We don't go often, but a movie theater is a pretty cool experience. Especially with the better seating that most or all have switched to. But it was hard enough for them with streaming. And then came covid ... Cineworld Group: The world's second biggest movie theater chain is in trouble - CNN
I have been to one, maybe two movie theaters in the past 15-20 years. I am not a good one to respond, but I really do not have the time or interest to watch movies. I am more of a book reader and have found in the past book vs. movie that book is far more satisfying. So, if movie theaters go under, I would not care.
I can't see them dying out altogether. Even with large HD TVs at home the experience just isn't the same. I never go to these big chain theaters though. My spot is a local 2 screen theater called Sun-Ray Cinema. The experience cannot be beat in my opinion. Cheap ticket prices, cheap freshly made food, and cheap booze (for those that are so inclined). They survived COVID and are thriving due to local support.
We went to movies all during covid at the epic theater in oakleaf. I believe several times we were the only one's in there...but personally believe they're close to pricing themselves out.
We usually go to the Epic in Ocala and will gladly make the drive as the Regal here locally in Inverness is a dumpster fire and has not been updated in decades. Can’t beat the reclining leather seats and the concessions are overall cheaper than Regal.
I actually think HBO and Netflix cutting costs and losing subscribers or hitting a ceiling with growth is pretty good news for theaters.
I do think there is a bit of a reaction against streaming and towards getting out of the house post-pandemic, but pricing is definitely an issue for movie theaters. I wonder if you are eventually going to see them move beyond just the traditional movie format/pricing into more event-oriented theater experiences. Renting out theaters for birthday parties with a large library of video options, concerts, and things like Gator Clubs seems like it might make sense with a small re-design to some of their theaters.
Crying babies and the occasional Hispanic person translating what’s said to another Hispanic person who doesn’t speak English in the row in front of me aside, I hope it does survive. Also there’s something about the smell of movie theater popcorn.
As a teen back in the 60’s we used to see rock groups perform in movie theaters. In fact I went to my first concert to see Paul Revere And The Raiders in one.
Even if movie theaters were to go away they would likely come back in time. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Eventually Kids would have a new experience and older people would enjoy the nostalgia. I imagine the resurgence would make for a stronger attendance in the long run.
There is something magical about a big movie on a big screen, but most movies are 90% as good for <10% the cost, so the math doesn't really work out for theaters anymore. Give us an experience we can't get anywhere else, and we'll keep filling your seats, but for the most part the experience isn't worth it. End Game on opening weekend with a bunch of people who are excited to see it? Totally worth the price of admission.
I have the Regal subscription. $19 a month go as much as you want. I love the theater experience. Home TV sucks and I have a great TV set up. If you didn’t see Top Gun at the theater you really missed out. Same with 1917. Everything Everywhere All at Once wouldn’t have been the same. The Avenger releases. Avatar is coming out. I’m very worried.
Won’t go completely away but yeah they are well past their golden age. Crazy expensive and most people have a 50+ inch TV in their living room these days.
I know it’s personal taste but it’s not either or for me. I read books and see movies for totally different experiences.
They can survive but they need to look at concessions. The ticket price is fine since the experience is truly unmatchable even with the best TVs and sound. I know of a few friends who went all-out with their in-home theater but they spent more than $25,000 building it to make it soundproof and simulating the theater experience and they come real close. Not everyone has the space or the cash to build something like this. The issue I see is the concessions - way too expensive and with just my wife and I, we easily spend as much on concessions as the tickets. FYI, all I get is either a bottled water or a diet coke. For a family, they are looking at nearly $100 just on concessions. Where some theaters are booming is the dinner-and-theater experience but the food is bowling alley quality. If they can improve on the food, I could see this being the next big thing for theaters.
50”? What is this 2005? Get this gem and let me know how it is….. should be in my price range in 2032.
Book stores are back, so why not movie theaters Some Surprising Good News: Bookstores Are Booming and Becoming More Diverse