7 Things Killing Movie Theaters (& How to Save Them)

Things are looking dire for movie theaters this summer so I broke down seven things that are driving people way and seven ways to get them back to the movies!
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[@dinoden3006]

Going to the cinema used to be a cheap luxury that felt special... Now its an expensive luxury that often feels like a chore or a let down

[@crosswalkX]

I agree with you, everything is so high expensive, also there wasn't hardly any movies I wanted to see. I remember back in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. You were very excited to see movies like Secret of Nimh, Star Wars, Star Trek, Beauty and the Beast, Hook, Lord of the Rings, Treasure Planet, The Hobbit and so many other good memorable movies and movie tickets and food concessions were very cheap and affordable. Also there wasn't a no backpack ban policy until 2018 at Cinemark. Nowadays when going to a movie in the 2020s it's the same old story like with Hallmark movies and there's nothing really memorable about current 2020 movies I can watch it but, I find myself quickly forgetting about most of the movies in the 2020s since I don't like the scripts going on repeats. Anyway, I prefer watching home made Lego stop motion videos more or cartoons on youtube. Also I watch many of the disaster movies on youtube. I'm worried movie theaters will disappear like with Blockbuster and Hollywood video stores.

[@politefan8141]

@@crosswalkX People have been complaining about theater etiquette for as long as there have been movie theaters. If anything, the massive reduction in theater patrons has made my trip to the movies far less distracting than several years ago.

[@andreacg774]

Perfectly articulated 👏🏻

[@1_underthesun]

As the cost went up above and beyond relative costs everywhere, writers, producers and studios as a whole also decided that, rather than give movie goers what they wanted to see, they were going to do whatever it is they wanted to do....which more often than not, was a thinly veiled attempt to try and adjust society to their liking. Nothing proved this more than when they started attacking movie goers who didn't like it, or worse, attacking anyone who didn't go out and see it. The ONLY reason these people would feel so personally slighted to the point they brand their customers "bad people", is if they narcissistically thought their movie was going to change hearts and minds out in the real world and make the world a better place.

[@ItsKimOlson]

"Feels like a chore." I have A-List & sometimes I'll be like "do I really want to?" It also includes driving to the theater, so gas $. I'll do 3 movies in one day, so I save $ on gas & concessions.

[@michaeladkins6]

I used to go to the movies several times a month. Between higher prices and worse, the other people who acted like they were in their living room, I just stopped going.

[@993mike]

Agree all the way. A huge number of Americans have zero clue on how to act in public, rudely behaving like they’re at home on the couch.

[@hoemalone]

This is it. I’ve had so many awful experiences where I thought to myself “why did I pay a month’s streaming subscription to see this movie with the most annoying people in the world?”

[@Malt454]

Yep, paying all that money with no guarantee that stupid louts won't spoil the experience anyway is a major consideration, along with too many pre-show ads, and concession prices that seem to come from 20 years in the future. Edit: What's more, streaming is NOT the solution to this, because there's no indication that streaming content is committed to anything like the quality that the film industry as a whole can produce at its best; the theaters have to save themselves by acting like responsible businesses and not just cash grabs. They need to make their experience not just competitive, but superior again.

[@glent7853]

Exactly. My #1 reason I don't go as much is the people. On the phone, talking, arriving late, just being annoying

[@tleeg74]

My problem is movies nowadays just suck. Maybe 4 out of every 10 movies I go to, I walk out saying that was a really good movie

[@raptors661]

I used to be a manager at an AMC. They will fight you tooth and nail to get anything fixed. We had a projector down for 9 months. An entire auditorium we couldn't use. We're the only first run theater for 100 miles, and people do travel to go to this theater. You would think they would make sure that theater is well taken care of, but nope. They did give the theater a half assed renovation 5 years ago, but cheaped out and now the theater is back in ruins.

[@AnointedFlow]

I used to be a projectionist at AMC. I understand how cheap they can be.

[@Dean1000...]

Cinema became brutally expensive including cinema food and drink. Prices are insane .

[@playedout148]

Rent too dam high 2

[@liabw05]

Exactly! $10 for a large popcorn is ridiculous 😅

[@Dean1000...]

Less people in cinemas, they rise prices to compensate and result is even less people in cinemas.

[@Rascool69]

​@@Dean1000...yep

[@emanuelespinoza9325]

Concessions are not mandatory for my theatrical experience.

[@chazzer6545]

the amount of times i've had to tell people to get off their phones or stop talking just this year is insane, i always hate doing it cause im just a scrawny teenager but i sometimes just have to do it

[@DanMurrellMovies]

I do the same thing - glad to hear you're fighting on the front lines for the new generation!

[@hoemalone]

@@DanMurrellMoviesI had a kid walk around and talk on the phone for 10+ minutes during Avatar 2. I finally leaned forward and told them to go sit down and the people next to me acted like I was a monster. One of the last times I went to the movies. If everyone else doesn’t mind the distractions, I’ll just stay home.

[@queenofnevers6990]

In our theatre teens often behave much better, than folks in their 20s

[@chazzer6545]

@@queenofnevers6990 same in my city it’s often people a bit older who I’m having to tell to shut up

[@scatmanskabadop]

​@@chazzer6545a minor annoyance I've consistently come across is people with smart watches. Love to see a bunch of tiny screens light up in my peripheral vision and briefly take me out of the movie because their arm moved

[@MariaVosa]

Dan's deep dive into the inflation issue, disproving the notion that tickets and concessions are much more expensive - but then doing a *deeper* dive pointing out salaries have *not* been keeping pace with inflation - is why his show is better than almost every other media outlet. To me, he is the Walter Cronkite of KZbin: immediately trustworthy.

[@natenbox64]

You can “thank” a certain man named Ronald for that.

[@officharlottestorm]

Had the exact same reaction and thought during that segment. Literally paused twice to appreciate how he was doing it. I think some of the seven are bigger than others, but the whole video really lays it out for each case and how those compound even in ways like you might not think. If you see this, Dan I like your brain. Does cool stuff. We nerds like.

[@ZachBobBob]

​​@@natenbox64Neoliberalism and late stage capitalism have destroyed the planet. Thatcher, Reagan and Murdoch have killed us all and everything we love 🙃 Every video I watch about why X is broken virtually always comes down to the affirmationed ideologies and people

[@Thedogdad84]

Totally agree

[@PeterKnagge]

"America First" divided the world socially, politically, & economically more than the last 500 years of American history than most Americans realise. Americans need to learn how to chill out.

[@TXMusicalNerd]

They don’t enforce theater etiquette on Broadway anymore. You wouldn’t believe the behavior I’ve seen. Last week I saw someone take a call mid act.

[@GrapeStation]

Are you for real?

[@AnointedFlow]

Ain't no way!

[@TXMusicalNerd]

@@GrapeStationyeah, when the second act started she was still on her phone with full brightness and a bunch of us told her to turn it off.

[@GrapeStation]

@@TXMusicalNerd people are so desperate for attention it’s genuinely sad to me. I refuse to believe anyone is so braindead they don’t know general public etiquette.

[@pickmeaname]

​@@TXMusicalNerdhow did she react to the "request?"

[@espenstoro]

FINALLY someone mentions it. The overall economy matters. We're not reckless lunatics with infinite bank accounts for fun who just choose to spend lots of money on other things all of a sudden, if a lot of us are going to the movies, we have to sacrifice something else. "But people are spending lots of money nowadays". Yeah, because everything is stupid expensive! We're going broke on the basics in the most literal sense. I think I'm going to the theater two or three times this year. That's it. That's reality for us who live in poverty.

[@aquaticfoxe]

Exactly!! My local theater does $5 movie Mondays and that is the only way I go. $5 ticket and no concessions. I can't imagine being a parent with kids who (understandably) want popcorn/candy/a drink.

[@BenHeckHacks]

Theaters completely recovered in 2022 (No Way Home, Strange 2, Top Gun 2, Black Panther's Sister, Avatar Waterworld...) And bad movies have always made money in the past. So yeah. It's the economy. (and also I'm sick of 20 minutes of trailers and ads)

[@studio96films65]

Besides the movies will be out on streaming in a month so there’s kinda no incentive to go.

