Editing American Beauty (1999 film) (section)

==Release==

===Publicity===
DreamWorks contracted [[Amazon.com]] to create the official website, marking the first time that Amazon had created a special section devoted to a feature film. The website included an overview, a photo gallery, cast and crew filmographies, and exclusive interviews with Spacey and Bening.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Graser |first1=Marc |last2=Madigan |first2=Nick |date=August 31, 1999 |title=Amazon.com books 'Beauty' for D'Works |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/1999/digital/news/amazon-com-books-beauty-for-d-works-1117755245/ |access-date=May 15, 2023}}</ref> The film's tagline—"look closer"—originally came from a cutting pasted on Lester's workplace cubicle by the set dresser.<ref name="chapter 2" /> DreamWorks ran parallel marketing campaigns and trailers—one aimed at adults, the other at teenagers. Both trailers ended with the poster image of a girl holding a rose.{{refn|The navel pictured is not Mena Suvari's; it belongs to the model [[Chloe Hunter]].<ref name="hochman" />|group="nb"}}{{refn|The hand on the poster belongs to actress [[Christina Hendricks]], who was a hand model at the time.<ref name="Hendricks">{{Cite web |last=Hughes, William |date=August 22, 2019 |title=Holy shit, that's Christina Hendricks' hand on the American Beauty poster |url=https://www.avclub.com/holy-shit-thats-christina-hendricks-hand-on-the-americ-1837495784 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823042452/https://news.avclub.com/holy-shit-thats-christina-hendricks-hand-on-the-americ-1837495784 |archive-date=August 23, 2019 |access-date=August 23, 2019 |publisher=The Onion AV Club}}</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last=McKittrick |first=Casey |date=Spring 2001 |title=I Laughed and Cringed at the same Time |journal=[[Velvet Light Trap]] |publisher=[[University of Texas Press]] |issue=47 |pages=5+13}}</ref>

Reviewing the posters of several films of the year, David Hochman of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' rated ''American Beauty''{{'}}s highly, saying it evoked the tagline; he said, "You return to the poster again and again, thinking, this time you're gonna find something."<ref name="hochman">Hochman, David (November 26, 1999). "Moving Pictures". ''Entertainment Weekly'': 25–26.</ref> DreamWorks did not want to [[test screening|test screen]] the film; according to Mendes, the studio was pleased with it, but he insisted on one where he could question the audience afterward. The studio reluctantly agreed and showed the film to a young audience in [[San Jose, California]]. Mendes claimed the screening went very well.{{refn|Mendes said, "So at the end of the film I got up, and I was terribly British, I said, 'So, who kind of liked the movie?' And about a third of them put up their hands, and I thought, 'Oh shit.' So I said, 'OK, who kind of didn't like it?' Two people. And I said, 'Well, what else is there?' And a guy in the front said, 'Ask who really liked the movie.' So I did, and they all put up their hands. And I thought, 'Thank you, God.{{'"}}<ref name="kemp 27" />|group="nb"}}<ref name="kemp 27" />

===Theatrical run===
The film had its world premiere on September 8, 1999, at [[Grauman's Egyptian Theatre]] in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="belle">{{cite magazine|last=Higgins |first=Bill |date=September 13, 1999 |title='American Beauty' is belle of ball |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/1999/scene/vpage/american-beauty-is-belle-of-ball-1117755572/ |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> Three days later, the film appeared at the [[Toronto International Film Festival]].<ref name="bow">{{cite magazine|last1=Carver |first1=Benedict |last2=Jones |first2=Oliver |date=September 13, 1999 |title='Beauty' and the buzz: Mendes bow wows Toronto; SPE near 'East' deal |magazine=Variety}}</ref> With the filmmakers and cast in attendance, it screened at several American universities, including the [[University of California at Berkeley]], [[New York University]], the [[University of California at Los Angeles]], the [[University of Texas at Austin]], the [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]], and [[Northwestern University]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Archerd |first=Army |date=September 16, 1999 |title='Beauty' gets high scores in college |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/1999/voices/columns/beauty-gets-high-scores-in-college-1117755716/ |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref>

