owning movies remains in 2022, when there is so much competition for the attention of consumers.”
Nice to have some more good news and our chums at Network are celebrating their 25th anniversary, kicking off the silver jubilee of the company’s founding by label boss Tim Beddows with a raft of promotional activity. Commenting from its success, built from a launch slate that included classic public information films, the company’s Beddows said: “Sometimes great things emerge from the daftest of ideas. And launching a video label with a collection of old public information films was certainly one of the daftest ideas in 1997, yet without ‘Charley Says’ we wouldn’t be here now, celebrating 25 years of Network. From those earliest weird releases to, well, the latest weird releases, and everything in between, I really can’t put the finger on what the secret of our success is, if anyone asks. But everyone we’ve worked with over the years both internally and externally just bought into it and made it work wonderfully. I’m very proud of the label. Sincere thanks to everyone out there who shared the vision and helped us take each step.”
What’s more, Network’s 25th birthday celebrations see a unique idea as the company reissues a range of long out of print catalogue titles for a last time before returning to the vaults. All are limited releases, driving collectability and interest among key fans of the title’s deep and mammoth selection of classic British titles. Comment again came from Beddows who said; “As part of our silver anniversary, we’re handpicking a selection of long-deleted titles and re-issuing them exclusively via our website one last time. We’re still very much a physical media business and we think this a great way to breathe new life into the back catalogue whilst the demand is there. The limited quantities are an important driver of this promo not least because we still have a full and exciting roster of new content to unleash.”
It’s one of our favourite times of the year, as the BBFC has released its annual report, outlining its work throughout 2021 and reiterating it aims going forward. We’re still working our way through it to pull highlights out, but the toppling figures alone make for fascinating reading. There were 5,431 video submissions, 1,891 online submissions, 659 theatrical films and 104 music videos. And by the end of the year, over on the video on demand side, the BBFC is now working with 27 different platforms on a voluntary basis, nab.ing them to use its trusted age ratings. The BBFC has now given age ratings for more than 17,673 separate bits of content, which equates to more than 811,000 minutes. This takes in ratings given for packaged media that cross over to online and digital worlds, as well as its self-rating partnership with Netflix and ongoing work with the likes of Prime Video, Apple TV+, Sky Store, StarzPlay, Pluto TV, YouTube Movies and Rakuten TV. The BBFC further highlighted the benefits to streaming platforms of developing the kind of relationship it has with Netflix, with its announcement saying: “The Report also shines a light on the organisation’s successful ongoing partnership with Netflix. The long-term agreement between the BBFC and Netflix means that UK families will continue to see trusted BBFC age ratings on all Netflix content for years to come. The increase in online age ratings is in line with BBFC research that showed that 91% of parents and 95% of teens want to see the same age ratings that they know and trust from cinema and DVD/Blu-ray packaging applied on video on demand (VOD) and streaming platforms. “
Continuing with the BBFC report, and more on this next week, but worth noting that the 15 certify is still the most common (more than 3,000 were given that rating in 2021) and also this from the financial section, as the organisation said: “Prior to 2020, we had witnessed a small but steady increase in film submissions year on year. This trend came to an abrupt halt with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and film submissions decreased by 58%. 2021 saw a slight recovery but overall, submissions were still 45% below pre-pandemic levels. The number of DVDs submitted
for classification during 2021 also declined and income fell by three per cent. The primary reason for the decline is the ongoing downward trend, as seen in the previous fourteen years, as the demand for online products increases. In response, the cost base of the company is being managed accordingly. Staffing levels and costs continue to be monitored closely.” More on this next week, but in the meantime, final word goes to BBFC chief executive David Austin, who said: |“After another difficult start to the year with COVID-19 restrictions, I am proud of everything we have achieved in 2021 to help parents and families choose content well. Alongside the wider recovery of the cinema industry, it has been especially encouraging to see a significant rise in our trusted age ratings online. Our research shows that UK families want to see the same ratings that they recognise from their local cinema when watching films and TV shows online, so it is reassuring that platforms are working with us to ensure this demand is met. Now in our 110th year, we continue to deliver more of our trusted and well-understood age ratings from cinemas to streaming platforms across the UK to help families choose content that’s right for them.”