[@davidknightx]

Personal financial budgeting expert here. Most of you are FAR poorer than you think you are. I don't even bother trying to help people because the vast majority don't even meet my requirements of half you income covers ALL living expense. Generally, I like to see 25% (or less) spent on rent/mortgage. LOL None of you are meeting that basic guideline. Oh man, you're all sooo screwed, you have no idea.

[@One.Zero.One101]

Yeah the wages haven't kept up with inflation. This is a factor a lot of people miss when they talk about consumers.

[@davidmylchreest3306]

I live in Scotland and after COVID my local cinema actually cut their prices and stuck to it. Tickets are £5 no matter what the screening or seating. Tickets for a family of 4, with popcorn sweets and drinks for the kids amount to about £30. It's a real money saver when you have to entertain the kids during the rainy school holidays.

[@evieblue959]

Nice. Just out of curiosity, what do you think the theater’s capacity is?

[@jairbear619]

Awesome! Has your local cinema been thriving with moviegoers since the ticket pricing change? Would be curious to ask the manager of the theater if it turned out to be a great thing in the long run.

[@rednoggy]

Yeah I pay a fiver in North East England. As you say, great for families.

[@katashworth41]

I pay the same in the North West. It’s why I can afford to do multi film trips (I’m doing one today in fact).

[@aaronlimitless]

Problem is in the United States. People are still paying where they can warrant keeping the prices higher.

[@pixelneer]

Alamo Drafthouse is GREAT about enforcing the 'no phones' and 'no talking' rules.. they take pride in doing so. Which makes it my first choice for a theater.

[@DanMurrellMovies]

They're a great oasis in the moviegoing world. Unfortunately they're also only available to a small number of moviegoers.

[@samfilmkid]

The only issue, honestly, is the food. People coming and going in and out with orders and taking orders DURING the film. I know they make an effort to be as un-intrusive as possible, but it's still distracting. Also, in my opinion, the food is not very good. But if that's the price to pay for a decent cinema experience, I will take it. You can feel the enthusiasm for cinema when you walk into the place compared to the sterile nothing of my local AMC. I hope they expand more in the future.

[@pixelneer]

@@samfilmkid Absolutley. The 'serving food/drinks' isn't ideal, but as an example, I watched the remastered "Gone with the Wind" there in a packed house. Once the film started and the VIBRANT sunset of the opening lit up the theater, there was a collective, audible gasp. I make it a point to go to most of their 'classic movies' series, and yes, everyone in the theaters during those viewings are super enthusiastic so everyone is on their best behavior.

[@JoeJoe-lq6bd]

@@samfilmkid Yeah, the food should be better for the price but I think the food and drinks in general are a necessary part of making the experience competitive with streaming, as well as making this type of theater profitable. Even with the small interruptions, it's a much better experience than the AMC or, God forbid, the Regal near me.

[@evieblue959]

@@samfilmkidI wonder how much the food quality varies between drafthouse theaters … granted I only ever get the fried pickles but I love ‘em

[@ChelseaLewis]

It’s the people. 100 percent. My husband and I loved going to the movie theater but recently we have had so many experiences ruined by phones, talking, etc. During Dune 2 in IMAX opening night, the person next to us was snoring so loudly.

[@AceGoodheart]

That was probably me snoring. Sorry.

[@BillLaBrie]

That counted as a review.

[@beefy45]

Go to the movies on a monday, nobody is there

[@nataliedeniseallen]

Decorum and common decency is needed everywhere. Being in retail I’m in shock at people’s audacious behavior and if you say something you’re met with such entitlement and rudeness. What happened to politeness?

[@brucecrawford_17]

Thank you for addressing the fact of people's disregard for other moviegoers at the theater when they're on their phones and constantly talking through the entire film! It's so frustrating that people don't care and have no sense of awareness anymore. It's one big factor for me why I've stopped going to the theater as much, especially for repeat viewings.

[@rachelh2816]

Also people texting throughout the movie and checking their phones. Why see the movie then if you’re just going to be on your phone the whole time

[@brucecrawford_17]

@@rachelh2816 Exactly. Why waste their money if they’re just going to be on the phone the whole time?! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@benzaiten933]

the same problem exists on other public places such as the bus, train or even a park bench during lunch times. people simply don't care about anyone else anymore, no respect. they talk loudly and take up space on the train too and will littler on public benches, with the bin just steps away. it's a pandemic of no manners.

[@mathsalot8099]

I don't text, but in defense of checking my phone, I have young kids (who I leave at home so they aren't there in a movie not appropriate for them... your welcome). When I get a notification, I need to make sure it's not the sitter telling me there is an emergency. I try to do it discreetly, and of course everything is on silent, but sometimes we need to think about WHY people are doing it beyond just "they don't care about anyone but themselves." A little compassion goes a long way.

[@jasonvagner]

When I went to see Fall Guy the movie didn’t start until 40 minutes after the posted showtime. We’ve all seen the commercials a million times, no one cares about Noovie, the trailers are all on KZbin, and I don’t want to see those incessant Coca Cola commercials another 1,000 times. I’m guessing movie reviewer previews don’t subject reviewers to all of those things too? EDIT: to clarify, the annoyances keep me from going to the theater too often contiguously. I used to love going to the theater every week. Nowadays, given annoyances, I can maybe do it once a month. And I’m in the movie club. Also, bring back the bulk candy bins.

[@DanMurrellMovies]

Critics' screenings don't, but I see most of my movies at regular screenings here. I'm very familiar with plugs for Heal Squad by Maria Menounos.

[@JakeGottfriedStudios]

To be fair, as much as I hate 20-30 minutes of trailers, if people don't choose to watch trailers since their is no ad space [like if they have only Netflix] and don't live in areas with billboards and such, then the theater is literally the only chance for someone who might had only knew about the movie they went to go see about other movies they didn't know were coming out.

[@waywardmind]

I'm not against trailers at all. I absolutely hate the ads, though.

[@JDotWill]

My theater usually does 25mins of trailers, the commercial for the US Army & the commercial advertising the theater’s subscription program. I only see the other commercials & the Maria Menunous stuff if I arrive before the start time

[@knaditya8228]

I have no problem against movie trailers since that’s what I am there to watch so movie ads are totally fine but when they start advertising products I don’t care about I get annoyed

[@ViperChief117]

I used to go to the movie theater all the time. I liked the theater going experience up until recently. I hate having to be in a cinema hearing people talking and using their phones. It’s like bro you can turn your phone off for two hours. lol

[@lembochiproductions6957]

I hate when other people do that, using their phones and talking out loud when everybody is just trying to enjoy the movie. I’ve seen people get kicked out of a movie for that specific reason and I’ve heard other fellow audience members during a movie would tell others to shut up when talking too loud on a constant basis throughout the movie.

[@Chibibotan]

I've lived in Japan for many years now, and the theater experience here is like night and day compared to the US. Everyone is silent, keeps their phones away for the whole movie, stays until the credits are over (even if there is no end credit scene). It's great if you just want to enjoy a movie in peace. I have heard other people complain about not getting the "audience" experience because people don't laugh out loud or clap or cheer, but I have been in full theaters where you can feel the excitement without needing to shout it. Overall, I can't see myself going back to a theater experience in the US after having a way better experience in Japan.

[@aaronton2703]

In japan i know that it is forbidden to take a photo or film during concerts

[@thema1998]

​@@aaronton2703 Depends on who's performing. I've seen several concert videos that were clearly recorded by amateurs in Japan!

[@GrapeStation]

That sounds, incredible.

[@aaronlimitless]

Like that experience has to do with how the culture is there the Japanese are far more reserved than American’s one thing I will say that you can usually avoid a bad experience at the theater is two things. Don’t go on weekends and especially downtown city theaters if you can avoid it but especially going to see like a horror film. You’re always gonna get a younger more rowdy crowd because of that better to go to the suburbs or on an off day if possible or at least skip the first weekend if you really want. The other thing I’ve noticed now is if you have the unlimited plans or even even if you book individual individually, the more premium experiences have better customers a.k.a. 4DX dbox imax rpx etc. They’re more expensive and typically the teenagers are going to pay for the basic beaters just a standard beater. They’re not gonna pay for the more premium experiences so that alone can usually help you avoid it.

