Why movie theaters aren't dead yet

[@Vox]

Thanks for watching! Let us know in the comments below if you think the movie theater experience is still something that can’t be replicated and what movie you’re looking forward to watching in theaters next 👇

[@gamermapper]

A theater is where you watch a play. This is called a cinéma.

[@TheBakmoi]

Watching Dune in IMAX is a different experience unless you got a cinema a at home. My rule of thumb is go to cinema only if the movie is expected to be good and 2h+

[@bruhdabones]

The Metaverse will bring around a decline in theaters within a decade or two, but an extinction is unlikely

[@4-kathryn]

For me the theater experience can't be replicated and I plan to see `Nightmare Alley` thanks to Hideo Kojima's video suggestion via the Game Awards (2021)

[@bizarrereservoir638]

Tell me this is not captain midnight moonlighting at vox.

[@TierraD2021]

As anyone who loves film would probably agree, the experience of going out to a movie theater is irreplaceable. Personally, cinemas are an institution that I can never imagine going away. The important thing is to have both options for people to choose from.

[@MuffinMachine]

I love film. I would not agree.

[@fynkozari9271]

I like to watch movies at home without interruptions from people making noises and smartphone lights during the movies.

[@achuuuooooosuu]

Yeah, I won’t like it if film theaters go away. I do like on-demand but I’ve always wanted to go to an iMAX theater; yet, I haven't because of a busy schedule. I want to experience that. Film theaters just feel different compared to just choosing your film on TV.

[@krrangarajan5391]

@@fynkozari9271 The hype and Enthusiasm for movies like Endgame and No way home cannot be felt at home. The magic of thatres is needed

[@MuffinMachine]

@@krrangarajan5391 the “hype” is exactly right. Hype is flash in the pan and fades quickly. Endgame was the last movie I saw in a theater. It was a marvel-Disney super hero movie and nothing more. The movie, and series, became quite predictable and formulaic as soon as they knew it would make money. These are not good movies. They are just roller coasters. Real movies, it’s emotional and thought provoking scenes, do not benefit from being on a roller coaster.

[@dianagbb]

after seeing spiderman: no way home, it’s pretty clear that the movie theater experience is still something that can never and will never be replicated. it was electric.

[@RS-jb1lf]

💯💯

[@obxhiker0545]

Ha ha electric. Get it. Cause electro lol

[@lordxeno8270]

@@obxhiker0545 😬😬

[@dozer11]

Agreed! And opening weekend vs any other week affects the energy of the audience. Opening weekend is the best as everyone is a fan of the franchise and will either show love or disappointment for the movie. Location matters too as I’ve been to theaters where no one reacts to anything because they’re just talking and drinking during the movie and not really paying attention because they’re not fans of the series.

[@michaelmorales1475]

Yup, it was amazing.

[@chaitanyapatel1946]

On one hand, on demand movies are getting popular, but on the other hand, directors are making ambitious movies which can be experienced to their full extent only in theatres. 'Dune' and 'Tenet' are the latest examples. Dune was the first movie I watched in theatre after pandemic gap of 2 years. That experience was surreal. Theatres may become less important in future but they are here to stay - at least for those people like me who value the immersiveness of the large screen, dark room and perfect sound.

[@charlieputzel7735]

I think I can agree with that, but Theaters are going to have to change their business model at least some. They were already struggling pre-pandemic because of high prices. Most middle-class families will go to the theater once or twice a year, as it's a big splurge for a group increasingly tight on money.

[@MajestyWilliams]

Add me to that list of people who love going to the movie theater

[@tidbit1877]

That's interesting, I hate theatres because the sound is always too loud and I cant pause the film or rewind. That's why I think movies should come out on all platforms at the same time so that people can choose where and how to watch, and no one should be excluded because they cant afford the ridiculous price of a movie ticket.

[@iSevenSimmer]

totally agree! i love going to the movies. its an experience of its own and something to do with friends, family and loved ones

[@levbobrov1398]

The theaters are also forcing their format on the directors, like every movie needs to be 2hrs or so. If that force is no longer there, they can make movies as short or as long as they want.

[@FyberOptic]

The biggest thing hurting theaters is the lack of movies that people care about going to see. When everything is a sequel, reboot, generic visual diarrhea, etc, then there's no sense of urgency to go see it. People will wait until they can stream it.

