Whedonesque : Comments on 8375 : Serenity 2nd highest growing search term on Google

This site will work and look better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

October 07 2005

Serenity 2nd highest growing search term on Google which handles around 90%+ of all search terms on the internet. This suggests Internet buzz is huge, bigger than any other movie by a long shot. Unfortunately, the internet isn't ticket sales..

Universal plan to start retailing movies directly online for download next year - it's a shame they couldn't have done that now with Serenity.

gossi | Firefly&Serenity | 04:47 CET | 31 comments total | tags:

on Moviefone.com and Zap2it.com they are still number one most popular searched movies. I don't know how much traffic these site gets but it baffles me that it doesn't result in more ticket sales.

Mr Universe | October 07, 04:54 CET

it's a shame they couldn't have done that now with Serenity.

It's okay. I'll gladly pay for and download the sequel.

gurglesnap | October 07, 04:55 CET

Trying to look on the bright side, maybe we just haven't reached the tipping point in terms of publicity for it to translate into ticket sales.

killinj | October 07, 04:56 CET

Also on the bright side, I continue to hear nothing but raves from non-Browncoats I've gotten to see the movie, continuing to support the premise that it isn't at all whether people will enjoy it, but whether they will go in the first place.

The One True b!X | October 07, 05:02 CET

I haven't given up byu any means, but it is indeed frustrating to hear so many excellent reviews and so many stories of new people being persuaded to see the movie, and still see ticket sales so low. It seems that next weekend should be a success, but at this point, I'm afraid to predict it.

zencat | October 07, 05:25 CET

On the upside - the BDM gained 1 screen this week, so it's now 2,189.

RavenU | October 07, 05:38 CET

I'm being very quiet in terms of what I think of Serenity's chances at the moment, because I think it's important to keep a positive vibe whilst it's still in theatres.

But, if you're thinking it's definitely going to get a sequel... You may be in for a world of hurt. Have fun with the movie and appreciate it. Tell the world. But remember, there's no way to make people to go to theatres, and the things which tend to drive people out - "Flightplan" for example - probably aren't factors we agree on.

Serenity might be good, but Firefly was good. If people have a choice between a top class meal or McDonalds, a lot will go to McDonalds because it's what they know.

And yes, that's the poorest analogy I've ever made. I'll get my coat.

gossi | October 07, 05:40 CET

I think that is good news RavenU - I was worried it would start losing screens. I've seen several commercials tonight with the "Two thumbs up" reference. All three were on major networks too. I just wish they'd show the complete trailer because I think that would draw more people in. I haven't seen the complete trailer since it premiered on the Sci-fi channel and since then have just seen it chopped up into smaller segments.

Firefly Flanatic | October 07, 05:40 CET

I talked with someone today who is a big whedon X-Men fan. He plans on seeing Serenity after he borrows a friend's DVDs of Firefly. I tried to assure him he didn't need to but he wants the complete experience.
And Toronto has a couple more theatres showing Serenity this weekend.

Lioness | October 07, 05:44 CET

I've seen several commercials tonight with the "Two thumbs up" reference.

Yes, with generally-decent placement (in terms of shows) so far. The only one real unfortunate in all of this for me is that the movie doesn't appear to be the sort of thing that gets the actors onto talk shows to promote it. They all appear to be doing TV left and right over in Europe, but over here in the US, apparently it doesn't rate that sort of attention.

It's kind of bass ackwards -- the movies sure to get attention anyway and regardless are also the ones who get their actors on Leno. The movies that actually NEED the exposure don't merit a booking. It's all rather silly.

The One True b!X | October 07, 05:46 CET

My local theater is still showing it but they've dropped the 9:30 show during the week for next week. "Into the Blue" still has the same full schedule - maybe it did well in my area.

I would think if they are adding theaters that's a good sign isn't it?

Firefly Flanatic | October 07, 05:46 CET

I saw that "Two Thumbs Up" commercial twice during Law&Order:SVU.

and I also saw commercials for Flightplan and Corpse Bride... I guess their ads start again on thursdays.

I think it had the SF Chronicle quote and of course the two thumbs up and one other.

[ edited by Mr Universe on 2005-10-07 04:49 ]

Mr Universe | October 07, 06:10 CET

FINALLY! I just saw a "two thumbs up" tv spot during Smallville.

eddy | October 07, 06:20 CET

The quotes in the TV ad that I've seen are:

"Two thumbs up." - Ebert & Roeper

"A brash, funny, action-packed hit of sci-fi ecstacy." - Chicago Tribune

"A hipper, funnier throwback to the original Star Wars." - Boston Herald

Printed on-screen and read in voiceover.

The One True b!X | October 07, 06:43 CET

Universal plan to start retailing movies directly online for download next year - it's a shame they couldn't have done that now with Serenity.

I would've gladly paid 3 times the normal price just so I can watch Serenity now instead of 3 months later.