[@One.Zero.One101]

Yeah I was shocked when I learned people cheer and clap during a movie in America. In my country sometimes they would clap at the end of the movie but everyone's quiet while watching.

[@CamPopplestone]

Netflix and Amazon don't want their films to succeed in theaters because if theaters die out, they'll get even more subscribers and money. At least that's how their CEOs see it

[@Chupachups665]

They also don’t want to pay talent involved in the production of their films backend from the box office gross profit. They wanna pay upfront and keep all the profits to themselves

[@cr-pol]

Netflix claims watching 'Lawrence of Arabia' on a phone is a fine way of viewing that film. So yeah, I would agree that Netflix is anti-theaters.

[@Chupachups665]

@@cr-polYeah their CEO was recently caught being delusional claiming barbenheimer would have done the same numbers if it was happening on Netflix smh🤦‍♂️ 😂

[@blazenfate]

Right... it's their fault movie theaters suck.

[@englandsensation]

Yeah. But it's also proved that when a film it's released on theaters (ahead of being released on streaming), it does better on streaming than movies that didn't have a theatrical release. So, when a film does well on theaters, it also benefits the streaming sites.

[@ryans7097]

This video is so spot on with every single point. Just went to Furiosa over the weekend and the seats at my theater were in really rough shape and the cost of 2 imax tickets with a medium popcorn and 2 drinks was like $60. My biggest reason that I only see a select few movies these days is because people in the theater SUCK. Playing on their phones, talking the entire movie, coming into the movie late, it is infuriating.

[@PowerRobMusic]

Agreed, I can handle every other issue but the imbeciles who don't shut up in the theater

[@TalkingThrones]

I never go out to the theaters because I enjoy watching them from the comfort of my own home. I can pause when I want, adjust the volume, add subtitles, if need be, eat/drink what I want, no disruptions by other moviegoers, etc... It's a better experience, in my opinion. (I have a 75 inch OLED with premium surround sound)

[@okrajoe]

Younger generations are not developing the habit of going to the movies like older generations did in their youth.

[@turtlesnail9824]

Normally it’s the older movie goers that are nonstop on their god damn phones

[@flannelogue]

It's not about the younger generation. It's about society on a whole that lack the empathy and are apathetic about art. The most annoying folk in theatre aren't the kids and teens. It's the people in my age group that should know better but do it anyway.

[@pegacorn13]

My son and I go to our local community theater at least twice a month: he LOVES going to the movies and as a 17 year-old, he's completely respectful. He is blown away by the price of AMC movies and he has essentially boycotted going there right along with me.

[@PoppaSquat-et3qp]

And unfortunately have developed habits like watching content on phones and tablets that are very short videos.

[@Blast2224]

Moviegoing was something a parent had to train their child into, if you were going to have your kid there WITHOUT issue. My mom took me to see my first movies as young as *four* and she explained to me, "It's going to be dark. It's going to be a little LOUD. Hold my hand. Don't kick the seats. If you can't whipser to my ear, or if I think you need to leave, we will leave." And I got it! I was born in 1992 and by 1997 I was able to sit through 2.5 hours zero issue. Some kids can do it, some can't. A movie is not a babysitter though. This is why today's kids are such jackasses. Their parents don't know how to educate or train or even engage them.

[@njpsychopath]

The biggest difference I've noticed in my media consumption nowadays is that I rarely seek out anything specific. It's less "I want to see this so let me make the time" and more "I have the time, what is available right now?" There is just so much stuff out there, its hard for anything to stand out as a must see - especially when you consider the barriers of going to a movie theater.

[@matthewmiskiewicz8357]

what do you consume then?

[@jairbear619]

I'm on the same boat with you, brother! It's as simple as this: THERE IS SO MUCH CONTENT, IT'S TOO MUCH CONTENT. It's so hard to choose what I want to view (movies or series) because of the hundreds of options that are available to me.

[@Sasu123456789x1]

Yup, definitely agree with this

[@nancyh9125]

Tired of the re-do movies. A real waste EXCEPT for TOP GUN MAVERICK.

[@victor_gators]

“My media consumption” 🤓☝️

[@defnotkevin]

As someone who's worked at one of the big chain theaters I'll say that the corporate mindset is cutting hours for staff is the first thing they do when business starts to slow, which leaves theaters understaffed to keep the place running most days, much less running well. Also most employees are not looking to work at the theaters long term and it is kind of a crappy job, which makes it hard to get invested in keeping the place nice. But even if you do make an effort to do so, the managers often don't care if you report say a projection issue like the masking curtains not shaping the screen properly. I can't tell you how many times I would report some sort of technical issue to be greeted with a shrug. A lot of the technical and audience problems stem from the workers being paid too little to care, which is pretty valid imo. Really enjoyed this video and I hope theaters can improve and thrive.

[@alexp3997]

For me the biggest problem with movie theaters was how easy it was for other people to ruin the experience by talking and texting during the movie. Felt like everytime I went I was playing roulette, I MIGHT get a respectful crowd but most likely won’t. I think theaters made a MAJOR mistake by not taking more action to resolve this and enforce a quiet respectful environment.

[@steveStonehedge]

I live near some towns that have alot of hood rachet crowds to come and it ruined the experience sometimes

[@madamenoire6830]

You also forgot people who bring babies or small children to adult movies the crying, talking and constant up and down for the bathroom. I stopped going because I don’t like the experience. It is now too expensive not to enjoy it. There are better movies on streaming services that I’d rather see instead of theatrical releases.

[@SuperBabyMario0C]

Dudes with their dumb apple watches light going off everytime it moves

[@22zay65]

The last 3 times I was at a theater i had a mf vaping in front of me. I had people talking because they were in the wrong seats and the right people came, that took like 20 min to resolve. And the flashing notification light. I can only go to theaters during weird hours to ensure no one ruins it for me

[@steveStonehedge]

@@22zay65 lol 🤣 I brought in a vape but I did it discreetly, that’s funny

[@user-sw9bo1hv9z]

1. I'm a teacher (16 yrs in) & what you're describing in terms of audience behavior is definitely a symptom of generational/social decline that COVID progressed. It's like everyone below the age to 27 thinks a camera is on them all the time & whatever their outrageous behavior is amusing to the whole world--the younger the worse they are. 2. In my city, 4 evening tickets (premium screen), 1 lrg popcorn, 3 medium drinks= 95$; you're getting off easy! 3. The culture wars do play a role in all of this, for good or ill. Studios are not being very conscious of that, so audiences are becoming more fickle about it.

[@ras_732]

I think the theatrical window should be put under scrutiny, because that's definitely changing the audience behaviour. In France and Italy, it's still the traditional 90 day window before its out on physical and digital release.

[@musicislyfe911]

Really? WOW we have to get back to 90 days window over here in the U.S.

[@kishenchohan1286]

you could use illegal streaming services to watch those movies, its not like your streaming a boxing match or football one

[@lovetheblue6659]

There is so much stuff being pushed at us from streamers now ... and it costs so much to subscribe to multiple streaming services ... that I don't think going to a 90 day theatrical window is going to help much. For example, Disney has gone to a 90 day theatrical window on some of their recent offerings -- and many people *still* just waited for the films to show up on Disney+. During that 90 day period there was plenty of weekly original entertainment available on the streamers, so the wait was not a big factor. Before streaming Summer was for repeats on TV. If you wanted some original new viewing entertainment, the theaters were your best bet from late May to mid September. That's just not the case anymore. Combine that with 120" home laser projectors that cost less than 2K and it's just tough to justify making the trek to the Theater.

[@kishenkoolskills90]

I just wait for movies it's usually 45 days for many movies

[@kishenkoolskills90]

I've got Disney+, Netflix and Amazon Prime but I use another app for more movies

[@arianshahrokh1439]

I paid 22$ for one ticket to see the fall guy in IMAX. And the double projectors were just slightly out of sync, it was not bad enough to ask for a refund but that was not a 20$ experience.

[@timpage9424]

You can email IMAX quality control if there's a severe issue. There were a good amount of dead pixels when I saw GOGT3 last year, I emailed them and but the time Spider-Verse released they fixed it. I don't know if it was just me but it made me feel like they really cared about the experience.