[@caldoreo]

"generic visual diarrhea" lol

[@EJLegoReviewer]

Exactly. For example Joker was a film I had to go see in a theatre, as it was something fresh and just a really powerful film, where its effect was enhanced by the theatre experience. With loads of other films, it’s just not worth it

[@kittenritty7959]

The last movie I saw in theatres was endgame and I’m glad cause I wouldn’t want to pay for the movies that come out in theatres. They’re so mediocre and cash grabs. Not to mention if I do like it I can watch it as much as I want on hbo max or paramount. Saves money on gas and food, I don’t have to wear a mask, listen to whispers, deal with ppl on their phones, crying children, or getting a seat I like. 75 in tv plus sound bar is just as good imo but I’d prob only go to see any space movie in theatres like interstellar.

[@thenorsepioneer7311]

@@EJLegoReviewer I'm glad you enjoyed Joker but saying it's fresh is disingenuous. The film practically rips off Taxi driver and king of comedy

[@Misfits822]

@@thenorsepioneer7311 and rips of decades of comic books and hero origin stories....

[@emelyhedgehog362]

Watching Avengers Endgame (or any other anticipated movie)with everyone in theaters was an experience that just can’t be replicated at home

[@AJVillanueva2030]

You do have a point.

[@euroboy9188]

Ikr everybody was screaming and crying. It was amazing lol.

[@dickyramadhan1287]

Yep people do be saying they prefer to be home cuz its more private. Avoiding noises or light coming from phone, or a kick from peole behind. Yes i do admit those are the things i hate about theatre. But getting those annoying things in return of the great atmosphere from audiences as they show exactly the same excitement and emotion as us when watching a movie? Yes, i take it. Rather than having that excitement and feeling alone in the room. Beside, to be as equal as theatre quality, i think youll need to spend thousand of bucks

[@PotatoeJin]

Aka marvel movies lol

[@chayeski1]

Go watch Spider-Man soon if you like that atmosphere!

[@connecticutaggie]

A couple of other points: 1) For the Black Widow release Scarlet J argued that Disney's decision to do simultaneous release had cost her money because she got a percentage of theater sales but not streaming sales. Is is not only theaters that are impacted by these decisions 2) Many awards & records are structured around box office numbers. 3) Not too long ago "made for TV" meant "not worth showing in a theater". This is certainly not the case any more as there are some movies and shows exceed what had been possible to do in theaters.

[@LOTUSELISE340R]

She did a heck of a lot more than argue-she filed a lawsuit and (rightfully) won a settlement! Terrible PR move by Disney to try and bilk an A-lister.

[@oh_knee7173]

Thank you for mentioning that. You would think they would do all the research

[@brucelee4996]

@@LOTUSELISE340R She didn't do anything. The law-firm she's attached to did the filings.

[@connecticutaggie]

@@Yojimbokun Disney isn't hurting either.

[@hernandez4856]

@@Yojimbokun fr 😭

[@michaelstrantzalis]

for the same reason concerts, theater plays and live sports are not dead: being and experiencing something with other people, is unique.

[@vicfendan]

No correlation

[@michaelstrantzalis]

@@vicfendan well, it seems you are unable to find the correlation

[@teemo8247]

That's a very good analogy (if its original), but me being nitpicky, and the difference between the other examples are that youre watching actual humans performing live. While going to theaters, and watching movies at home youre watching the same thing.

[@jonnaking3054]

@@teemo8247 the getting out of the house is the fun part! I look forward to my cinema night every week, it just wouldn't be the same at home

[@teemo8247]

@MysticalKO true, watching movies at home i never finish watching it

[@RaheemD]

I could be totally wrong as this is a complete generalisation from quora threads and youtube comments on videos similar to this that I've watched. But it seems like it's American audiences that despise cinemas more than anything. The East seems to love cinemas whilst Europe still enjoys them. I'd guess its mostly about the expense in some American cinemas. I do recall watching Endgame in Manhattan, New York (I'm from England) and the tickets for my partner and I for IMAX came to around $45. Madness, whilst in the UK we tend to get them for half that.

[@theprofburg]

You're correct. Here in the States a movie going experience is more of a luck of a draw. Sometimes it can be pleasant, other times it cannot. Theaters have a way of ripping us off especially with ticket prices and snacks (So much so we have to sneak in are own snacks)

[@Kevbot6000]

This is true. I have a friend from Spain where tickets for the opening of the new Matrix movie are €5 at his local theater whereas they’re $14 (€12.40) here at mine. We both live in similar sized cities.

[@michaelcarbajal.]

I live in California and movie tickets for an IMAX screening are $9.50

[@christiancardenas2975]

Here in México we do still love cinemas, they are quite cheap, and with good quality...