The week’s other big announcement came from FrightFest, which unveiled its line-up for the in-person event due to take place at the Prince Charles Cinema from Thursday August 25 through to Monday August 19 in and around Leicester Square. Arrow Video FrightFest has two new presenting sponsors in addition to Arrow, with 101 Films and Shudder both on board, the former for three Discovery Screens at the event and the latter hosting the Shudder Screen on the Cineworld big screen. Highlights include the new film from Neil Marshall, The Lair, which opens the event, while the 4K restoration of Marshall’s Dog Soldiers, due for a home entertainment release from Second Sight, will also air. Closing film is Signature's Fall, a terrifying cliffhanger set on a deserted radio tower which will give nightmares to anyone with a fear of heights. Dario Argento’s latest, Dark Glasses, will also air, and while we’ll have more next week, including talking to distributors involved, we also like the sound of Cult Of VHS, which looks at horror’s video years and is, as FrightFest wittily noted, a “trip down Memorex lane”, Commenting on the event, event co-director Greg Day said: “It’s reassuring to know that film distributors. Sales agents and the filmmakers themselves are still keen to have FrightFest premiere their movies. As release markets change, festival events such as ours offer an increasingly rarer theatrical showcase and direct access to the fans themselves. Plus, like watching your favourite band play live, there’s nothing that beats the atmosphere and anticipation of watching a horror film surrounded by hundreds of like-minded people”
Monday releases, and the biggie comes from Disney, as Doctor Strange and his Multiverse Of Madness land on assorted formats into stores on July 18 following the strong theatrical performance and subsequent Disney+ release. Given the now mammoth catalogue of Marvel films from the studio and other majors too – it’s the 28th film in the self-style Marvel Cinematic Universe – there’s potential from consumers and diehard fans looking to update their collections of Marvel films and loads of associated purchases. One interesting sidebar (and worth noting after the BBFC news above) comes from its classification. For the film was rated as a 12A by the BBFC for its theatrical release and a 12 for its home entertainment release by the classification organisation. Given Sam Raimi’s involvement and its themes and styler – it has nods back to Raimi’s early Evil Dead films and is certainly more outwardly horror than many of its superhero contemporaries – the film’s UK classification has come under a certain amount of scrutiny. The BBFC’s guidance is clear and it does fall within the guidelines: “The film contains some notable moments of horror, including supernatural, zombie-like creatures, jump scares, and demonic entities, as well as impressionistically impactful but visually discreet moments of violence. The action largely takes place in alternate dimensions and universes, some of which resemble dreamscapes in which the laws of our world do not apply. Therefore, the surrealism of the multiverse and the fantastical nature of the horror, violence and threat, including the superhuman nature of many of the established characters, means the film is best placed at 12A.” But what is perhaps more curious is that Disney itself, on its Disney+ service, rates the film as suitable for viewers aged 14 and over.
Another of Monday’s biggies – and one of our favourite films of the year – is the latest from Robert Egger’s who, after dabbling in all kinds of folk horror weirdness with the likes of the Witch (or The VVitch if you’d rather) and more recently the wonderful The Lighthouse, dips into the world of Norse mythology with the swords and furs saga of The Northman. Comment came from Universal senior product manager Theo Seddon who said: “Robert Eggar’s The Northman storms into epic action across the UK with a campaign targeting select Action & Fantasy fans, Cinephiles and Robert Eggars fans. Activity includes quote and review led creative running out across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Amazon advertising and catch up TV inventory with the intention of broadening out this all-star release to entertainment fans across the country.”
Picturehouse Entertainment continues its strong run of recent releases – remember, Nitram that we raved about a few weeks back has just made its debut – and there’s more in the shape of Happening which landed in stores on Monday July 18. The film comes with a raft of critical acclaim and awards nominations, with a timely plot about unplanned pregnancy. Commenting on the release for Picturehouse Entertainment, Milly Maloco said "It goes without saying but HAPPENING is without doubt both a timely and very important film. Following the BAFTA nomination for Audrey Diwan earlier this year and the widespread critical acclaim that the film garnered around its theatrical release, it's wonderful to see it receive its Home Entertainment release. We hope that audiences continue to engage with this outstanding new work that, as perfectly summed up by one critic, is 'magnificently written, directed, shot and performed'"
Another label that’s been prolific in 2022 is Second Run and it has another due on Monday `July 18 with the release of Larks On A String, another international treasure unearthed and given a new lease of life by the label. The company’s Chris Barwick said; “The late, great Jiří Menzel was one of our favourite filmmakers – and people. His films are subtle but powerful satires on the brutal regime that the Czechoslovak people endured - and they are also wonderfully funny. LARKS ON A STRING was made in 1968, but was banned even before release and remained unseen until it was unveiled at the 1990 Berlin Film Festival where it (deservedly) took the top prize. This new Blu-ray world-premiere boasts a sparkling 4K restoration, and will hopefully bring a new audience to Menzel’s blackly comic world-view.”
