Roadshow will release comic book blockbuster Green Lantern seven weeks after the US premiere despite the ongoing protests of fans.
The distributor has not responded to queries about why the film’s Australian release has been delayed to August 4 or to fans who have flooded its Facebook page with complaints. It has also threatened to delete posts questioning the delay.
It is an unusual move given most major films are now released simultaneously around the world in an effort to combat piracy.
Green Lantern is released by Warner Bros in the US on June 16 and is also being shown in New Zealand, where Roadshow also has distribution rights, suggesting the delay may be related to limited availability of 3D screens in Australia.
Films such Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides are currently being shown in 3D while several films are scheduled in coming weeks: Kung Fu Panda 2 (June 23), Cars 2 (June 23), Transformers: Dark of the Moon (June 29), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (July 13) and Captain America: The First Avenger (July 28).
In response to a recent question from a Facebook fan about why the release has been delayed, Roadshow posted: “There really are a number of reasons why the release date had to be pushed back and that's where we will have to leave the discussion sorry Davo.”
And late last month, Roadshow warned that it would begin deleting posts about the Green Lantern release date.
“We totally understand how you're feeling – the point has definitely been made – but the release date has moved to Aug,” Roadshow wrote.
“That said, it isn't fair on the rest of the community if we only address one question. From now on we'll have to start removing posts just about the date change: sorry.”
Some disgruntled fans have created their own Facebook page opposing the delay.