It was news that I was expecting to see a couple of days ago but the BBC have just announced that Odeon have reversed their decision to show Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland in their UK cinemas. Odeon is the biggest cinema chain in the UK so this is wonderful news for us, the consumer. I guess Odeon realised they were more fanatical about the film than we thought they were or that it would indeed hit their bottom line too hard. As you will now see below, Disney have agreed a 13 week window between theatrical relase and DVD release so they have gotten one whole extra week for all this mess! Crazyness!

What a complete mess but as soon as Vue and Cineworld announced they had reached a deal, Odeon lost all the ‘make a point’ power that they were going to get if the others had some on board.

Updates:

10:40am:  BBC Tweet: “Odeon reverses its decision to boycott Alice In Wonderland… More soon!”

10.55am: BBC Tweet:  “Odeon are not currently discussing the details of their agreement with Disney – but we’re trying to get to the bottom of it.”

11:32am: The BBC now have the full news up on their main news site here where they say:

“In a statement following talks with Disney, Odeon said: The Odeon and UCI Cinema Group is 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.

“As a result of this agreement, Odeon is pleased to confirm that it will be able to continue with its plans for significant investment in new cinemas, in digital technology in 3D capability and the other exciting developments designed for the increased enjoyment of all its customers.”

Neither side would disclose details of the agreement but Disney confirmed that the film will be released on DVD 13 weeks after its release on 5 March.

Full details over on the BBC.