[@koolaidkid6916]

I recommend AMC A list or Regal Unlimited if you have the spare time/income!

[@scatmanskabadop]

I remember when I went to see John Wick 4 and I noticed that the pre-roll ads and trailers were too zoomed-in on the screen. I got up, and alerted a theater employee who assured me "that's just how the ads are but the movie itself is properly formatted." I took her at her word and went back in. When the movie started, the picture itself looked fine, but whenever subtitles would appear on screen (you know how John Wick movies are with their stylistic subtitling), it looked to me like the words were too close to the edge of the screen. You could still read everything perfectly fine, they just looked out of place in the frame..... .... Right up until the climax of the movie. The subtitles there appear at the bottom of the screen, and they were cut off!!! You could only see the very top of the words and there was no way to really make out what was said!!! I was so mad, especially since I alerted an employee of a problem and they didn't even bother to take a look at it!!! I spoke to a different employee afterwards letting them know what happened so they could have a chance to actually fix it before later screenings, and I declined the movie voucher they offered me because I thought accepting it would make me seem less serious and give them an excuse to ignore my complaint once again.

[@SubSolar]

What happens when it's out of sync, ghosting?

[@arianshahrokh1439]

@@SubSolar it looks kind of like bad frame timing issues in video games. And the image is slightly blurry and ghosty, especially when characters or the camera is moving.

[@BMoneyrulz]

I love these video essays, Dan. Your videos and reviews are always excellent but these video essays are the gourmet of KZbin! Thank you for speaking up for the good of entertainment.

[@briar1102]

We have a really bad AMC here in Oregon. It used to be a privately owned place with restaurant food that would be delivered to your seat, brewery, good snacks, living room style seating and luxury seats, then AMC bought it and it went to hell, in total disrepair, seats falling apart, the restaurant closed, etc. AMC is not maintaining their theaters.

[@ThiefofRPGistheWanderingSoul]

Movie theatres feel like they are now going through the same situation that killed arcades in the late 90s and led to the early 2000s where gaming became a lot more niche until the reexpansion that online brought in the late 2000s.

[@GothamClive]

I would say with arcades it was the competition of home computers. The games were at least as good, and you didn't have to pay additional money or leave home. Now the people who could afford cinema have great monitors and sound at home, with much better seats. Paying extra money for a worse experience isn't everybody's cup of tea.

[@JohnnyWednesday]

Something was lost with the arcade that home gaming hasn't recaptured, even with the advent of multiplayer gaming. It wasn't strong enough to save the arcade no - but the friend/family experience of the cinema is far stronger. I remember seeing "The Force Awakens" with friends and after it finished? nobody had a bad word to say and we all thought it was brilliant. Had we streamed it with a pizza? somebody would have gone home early grumbling about the force.

[@newguyiswinning]

Great analogy. Definitely like arcades back in the day and will eventually end up the same

[@CBrown]

Very good comparison. Even though I had home consoles back then there was nothing like going to an arcade and kind of like theaters, at least for my experience, it was also the people that ruined it. The arcade where I lived had a very club-like atmosphere; it was kind of dark, there was loud music playing, and people were in there just hanging out as much as they were playing the games. But as a young teen it was such a cool place to be. Then the drugs/dealers came. Then the fighting came. Maintenance was barely a thing and then the younger groups stopped going. It's a similar reason why I don't go to movies. While it's not the same kinds of people, it's still people that are the problem for me: People are loud, on their phones, they wreck the chairs and leave the theaters a mess, Karen's and Karen Jr's are everywhere. Why bother with that when I can watch at home? I came to the same conclusion with gaming.

[@milkmanx]

Arcades died in the mid 90s. What you’re talking about was the leftovers. Arcades are still around by the way, it’s just not as popular as it once was. Movie theaters will be the same way.

[@BurlyBeardedReviews]

10:30 as a projectionist I have a lot to say about this, and a lot of it comes down to the downplaying of our jobs and the lack of support we receive. They usually have one person doing all of it and don’t want to give them hours because they don’t see the importance of what they do, which sounds counterintuitive given that it’s a movie theater, but most movie theaters are run like restaurants now, even the Alamo, which is who I work for.

[@DanMurrellMovies]

I think every theater should have a full time projectionist whose job it is to solely monitor, check and adjust as needed but I doubt many do

[@BurlyBeardedReviews]

@@DanMurrellMovies many don’t. Many see it as an automated job now, only requiring spot checks on minimal hours.

[@DanBharry]

I worked for Carmike Cinemas When they got bought by amc up until the end of july 2017, projection used to be a mangers job, and always had issues. The theater ws already old and need of an upgrade but every projector had issues. Sometimes they'd just outright play the wrong movie or not have it cropped correctly. Their solution was to train all the employees to use the projectors. But they all worked store or door, so they'd have to leave their post to fix a projection issue. We were pretty busy when we officially became amc, but they cheaped out on every front. Luckily my local amc is well kept.

[@benstiller9578]

I feel that a big part of the issue here is the compulsive addiction to the phone. I will only go to my local IMAX (which is in a furniture store) or an Alamo because I’m so fed up of the phone addiction, which feeds into terrible self-serving behavior in the theater. Not only are people compulsively addicted to it, the quick-hit feed of 10 second video clips has also rewired attentions spans to not sit through a 2 hour film. I’d love to see those phone lock pouches that comedians use to be used in specified showings.

[@WritteninBlood]

I'm so glad you mentioned the problem with people in movie theaters. One time, I was sitting in the very back row waiting for the movie to start when this guy sat right down beside me. As soon as the movie began, he got out his cellphone and the light from its screen is blinding. I told him to please turn it off, and he looked at me and said, "Why?" Like you said, people just don't care anymore.

[@Exiled_Rouge]

I live in Chicago. Furiosa tickets on opening day at our local AMC was $24 per ticket before taxes and service fee. Taking my family of 4 to the movies cost: Tickets: $24 x 4 = $96, before taxes. Parking: 3 hours = $40 Snacks: 2 popcorns, 4 drinks = $80 Taxes: $19 Service fee: $6 $241.00 total. I have a 98-inch Mini LED TV in my living room with a dolby atmos sound systems and a 83-inch OLED in my basement den, also with a dolby atmos system. If I wanted to wait on Furiosa coming to PVOD, I probably could have had a cheaper and better experience at home.

[@jairbear619]

BRO! That's too much! That sucks that you have to pay almost $250 with your family for just ONE movie.

[@007Julie]

You pay for parking? You must live downtown where they charge for parking, the tickets prices are insane too!

[@hawksrob1961]

If I had a 98 inch television I’d never turn it off;)

[@lastguyminn2324]

@@williammccormick984 A family of 4 is big?

[@xaixiong4874]

Ticket prices are at an all time high right now. Evening showing will cost me $70 dollars for two ppl. An afternoon showing will still cost $40. Absurd.

[@cobymclaughlin3453]

I LOVE going to the movies, and I often go twice a week. One of the main things souring my experience though is people. I have had so many bad experiences with rude and inconsiderate audience members, I’ve lost count. It sucks how little people care about those around them

[@yondie491]

People are the worst

[@Keith96DOHC]

Definitely. I've confronted several people who were just the worst, but I always knew I was taking a chance doing so, because people are unpredictable and idiots. Thankfully I'm a 250 lb Teamster with anger issues, so everyone I've confronted has complied without discussion.

[@yondie491]

@@Keith96DOHC no need to specify anger issues when you already said Teamster. I kid I kid

[@dwl.5193]

@@Keith96DOHC Its nice to be big. I have jerks mouth off to me until I stand up. That said, its hard to know who might have a weapon these days.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

The Florida Wesley Chapel 🍿 shooting shows many "adults" no longer have manners or ethics. I'd add after 8+ years the older guy Reeve(who was a retired cop) was cleared.

[@mdruben]

The movie theater has been sacred to me. Between people talking, using their phones, making the endless rustling sound of the potato chip bags, slurping their drinks, the newborn crying, etc my love for it has dwindled.

[@alex30425]

I think the 8th thing is the simple fact that that there’s so much more content that people can now consume that don’t require them to leave this homes. There’s KZbin, streamers, live streaming, and much more. It’s clear that there’s a lot of other places people can find entertainment and movies/theaters don’t hold the same cultural influence they once did.

