Birth and Death Of The Blockbuster
For years, the summer blockbuster has been a big event in the movie industry. It's that time when theaters are buzzing with excitement and everyone rushes to catch those epic, larger-than-life spectacles. But a lot has changed. The entertainment scene has evolved, and so has the concept of the summer blockbuster. In this article, we're diving into the birth, rise, and the hurdles faced by this awesome phenomenon. Let's dig in!
The summer blockbuster made its debut in the 1970s, and it all started with the groundbreaking release of Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" in 1975. This film marked a significant turning point in the world of cinema, capturing the collective imagination of audiences worldwide. With its gripping storytelling and revolutionary special effects, "Jaws" set a new standard for what a summer blockbuster could achieve. Its success paved the way for the countless blockbuster hits that would follow in the years to come.
Credit: Universal Pictures
Credit: Disney and Universal Pictures
During the 1980s and 1990s, the summer blockbuster phenomenon reached its peak, characterized by immense commercial success. Films like "Star Wars," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," and "Jurassic Park" pushed this trend, attracting massive audiences and generating record-breaking profits. The formula for a triumphant summer blockbuster was established: a captivating high-concept narrative, groundbreaking visual effects, and an extensive marketing campaign. We’re talking commercials, fast food toys, slurpee cups, and the cash cow known as collectors items.
Hollywood studios strategically scheduled their big-budget productions for summer releases, taking advantage of school vacations and the heightened demand for entertainment. The summer months became a breeding ground for cinematic blockbusters, cementing an annual tradition and a crucial component of the industry's financial success.
However, in recent years, the entertainment landscape has undergone significant transformations, posing challenges for the summer blockbuster tradition. Netflix. Prime. Hulu. Tubi. PewPew. Streaming platforms (Ok I made PewPew up) and evolving consumer habits have expanded the range of entertainment options available to audiences. AKA, the birth of the binge era, led to the ability to enjoy movies and shows from the comfort of home.
Furthermore, the industry's reliance on sequels, prequels, remakes, reboots and franchises has led to a sense of repetition, diminishing the novelty and excitement surrounding summer blockbusters. Audiences now crave fresh and original narratives, resulting in some recent releases struggling to generate the same level of enthusiasm and success as their predecessors.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further intensified the obstacles faced by summer blockbusters. The closure of movie theaters worldwide and the delay or redirection of major releases disrupted the traditional theatrical experience. As a result, the film industry had to adapt swiftly, embracing alternative distribution methods and accelerating the growth of streaming platforms, altering the dynamics of moviegoing.
Bird Box, Enola Holmes, and Extraction have been some of Netflix’s biggest non-theatrical releases.
Credit: Netflix
Credit: Paramount Pictures & A24
While the traditional idea of the summer blockbuster might be facing some challenges, it's worth noting that the blockbuster spirit is still going strong. Just take a look at movies like "Maverick" and "Everything Everywhere All At Once" that had people flocking to the theaters last year. Also the definition of what makes a blockbuster has expanded beyond just the summer season.
The emergence of streaming platforms has opened up new avenues for filmmakers to create and distribute blockbuster-worthy content. With the ability to release movies directly on streaming platforms, filmmakers have greater freedom to experiment and explore diverse storytelling approaches. This has also given rise to a new breed of smaller-scale blockbusters, where critically acclaimed films find dedicated audiences and achieve recognition outside the traditional box office model.
The birth and death of the summer blockbuster symbolize the ever-evolving nature of the film industry. While the traditional concept of the summer blockbuster faces challenges in the modern era, it remains a beloved part of cinematic history. As audiences continue to evolve and embrace new forms of entertainment, the definition and presentation of blockbusters will undoubtedly adapt.
The summer blockbuster may no longer dominate the industry in the same way it once did, but its spirit lives on in the constant pursuit of captivating storytelling and awe-inspiring
For The Love Of Movies,
Jonathan Austin
