Hey everyone. Capone in Chicago here. I’m genuinely fascinated by Paramount Pictures marketing strategy regarding the long-delayed, oft-tweaked scare film PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. As I said in my review from Fantastic Fest, the film is one of those rare wonders that actually did live up to every expectation I had going into it about the quality of the horror and the slow-burn atmosphere, punctuated by some of the most terrifying shit I’ve seen in ages. After seeing thousands of people in several major cities line up a couple weeks ago to see the free screening of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, it’s clear to me that demand for this thing is deservedly high. Subsequent paid midnight showing have been selling out to satisfied crowds, and I, for one, am a little bit desperate to see it at least one more time and drag some friends along with me. Based on the response to their “Demand It!” program (which is bringing PARANORMAL ACTIVITY to individual cities based on registered demands), the film is opening this weekend in 12 markets--Boston, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, El Paso, Hampton Roads metro area, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Toronto. Lucky bastards. I’m guessing Chicago isn’t on this list because the film is scheduled to screen during the Chicago Film Festival this Saturday, October 10 at 10:30. If that’s not the reason, then I’m ashamed of my city. Have I taught you nothing, people?! I’ve always suspected that this film will see the light of day/dark of night by the time Halloween rolled around, but apparently there’s a way for those of you who are desperate to see it to make sure that happens. Paramount has vowed to give the film a full-on nationwide release in every city, big or small, as soon as 1 million demands are registered at www.Eventful.com/ParanormalActivity. If the running tally on the site is accurate, the demands nationwide are creeping toward 400,000. That’s an incredibly healthy start, but there’s still a long way to go. In addition, one fan from the list of those demanding to see the film will receive a VIP screening of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY in their hometown with the film’s director/writer/producer Oren Peli. It’s beyond frustrating that I can’t just skip to my local cineplex and see this movie right now. It gives me night terrors thinking about how long I have to wait to see this again. As fun as I think it would be to see this movie at home with other who enjoy being scared, it’s so much more fun being in a theater filled with folks fully prepared to fill their diaper. No pressure or anything, but the future of horror as we know it is in your hands. -- Capone capone@aintitcoolmail.com Follow Me On Twitter
