More movies than usual to open this holiday season, WSJ reports

This coming holiday season, movie-goers will have plenty to chose from. Over the last ten years, the holiday season has delivered fewer than 10 new releases. Between December 12 and 25, there will be 12 new releases, the highest number in recent time. “I don't think there have ever been this many movies in wide release at Christmas,” Michael Lynton, chairman of

Sony Pictures Entertainment division said in a November interview. The holiday season represents a period when people have the most free time in a very compact window and with this season's lineup of films, there is something for everyone.

owned Paramount Pictures is set to release Martin Scorcese's “The Wolf of Wall Street” details Jordan Belfort's memoirs should appeal to the adult crowd. Several other drama themed pictures geared towards the adult crowd include Sony Entertainment's Columbia Pictures “American Hustle.”

is set to release its “Saving Mr. Banks” feature about the making of 1964's “Mary Poppins” Families and kid-oriented films appear are much less crowded with the only major release coming from

The film “Walking With Dinosaurs” is expected to appeal primarily to young kids. In this competitive environment, one movie is expected to stand out over the others.

owned New Line Cinema's release of “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” is expected to be a blockbuster. The film opened to $73.7 million during its opening weekend. According to