[@nevskislake]

This!!! Well put!

[@vietimports]

movie ticket sales have been declining before streaming was a thing. streaming has simply made audiences realize they dont actually want to see most movies, and movies no longer have a captured audience with movie theaters. people no longer HAVE to go to a theater to consume new entertainment like they used even 10 years ago. i saw The Firm when it was netflix and enjoyed the movie. it made 270 million in 1993. if that movie came out now in theaters it would be a bomb even with tom cruise in it. people just have to recognize that when people were forced to go see movies in theaters they did. now that they dont have to they dont

[@DueceSpice]

THIS WHAT I WAS SAYING EARLIER.THE MCU SAVED THE INDUSTRY BUT NOW THE M-SHE-U IS DEAD SO NOW THEATERS ARE DEAD..

[@SpyJamz]

@@DueceSpice Most of the MCU are still dominated by male characters...

[@kurtshastany1945]

​@@SpyJamzmale characters that don't sell posters halloween costumes n action figures

[@xoxo20000]

I agree. Movie ticket sales have been going down since 2002. There was no streaming

[@kurtshastany1945]

@@xoxo20000 total ticket sales stayed between 1.2 n 1.5 billion from 1995- 2019. Your statement is inaccurate

[@mikkoamour]

The cost of going to the theaters now is outrageous. $50 for 3 tickets is insane. Then another $50 for popcorn and 3 drinks. You need to be rich to go to the movies.

[@MrBrock314]

$50 now is like $20 back then. The problem is more along the wage issue that Dan mentioned. Wages just didn't keep pace with inflation.

[@mikkoamour]

@MrBrock314 before covid, it didn't cost $50 to take my 2 kids to the movies though. Before covid it was like $12-$13 a ticket at my local Regal theater, and now it's like $14.50 a ticket. That's not an issue with my wage. Theaters are jacking up prices.

[@chem.4919]

Sneak in your own food and look for discount theaters and/or discount showings

[@politefan8141]

Or a movie subscription service which pays for itself after going just twice in one month. And most cities with theaters have plenty of dining options within walking distance. Don't get the obsession with having to buy concessions at the theater unless the movie is over 3 hours.

[@Tokru86]

People who buy food and drinks in the cinema absolutely deserve no sympathy. You chose to pay the outrageous prices for unhealthy stuff because you can't even live for 2 hours without stuffing something in your mouth. Eating in cinemas should without any leeway be prohibited. People eating nachos or other food that makes outrageously loud sounds while chewing on is one of the worst distractions possible in the cinema.

[@mathewkolakwsk]

Movie theaters could enforce rules but they truly don’t have the staff to do it. As a member of Gen X (and a movie lover since I was a young child), I’m not returning to theaters because of the rude people, the prices, and the movies themselves being less creative and thoughtful (on average). I’d be surprised if many of today’s movie theaters exist 10 years from now.

[@theeric800]

Awesome video as usual Dan! Few addl factors: - Steaming costs have taken away from personal movie ticket budgets (fixed pie) - Cheaper larger screen TV's and higher quality OLED - Money sunk into home theater equipment and wanting to get money's worth from it. - Greater access to faster/high speed internet

[@z4ngetsub4nk4i]

I'm a huge movie fan but honestly the only movie I've seen in theaters this year is Dune 2 nothing else has really seemed worthwhile

[@MrBrock314]

There haven't been that many "good" movies this year. :) I go to the movies fairly often and even I've been to relatively few because a lot of them are underwhelming or have middling reviews. The Fall Guy for example is probably one of the better lesser-watched movies but after that, I can't recommend much. It's not that they were terrible, but they weren't worth the theatrical cost unless you have money to burn.

[@easiersaidwithmeg]

Same

[@good-tn9sr]

This year is backloaded with hits, so it’s going to get better, trust me 😂

[@Boberman286]

Price is the biggest cost. The local small theater that showed movies for $6 shut down just after covid. Then all the regular chains deluxified their seats, so the cheapest a movie is $18. I take a family of 4 get snacks, we are at $130. Or I can wait 3 weeks and see it at home on a my smaller screen for $20.

[@linkage432]

I miss Dan’s face talking about movies. So glad I found your channel, now to deep dive.

[@underthemayo]

Dan I really like your opinion pieces and reviews. I'm one of those viewers that tunes out after the initial headlines of your box office videos, but for these opinion pieces I'm always here to the end. Keep it up brother.

[@the7percentsolution]

The evolution of home entertainment systems would be another factor. Used to be that we wanted to go see movies on the big screen because what we had at home was so small and not truly suited to get that full theatrical experience. But now with huge flat screen tvs and a really effective sound system the whole theatrical experience isn't as grand as it once was. Oh and pee breaks. Man is it a relief to watch a movie at home and hit pause whenever I feel like it. I had to miss part of Furiosa because I couldn't even hold in a few small sips of soda lol.

[@Tokru86]

Don't drink in the cinema. Problem solved.

[@aureateseigneur5317]

​@@Tokru86That's not really how bladders work bro.

[@BunchaMunchCrunch]

Regarding theater etiquette, We Bare Bears Season 1: Episode 11 Shush Ninjas should be required viewing for anyone watching a movie in theater. Enough Nicole Kidman.

[@masaai2000]

THANK YOU FOR THIS GEM

[@BunchaMunchCrunch]

Absolutely! Spread the word!

[@IcarusTyler]

1 single person with their phone screen at MAXIMUM BRIGHTNESS can ruin it for everybody. It needs just one, this wasn't the case pre-smartphone. Such a situation is untenable. Every single screening I have seen in the last years involved some heated discussion with somebody who refused to put their phone away

[@georgemurrell8464]

Dan, I agree with a lot of what you say; I also believe that the high price of tickets as well as the high price of popcorn, candy, and the like is just too much for the average family to pay.

[@Pkemen1]

Nobody is seeing a good movie two or three times in a theater anymore. It's just not affordable to most people anymore.

[@rayanvij3457]

Well if they increase the amount of time a movie is in theaters for they might get more people to see it. If a movie is only in theaters for a month before it hits digital most people would just Waite for digital. This is a release schedule that I believe most movies should follow. 4 months exclusively in theaters followed by 1 month where you can see it in a theater or buy the DVD or the digital copy, then 2 months where you can buy the DVD or the digital copy no theatrical release is over, finally 7 months from the movies release in theater's you can watch it for free on a streaming service. Alternatively it could be exclusively in theaters for 5 months, followed by 2 months where you can buy the DVD or the digital copy, then have it free on a streaming service. Basically the decision is do you want to have a month where its in theaters and available to buy at home or do you not want that.

[@jacobdawes6405]

I knew my market was cheap but I didn't realize by how much. My market tickets are $5 and a large drink and medium popcorn are $5 total.

[@lastguyminn2324]

Get back in your time machine! You don't belong here!

[@nerdaccount]

You're fighting the good fight! Keep it up Dan!

[@StrawberrySoaps]

Red Letter Media mentioned that AMC should do a better job of spotlighting well regarded independent films. I would take it a step further, and market to the niche film fan to see these films. Maybe have more premium food options and drinks to go along with the high profile films. Another approach they could take is a BOGO approach: buy a premium film (a Marvel film for example) get an independent film (Late Night with the Devil). It would help convince people to see more niche films and maybe drive more viewership in general. Third, going along with the first point, turn the movies into an event like a dinner theater. Take orders during the trailer, maybe show a short film, include an intermission for bathroom breaks and a drink refill/dessert. Movies are expensive, around $30 per person. Perhaps audiences would be more likely to go to a movie if the total price of a movie and a dinner was closer to $40 to $50 per person. Also, make soda and popcorn complimentary.

[@michaelreich4827]

RLM also suggested that studios put out first run movies at home for a flat rate well before the pandemic. Also, for your dinner theater idea...I don't know if you've heard of Studio Movie Grill. They do what you describe.