[[File:American Beauty theater count.png|300px|thumb|alt=The number starts at 6 on September 15, 1999, and steeply rises to 1528 on October 29, before declining to a low of 10 on February 4, 2000. The number then rises to 1990 on March 31 and decreases to 138 on June 4.|Graph showing the number of theaters in which ''American Beauty'' played in North America in 1999–2000. After the film's [[Golden Globe]] success in January 2000, DreamWorks re-expanded its market presence to 1,990 theaters.<ref name="glows" /><ref name="theaters" />]]
On September 15, 1999, ''American Beauty'' opened to the public in [[limited release]] at three theaters in Los Angeles and three in New York.{{refn|"Theaters" refers to individual movie theaters, which may have multiple auditoriums. Later, "screens" refers to single auditoriums.|group="nb"}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |last2=Moerk |first2=Christian |date=September 21, 1999 |title=Helmer Mendes close to deal at D'Works |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/helmer-mendes-close-to-deal-at-d-works-1117755858/ |access-date=August 12, 2023}}</ref> More theaters were added during the limited run,<ref name="theaters" /> and on October 1, the film officially entered [[wide release]]{{refn|Crossing the 600-theater threshold.|group="nb"}} by screening in 706&nbsp;theaters across North America.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Klady |first=Leonard |date=October 4, 1999 |title='Double' decks 'Kings' at B.O. |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/double-decks-kings-at-b-o-1117756265/ |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> The film grossed $8,188,587 over the weekend, ranking third at the box office behind ''[[Double Jeopardy (1999 film)|Double Jeopardy]]'' and ''[[Three Kings (1999 film)|Three Kings]]''.<ref name="bom">{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=americanbeauty.htm |title=American Beauty (1999) |url-status=live |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |publisher=Amazon.com |access-date=May 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905093015/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=americanbeauty.htm |archive-date=September 5, 2015}}</ref> Audiences polled by the market research firm [[CinemaScore]] gave ''American Beauty'' a "B+" grade on average.{{refn|According to the firm, men under 21 gave ''American Beauty'' an "A+" grade; women under 21 gave it an "A". Men in the 21–34 age group gave the film a "B+"; women 21–34 gave it an "A−". Men 35 and over awarded a "B+"; women 35 and over gave a "B".<ref>{{Cite web |title=CinemaScore: American Beauty |url=http://www.cinemascore.com/search.epl?id=American_Beauty |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000706193215/http://www.cinemascore.com/search.epl?id=American_Beauty |archive-date=July 6, 2000 |access-date=April 11, 2017}}. [[CinemaScore]]. Archived from the original on April 8, 2000. Retrieved January 17, 2010.</ref>|group="nb"}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/movies-sound-recording/6395767-1.html |title=CinemaScore Ratings Compare with Golden Globes:Critics Both Confirm, Deny Latest Audience Preferences |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=January 27, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807155852/http://www.allbusiness.com/media-telecommunications/movies-sound-recording/6395767-1.html |archive-date=August 7, 2011 |access-date=May 3, 2009}}</ref> The theater count hit a high of 1,528 at the end of the month, before a gradual decline.<ref name="theaters">{{cite web|url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=americanbeauty.htm |title=American Beauty: Weekend Box Office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606164319/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=americanbeauty.htm |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=Amazon.com |access-date=January 26, 2010}}</ref> Following ''American Beauty''{{'}}s wins at the [[57th Golden Globe Awards]], DreamWorks re-expanded the theater presence from a low of 7 in mid-February,<ref name="glows">{{cite magazine|last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=February 27, 2000 |title=Noms are B.O. gold for 'Beauty,' 'Cider' |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/noms-are-b-o-gold-for-beauty-cider-1117778824/ |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> to a high of 1,990 in March.<ref name="theaters" /> The film ended its North American theatrical run on June 4, 2000, having grossed $130.1&nbsp;million.<ref name="bom" />

