Universal Celebrates 100th Birthday

Universal Studios is throwing itself a birthday party after 100 years in the business.
Founded in 1912 the studio has survived the industry for a century and it is the first existing studio to reach this landmark.
Paramount recently unveiled a new centennial logo with the release of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, but technically it was founded as Famous Players and didn’t become Paramount until 1914.
Universal will mark the 100-year landmark with a yearlong celebration of itself.
This includes a new logo and Blu-ray releases in commemorative packaging of Universal classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial; extensive restoration of 13 of library titles, including All Quiet on the Western Front and Out of Africa; and revamped tours and themed experiences at Universal’s amusement parks.
The New York Times have however questioned whether the significant birthdays for Paramount and Universal have come at the right time.
They ask: "Universal Studios is throwing itself a birthday party. But will it help sell DVDs and raise theme park attendance?"
"This may sound fluffy, but it’s got a serious purpose. With DVD sales continuing to fall and attendance at North American theaters at a 16-year low, studios need to take every opportunity they can to get people excited about watching movies. Coincidentally, Universal, which has struggled lately with duds like Tower Heist, has a pipeline of movies that look promising this year, including Snow White and the Huntsman, concluded the New York Times reporter.
(LB)