Odeon reverses Alice in Wonderland boycott
source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8536195.stm
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Odeon has reversed its decision to boycott Tim Burton's new 3D film version of Alice in Wonderland following talks with Disney.
The cinema chain had vowed not to show the film in the UK, Irish Republic and Italy over Disney's plans to release the film on DVD at the end of May.
Earlier, Burton said Odeon's decision not to screen the film was "upsetting".
"I feel terrible about it," Burton told the BBC's Breakfast programme. "To me it doesn't make anybody look good."
The film-maker added that he hoped "something is going to be worked out", but had not been involved in talks, which are understood to have gone on late into the night on Wednesday.
'New benchmark'
Odeon made its original decision in response to Disney's plan to reduce the period which it can be shown in cinemas from the standard 17 weeks.
The company said it would "set a new benchmark, leading to a 12-week window becoming rapidly standard".
In a statement following talks with Disney, Odeon said: The Odeon and UCI Cinema Group is pleased to announce that, following detailed negotiations with the Walt Disney Company Ltd, an enduring agreement has been reached encompassing all the different aspects of both companies' commercial relationship.
Burton tells BBC Breakfast he is unhappy about Odeon and Disney's wrangle
"As a result of this agreement, Odeon is pleased to confirm that it will be able to continue with its plans for significant investment in new cinemas, in digital technology in 3D capability and the other exciting developments designed for the increased enjoyment of all its customers."
Neither side would disclose terms of the agreement, but the Cineworld and Vue cinema chains, which will also be screening the film, had previously agreed to a 13-week gap between opening night and the DVD release.
Tim Burton, along with stars of Alice in Wonderland including Johnny Depp and his wife Helena Bonham Carter, will be at the Royal premiere this evening.
The gala screening is due to take place at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.
The cinema chain had vowed not to show the film in the UK, Irish Republic and Italy over Disney's plans to release the film on DVD at the end of May.
Earlier, Burton said Odeon's decision not to screen the film was "upsetting".
"I feel terrible about it," Burton told the BBC's Breakfast programme. "To me it doesn't make anybody look good."
The film-maker added that he hoped "something is going to be worked out", but had not been involved in talks, which are understood to have gone on late into the night on Wednesday.
'New benchmark'
Odeon made its original decision in response to Disney's plan to reduce the period which it can be shown in cinemas from the standard 17 weeks.
The company said it would "set a new benchmark, leading to a 12-week window becoming rapidly standard".
In a statement following talks with Disney, Odeon said: The Odeon and UCI Cinema Group is pleased to announce that, following detailed negotiations with the Walt Disney Company Ltd, an enduring agreement has been reached encompassing all the different aspects of both companies' commercial relationship.
Burton tells BBC Breakfast he is unhappy about Odeon and Disney's wrangle
"As a result of this agreement, Odeon is pleased to confirm that it will be able to continue with its plans for significant investment in new cinemas, in digital technology in 3D capability and the other exciting developments designed for the increased enjoyment of all its customers."
Neither side would disclose terms of the agreement, but the Cineworld and Vue cinema chains, which will also be screening the film, had previously agreed to a 13-week gap between opening night and the DVD release.
Tim Burton, along with stars of Alice in Wonderland including Johnny Depp and his wife Helena Bonham Carter, will be at the Royal premiere this evening.
The gala screening is due to take place at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.
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