[@BG_Wingzz]

It’s honestly a bit depressing. I still frequent the theater as much as I can, pending there’s stuff worth seeing. To me going to the theater, especially during the week when it’s not as populated, is pure bliss. I can’t imagine a world without that experience

[@CamPopplestone]

My sister stopped going to the movies with her husband and their daughter because one trip to the movies, tickets only, at least here in Canada is more expensive than the combined monthly price of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus. So they just use the streaming and stopped going out

[@notchuckproductions5029]

I’ll repost what I said last video”I think the future of movie theaters should and will likely be the types of movie theaters Dan highlighted last year. Non profits that are there to serve the communities interest and needs. Who knows mabye we need to rethink what a movie theater even is used for, Maybe it could space for Lectures, local gaming events, and Local film festivals. Either way I think the future of the movie theater should be a space of community , not one of pure profit. Kind of like a community theater but for moving images”

[@officharlottestorm]

I love the idealism here, and I am totally on board. We live in way too gone late capitalism unfortunately, however. Something as big as movie exhibition will not be allowed to be community and not profit oriented.

[@notchuckproductions5029]

@@officharlottestormthere already are, most the indie spotlight theaters last year were non profit. In fact my college town has one and it’s one the best theaters I’ve been too. The problem is there far and few between and are underground.

[@mopnem]

@@notchuckproductions5029Yeah I’ve learned whenever you hear someone say something along “the times” it’s more likely then not their just not plugged into the scene like at all.

[@officharlottestorm]

@@notchuckproductions5029 At a local and small level, it can succeed. In certain markets where the passion already exists and likely the theater as well. I just worry most markets don’t have the facility or appetite for a permanent shift in that direction. Hope I’m wrong!

[@samfilmkid]

The Coolidge Corner theater in Brookline feels so confident about their future that they expanded their building to include two new screens and a community space. And they're doing quite well, I hear, often selling out screenings or at least sizable crowds for more niche movies. I definitely think community outreach is something that can help improve movie theaters future.

[@bigalsmith521]

The movie industry has seemingly lost the ability to produce anything original. I used to go to the movie theater fairly often, but now go maybe a couple of times a year. We’re half way through 2024 and I have seen just one movie in the theater. When the previews were running, everything was a sequel, prequel, remake, or reboot. There was very little that was really new.

[@MsAndrej26]

I'm always amazed hearing stories about theater behaviour in the US, wether it's cheering for a scene as if on a football stadium, or talking and playing on a phone. I've never experienced anything like this in my country, and I've been to the very first Endgame screening. The people are just quietly watching the movies, the loudest thing you can hear is whispering, cola slurping, and obviously, laughter.

[@mathsalot8099]

That's strange to me, and sounds kinda boring. Why would I want to see a movie with other people if I can't see or hear other people's reactions? I think a lot of these comments over- inflate the amount of disruption in the average US theatre. I audibly sobbed in Spiderman: No Way Home, and laughed out Ioud with Peter defeating Dr. Strange through the power of math, and cheered with the rest of the theater when Andrew Garfield jumped on screen. That was part of the fun of seeing it with others, and honestly the best theater experience I've ever had! Those big emotional moments give a special atmosphere in the room, like the way live music does verses just listening to it at home. Without letting people express their emotions, you are robbing yourself of the best part of going to the movies.

[@josabby474]

I’m fine with people reacting to the movie. That was part of the fun of seeing Infinity Saga MCU movies opening night. When people are texting and talking or making any noise that isn’t reacting to the movies, that’s obnoxious.

[@MsAndrej26]

@@mathsalot8099 don't misunderstand me, people do express their emotions, it's just not done in the "footbal stadium" kind of way... you can hear some hahas, wows, or ohs, but never people cheering while standing as it was in those endgame or no-way-home videos.

[@geoffishy]

Dan, my partner works in the events industry here in the UK and since Covid crowd compliance in all kinds of events (festivals, street parties, free fireworks displays etc) has really dropped off. People don’t like being told no any more and it’s become a big challenge for event organisers. So I completely see where you are coming from with your point about other audience members distrusting your cinema experience

[@danteleandado3312]

Your #4 should have been your #1.

[@gordongraham7]

The atrocious audience etiquette is the primary reason I go to the theater less often. People don't even try to whisper--they talk as though they are sitting on the couch in their home. And the fact that people can't go without staring at their phone for 2 hours is really sad.

[@PrimmsHoodCinema]

Back in my day, we used to watch movies on one big screen. In a cold, dark room with 200 other people.

[@brandchan]

This story takes place even before the pandemic. One of the local theaters was bought by AMC. It had already been deteriorating. AMC did a few things like cleaning the carpets (which did help the whole place had a funky smell to it). But it still looked dilapidated. After a few years they finally did do some remodeling and put in the reclining chairs and freshen things up a bit. Nothing amazing but it was better. After this remodel I went to the movies there with an out-of-town friend who said "Man, this place is a dump!" Which I told him is hilarious because it was remodeled like 3 months ago. So yeah, if you can remodel a theater and people still think it looks like a dump that isn't great. We do have a very nice theater that serves actual food and drink and isn't a dump. But the tickets there are way more expensive than any other theater in the area. I used to love to go to the movies, but the cost is so high right now I just don’t have the money to go do it.

[@MrBrock314]

Theaters need to look better than you living room to compete. So, start getting full leather seats with in-seat heating/cooling if they want to compete. :)

[@WhatsYourGhostStory]

Lengthening the theatrical window is absolutely everything. I totally get pivoting to VOD during the pandemic, but they've gotta get away from that big time moving forward. And it probably has to start with theater owners requiring it.

[@KidMarquisDelToro]

Nah, it has to stay short (shorter even, same day would be ideal). I would never even think about going to a movie like Fall Guy in the theater, but I’m willing to watch it on-demand a few weeks or days later. I get that this is a bigger movie argument than a theater one, but you cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube at this point.

[@DeadAir21]

It definitely hurts the theatrical release, but I don’t think it will change behavior. People are more willing to wait on streaming than ever before but they will go if the movies entice them to. The problem is most movies now don’t make people feel that way anymore. Me for example a year ago I used to go to the movies monthly. Most of the movies I saw last year (Ant man,Fast X, Flash, Marvels, Transformers) made me feel like I should have just waited for streaming because the movies were just mediocre. This year I haven’t been once and the only movie I plan to see is Deadpool and Wolverine. Keep in mind I loved the last plant of the apes trilogy but after that first week I just said I wait till it comes to Disney or Hulu.

[@radi0aktivetoy]

The high costs at the theater combined with the improved quality of home exhibition are the biggest things for me. My OLED and Atmos setup at home wasn’t super expensive and it’s a better experience than the standard theater experience. I still go to the theater for certain films but I’ve got from going to 10 or so films per year to maybe 3.

[@stevenschmitz5453]

Thank you! As a teacher and a movie fan I appreciate your acknowledgement. I love going to the movies and will keep my A-List subscription, but I fully support your coverage, your content and I’m glad that you do what you do.

[@MrAndrewolsson]

If the movie experience was so so good and so loved by everyone PVOD wouldn't be a factor.

[@MrBrock314]

It would always be a factor because money is always a factor. As a single person, PVOD may not be worth it but it certainly is if you're renting as a family. Nowadays, it's trivial to have a streaming service project to a 55" tv that the whole family can watch at half the price of the tickets. You also don't have to worry about rounding up the children to go to the theater and you can make your own popcorn at home, saving an enormous amount of money. Don't forget saving the cost of gas as well.

[@KidMarquisDelToro]

I was hoping for same day PVOD before the pandemic because of how awful the theater going experience had become. In the early days of the pandemic, I paid for PVOD movies like Mulan just to encourage the studios to keep the practice going.

[@MaxFiveGames]

There is really no reason to go to cinema anymore. Everyone has big azz TVs now. So all you need now is a great audio system and you are good to go.

[@alexp601]

There are still no home set ups that can match even half the quality of the cinema experience. Unless you're a millionaire and actually have your own home cinema.

[@MaxFiveGames]

@@alexp601 I mean it depends where you live I guess. My city is not the biggest. But the cinema we have is not bad at all. Yet then I spent like 8-10k on a Klipsch audio system and some other things I was blown away. Yes you need to know what to buy, not everything will sound 10/10 that's for sure. But when you get it right... Damn... Let me tell you it matches the cinema and then some. + I'm at home. With friends around and a big azz pizza in front of me. I can pause when I need to go to the bathroom. So I don't miss anything and so on. Its just so much more comfortable. Yes Cinema is still special, but I understand why nowadays not that many people are interested in it. I guess I'm one of them now.

