I can’t remember a studio giving away free ticket to a new, big budget release. But that’s exactly what Lionsgate is doing for “The Big Wedding”. Fans can take advantage of a ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ promotion for the entire run of the film in theaters – not just opening night or a special, advanced screening. This is certainly good news for anyone who’s excited about seeing the Diane Keaton/Robert De Niro/Robin Williams romantic comedy, which opens Friday. But the bad news is, I can’t be the only one who thinks this is going to be one of the year’s biggest bombs. Studio execs. must feel going BOGO is the only way to get people into the theater.
“The Big Wedding” trailer is bad, there’s no denying that. But to give away so many free tickets, giving-up any chance that the film will be at least respectable at the box office, Lionsgate must know that the movie is even worse that anyone imagines.
On the other hand, the buzz for this Summer’s blockbusters continues to grow. Want to see a special showing of “Man of Steel” on June 13, the night before it opens? You got to go to Walmart! The store will be selling tickets to the exclusive screening at over 3700 locations starting Saturday, May 18 (and probably ENDING the same day – can’t imagine they won’t sell-out within hours). Fans who buy tickets to the screening also get an exclusive comic book and a pre-order code for the Blu-ray/digital edition of the film.
Tickets go on sale at 8am. Lines will be forming soon.