Harry Potter movies are one of the few that I actually pay to go to the theater for. Don't like crowds, and prefer all the extras that come with the DVDs so I always wait.
The next movie, Harry and the Half Blood Prince, was slated to come out last November. And it was ready. But Warner Bros chickened out and moved it to a 2009 release, so they could count it as 2009 income. I signed a petition against this, but of course, big companies do not listen to their customers in times like this.
Imagine how irked I was to hear that they didn't release it early in the year, but in July. I know there's scheduling concerns, but to make us wait another six months came across as an insult. This and things here and there have been causing me to be concerned about Warner Bros attitude.
And a whole new appreciation for companies like Cyan, who truly listen to their fans. From my profession, I fully understand how a smaller company has more leeway in this area than a large one. But I've also witnessed large companies who truly care about their fans/customers feelings, and know Warner Bros. could have taken measures to give us an earlier release.
As a side note, I'm sad to know that they turned down renewing the movie bid for a Xanth novel, based on Piers Anthony writing. They had already spent millions on getting the script ready. Hopefully things will ease up in 2009 for them and they will want the rights back. I know Piers is wanting to move forward on this.
I do understand that times are hard for Warner Bros also. I'm in touch with script writers, and so I get to see the inside a bit. Just had to rant about the movie thing to someone and get it out of my head. Cause I want to see it!!