[@abdullahemad9457]

I just bought my spiderman IMAX ticket for next week and it cost me exactly 5$ here in Egypt

[@idea1istic]

as someone who, before the pandemic, used to go to the movies alone just to get some time to myself - I missed the theaters dearly during the pandemic. When it comes to a movie watching experience, nothing can beat going to a theater. At home can be pretty distracting and there's some value to being able to disconnect, sit in a dark room - with or without terrible (but good) food and just zoning out to whatever picture piqued your interest. I hope that experience never goes away as streaming becomes more pre-dominant. Looking forward to seeing Spidey, the Matrix, and King's man later this month.

[@jp4431]

I'm not someone who is able to appreciate the theatre experience, but my gf is, so I get pulled into watching movies in theaters with her. While it hasn't changed my appreciation for the experience, i think it's a great social activity (when combined with other things like dinner to talk about the movie)

[@machinismus]

I'm excited for The King's Man.

[@MuffinMachine]

What part of being in a theater is being “alone?”

[@__Hanasei__Levinus__]

@@MuffinMachine "going" alone.

[@MuffinMachine]

@@__Hanasei__Levinus__ fair enough.

[@kidungmalam_]

One of the malls in my city is dying. The tenants are not attractive at all and the visitors are low. And then movie theatre came in and suddenly everything is changed. Number of visitors going up drastically and many new tenants came in. Movie theater saves that mall.

[@JCW7100]

That's awesome!

[@KathrineAnnVlogs]

A movie theather got placed in our local mall and it went out of business a year later (pre pandemic) lol

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

“The tenants are not attractive at all” Hey, man. Don’t be mean. Or else you might not have tenants PERIOD!

[@smashbrew2039]

I wouldn’t go to my local shopping centre if the cinema wasn’t there.

[@jakeaestrada88]

Dune was a great example of a movie that had to be seen in theaters. Made the whole thing like a hundred times better

[@martyjackson4166]

I didn’t even particularly like Dune but I agree, it definitely benefited from being on the big screen

[@ejro3063]

0x100=0

[@giuliab8484]

@@ejro3063 That’s harsh

[@jakeaestrada88]

I mean as someone who went into it knowing nothing about Dune, besides it being sci-fi and having sand worms, I really enjoy it. Literally went to Barnes and noble the next day and bought the book, which is also fantastic. So I’m just curious what you guys didn’t like about it?

[@ling636]

@@ejro3063 ?

[@fabianarmilla8166]

Took my nephews to the movie theaters this past weekend. The look on their faces when the film came on that big silver screen was priceless. For me, going to the movie theaters is an irreplaceable experience. Got tickets for Spiderman next week. Can't wait! 🔥🔥🔥

[@aaronshi721]

same!!! I'm so exciteeeeddeedseed

[@JCW7100]

Me too! So excited!

[@jonnaking3054]

What's scary is, I worked at a theater from 2001-2009, and fri night it was a hot spot for teens. That doesn't seem like that long ago, and nowdays there are teens who have literally never been to a theater 😯 . I just cannot imagine being a highschooler and not going to the movies

[@Stickery]

@@jonnaking3054 i only went 3 times .....

[@jonnaking3054]

@@Stickery I can't imagine being a teen and not going to the movies... I mean do people still go on dates or is that outdated too? lol

[@jaggerkate]

The theater by my house actually closed and was up for sale. Rumor had it a big company had purchased it and was going to turn it into something else. Well, now it’s back open busy again. I hope theaters don’t go away. Watching a movie in a theater is awesome and exciting!

[@muqe2994]

Exactly people saying watching movie in comfort is best but the thing is that movies in theater is still a far better experience... I watched Godzilla v Kong on Hbomax and it felt incomplete theater near my house when opened finally I saw the movie in theater and the movie felt so much better the action was so good that I felt like I was in Hong Kong and seeing 2 gods fight

[@eryalmario5299]

it's an experience for sure and i don't want it being gone

[@houseplant1016]

Getting crammed in a small studio with as many people as possible by a greedy corporation, while you have to be patient with the waiting time and the loud people, is fun? Oh and you can't press on hold or go back if you missed something... Did I mention the expensive snacks?

[@fynkozari9271]

I wanna see the data showing how many infections happened in movie theatres, Im positive they contribute in prolonging the global pandemic.