''American Beauty'' had its European premiere at the [[London Film Festival]] on November 18, 1999;<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Dawtrey |first=Adam |date=September 16, 1999 |title=An 'American' kickoff for London Film Fest |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/an-american-kickoff-for-london-film-fest-1117755718/ |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> in January 2000, it began to screen in various territories outside North America.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fleming |first=Michael |date=November 29, 1999 |title=H'w'd taps on Mendes' door |magazine=Variety}}</ref> It debuted in Israel to "potent" returns,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Groves |first=Don |date=January 18, 2000 |title=Preems push o'seas B.O.: 'Ashes,' 'Kings,' 'Beauty' bows boost weekend |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/preems-push-o-seas-b-o-1117760958/ |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> and limited releases in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Finland followed on January 21.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Groves |first=Don |date=January 25, 2000 |title=Winter chill o'seas |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/winter-chill-o-seas-2-1117765610/ |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> After January 28 opening weekends in Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain and Norway, ''American Beauty'' had earned $7&nbsp;million in 12&nbsp;countries for a total of $12.1&nbsp;million outside North America.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Groves |first=Don |date=February 6, 2000 |title=Bows buoy biz o'seas |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/bows-buoy-biz-o-seas-1117776154/ |access-date=August 12, 2023}}</ref> On February 4, ''American Beauty'' debuted in France and Belgium. Expanding to 303&nbsp;theaters in the United Kingdom, the film ranked first at the box office with $1.7&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Woods |first=Mark |date=February 8, 2000 |title='Toy 2's' the story |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/toy-2-s-the-story-1117776228/ |access-date=August 12, 2023}}</ref> There, it surpassed ''[[Alien Resurrection]]'' for scoring the highest opening weekend for an [[18 (British Board of Film Classification)|18 certificate]] film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/uk-audiences-devour-hannibal/405062.article|title=UK audiences devour Hannibal}}</ref> This record would be overtaken by ''[[Snatch (film)|Snatch]]'' later that year.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Screen International]]|date=8 September 2000|page=39|last=Scott|first=Mary|title=Snatch steals top spot|url=https://www.screendaily.com/snatch-steals-record-breaking-uk-opening/403512.article|access-date=24 April 2024}}</ref> On the weekend of February 18—following ''American Beauty''{{'}}s eight nominations for the [[72nd Academy Awards]]—the film grossed $11.7&nbsp;million from 21&nbsp;territories, for a total of $65.4&nbsp;million outside North America. The film had "dazzling" debuts in Hungary, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and New Zealand.<ref name="bigbows" />

As of February 18, the most successful territories were the United Kingdom ($15.2&nbsp;million), Italy ($10.8&nbsp;million), Germany ($10.5&nbsp;million), Australia ($6&nbsp;million), and France ($5.3&nbsp;million).<ref name="bigbows">{{cite magazine|last=Groves |first=Don |date=February 22, 2000 |title=Surf's high o'seas |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/surf-s-high-o-seas-1117776609/|access-date=August 12, 2023}}</ref> The Academy Award nominations meant strong performances continued across the board;<ref name="trio">{{cite magazine|last=Groves |first=Don |date=February 28, 2000 |title=Trio terrific o'seas |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/trio-terrific-o-seas-1117778773/ |access-date=August 12, 2023}}</ref> the following weekend, ''American Beauty'' grossed $10.9&nbsp;million in 27&nbsp;countries, with strong debuts in Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Groves |first=Don |date=February 28, 2000 |title=Frosh rush o'seas |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/frosh-rush-o-seas-1117778835/ |access-date=August 12, 2023}}</ref> Other high spots included robust returns in Argentina, Greece, and Turkey.<ref name="trio" /> On the weekend of March 3, 2000, ''American Beauty'' debuted strongly in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, markets traditionally "not receptive to this kind of upscale fare". The impressive South Korean performance continued, with a return of $1.2&nbsp;million after nine days.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Groves |first=Don |date=March 6, 2000 |title=Oscar noms boost B.O. overseas |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/news/oscar-noms-boost-b-o-overseas-1117779131/ |access-date=August 12, 2023}}</ref> In total, ''American Beauty'' grossed $130.1&nbsp;million in North America and $226.2&nbsp;million internationally, for $356.3&nbsp;million worldwide.<ref name="bom" />