[@MrBrock314]

@@alexp601 That depends how well you can tell the difference. If you're not a music/sound effect person, you won't notice the quality difference, really.

[@alexp601]

@@MaxFiveGames Oooff well if you spent 10k on your set up, I’m sure it’s gonna be impressive! Also, comfortably eating pizza while watching a film is a win in my book.

[@alexdean2109]

Growing up, I assumed that everyone disliked going to movie theaters and we all just did it out of necessity. Was shocked to learn that some people actually prefer traveling to a giant cold smelly room full of strangers. When a movie comes out that looks interesting, I usually wait for a long plane flight.

[@chosenone101]

I invested into home theater set up earlier this year and never looked back. No people talking, no cell phone screens, no high prices for tickets/food. Much more better!

[@BishopBrown-ng2ns]

Sincere suggestion on decorum: Attend the first showing of a film on Sunday. Audiences tend to be smaller and more well behaved. I do that and not had a bad experience (knocks on wood)

[@jeffyr3103]

Same with me. An early Sunday morning showing eliminates most of the disruptive behavior. But you do miss out on the packed audience communal experience. It's a trade-off I'm willing to make.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I'm 53 & live in a med size, large city US 🌇 . If I can I see week day matinees 🍿 after 1200pm but before 400pm. The crowds; Sept to May are fairly small. Maybe seniors, retirees.

[@mathsalot8099]

As a mom, I try to take my kids to the matinee on Saturdays (between 11-4pm) so we don't disturb too many people. If you want quiet, maybe avoid Saturday... Sunday sounds good, though!

[@JMANB5]

always excited to see a new Dan Murrell video!

[@T-M-N-T]

I just bought Godzilla Minus One on iTunes today 😁

[@scottieman2]

Bring back the movie night out experience. I always feel like I did something when I was at the cinema. Day out.

[@danishaiman2244]

5:42 "How in the HeLL that ain't number OnE?" - Steve Harvey

[@hoemalone]

Streaming doesn’t affect me. It’s the rude audience that deters me.

[@QuarterCoyote]

My Regal theater recently lower movie tickets prices to under $10 before tax for all non-premium showings (at least where I live.) I still go on Tuesdays because it's $5 movie ticket day. They also introduced new family plan prices which makes it a little cheaper for big families to see movies. So they're trying.

[@danielventura8118]

I just do the Unlimited Pass,20 a month for as many movies I want plus I discount on food and drinks

[@Fire91ful]

​@danielventura8118 my gf and I both have that subscription, and with the points, we pay 2$ for a large soda and a large popcorn. We can't even finish it. A employee showed us a cool trick. You get the free small popcorn or soda and then pay for the upgrade which is only 1$ so with 2 subscriptions we save big time. We went to the movies so much last year at one point we had 80k points. We haven't run out till this day. Still get 1$ upgrades.

[@TomDelio]

#3 is the big reason I don't really go to theaters anymore. Movie theaters in my area haven't done a good job of taking care of them in all regards to the point I ONLY go to see movies in Dolby Cinema anymore at AMC, but the price of a ticket dissuades me unless the movie really has my interest. I used to be at the theaters 1-3 times a week, and now they're lucky if I go once a month. My living room (a $3g investment in electronics, yes) literally has a better viewing experience than the standard theater in my area (South Jersey), with better seats, and full control. I even got blackout curtains to watch a movie during the day to recreate the theater experience. Thank you for including this, others who have also talked about this subject have often overlooked this issue.

[@taylorism5613]

Other movie goers have become my number one deterrent. The last two movies I have gone to on a weekend I had to ask someone to please put away their phone. If there is a movie I really want to see, I will only go to a weekday matinee. Now with us being in the summer season and school out, it will be months before I go to another movie

[@travissmith6380]

GREAT VIDEO. Love the solutions but i dont think there is a answer for RUDE PEOPLE. I was willing to pay high ticket prices and shell out money for popcorn and a soda but when the EXPERIENCE is that bad because of PEOPLE, that was the straw for me.

[@ReelPodcasts]

It's definitely inconsistent with theater conditions and situations. I worked for AMC for almost 5 years. It was a small theater with 7 screens and no premium format screens. My GM had to literally get cooperate people down to our theater during an operation day to get funds to help inprove parts of our building because the company and I quote "didn't see the necessity to allot funds for a smaller building". I still am an AList sub but I luckily have multiple options for AMCs in my general area when you only have one AMC that desperately needs a makeover or at the very least a reapolstering of their seats it can really hurt the experience. I thought I would share a little insight into how the company views some theaters.

[@davidbalter9671]

Thank you Dan! People in the theatres is why I have almost entirely given up going to the movies, which has always been one of my favourite pastimes. I'll give a few examples because I just need to. I saw Trolls 3, yes it should still be treated with respect, and one adult who clearly was only there because he was taking a child turned on his phone at the start and stayed on it for the entire runtime of the movie. At The Iron Claw, one person wore a head band with jingle bells on it so every time she moved her head the bells rang. Then, about halfway through the movie, two people came into the theatre, sat down and chatted with each other and looked at instagram for the rest of the movie. I decided to give theatres another try to see If and Dune 2. At Dune 2, the people behind my mom and I were talking the entire time. When my mom asked them to stop talking, they spoke louder. At If, a mom and a daughter were there and with about 30 mins left in the movie, the mom hands her daughter an iPad and just sits there while the daughter proceeds to play games on her iPad for the rest of the movie. If the daughter was bored, you can play iPad in the hall! Sorry for the rant, but those are only 3 of many many examples. I think theatres should make you put your phones in a locker/bag and if you can't agree to that, stay at home!!

[@rodneylove8027]

BIG PROPS FOR THAT 89' BATMAN, JOKER REFERENCE. THAT WAS PERFECTLY BLENDED!👍👍👍👍👍

[@patricksnyder7307]

Great insight as always Dan!

[@MovieFiles]

Phenomenal breakdown 👏🏾👏🏾

[@djhitmanchicago]

I agree with all your reasons - especially price, and time window for theatrical only showings. I think another big factor is the home viewing experience has become SO MUCH BETTER. The most sold 4k TV sizes nowadays are 65"+, and a sound bar brings you immersive sound, both of which can be incredibly affordable.

[@Demasx]

I feel like I'm going to have to explain movie theaters to my grandkids the way I have to explain toy stores to my kids now

[@tiffanysandmeier4753]

My local theater went out of business this month. In addition to COVID and the lack of BIG movies, there was a flood in 2019, and then in 2022, there was a nasty thunderstorm that tore off the roof and flooded the inside. They just couldn't make it in this post covid world.

[@Alex-pd7tb]

Where if you don’t mind me asking? Do you live in a big or small populated area?

[@JakeGottfriedStudios]

I'll speak now before the comment section is overcrowded. What's killing movies theaters is that seeing a movie isn't a convenient passtime anymore. Jobs and family are people's top priority in life and money needs to be saved, and stuff like Netflix regardless of quality have more to offer than the price of one movie ticket and that's for one person, when streaming services can be used by anyone that shares it with someone they know but it's not streaming [only] killing movies. One, TV being the small screen isn't the same thing since TVs are much bigger, in high def and 4k, really watching something at home isn't the lesser quality it used to be and the experience of something on the big screen isn't something that appeals to everyone for stuff like comedies or romances where it's fun to be in a crowd setting but it's not a necessity, because people need to save money and even before theartes struggled like this, people were more or less the same. People have always gotten busy where movies are likes books or other hobbies where it might be art, but art doesn't pay the bills, so unless people are rich enough or lucky enough, they don't have the free time to see every movie and people usually don't see every movie out, they see maybe one movie a month if they can make time and one movie a person like doesn't mean the other will. People might say people should give things they don't like a chance, but if people are mad at wasting money on something that doesn't feel worthwhile, it creates a bad feeling towards people to try it again to face the same level of dissapointment. A perfect movie for some doesn't make as much money as an okay movie for everyone. Transformers 4 was the highest grossing movie of the year even thought everyone hated it, while good movies bomb just because it's luck and timing. Really nothing can force people to see a movie in theartes unless it feels essential, a movie that isn't just good but can be watched at home, but it has to be on the big screen and movies like it or not needs gimmicks of recognizable IP since people aren't afraid of trying new things, they're afraid to risk losing money over it, and people have to make tough choices so giving people the option to see something on the big screen isn't the same. It needs to be something that they have to see on the big screen but what's worth it to everyone is different. Unless people are willing to risk losing money, they can't allow to be dissapointed when that money could had gone to something they knew was worthwhile to them. This might seem long and hope it;'s read in full, but as someone who wants to be a filmmaker, it needs to be understood times change and that people can't be expected to give up conveince just because how things used to work don't remain fuctional for everyone. I saw two movies this month and that was abot $30 alone. I'm sorry but unless tickets get cheaper, and people have something they can't skip out on, then it's going to be like this for a long time until people can pretend their is that one movie everyone loves rather one movie that appeals to everyone.

