Is it a knockoff if you knock off the knockoff? (Bewtiched and Jeannie)

[Pab Sungenis]

Interesting discovery on the official website for Columbia/Sony Pictures' site for the Bewitched movie.

I'm more intrigued than worried about the movie because of the film's metaconcept. It's not a film adaptation of the TV show, it's a film about a group of actors doing a revival of the TV show, one of whom happens to be a witch "in real life."

So, looking at the updated flash site today, I heard background music coming through my headphones and put them on. (The Bewitched theme is also one of my favorite instrumental jazz numbers.) Much to my surprise, the music was familiar, but not quite "Bewitched."

Go to the site and listen to the music. It starts with what could be an improvisation on the "Bewitched" theme...then segues into the bridge from the theme from..."I Dream Of Jeannie!"

Backhanded slap at a classic "me too" competitor? Or viral marketing, since Sony is also in the running to distribute the movie version of "I Dream Of Jeannie" next fall?

[Orsino]

1. "It's Hollywood, Jake." n/t