[@jeelianbb6405]

@@fynkozari9271 don't step outside or visit your family, it prolongs the global pandemic

[@willbainbridgedrummer]

I went to the cinema for the first time since the pandemic hit in September and have been back 4 times since. The movie theatre experience is simply irreplaceable and no home theatre set up can truly match the vibe and experience the cinema has

[@abelstavrow]

Honestly once AR becomes truly a viable product in 10 to 20 years ( not an enthusiast product ) it'll replace both movie studios and tv's slowly but surely After all Microsoft hololens 2 is already super good quality just not consumer viable yet ( imagine 4 100 inch TV's; a weather forecast; a to do list; a entire room theme ( cyber/medieval/ fairtail ect) and a video game ....rearranged dismissed Summoned to your living room At the mere swipe of your hand

[@vucub_caquix]

I will never abandon movie theaters. You can replicate the audio-visual experience at home as best you can, but the theater FORCES you to engage with the movie in a way that can't be replicated at home. This helps me suspend my disbelief, and for two hours or so, I'm in another world. it's like magic.

[@sameerabdulqader4472]

Read my mind. And what makes it even better is when you know you’re not doing it alone, that all the other people in the theater are able to go on that journey with you, right there in the theater. It brings a social aspect to the experience that TVs just can’t capture.

[@jonnaking3054]

Totally agree

[@VJETRA]

Introvert me is hightly disagree ,

[@marcheskitv]

Dune is an amazing example of this. The experience of it in theatres cannot be replicated at home.

[@crimsonfox8496]

@@VJETRA Im an introvert agree with the person, although it definitely feels awkward sometimes

[@Cousin-Barnabus]

There is no better way to watch a movie than at a cinema. They will always be around. It's an experience that cannot be duplicated at home.

[@hamza0610]

It can though, newer TVs and sound systems will actually provide you better video and audio, with most movies being in 3D these days, I'd much rather invest in good 3D glasses for myself at home, than wear cheap flimsy ones at theatres. To me it feels like theatres are relevant because they're a part of history and culture, hence we still look forward to this 'experience'. The future generations might not feel so, I'd say theatres are almost at the same level as newspapers, where there is no real reason to have them, but we have and use them anyway.

[@KathrineAnnVlogs]

@@hamza0610 i have never met a single person in my life who actually uses a newspaper. I don't even know where to get one

[@hamza0610]

@@KathrineAnnVlogs Yeah, got phased out in the west. Still in circulation in Asia though, for no reason except it's what people are used to. I see theatres going the same way.

[@jonnaking3054]

@@hamza0610 do you ever wanna just GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, tho? What's next? Will eat-in restaurants be obsolete? What's the point in going out to eat when you can eat at home? New generation is just a totally different mind set. Everything has to have a solid POINT, otherwise it's useless. Sometimes just looking forward to getting out of the house and doing stuff is its own point

[@jonnaking3054]

@@KathrineAnnVlogs that is sad actually. I think a fun way to torture the new generation would be to put them in a maze full of signs telling how to get out, but they're all written in CURSIVE 😂😆 Is like living in HOUSES gonna be obsolete next? "I've honestly never met anyone who lives in an ACTUAL HOUSE"

[@marcuscarana9240]

Answer: Because some films are worth watching on the big screen, with great dramatic audio, and theatre have a better ambience of being in a large dark enclosure, with comfy seats which increases the"feel" of the movie than simply being in a living room set up, or watching a movie in your phone. Sometimes, I wish that some shows were put in theaters because i want to see them on the big screen.

[@skysthelimitvideos]

That would be interesting actually. Imagine if you could go see an episode of Game of Thrones in theaters every week for a 10 week season or whatever. I don’t know if it’s practical but it would be interesting to watch someone try it.

[@casperguo7177]

Watched Dune on IMAX and the experience cannot be replicated at home, period

[@iiCounted2134]

yep

[@TimBryan]

I think this is a pretty easy, and feasible thing to do. The theater can announce a showing and heck if they’re really nervous have some sort of minimum number of attendees so big fans will be incentivized to spread the word. There’s plenty of shows that would be amazing to watching in a theater, and there’s also tons of movies that many people would want to see again. There’s also gaming: imagine how much fun a community smash brothers event would be on an imax screen. At the end of the day, movie theaters are just fancy AV setups, so it shouldn’t be hard to find ways to get people to pay to use them.

[@jamiea9634]

@@skysthelimitvideos My local private theater did show Game of Thrones at least seasons 2 and 3. They tried to get around the rights issue by showing the show for free just making money off concessions. It was always packed so i think they got some kind of cease and desist, that is why they had to stop. It was very cool.

[@greentea_]

For me watching a movie on theaters is a different experience, The sound quality is great, hearing everyone's gasps, laughter and cheers make the atmosphere different from watching it at home.

