
Source: RogerEbert.com
If you are like me, you have been waiting and waiting for the film 1917 (affiliate link) to come out at a theater near you. You know the movie is out, but you check the local listings to no avail. The reason you can’t see 1917 yet is that it is has a limited release (aka, “platform release”). A platform release is a type of limited release in which a film opens in fewer theaters (typically 599 or fewer) than a wide release, and only in large markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. This leaves us less privileged folks in smaller markets to patiently wait until Jan 10th, 2020. Frustrating!
But why not just release it nationwide right now?
The studio likely doesn’t want to risk a slow opening due to the intense competition that the new Star Wars (affiliate link) movie will create this holiday season. Apparently, Disney is requiring theaters to show The Last Jedi in their largest auditorium for a minimum of 4 weeks.
So why not release 1917 everywhere after the hype of Star Wars dies down?
Most who have seen the 1917 trailer understand this film is a contender for “Best Picture.” To be eligible for Oscar consideration, films must open in a commercial motion picture theater in Los Angeles County by December 31, and begin a minimum run of seven consecutive days.

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