Illumination and Nintendo Team up for Animated Mario Movie!

[Ben]

Tapes are the next audio format making a comeback! Sales up something like 20% for the first time in ten years, or thereabouts, I heard the other day.

[gaastra]

Hitting a billion sunday. Also vod release was coming out in a few weeks. Now moved to july for dvd and no release date for vod!

[Ben]

This is all very good for the cinema business and making studios realise that shorter windows are dumb. Maybe two months is a sweet spot, but it’s clear audiences will go to see films that work and entertain them.

[gaastra]

And passed a billion. Did incredible in japan also ironic it and detective conan crushed the live action saint Saiya film making it crash at the japan box office. Live action 80s anime remake no match for mario and conan looks like.

[Daniel]

On that note, Japan really went all out!






So much awesomeness. Seat covers! No one does it like Japan.

[gaastra]

Universal changed their minds?

[Ben]

Interesting. May 9th seems awfully shortsighted given how well it is doing, though. May 19th I could kind of see, as that’s *almost* another month, but then maybe Uni is pleased enough with the haul they have and they want to build on the current momentum. I can see valid reasons for both sides: keep it in cinemas longer and let it dry out old school before home video, or go straight to video now and grab stragglers who haven’t been to see it yet or that are interested to see what the success is all about while it’s still hot. Let’s see…

[gaastra]

Yup. Universal gonna universal and rushed mario out to vod as fast as they can so Tuesday, May 16.

https://thedirect.com/article/super-mar ... lease-date

[Ben]

Okay, so somewhere in the middle then. An extra week, but still a quick shift from big to small screens, which kind of makes sense. And it’s not like they’re pulling it from cinemas, so people can still choose to go see it.

[gaastra]

Mario now the 5th highest grossing animated film in history.

[Daniel]

Now available on Video on demand. $24.99 to rent, $29.99 to buy. Yeah, cheaper to just wait for the physical release. Speaking of, here are some of the exclusives:

Target:



Best Buy:



Walmart:



Very tempted for the Walmart version. A tad gimmicky and impractical but it's pretty cool! Pics and reviews will likely sway me...

[James]

Just for fun, I asked ChatGPT to write a spoiler-free review of the Super Mario Bros. Movie! It created one for a live-action/animated hybrid. So I asked it to rewrite for an animated film. It came back with the same review just with the word "animated" interspersed throughout. Here is it's review:

A Colorful Animated Adventure: Super Mario Bros. Movie Review

The Super Mario Bros. Movie, in its animated form, is a delightful and visually captivating adventure that brings the beloved video game characters to life with charm and creativity. Directed by a talented team, the film successfully captures the essence of the iconic gaming franchise while offering a fresh and vibrant take on the Mushroom Kingdom.

The story follows the legendary Mario brothers, Mario (voiced by an energetic and charismatic actor) and Luigi (portrayed by a talented and endearing voice artist), as they embark on a thrilling journey through a whimsical and imaginative world. The plot introduces us to a new, visually stunning rendition of the Mushroom Kingdom, filled with colorful landscapes, quirky characters, and unexpected twists.

One of the movie's greatest strengths lies in its stunning animation. The Mushroom Kingdom is brought to life with incredible attention to detail, blending traditional and computer-generated animation seamlessly. The vibrant colors, fluid movements, and imaginative character designs make the film a visual feast, capturing the spirit of the games and immersing viewers in a visually stunning world.

The voice performances in the film are exceptional, as each actor breathes life into their respective characters. The cast brings their unique talents to the roles, creating a wonderful chemistry among the characters. The humor is skillfully delivered, incorporating witty dialogue and clever references to the games that will delight fans of all ages.

In terms of storytelling, the Super Mario Bros. Movie strikes a balance between nostalgia and originality. While paying homage to the source material, it also presents a fresh and engaging narrative that will captivate both long-time fans and newcomers. The pacing is well-balanced, with exciting action sequences and moments of heartfelt character development. The film effectively captures the sense of adventure and camaraderie that defines the Mario franchise.

Another notable aspect is the attention to detail in world-building. The Mushroom Kingdom feels alive and vibrant, with its own distinct lore and mythology. The filmmakers have taken care to expand the universe of Mario, providing depth and a sense of discovery that will leave fans satisfied.

Overall, the Super Mario Bros. Movie in its animated form is a delightful and visually captivating experience. With its stunning animation, strong voice performances, and a well-crafted story, it successfully brings the magic of the Mushroom Kingdom to the screen. Whether you're a die-hard Mario fan or simply seeking an enchanting animated adventure, this movie is a must-watch that will bring joy and entertainment to audiences of all ages.

[Ben]

So many words…to say so little!

[James]

Yep! I was curious if we might be out of jobs. Not so worried now!

[Ben]

That’s great that you feel that way and don’t perceive AI as any kind of threat to us, either as website writers or, indeed, members of the human race that have invented this incredible tool that means we will sit back and not be so worried while it can continue to learn and develop and we won’t suspect a thing! Thanks!