[@sor3999]

"Eventizes" is completely right. Even in the 90s a movie that went straight to TV or VHS didn't capture the public's attention as well as a one that's in theatres. I didn't even know Trolls World Tour was released straight to streaming. Maybe it's just a question of marketing.

[@lottejohnson250]

It's technically called "Event Cinema" :)

[@TheJadedJames]

I’m not in the target audience for Trolls World Tour. But I remember hearing about the controversy its release caused

[@Choekaas]

This is also why film festivals aren't silently falling away (but rather the opposite). When the film is part of the event. Events like that, while streaming a Q&A after the film, logging the movie on Letterboxd, sharing your experience going to a premiere on social media and so on. Anniversary screenings of remastered classics or obscure South-Asian cinema that won't be available elsewhere (for instance "Memoria" and the whole "this film will only be in theatres"-move). Doing something unique, exciting and fun, that is not replaced by something you see in your home.

[@VJETRA]

....Unless you're an introvert

[@Eli-ss9gj]

Yeah I never even heard of that Trollz World Tour movie until this video. I think with movies hitting theaters there’s a more widespread campaign to advertise and get attention towards it rather than those that just hit streaming.

[@a5193]

I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed a movie like Eternals as much at home as I did in theaters. Watching it in IMAX was beyond amazing.

[@reabin9x]

I hope theaters don’t go away. The experience watching movies in theaters cannot be matched by streaming from home.

[@kyletucker3811]

Exactly, which is why I found it amusing when people were talking about them being taken out by the pandemic. The comparison was to movie rental stores going away, but that was a terrible comparison. They offered a similar experience for higher prices and arguably more inconvenience. With theaters unless you have a good amount of money you just can't replace the experience at home.

[@ibadurrohmanmusthofa7619]

true facts

[@matt_tron1014]

True that 👆👆👆

[@koiyujo1543]

Exactly it's very true and studies show during the pandemic and after we humans on average live the theaters more than just streaming.

[@lightsoda7445]

Nothing can replace the feeling of watching a movie in the cinema with everyone else. Nothing. It is akin to being in a stadium while sport is playing, or a concert when a musician is on. For that moment in time, you and everyone there, has forgotten that the world exists.

[@arliebourn1718]

There is seriously no other feeling that can combat watching a movie on the big screen, watching it at home just doesn’t feel as immersive

[@Xob_Driesestig]

Unless the other moviegoers are talking/moving, that really breaks the immersion

[@amadocarrillo1155]

@@Xob_Driesestig never really had problems like that because I go a few days after the movie hype is down and on a Wednesday , pretty much empty lol

[@jonathanrouse]

I feel like this is boomer talk, theatre’s will go the way of the dodo in a few years. People think they want theatre’s but the trolls movie proved that’s simply not true.

[@Dead_Shoulders]

@@jonathanrouse it's a dying industry

[@Oyabu...]

@@jonathanrouse I like both, if I want to enjoy the movie I'll watch it at home if I want to enjoy a memory I'll go to theater. Certified boomer if you will

[@faiqabiyyan]

on my consumptive perspective, the thought of watching a movie not in cinema theatre would always be boring and far less valuable. first time i see movies back in cinema post pandemic, it just feels unreal and rather heartwarming to finally able to sit in cinema again. cinema is an irreplaceable sensation most definitely

[@starmorpheus]

Getting tickets, sneaking snacks in, and watching a highly anticipated movie with your friends/family in a space with great audio and fantastic ambience, is the reason I still go to see movies in the theater. That experience can't be replicated elsewhere. I don't see more than 4 or so movies a year in the theaters, but it's always fun.

[@danfr]

"Thanks to a Supreme Court case from the 1940s, movie studios and theater owners in the US are separate entities." And now we've come full circle with nearly every streaming service also being a movie studio.

[@macforme]

JUST like the breakup of Ma Bell. Pacific Telesis, USWest, Ameritech, Bell South, Bell Atlantic, NYNEX, who is left? SouthWesternbell Corp (SBC) swallowed up just about everybody and took the name AT&T because it was known world wide.

[@DeadGuye1995]

thats defintely a major source of the issue in the united states, if disney owned every movie and the only source of movie watching for example, they would be happy to never create anything ever again.

[@Marylandbrony]

I actually speculated that film studios would take over the theaters again during the pandemic. But now good luck making that happen.

[@UnencumberedWords]

This was so visually pleasing to watch! Kudos to everyone who collaborated to make this video. I especially loved the ending when you said that theaters and movie studios still need each other ❤️

[@ReekieReels]

I remember when in Britain, major releases would come out about 3 months after they did in the US and Canada. It ended because online piracy became such a problem that they aligned the release windows.