We’ve not mentioned High Fliers much here recently but the long-standing independent continues to dig out DTV goodies and interesting items, Monday’s release sees a tale revolving around the mod and skinhead revivals of the 1980s, with a suitably well-turned out sleeve featuring very mod graphics and a nod – also in the quote above the title – to youth culture classic Quadrophenia. Comment came from the company’s senior account manager Mark Anderson who said: “We are very pleased to be releasing The Modern Way, a gritty thriller set in the 1980’s with a Mods Vs Skinheads storyline. Written by Jake Henderson who also stars in the film, Modern Way is inspired by Quadrophenia and it recently picked up two awards at the Nice International Film Festival for Best Director and Outstanding Actor. Our thanks goes to the chart support from our retail partners and also all our digital platform partners.”
And it’s another busy week for Dazzler too, with last week’s releases barely to settle and another round due in stores. The company’s Paul Holland said: “Last week's Corrective Measures, starring Bruce Willis and Michael Rooker and the 15th series of Murdoch Mysteries both entered the Top 40 and despite the sun helped drive customers to purchase in respectable numbers. This week's new titles include the feature film Embattled starring Stephen Dorff as Cash, an MMA fighter who channels his aggression to become a world champion. The Sky original TV series Fear Index is also out on July 19, starring Josh Hartnett in a dramatic sci fi tale of what can happen when an AI project goes terribly wrong. Also this week Series 2 of ITV's leading comedy series Kate and Koji which drew a highly respectable audience when broadcast earlier this year.New Dazzler shows on TV this week include the compelling drama, The Control Room, an edge of your seat thriller which goes out at 9pm on BBC1 this week.”
Next Monday, July 25, sees the first ever uncut home entertainment release fo the notorious early John Waters film Pink Flamingos, starring the director’s muse Divine and a shocking cast of Baltimore lowlifes and trash, via Criterion’s UK arm. And to mark the event, the Picturehouse Central in the West End is screening the film on Friday June 22 as part of a tie in with Criterion. More next week, but detail here as Picturehouse’s announcement noted: "We’re very excited to host this celebratory 50th anniversary event for the forever shocking counterculture sensation Pink Flamingos, just in time for its official Criterion Collection Blu-ray release, available uncut for the first time ever in the UK. The screening includes an exclusive recorded introduction from John Waters himself, and everyone attending will receive a Pink Flamingos’ ‘barf bag’ just like audiences got back in 1972! What’s more, bi-monthly film magazine Little White Lies have dedicated this month’s issue to all things Pink Flamingos, and copies will be available to buy on the night. Dress up (as Divine!) and sashay down to join in all the fun.”
AT THE MOVIES
He's not even 20 yet and looks even younger, but Finn Wolfhard – you’ll recognise him from Stranger Things, is on track to make his directorial debut. The star, who plays Mike Whgeeler in the ongoing Netflix series and also appeared in Ghostbusters Afterlife, is penning and co-directing Hell Of A Summer. He’s working with Billy Bryk, and the pair will star as well as handling writing and directing… He said: "I am so excited to be co-directing my first feature film. I get the chance to work with an incredible cast and crew, and to work with a company like 30West and Aggregate is a real dream."
In this week’s “make it stop” news, Ryan Gosling is the latest star who has been quizzed about comic book movies in the course of promotional duties for another film (Netflix’s The Gray Man). He denied involvement in Nova from the comics giant, but hinted at his willingness to get involved with a new take on Ghost Rider…
Meanwhile, as lovers of the 70s laidback Balearic vibe of yacht rock, we welcome news there’s a new jukebox musical, Sailing, on the way… It will focus on yacht rock hits, as musicians discover the mellow vibes and formulate the sound in late 1970s America. Woody Harrelson will star, with Rock Of Ages creator Chris D’Arienzo behind the project, which Lionsgate is developing. “Everything about the yacht rock vibe, ethos and lifestyle will be brought on board this fun and hilarious nostalgic comedy,” said Lionsgate president of production Erin Westerman. “We’re confident that it will not only have a phenomenal soundtrack, but it will also put you in a summertime mood.”
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Follow us on www.twitter.com/theraygun
TRAILERS OF THE WEEK
The rings approacheth…
A 101 release…
Not released through the Weinstein Company…
Much talked about…
Due from Altitude on Monday July 18…
Terrible title, but a great trailer…
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