Universal really should've started this thing earlier. :(

NickSeng | October 07, 08:12 CET

I am very relieved to hear of these TV ads, though I think the fact that they waited until Thursday (and spent less money) means they think the returns won't be as big either... but then again Jewel said there are "No Rules" and this is all in relation to a lower-budget film in the first place.

Ronald_SF | October 07, 08:14 CET

The ads actually, reportedly, started earlier than Thursday (well, actually I personally know they at least started Wednesday), but I think the first half of the week they might have done strategic buys in certian target markets, and then went into national buys for the second half of the week.

The One True b!X | October 07, 08:23 CET

Wednesday box office shows Serenity went up to #3 again above Corpse Bride. Yay! Also still number 1 in the MovieMeter.

Mort | October 07, 08:24 CET

I just saw this Serenity ad while reading this thread, during Night Stalker on ABC. It got me all excited. I'm going to see it again this weekend, and maybe get my dad to see it with me next weekend.

[ edited by electricspacegirl on 2005-10-07 06:40 ]

electricspacegirl | October 07, 08:39 CET

theonetruebix: maybe we should have done a letter-writing campaign to talk show hosts! Then again, they might have gotten annoyed at us for being hard-core fans.

There are some late-late night shows that have actors from new TV shows and films who aren't well known, so I'm surprised that not one actor (or Joss) could have made an appearance somewhere...I mean, the story behind the movie got a lot of press so there's a topic for discussion at least. I don't know how it all works, though. Bass ackwards, for sure.

Cygnet | October 07, 09:52 CET

Man I guess I'm just picking all the wrong channels. But last week I had the same channels and they were all over the place. Did they shift some demographic ideas after the opening weekends exit polls or something? I know they're out there, but I don't see any so I can't shake this feeling of Universal sorta quitting on it...

There are some late-late night shows that have actors from new TV shows and films who aren't well known, so I'm surprised that not one actor (or Joss) could have made an appearance somewhere...

Yeah that kinda surprised me too. Nothing? Nowhere? Really I've seen some two bit tv actors on those shows because they need seats filled on a daily basis so it's not always going to be Brad Pitt ya know?

EdDantes | October 07, 10:03 CET

Yeah that kinda surprised me too. Nothing? Nowhere? Really I've seen some two bit tv actors on those shows because they need seats filled on a daily basis so it's not always going to be Brad Pitt ya know?

That suprises me too, and it's a shame since I think Nathan or Joss could do really well on a show like that.

Caleb | October 07, 10:31 CET

After Nathan's performance on MTV UK's TRL, I reckon he would do exceptionally well. He fun.

Simon | October 07, 10:39 CET

It appears as though Universal sees its payback in the UK: debut at Edinburh, lots of street level advertising, cast and Joss visiting there frequently for press one-on-ones on many shows and networks. Maybe it was too expensive to penetrate the American market in the usual way such as big TV show interviews and magazine covers (yes, I know Uni is using a non-conventional i.e., less-expensive, strategy).

Uni is pouring some money into Cdn market: mobile ads during film festival, a few billboards, loads of swag for screenings, ads on TV and putting *lots* of prints into *lots* of cinemas. First weekend BO take in Canada was just under $1 million US (pop of only about 30 million -- 20 million less than California).

Drifter | October 07, 11:06 CET

Is anyone worried we rated behind a giant squid? That a giant squid was the number one up and coming google search... no wonder people sat through Flightplan again. They're used to being bored to tears.

GimpyD | October 07, 11:27 CET

Does anyone know why "Giant Squid" in shooting through the ranks like that? I don't remember hearing anything about squids in any way...

Djungelurban | October 07, 11:51 CET

Does anyone know why "Giant Squid" in shooting through the ranks like that? I don't remember hearing anything about squids in any way...

The first live footage of a giant squid was recorded last week - some Japanese (I think) researchers baited a hook and filmed a giant squid eating the bait.

Mehitabel | October 07, 12:13 CET

Ooh, now I have to google giant squid. Does anyone else have a sudden craving for calamari? Ok, just me then.

electricspacegirl | October 07, 14:09 CET

Calimari! Yum.

Although I've been getting my squid needs met through the local Korean family restaraunt. "O-jing a bok eum" I think, for stir-fried squid. And they have the battered, fried squid rings, too, kinda like calimari with marinara sauce, except that the sauce is the usual Asian dipping sauce with soy, rice vinegar, sesame oil, green onions, and red pepper. It is soooo good!

With or without googling.

MissKittysMom | October 07, 15:32 CET

Stop, MissKittysMom, you're making me hungry!

electricspacegirl | October 07, 15:45 CET

Hungry also.

gossi | October 07, 15:48 CET

You need to log in to be able to post comments.
About membership.

« Older Review of Serenity on BBC Radio 4'... | IDW releases solicitation info for... Newer »