The casual moviegoer is a thing of the past. That's a big problem for Hollywood
The casual moviegoer is a thing of the past. That's a big problem for Hollywood
Gone are the days where prospective moviegoers would roll up to the theaters and gawk at the board for their next watch. Theaters are trying to make up that business in other ways.
Movie longevity is one factor. Maybe.
Paying entrance fees that are easily the price of a streaming service for an entire month is another. Definitely.
They did this to themselves. Crazy expensive prices, snacks no one can afford, dingy theaters, allowing noisy annoying patrons, there's no benefit now.
Make up in other ways by doing the same things, but more, that makes sure I never go to a theater again.
It's not casual if it costs as much as a formal dinner at a 3 star Micheline restaurant.
I love going to the movies, but they have got so expensive and the snacks are insane, it doesn't feel like a little luxury we might indulge in every month or so, but like a large luxury we might do twice a year.
We live in Australia where wages are generally higher if that adds any context.
Many moons ago that was me. Every paycheck id just head out and see what was playing
At one point, a mate and I would go once a week. Then the quality of films seemed to take a big dive, then the prices got ridiculous. Might go once or twice a year now, if there is actually something worth it.
I hate going to the movies. It's the people. There's always someone talking or on their phone and theatres do little to nothing to curb the issue.
When I worked at a theater as a teen I was ruthless. You'd get one warning then I'd boot your ass out.
These days I can't get through even scarcely attended movies without some jabroni distracting me.
When you go to movie the only sounds that should come from you are gasps, laughs, and maybe awes. I should be able to forget others are around.
I know some of those people that never stop talking or always on their phone.
I've asked them to stop. I've told them to stop. I've pointed out that if it was somebody else doing it, they'd be pissed off because someone else is ruining their time. They have zero fucks to give.
The people and the fact that it's always FREEZING! Adding a heated chair doesn't keep my nose warm. Then, the people down the row talked all the way through the movie.
Did you ask them to stop?
There is literally nothing that will get me into a movie theater again.
Pay to fall asleep 20 min in? Awesome!
I only go if the movie is worth watching in (true) IMAX or Dolby. So that will be like 1 or 2 movies a year. This year it was Dune Part 2. Otherwise, I just wait for it to be available to watch at home.
Movie pass 2.0?
I was in the same boat before I learned that there was essentially a rerun/remake/release/whatever you'd call it of Coraline in 3D. Immediately bought tickets knowing that not many people would head out to see it later at night. No drinks or food since I didn't wanna get charged an arm and a leg, but overall was a good experience since the theater chairs were nice.
Otherwise, yeah, no reason for me to go to the movies besides maybe if I really feel like going in the summer if there's a Ghibli fest going on (because masterpieces should be seen in theaters if the theater quality is nice enough).
I have a 75 inch 4k and decent sound. Why would I pay money for an experience worse than what I have at home?
Absolutely. We got a 240" screen here and more importantly: noone with a phone, coughing, sneezing, munching.... And when we have to take a leak, we press pause. Why on earth would we want to pay 20 bucks (or whatever it costs now, not been in a theatre for 30yrs) to have all that??
Bring back movie pass!
Went to way more shows with that.
It's like $15 for a ticket and another $15 for a drink and popcorn per person.
Prices are so bad that even 16oz bottle water is $5+ at many theatres
Bring back movie pass!
Many theater chains have their own equivalent.
Yes but those are theatre specific and usually expensive