[@AssafChriqui]

Yep. They forgot to discuss piracy in the video. Once a film goes to digital release it automatically available in online piracy. America has a great variety of digital VODs or streaming services that other countries don't have. Sometimes the only way to watch certain movies abroad is in theatres or in online piracy, because its not available digitally otherwise

[@BarnabyTheEpicDoggo]

@@AssafChriqui Yep. I lived in third world countries for a lot of my life, many many movies are still not available anywhere but piracy. Even Disney+ isn't available here until 2022.

[@shafwandito4724]

I remember back before Thor Ragnarok show up, Marvel didn't make Asia as no.1 priority in term of release date. But after Thor Ragnarok, and the teaser of Infinity war, Marvel make Asia as the first region to get cinema release simultaneously. As a person who live in a third world country in Asia, it is such a blessing of privileged to have from Western countries lol.

[@GenerationZ313]

@@shafwandito4724 which country?

[@dayyanahmad117]

@@GenerationZ313 India. Here Spiderman NWH released 1 day before America

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

Studios need to start making it easier for theaters to show movies from their back catalogs. Having properties basically just sit around doesn't do anyone any favors. Especially now when basically only cinephiles are buying DVDs and Blu-rays. With digital projection, they could very easily let theaters show practically anything they wanted. They don't have to send physical prints. I don't understand why there isn't a push for this. It seems mutually beneficial for everyone. Why do studios care if they're making money on Trolls World Tour, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Wizard of Oz, or Clueless so long as they're making money?

[@AC-fg4kg]

It'd likely be unprofitable for the theatres, since studios necessarily charge exorbitant prices even on back-catalogues otherwise their perceived value drops, and that cost combined with unfilled seats would just end up draining theatres pockets to make studios even richer.

[@ultraali453]

I agree. they could start asking people to vote for the movie they'd want to see and decide based on that. Imagine, halloween being full of themed movies for a month. Again, voted for by the people.

[@mosesjones5376]

Some theatres are showing back catalog films. Harkins has a Tuesday Night Classics feature

[@DeadGuye1995]

there is now finally small avenues for this, some theaters do this on special occasion, and amc theaters specifically lets you watch every single movie ever on their website now. so if u have a large television

[@DeadGuye1995]

@@AC-fg4kg nope

[@Bre493]

Sure it's easier and perhaps even comfier watching movies at home, but I like the option of going out and doing something as an event or with others. It's overpriced but still fun every once and a while.

[@jonnaking3054]

That's me as well, I just gotta GET OUT OF THE HOUSE sometimes. I was reading some place that eat-out restaurants may also be a thing of the past someday and that restaurants will be PHONE APPS that you order from and they deliver... that doesn't sound like a fun future to never leave the house

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

@@jonnaking3054 But introverts and agoraphobics will sure love it!

[@marmolejomartinezjoseemili9043]

@@marlonmoncrieffe0728 even if youre an introvert you need to see other people, it has been proven that not seeing people can break you

[@BenjaminWhitley]

I'm always reminded of the power and magic of the theater experience every time I see a trailer I've already seen at home on a giant screen and the movie always looks bigger, more epic, more exciting and more fun. I really hope theaters survive.

[@Sicaoisdead]

There's no replicable feeling that a traditional cinema gives you. It's everything; getting the tickets, walking through the large hallways and rooms to find your screen, getting that cinema popcorn which just hits differently, then finding your seat and getting comfy, ready for the lights to go off. Then of course, enjoy the movie on the BIG screen.

[@su-rv2uq]

You forgot paying a small fortune for the tickets and snacks,

[@jonnaking3054]

I understand and feel ALL of that, going to the movies is about more than just the movie! Sadly Zoomer generation just doesn't get any of that

[@jonnaking3054]

@@su-rv2uq Yeah who cares? I can afford a good night out once a week like that. Its worth it to me

[@nathanngumi8467]

Very insightful... Streaming does not have the 'shared experience' that has always been one of the best features of cinema, so movie theatres will be around for a long time.

[@isaacmartinez6904]

Sure, Netflix and Blu-ray are taking over. But that doesn’t mean that movie theaters are dead. As long as people are paying tickets and snacks, movie theaters are here to stay. I understand the pandemic hurt the theaters, but so did the Great Depression and the 2008 financial crisis and the theaters survived.

