I've been investigating this case solid for the past 48 hours. Gathering further details and digging to see how solid Moriarty's story was. What I've found is basically, more questions....

It seems that noone is really sure of what is going on with SONY theaters. We haven't been able to get any answers, their website continues to say they will have "Theatre information will be available on Wednesday, May 12th at 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, one week prior to the movie's May 19th opening day. Our website will have a complete list of our playdate locations and showtimes at that time. "

However, before I ever heard from Moriarty on this, I had another fella send in a story about how SONY is definately doing a universal pull out on STAR WARS based on the excessive demands from Lucasfilm, and the precedent it would set for theater owners to have to live with on future films from other studios... It was THIS aspect and not the actual 'Quality or alleged lack of Quality' that was the deciding factor according to this source (as well as Moriarty).

There was another meeting at MANN's on Saturday which finished up being 'unresolved'. There will be a final meeting on Monday that will determine MANN policy. That's from Moriarty, but my people tell me that this is a L.A. only problem, and specifically it may be for the VILLAGE and CHINESE only. The CHINESE is allegedly hesitant to dedicate it's big screen for the great portion of the summer to ONE film, even if it is STAR WARS. The issues on their boardroom desk, according to our sources, have been to follow SONY's lead, disturbing reports from Exhibitor's Screenings as well as the critical buzz from NEWSWEEK, TORONTO STAR, ROLLING STONE, ETC.

Basically what we seem to be looking at is some sort of weird heavy duty negotiations here by the theater chains. Personally, I'm sickened by these sorts of things. STAR WARS EPISODE ONE belongs in MANNS CHINESE, MANN VILLAGE, as well as the epic SONY screens. I mean, if Lucasfilm really does 'care' about the theatrical experience and for the joy of the fans... Well then... THE PHANTOM MENACE belongs in the finest theaters. If that means backing off some of the demands.... To me... That means backing off the demands. If the theaters are doing this just to be stubborn, then they should look out their doors at all those people that want to see that movie there. They should realize that every patron that has ever walked into their theaters and appreciated the theatrical experience as MANN and SONY have given us... That THIS is the movie that all those superior modifications in the theatrical experience were created for.

Lastly, I guess the final word on this will be coming from Sony/Loews Website and Mann Theaters Website. Right now it seems that MANN is confirming STAR WARS at some of it's theaters (But not The WESTWOOD VILLAGE or THE CHINESE) and Loews is mute till Wednesday.

I've been continuing to get positive reactions from people that have gone to see THE PHANTOM MENACE, I've talked to 4 people in person that have seen it that LOVED it, and so far... I have yet to speak to one that didn't love it. But... There is a lot of anticipation for this movie, and soon I'm going to be getting in line myself. Probably in the next 12 hours. There has never been a movie that I've been so ready to see, so fired up to see. I wish to God AUSTIN had a 'CHINESE' or a 'WESTWOOD VILLAGE' theater to see this in... The grand AMERICANA where I saw STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE and EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is closed down and was turned into a library... For me... This film experience will never quite be perfect without that theater, and to the residents of Los Angeles that are concerned about what's going on with STAR WARS and their favorite theaters, let's hope that all the politics and negotiating can be put behind us... And those doors swing open and you can experience THE PHANTOM MENACE in the best possible theater in your city. The movie, the theaters and the fans deserve nothing less.

Hopefully we'll get a final... CHEERY word on this issue TODAY after the Mann's meeting.