BLOCKBUSTERS
1977–1990
Rapid advances in film production techniques and early age of computer generated special effects revolutionized Hollywood, which can best be seen with the 1977 release of Star Wars. This first true Blockbuster showed Hollywood how to create true worldwide media events that could earn tremendous amounts of money. Movie storylines and plot complexity take a hit somewhat, but these movies still remained entertaining.
A blockbuster is a work of entertainment—typically used to describe a feature film produced by a major film studio, but also other media—that is highly popular and financially successful. The term has also come to refer to any large-budget production intended for “blockbuster” status, aimed at mass markets with associated merchandising, sometimes on a scale that meant the financial fortunes of a film studio or a distributor could depend on it.
In 1975, the usage of “blockbuster” for films coalesced around Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. It was perceived as a new cultural phenomenon: fast-paced, exciting entertainment, inspiring interest and conversation beyond the theatre (which would later be called “buzz”), and repeated viewings. The film is regarded as the first film of the “blockbuster era”, and founded the blockbuster film genre. After the success of Jaws and Star Wars, many Hollywood producers attempted to create similar “event” films with wide commercial appeal, and film companies began green-lighting increasingly large-budget films, and relying extensively on massive advertising blitzes leading up to their theatrical release.