[@zenleeparadise]

With the technological landscape of today, the relationship theaters have to the public isn’t comparable to that of the relationship they had with the public during the Great Depression. Regardless, movie theaters NEED to pivot in some manner in order to continue justifying their existence. I’ve worked in movie theaters during this pandemic world and they are absolutely not sustainable as a business model in our current economy. If studios think they need theaters to keep their air of legitimacy, then they need to subsidize the theaters. They absolutely will not survive on their own if they keep going like this.

[@rkan2]

Blurays are unfortunately actually on their way out :( Ondemand is too strong for having no logistics. Too bad the quality is not the same (yet anyway)

[@eudofia]

@@zenleeparadise Good observation. The business model of charging $25 for a bucket popcorn and a drink is not going to survive. For the younger generation who are used to streaming content on the phones and tablets, the so-called experience of watching a movie in a theater is irrelevant. With time, movie theaters will become what Blockbusters used to be for DVD rentals. Dead!

[@zenleeparadise]

@Angie S but realistically the concessions being bought is the only way the theaters are able to continue turning a profit. We’re not discussing if I feel ok forking over ten bucks for popcorn, we’re discussing the larger picture of what it means that people aren’t able to justify this expense to themselves anymore. The problem is that if everyone went to the theater and did it the cheapest way possible - matinee showings, no concessions - then theaters wouldn’t make enough money to stay open. They rely on you spending more money on concessions then on the show.

[@cablestick]

Pandemic was way worse. Actually shutting down 100% vs markedly reduced sales.

[@natalieandrew7573]

When a group of people are all excited to see the same movie and there’s a real rule and understanding of not talking (but gasps and laughs and stuff are so fun when they’re together) there’s such an incredible ambiance

[@natalieandrew7573]

Also I will probably want to go to a theatre before watching it at home forever

[@RocStarr913]

Part of the problem is there’s a dearth of comedies, which is great to have people laugh together in one room, and there’s a dearth of comedies because the budgets for theatrical movies are so huge that they have to translate to every major country int the world in order to be profitable.

[@skylineXpert]

I hated waiting a year as a child on the movies i loved to be released on disc

[@Todomo]

i haven’t visited a movie theater since like an elementary school field trip

[@reckonerwheel5336]

Just kickin’ around some theories but I think movie theatres will stick around for a while because as a culture, it’s seen as an activity to do with friends or to just get out of the house. There might not be enough people to justify a huge theatre in a midsize city in the future, but the theatre will exist in some capacity.

[@prime98k4]

I think this is a more of an reasonable answer. You can get a cinema experience at home if you can spend on it, but the activity of going to the movie theatres is also worth than the movie itself

[@jonnaking3054]

I like that "to just get out of the house", that is something Zoomers don't seem to get..... What's scary and sad is I worked at a movie theater from 2001-2009, and it was packed with teenagers every fri night.... 2001-2009 doesn't feel like that long ago, but I've heard teens today say they have literally NEVER been to a movie theater... I can't imagine being a highschooler and never having been to the movies

[@dosomestuff1949]

@@prime98k4 that’s the thing, most people don’t wanna spend over 10,000 dollars on a set up at home

[@coastalgiraffe3579]

I recently read somewhere that 'art is a one-sided conversation with the unobserved". So, an art like filmmaking works best for some stories that need to be told in an unfiltered manner without censorship. This aspect is currently working in favor for online streaming platforms as films that are usually exclusively released in theatres go through a rigorous pre-screened censorship in some countries compared to streaming platforms. This ends up hindering the craft of filmmaking and director's vision as well.

[@NooBLT606]

Nothing beats seeing a movie in theaters. Love my AMC A list membership.

[@EricaGamet]

The A List is a killer deal... before the pandemic, I was using all three movies a week. Since they restarted the memberships this summer, I've only gotten to one movie... with hopes to see one this weekend. There is nothing like seeing a movie in the theater.

[@Jonathanest90s]

Same here

[@Hello0Taty]

Watching movies like Avengers Infinity war , Endgame and Spiderman NWH in a sold out in theaters was an experience it self ... something that you will never have it at home

[@vandalyadinskaya]

In my experience, a new movie was never available in the movie theatre for so long, definitely not for months. So, what was usually happening was that or you watch it in the movie theatre within few weeks after the release or have to wait all these months until the digital version is out.

[@gpaderx6105]

One of the biggest factor that keeps theaters alive is Social Media. THERE ARE SO MANY SPOILERS. To avoid spoilers, the people decided to watch the movie on the first day or first week, than waiting it in a DVD release or streaming company. Even they would shorten the window, it's unnecessary since the important part of the window is in the first week of the release.