[@guacamoli5813]

Where I live, the cost of two people going to the cinema, including popcorn, can be between 40 to 50 €. And then I have to put in the effort and go there, sit through half an hour of ads and trailers (noice cancelling headphones are a blessing for me during that), be surrounded by other people loudly chewing and being annoying... Unless it's a big movie with great visuals I'm very interested in, like Dune 2, I'm not going to the cinema. With most movies, I'll just sit it out until they become available for streaming. That being said: it was absolutely worth it seeing both Dune movies in Cinemas. Unforgettable experience. And another reason why I prefer to watch something at home: I have to pee!!! Damn, sitting through an almost three hours movie without being able/wanting to stand up and go to the restroom: 🥲

[@cjc363636]

You said exactly what I feel. We just don't really 'need' theaters anymore. We can do a 'theater' like experience at home now.

[@crestedargo4663]

I agree. As Dan says in this video, prices have gone up with inflation, salaries not as much. So, movies and concessions are more expensive than 30 years ago. And the at home alternatives (large HR tv screens and availability on streaming services) have gotten so better!!

[@DueceSpice]

SO EXPLAIN BARBIE SUCCESS,MARIO , OPPENHEIMER?DEADPOOL IS PROBABLY GOING TO MAKE CLOSE TO A BILLION?THE ECONOMY IS BAD BUT PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS PAY FOR ENTERTAINMENT IF IT IS GOOD..TAYLOR SWIFT, BEYONCÉ, BAD BUNNY HAS NO PROBLEM CHARGING $450 a FOR ENTRY LEVEL SEATS..

[@JohnnyWednesday]

You must be quite young to believe the world has changed. It hasn't. Not one little bit.

[@DeanJonasson]

Thoughtful and thorough, as usual, Dan!

[@DMTalesTTRPG]

I used to see three or four movies a year with my friends. I just can’t sit in a theater anymore. People are talking, checking phones, taking phone calls… I just don’t enjoy it any more.

[@tom_reagan]

My complaint about AMC is 25 friggin minutes of trailers and their RIDICULOUS commercial for AMC! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@abracadabra1301]

I don't mind the trailers. It's the Commercial.

[@cablehogue599]

Trailers are awful too. Theyre several minutes and therss like eight of them. ​@abracadabra1301

[@abracadabra1301]

@@cablehogue599 I totally understand Brother. But at least they are more entertaining than the commercials and it gives you a feeling that you are close to the movies starting. But I see where you are coming from.

[@icebergthegamer]

Theaters are awful. I’m a huge movie buff but the people are terrible. I saw Abigail recently. Lady next to me had 3 kids with her. They would not shut up. And she didn’t correct them. She did the same thing. I went to a Broadway show. Lady pulled out her phone. Usher immediately told her to turn it off. She didn’t do it again.

[@GrapeStation]

Yeah. Seems like very few people are parenting anymore. Lots of children out there, literal and in adult form. People are awful.

[@BenHeckHacks]

Bring back intermissions if every movie is gonna be 2.5-3 hours long.

[@RichV20]

LOL. Not dissing the comment, it just made me LOL. I just pictured a Marvel movie having an 15 minute INTERMISSION card 90 minutes in ala Doctor Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia, Gandhi or Gone With The Wind.

[@davidknightx]

1. Buy a 60in or 70in 4k TV at Walmart for a few hundred. 2. VPN plus Beelink mini PC (around $200 and does 4k) 3. ??? 4. Profit! Most of you can't really afford housing or a car (no, you can't unless you're pulling over six figures). The absolute LAST thing you should be doing is blowing $50 to see a movie once.

[@PhilTheBronxite]

I appreciate this breakdown.

[@FrenchCelt]

Regarding etiquette, back when I lived in Los Angeles, one of the reasons I loved going to the ArcLight Hollywood was the emphasis on etiquette...no entering the show after the doors close, ushers actually police audience behavior...the 21+ showings were my favorite since at least there would be no rowdy kids to ruin the show. After I moved away, I was sad when ArcLight went under..the Cinerama Dome was an amazing place to see a movie and the only other place that I frequented as often was the gigantic IMAX screen in Culver City at the theater that went by names like The Bridge and The Rave over the years.

[@DanMurrellMovies]

The Dome was amazing! Saw Mad Max: Fury Road and a lot of other great movies there. Losing the Arclight was a huge blow to the LA film community.

[@FrenchCelt]

@@DanMurrellMovies It was also the first place where I was able to purchase tickets online and print out my ticket (before smartphones existed) and reserve specific seats, which was just an amazing thing in the mid-2000s. Also the Hollywood and Vine location was ideal, free parking validation in a very nice parking garage if you saw a movie...so many good memories of that place.

[@KidMarquisDelToro]

Age-restricted showings could be an answer. I can tolerate phones and talkers sometimes, but it’s the family that brings little kids to movies they should not be at that get to me. What broke me was when a family brought a baby to the midnight showing of Batman v Superman, and of course it was fussy and started crying. The parents refused to take the baby outside until people started yelling at them. The dad’s response: “What do you expect, he’s a baby!”

[@QuincyKane]

Good insights!

[@dannydex365]

Am I the only one who enjoys going to a theater and watching the previews?

[@nevskislake]

My husband does, too. I get so annoyed by the 20 minutes of previews now. I want 3 or 4 trailers tops and then to get to the film that I paid for, like the old days. But my husband loves all of those trailers.

[@ceno10101]

Looks like Dan and John Campea were thinking alike. Since John did his list yesterday.

[@Molson-xg9hs]

Sean Fennessey also had a similar essay on Ringer Movies this week…I think the cratering of the Memorial Day Box Office, the middling results of the overall summer season so far and no guarantee of improvement is causing a lot of concern.

[@cvolante8032]

Most of us seem to forget that movies aren't a necessity. It's just another form of entertainment, and like many other forms of entertainment, the day will come that people will no longer be interested in them. It's not the end of the world

[@MrBrock314]

But much like drive-in movie theaters and Blockbuster perished, there is something lost that never returns so don't be too hasty about their downfall.

[@KidMarquisDelToro]

@@MrBrock314Drive-ins are back and could be a savior since you are still out paying to see a movie, but everyone is confined to their own vehicle to cut down on the idiots ruining it for everyone (assuming they do not honk horns out of spite). That said, I’d be fine if theaters died and never came back.

[@starlit_hawser11]

I wonder if this is true. It certainly was true for live theater, which died as a form of entertainment for the masses when movies came along. Maybe something will kill the movies entirely. Completely immersive VR, perhaps?

[@cvolante8032]

@@MrBrock314 It will be sad for the people who remember movie theaters fondly, but future generations won't have any connection to it. My best guess is that in the far future people will create movies at home for fun using AI and they'll scoff at the idea of studios wasting so much time and resources to "tell stories" i;e: make money. None of this makes sense, it's just where we are right now in our evolutionary journey

[@cvolante8032]

@@starlit_hawser11 In the near future maybe, but eventually we'll just evolve beyond the need for overdramatic re-enactments of stories all together. Movies will always be a thing, just not the way we know them now

[@kornempyre]

Good said, Dan!

[@idgaffub]

I love amc membership and I always buy popcorn and drink to support least a business that wants to support theater workers