Commentary

Just an Online Minute... Matrix Rules

Jim Carrey's new move may have pushed the Matrix Reloaded to #2 at the box office this past weekend, but Keanu Reeves is still ruling the web. Nielsen//NetRatings reports that traffic to the official movie site for the Matrix Reloaded spiked 143% during opening week, doubling its audience. The Matrix: Reloaded website attracted 483,000 unique visitors during the week ending May 18th at home, as compared to 199,000 during the previous week.

"All movies today need a Web presence, but studios have more to gain from films that have brand longevity," said Greg Bloom, senior Internet analyst, Nielsen//NetRatings. "The Matrix trilogy is a good example of a powerhouse franchise that takes full advantage of the Internet by extending its relationship with movie fans in an interactive and dynamic environment. As long as the studio keeps the site freshly updated with new and enticing content, the site is a superb marketing vehicle to attract repeat visitors, who represent a qualified consumer audience for the various promotional tie-ins, including DVDs, books and video game products."

According to Nielsen EDI, opening day box office sales for The Matrix: Reloaded totaled more than $42.5 million, claiming the biggest first day gross ever. The film also grabbed the second highest weekend gross, earning nearly $91.8 million.

Elsewhere on the web, news buzz surrounding Annika Sorenstam pushes traffic to the PGA Tour Web site 11 percent higher at work, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. Sorenstam makes her bid to become the first woman in 58 years to play in a men's PGA tournament. The site attracted 398,000 unique visitors during the week ending May 18th, as compared to 357,000 the week prior.

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