Deadline Says:
Nikki Finke (who's just fnishing up her medical leave with a last visit to the doctor) will be posting a complete update on the battle over DirecTV's recently announced premium plan in partnership with Sony, Warner Bros, Fox and Universal to offer on-demand movies only 60 days after they premiere in theaters. On Wednesday, she revealed that Regal Cinemas warned studio marketers that it will drastically reduce the amount of play time for each of the quartet's movie trailers in every Regal movie house (just in time for the summer tentpole season, too). The Cinemark chain is following suit with boycotting trailers and signage from the participating studios. Now comes this statement from AMC Entertainment:
Decades from now, Warner Bros.' mismanagement of the DC franchise will be studied by scholars.
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I'm all for AMC and Regal theaters fighting back. I dislike the idea of renting a movie at home that fast and I think that if that does it happen, it will increase piracy and cause a drop in ticket sales at the theaters. I feel that the best experience is the movie theater and I don't want to see it fall. I think it's smart that they are going to decrease trailers from those studios if they go ahead and do it!
If I recall correctly, the price for a movie through one of these On Demand rentals is supposed to be somewhere around $20-30. an awfully steep price to pay but still less than a date with your girl...or guy...or goat. I don't know what it costs to see a move down there but here its about $13 per person for a standard movie. If its in 3D or IMax its $18. Now there's a new style of screen they're working on at many locations that have leather reclining seats and it's reserved seating and that $25 per person.
That means you're looking at a cost of $26-50 just to get in the building and then factor in what you spoke about with the over priced refreshments. Eff me - $8 for a popcorn? When all is said and done, you're spending a very minimum of $50 for a night out and people don't want to do that anymore. Sure there are the purists (I'm looking at you JL) who love the experience but I'm spoured on the whole thing myself.
I'd sign up for this in a heartbeat.
@JL I see what you mean, but also remember this is On Demand. So its expensive and isnt streaming. Its literally buy the movie, it plays at a certain time and doesnt stop. It doesnt have pause or rewind or anything. And people have grown out of that.
Also the theater will always have an advantage. It will be the go to spot for badass movies. If you make a REALLY GOOD movie people will go see it. If you making your standard Hollywood film then obviously you are not looking to make it big anyways.
I also agree with whats said above. The reason im not with the theaters in this isntance is because its AMC. They got rid of student/military discounts. Their ticket prices are nearly double that of Harkins. They have no food specials, hell your not even allowed to bring in outside drink anymore. I went there with 30 bucks just to buy two tickets, ended up paying another 10 dollars just to get in. By then their 13 dollar soda wasn't an option at all.
You dont see companies like Harkins or Ultra Star fighting that much because they are still profitable. They have drink specials. They have 4D theaters. They have ticket specials. And most of all they have a quality experience gurentee.
They can threaten all they want, they really can't do much. This is a basic supply and demand.
Theaters are too expensive, people will find other options. Then they'll be forced to change things up to re-attract consumers. They need to start by lowing prices, as its clearly the biggest hurdle for most, I know it is for me.
I used to go a lot, but barely ever now. I have 55" high def lcd, ps3 for bluray, surround sound, and I can cook, buy or order out any food I want for far less then what they charge for basics. Not to mention the movie starts when I say it does.
I know people say atmosphere, and I agree, but that's a double edged sword nowadays, too many inconsiderate people bring baby's and kids (even to R rated movies, wth, gj parenting.)
Not to mention the several people who CANNOT turn their cellphones off, EVER, cause they're just TOO important.
I wish them luck, but they need to step it up to get people running back.
I love this!
I just don't want theaters to go under.