Because they are making two more movies does this mean that stern might be taking the easy way out and use the Avatar trilogy for their "answer" to the Hobbit?
 
Anthony

I wouldnt have thought Avatar had anything to do with Hobbitt.

Avatar is sci-fi and set in the future by a couple hundred years, whereas Hobbitt is fairytale/medi-evil magic from thousands of years ago. Two totally different styles of movies/genres.

I think Stern is simply announcing re-runs of past titles, and seeing if the market wants to order. It worked with Tron, it will probably work with Avatar and what ever else they still have the licence for.
Gary Stern did say he had looked at renewing the Lord of the Rings Licence recently.

Its probably a good way to fill in vacant spots in the production line perhaps whilst Stern may be waiting on stock/parts and final numbers for current titles like X Men or Avengers. If they have a 5 day slot available on the production line, its a great way to keep the factory rolling along with a quick 100 re-run machines.
It might also be a marketing ploy to keep taking the focus away from JJP, and it sort of shows that Stern has the ability to produce multiple titles at once, whereas JJP hasnt released a title to the public yet (excl a few operators).

I bet during 2013, Stern will announce more reruns to satisfy people/customers who want to purchase that favourite title that may have been played onsite, but the production had previously stopped. I reckon its a great idea.

*didnt star wars episode 1 sell 3525 units, still a pretty healthy number to keep the production floor happy for a considerable time. If Stern does those numbers today, they shld be v happy ?