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Thank you. I quit going to the movies on a regular basis a long time ago. With On Demand, streaming services, etc ~ who needs to trek out to the theater and shell out $$$$$$$$$$$?
Such is what I have read in the past few years concerning the decline of attendance. Indeed, rather frequently a movie will come out that my wife and I have some interest in seeing, but will opt to wait for it to appear on HBO or such. I doubt we are alone in such change of habits. One can't go to a store without seeing that 'home theaters' has become a big seller.
At the theater we do go to (a multi screen in a mall), they made a huge change last year: each of the 8 theaters could hold 150-250 people (size varied). Theater by theater the ownership yanked out all the normal seats, and installed these wonderful, large electrical reclining seats. Now, I believe each theater averages seating for 75 people.
I thought it odd to deliberately reduce the number of paying customers that a screen could accommodate. On reflection, I determined that the ownership decided that attendance was down, anyway, and so might as well change the seating accommodations to attract people back (better to have 75 people fill 75 seats, than 50 people fill 250 seats).
I believe it has worked. Our attendance has ticked up, since we enjoy the seats and not having strangers elbowing us. I was irritated that it had become almost mandatory to reserve your seat online (due to the limited space), but after the first few times doing so (and selecting the seats we wanted), I am now sold on the idea.
However, while such has drawn us 'older' people back (for I see many my age or older), I doubt it will do much to entice the young generation whom seem satisfied to watch a movie on a cellular telephone, streaming, etc.
Regardless, it is akin to 'moving the deck chairs around on the Titanic'. The ownership may have bought some more time, but I imagine that such theaters will dwindle over the next decade, much as the malls are.
Such is what I have read in the past few years concerning the decline of attendance. Indeed, rather frequently a movie will come out that my wife and I have some interest in seeing, but will opt to wait for it to appear on HBO or such. I doubt we are alone in such change of habits. One can't go to a store without seeing that 'home theaters' has become a big seller.
At the theater we do go to (a multi screen in a mall), they made a huge change last year: each of the 8 theaters could hold 150-250 people (size varied). Theater by theater the ownership yanked out all the normal seats, and installed these wonderful, large electrical reclining seats. Now, I believe each theater averages seating for 75 people.
I thought it odd to deliberately reduce the number of paying customers that a screen could accommodate. On reflection, I determined that the ownership decided that attendance was down, anyway, and so might as well change the seating accommodations to attract people back (better to have 75 people fill 75 seats, than 50 people fill 250 seats).
I believe it has worked. Our attendance has ticked up, since we enjoy the seats and not having strangers elbowing us. I was irritated that it had become almost mandatory to reserve your seat online (due to the limited space), but after the first few times doing so (and selecting the seats we wanted), I am now sold on the idea.
However, while such has drawn us 'older' people back (for I see many my age or older), I doubt it will do much to entice the young generation whom seem satisfied to watch a movie on a cellular telephone, streaming, etc.
Regardless, it is akin to 'moving the deck chairs around on the Titanic'. The ownership may have bought some more time, but I imagine that such theaters will dwindle over the next decade, much as the malls are.
We have a spectacular home theater system ourselves. There is simply no need to trek to the movies; when I can go downstairs and see a movie in my own home!
That said, my work team and I often to go a local theater (like yours with online reservations and reclining seats) for a matinee after work. It's the only theater I will go to now! They also serve cocktails if you want, etc.
I'm 56 so I consider myself 'older' as well!
The thing is . . I really DETEST all these so-called 'action hero' movies that seem to be all the rage .
Yes, that's simple. Way too simple have any kind of validity? You failed to mention all the other posters who discount politics as their reason.
Not exactly statistically significant
Even though I think Mel Gibson's politics are atrocious, I have all 3 of his Mad Max DVD's, and will binge watch them when they appeal to me more than the current local theater offerings. I HIGHLY doubt that the average movie goer spends much time thinking about the politics of the actors and directors. They just wanna see a good movie.
I saw it in iMax, and may go see it again. I was so completely wrung out by the end that I couldn't move until ALL the credits were over.
The guy next to me was the same, and it was his third viewing.
And I neither know nor care about the politics of anyone involved in making it. It is a darn good movie, and I am grateful to all the folks who worked on it.
Your conclusion that it's "political' is pretty dumb considering that:
A) Hollywood has been Left-leaning for DECADES
B) Last years numbers were pretty darned good - Are you claiming that somehow movies suddenly became more political in just the last 6 months? You DO know don't you that films are YEARS in the preparation and making.
I swear you folks come up with the silliest theories I've ever heard.
It's pretty simple. This years numbers are low because too many of the big summer "crowdpleaser blockbusters" were LOUSY.
In a few speeches they let us know they didn't care if we didn't support them and so we let our wallets do the talking. Not because I disagree with their political stance, but because I find it gross to mix the greatest use of capitalism and social political climate together.
They're rich yet they feel free to gnaw off the hand that feeds them. Why? Cuz their rich, that's why. They can afford! They obviously new they could take the hit financially before they pursued their political hobbies. I don't imagine they care. They feel empowered, then go for it. But, that doesn't mean i'll agree, or find you appealing after you share your insides with me.
For me, there are just some things I didn't need to know. I watch foreign movies now and I'm quite happy with doing so. I've unlocked a lot more than I thought I would.
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