===Home media===
''American Beauty'' was released on [[VHS]] on May 9, 2000,<ref name=Hoffmann>{{cite news|last=Hoffmann |first=Bill |date=March 28, 2000 |title=Pretty Penny for 'Beauty'?; Big Win Expected to Give Film a Major Boo$t |work=[[New York Post]] |page=52 |url=https://nypost.com/2000/03/28/pretty-penny-for-beauty-big-win-expected-to-give-film-a-major-boot/ |access-date=May 15, 2023}}</ref> and on [[DVD]] with the [[DTS (sound system)|DTS]] format on October 24, 2000.<ref name="nyt dvd">{{cite news|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/180738/American-Beauty/dvd |title=American Beauty: About the DVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224182816/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/180738/American-Beauty/dvd |archive-date=February 24, 2008 |work=The New York Times |access-date=December 3, 2009}}</ref> Before the North American rental release on May 9,<ref name="villa">{{cite news|last=Villa |first=Joan |date=April 28, 2000 |title=Beating Blockbuster on American Beauty |work=Video Business}}</ref> [[Blockbuster Video]] wanted to purchase hundreds of thousands of extra copies for its "guaranteed title" range, whereby anyone who wanted to rent the film would be guaranteed a copy. Blockbuster and DreamWorks could not agree on a profit-sharing deal, so Blockbuster ordered two-thirds the number of copies it originally intended.<ref name="bbv">{{cite magazine|first=Wendy |last=Wilson |date=May 18, 2000 |title=Blocked beauty  |magazine=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2000/digital/features/blocked-beauty-1117781831/ |access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> DreamWorks made around one million copies available for rental; Blockbuster's share would usually have been about 400,000 of these. Some Blockbuster stores only displayed 60 copies,<ref name="nichols">{{cite news|last=Nichols |first=Peter M. |date=May 26, 2000 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/26/movies/home-video-on-the-shelves-or-maybe-not.html |title=On the Shelves (Or Maybe Not) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110010241/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/26/movies/home-video-on-the-shelves-or-maybe-not.html |archive-date=November 10, 2016 |work=The New York Times |page=E28}}</ref> and others did not display the film at all, forcing customers to ask for it.<ref name="bbv" /><ref name="nichols" /> The strategy required staff to read a statement to customers explaining the situation; Blockbuster claimed it was only "[monitoring] customer demand" due to the reduced availability.<ref name="bbv" /> Blockbuster's strategy leaked before May 9, leading to a 30 percent order increase from other retailers.<ref name="villa" /><ref name="bbv" />

In its first week of rental release, ''American Beauty'' made $6.8&nbsp;million. This return was lower than would have been expected had DreamWorks and Blockbuster reached an agreement. In the same year, ''[[The Sixth Sense]]'' made $22&nbsp;million, while ''[[Fight Club]]'' made $8.1&nbsp;million, though the latter's North American theatrical performance was just 29 percent that of ''American Beauty''. Blockbuster's strategy also affected rental fees; ''American Beauty'' averaged $3.12, compared with $3.40 for films that Blockbuster fully promoted. Only 53 percent of the film's rentals were from large outlets in the first week, compared with the usual 65 percent.<ref name="bbv" />

The DVD release included a behind-the-scenes featurette, film audio commentary from Mendes and Ball, and a storyboard presentation with discussion from Mendes and Hall.<ref name="nyt dvd" /> In the film commentary, Mendes refers to deleted scenes he intended to include in the release.<ref>{{harvnb|Mendes|Ball|2000|loc=chapters 19–20}}</ref> However, these scenes are not on the DVD, as he changed his mind after recording the commentary;<ref>{{cite news|last=Perry |first=Vern |date=October 30, 2000 |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7249806_ITM |title=These discs go to extremes |work=[[The Orange County Register]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220023820/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7249806_ITM |archive-date=December 20, 2008}}</ref> Mendes felt that to show scenes he previously chose not to use would detract from the film's integrity.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fitzpatrick |first=Eileen |date=July 29, 2000 |title=Film Directors Assess DVD Extras' Pros, Cons |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |page=88 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kxEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA88 |access-date=May 15, 2023}}</ref>

On September 21, 2010, [[Paramount Home Entertainment]] released ''American Beauty'' on [[Blu-ray]], as part of Paramount's Sapphire Series. All the extras from the DVD release were present, with the theatrical trailers upgraded to [[High-definition video|HD]].<ref>[http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/American-Beauty-Blu-ray/7746/ "American Beauty Blu-ray: Sapphire Edition"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110126080448/http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/American-Beauty-Blu-ray/7746/ |date=January 26, 2011}}. ''Blu-ray.com''.</ref>