What is a "blockbuster" film characterized by?

A "blockbuster" film is characterized primarily by high production costs and massive box office earnings. This designation typically refers to films that are developed with significant financial investment, often involving elaborate special effects, well-known actors, and extensive marketing campaigns. These films aim to attract large audiences and achieve substantial commercial success, often resulting in high earnings that cover their production costs and contribute to a profit.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of films or characteristics that do not align with the mainstream success associated with blockbusters. Smaller budgets and limited releases are usually indicative of independent films or niche productions, while documenting real events pertains more to biopics or documentaries, which can be low or high budget but are not inherently "blockbusters." Artistic experimentation and indie production typically focus on creative expression and originality rather than aiming for mass market appeal, which is a hallmark of blockbuster films.