'Wonderland' Hits Odeon Screens

3D spectacular Alice In Wonderland will finally be screened across the UK and Ireland in Odeon cinemas.

An agreement was announced the same day that Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway walked the red carpet at the royal world premiere of the movie at an Odeon cinema in London's Leicester Square.

A boycott erupted when Disney announced reducing the gap between the film's cinema debut and DVD release to 12 weeks rather than the usual 17.

Some cinemas were said to be outraged after spending millions of pounds on 3D equipment in the belief that studios' terms would remain the same. They feared the proposals would set a new benchmark, leading to the 12 week window becoming standard.

From the film company's perspective, the shortening gap between the cinema launch and DVD release would help curb illegal DVD copies, while advertising campaigns will be fresher in the minds of consumers.

In a statement Odeon said that it was "pleased to announce that, following detailed negotiations with the Walt Disney Company Ltd, an enduring agreement has been reached encompassing all the different aspects of both companies' commercial relationship.

"Odeon is pleased to announce that it will now be showing Alice In Wonderland beginning March 5 in its cinemas in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Portugal and Austria."

The film, Directed by Tim Burton, stars Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman and Stephen Fry.

(BMcN/GK)