Posted on 12/24/2005 9:57:16 AM PST by abb
With attendance down and movies popping up faster on DVD, theater chains are scrambling to pry you off the couch -- trying everything from discount tickets to curbs on rude patrons. Their fight to stay relevant in the flat-TV era
On a recent Friday night, some patrons of Pacific Theatres' The Grove Stadium 14 in Los Angeles were in for a rude awakening: Their 7:20 p.m. screening of "The Family Stone" in theater six was being invaded by the 7 p.m. show of "King Kong" in theater seven.
During a teary life-and-death passage of "The Family Stone," a loud, earth-rattling rumble emanated from the "Kong" screening next door. As Diane Keaton broke the news of a life-threatening illness in one theater, the mood was broken by the sound of the mighty ape stomping through the jungle in the other. A few minutes later, another emotional scene was pierced when a customer's mobile phone cut in with a thumping hip-hop beat. The interruptions capped a night of moviegoing already marred by out-of-order ticketing kiosks and a parade of preshow ads so long that, upon seeing the Coca-Cola polar bears on screen, one customer grumbled: "This is obscene."
For moviegoers, it's become an all-too-familiar scene, and some are opting to forget the theater altogether. This year, domestic movie attendance is down 7%, and industry officials blame competition from home entertainment -- everything from DVDs and pay-per-view to videogames that appeal to the young men who have been a core audience for action blockbusters. With millions of new flat-screen TVs hitting living rooms this year -- and an ever-shorter window between a film's theatrical release and when it appears on DVD -- the temptation to stay at home is getting even more widespread.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
I go to the movies almost every week. It has been empty for months, at least in my area. A few recently have packed people in. However, might I suggest dropping the price? I mean, when demand doesn't meet supply, don't you increase demand by creating a more cheaply priced or better product?
The decline of the movie market matches the decline of the print media. It's the product people! I bet a newspaper equivalent of Fox News would succeed.
No Kidding! How about making some good movies? Duh!
A better-quality product, lower ticket and concession prices, cell-phones confiscated at the door, no sqalling brats allowed, etc. etc. etc.
The "pitcher show" was an American staple back when people didn't have visual entertainment options in their homes. Also, on a hot summer afternoon, the local "Beesju" was often the only building in town with an air conditioned environment.
Times have changes. People no longer have to put up with the hassles of going to and seeing a film in the local theater. Coupled with the poor quality and high prices, people aren't.
Yeh.
This year seemed to be the remakes of the remakes of the remakes.
Some dozen of the films this year were rehashed remakes and re-interpretations.
Too bad Hollow-woood is so devoid of new ideas. They seem only able to recyle.
The second - SECOND - remake of King Kong???
How arrogant these producers/directors are to think they could top the original!
I DETEST remakes of ANY film.
I took my 3 oldest kids(ages 5,7,12)to the local multiplex yesterday to see Narnia. Thought I'd get a break for mantinee. The short of it. 4 tickets ($24), popcorn and sodas (another $20). Good movie for the kids, but I won't be returning anytime soon.
My nephew who runs one of the biggest theaters in Cleveland told me that Disney came to them wanting them to sell DVD's of their releases RIGHT IN THE THEATER!
The owner said, no way. It would ruin their repeat business and no amount of kickback would make up for the lost concession sales.
Disney said do it.
When the owner refused, they pulled Narnia.
Expect that theaters will close. Studios can make more on DVDs.
My last "theatre" experience was The Matrix, with a pair of loudmouthed middle-agers unable to keep their yaps shut in politeness to the other attendees.
I'll take NetFlix any day.
Exactly. WSJ can't see the forest for the trees.
Entertainment has a very simple formula. Make something that people want to see or hear, and it will sell.
DROP THE ADMISSION PRICE....
and go back to large screens..... dummies.
I stopped going to the movies when my large screen tv became bigger than my local multiplex screen!!
So nice to watch a movie in quiet with loved ones snuggling close.
My own choice of snacks at reasonable cost.
I'm a patient man.....I'll wait for the DVD.
In fact...I'm watching more movies now than before the DVD..and enjoying them more...especially the little hiddem gems that you never would see in the theatres.
I agree completely... 15-20 years ago I went to the movies at least 3 times a week.
Now, there are only about 10 films a year that I even want to see.
And even those I wait for the DVD because our (only) local theater has the worst sound system imaginable; (tin cans on a string have better fidelity), And the rudest staff and patrons to be found outside of France.
Heck, in our area, just the tix to the movie run you $25.
Gotta' try to recoup the 200 million spent on production and meet payroll. But yeah, you're right, for every business but HollyWierd.
Merry Christmas from sunny 72* South Texas.
It's not the quality, its not the price. It's THE PEOPLE!
I stay home because I don't want to spend the evning with a bunch of rude morons.
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