Comedy The Interview secured plenty of publicity over the last number of weeks - what with the hacking attempt against Sony, the threats against theatres screening the film and then its cancelled release.
When Sony announced that the film would indeed by getting a limited US release on Christmas Day, there was understandable excitement - suddenly the film was a must-see event. Recognising that, an Ohio man named Jason Best decided to buy 50 tickets to exclusive screenings at a local cinema, in the hope he would recoup the money with a profit. He spent a total of $650 (around €530).
As he told WCPO, "I saw all the hype about The Interview on the 23rd and thought, 'hey, folks are selling these tickets in other cities and it seems like that's the thing to do right now so why not give it a shot so see how it goes.'"
Unfortunately, the scheme did not go according to plan. On Christmas Eve, Sony announced that the film would also be released on video-on-demand, where it would be available to rent and buy. It was quite successful too, with Sony saying the film has been downloaded more than two million times, generating over $15 million (€12 million) in its first four days.
Unfortunately, the digital release meant cinema tickets were no longer such a valuable commodity - and Best is looking for his money back after being landed with tickets he could not sell on.
"I thought I'd get my money back because the theatre's website very clearly said the tickets were refundable," he told WCPO.
The management team at Esquire Theatre in Clifton have said they will not refund the tickets. They say that their refund policy does not apply to 'Special Event' screenings like the ones held for The Interview, and that Mr Best is not a customer but rather a businessman trying to "recoup a loss at the theatre’s expense."
The cinema has offered to donate all $650 to a charity, but Mr Best says he is not in a position to donate the total amount and wants a full refund. He says he will donate $100 to charity, in the cinema's name, if he is refunded.
