Katie Couric's Notebook: Avatar

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

Frank Capra once said that movies were one of the three universal languages, along with mathematics and music. But to stay universal, seeing movies has to be affordable - and therein lies the rub.

Take "Avatar," now the highest grossest film ever after seven weeks of record sales. James Cameron's 3D epic has already grossed nearly $600 million…and is poised to earn much more.

But as blogger Nikki Finke points out, much of Avatar's financial dominance is due to astronomical ticket prices - as high as $18 in some cities. Adjusted for ticket cost, the film sinks to 21st in sales, far behind classics like Gone with the Wind and Star Wars.

Critics have hailed Avatar as a visual masterpiece with the potential to change film-making forever. But let's hope it doesn't change ticket prices, too.

Going to a movie has always been a way to escape reality, travel the world or fall in love… Having a wonderful life at the movies should always be within our reach.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

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by petersemkiw February 6, 2010 12:47 AM EST: Ciao Bella Katarina !

I prefer to see NINE ! BE ITALIAN !

Un Milione de Baci !

Pietro; Reply to this comment


by mountaincrest February 5, 2010 10:13 AM EST: Being as cheap as they come, or frugal thank you very much, the first thing that came to my mind after going to see Avatar was that I would have been willing to pay $50 to see it. It was not just a movie - it was an experience. I agree that for ordinary, non IMAX movies, I would not want to pay that much (and I only paid $11.50 for the IMAX experience) but I am very happy to pay what I did to see what I did. I can't wait until the next IMAX movie, Alice In Wonderland and will have my $11.50 ready. Lastly, please don't compare the success or tickets sold with Gone With The Wind. What kind of competition did that movie have in its time?! And Star Wars?! Doesn't hold a candle to Avatar.; Reply to this comment


by kenhamlett February 4, 2010 10:04 PM EST: Lower ticket prices. I like the way you think. It is outrageous and lately unless it gets a high recommendation I just wait for the DVD. As far as I know Gone with the Wind is still number one in attendance and one of the better films of all times. Compare it, The Quiet Man and African Queen (the later two being the best movies of all time)to Avatar and there is no reason to go considering the prices.
Don't get me wrong. Avatar is fantastic visual candy in 3D but the story is just a cross between Pocahontas, Flinx and Ferngully. It is the story I will pay to see, not the special effects.
Drop those prices Hollywood!; Reply to this comment


by Eddiefuego February 4, 2010 9:02 PM EST: The CBS report of Feb 4th on Climate Change was very misleading. To play the cartoon during the entire segment inferred the entire issue as bogus. To underplay the scientific review panel results confirming the initial findings was misleading. This may be the single most important story impacting all of humanity. To play haha with this issue does a disservice to your viewers and many many more.
Ed
Iowa; Reply to this comment