[@TimBryan]

Theaters should add a service that is similar to on demand viewing: they should show movies that lots of people want to watch, since there are so many good movies that have been released and not everyone got to see them on the big screen. I could see this being a bigger draw than showing whatever the studios have decided to pump out.

[@felipeoa9474]

I really hope this becomes a thing, there's so many movies I'd love to watch -or rewatch- in the theater.

[@carlosperdomo9063]

You can do that. Just rent out the theater and sell the tickets yourself. It's called four walling and is how a lot of independent filmmakers got their films screened.

[@buzzler745555]

where im from we have movie houses that keep dvds that customers can choose from and view in a small theater room

[@johnc7532]

In small business owner theaters they do this. And they do this quite frequently.

[@Malik-Ibi]

Cinemark kind of does that

[@caseymichel1113]

Theaters aren’t going anywhere. It’s an experience that can’t be replicated in the majority of homes.

[@poolerboy]

Timothée Chalamet’s unrivaled beauty cannot be witnessed on a measly TV screen. It must be experienced theatrically. 😩😩😩

[@fynkozari9271]

What if the measly TV screen is 100 inch 8k Oled by Sony or LG?

[@poolerboy]

@@fynkozari9271 _Fool!_ You need IMAX to get the full experience!

[@gauravraut5109]

A theatre experience will always be my favourite. Theatre have that big feeling to it. I don't know if that explains it correctly but my point is, if you're watching a cinematic masterpiece like dune, interstellar...... Or something with great action scenes like Endgame or the new Spiderman movie, the theatre experience will be unmatched. But sadly because of Netflix, Disney+, Prime video people are watching movies online and because of that there is less and less croud in cinemas. At one point theatres will shut down 😔

[@FuryDuck]

Movie theaters is honestly something I never see going away anytime soon

[@wamnicho]

like electric cars are killing combustion engine cars and Rideshare is killing the taxi business and Cars killed Horse and buggy business. It's called technology progressing

[@bruhsselsprouts3986]

Watching new movies in quarantine truly showed me how special and different the movie theater experience is

[@RocStarr913]

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hollywood and particularly Disney basically put a bandage on trying to keep the moviegoing experience relevant with the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and superhero movies in general. 15-20 years of constant superhero movies has gotten old finally.

[@Raymando]

Just because audiobooks or ebooks exist, books aren't dead. Same's gonna go with movie theatres. The alternatives are convenient for sure, but just not the same.

[@santiagocarreno5881]

The uniquenes of the theater experience is something a monotonous streaming service will never be able to entirely replace; large budget epic films will always be something to experience at theaters

[@frogery]

i don't go to theatres often, but when the occasional movie which looks worth seeing on a big screen comes out i'll watch it 2-3 times in IMAX. Dune was the best experience I could have had after not going to theatres for over 2 years, and the last movie I saw in theatres before that was 1917 which was great. as long as movies like that keep getting made there will always be a place for theatres.

[@elijahfordsidioticvarietys8770]

1:00 hearing “DVD!“ like that fills me with such nostalgia.

[@stevenvanhemmen]

If you're living in a big city, maybe yes. Out in the country, most theatres rock a 2K projector, 4K if you're lucky. Streaming quality at home has surpassed that, with Dolby Vision and Atmos available everywhere.

[@mbogucki1]

I can see that. One of the factors I use to judge whether an area is worth moving too is the proximity of the theatre with IMAX, VIP and (In Canada) UltraAVX. If I can't drive to it within 30mins its not worth living there.

[@totempolejoe1]

Streaming quality at home has absolutely NOT surpassed that. Even a 4K Dolby Atmos stream isn't as high quality, in either video or audio, as a proper 2K Dolby Atmos cinema. With 4K Blu-ray, it's a different discussion, but that's not streaming. Granted, I don't think most people care about video or audio fidelity. And as someone who lives "out in the country," the internet here isn't even capable of reliably delivering HD video, much less 4K Dolby Vision. Seriously, most of the KZbin videos I watched this morning didn't reach past 144p resolution, and there was still buffering. The theater I tend to go to isn't high-end by most standards, but it obliterates the experience I get with streaming at home.

[@technicalleon]

I personally love the moving going experience, no matter how easier it is to watch at home. Watching a movie on a big screen, especially with others is just too much fun. Kinda sad that cinemas still aren't open in my city.

[@arturogomeztagle9250]

Maybe theater owners should have stopped gouging people. $30 for $3 worth of snacks…

[@Ottophil]

You can go 2 hours without food you know that?

[@IkeOkerekeNews]

Maybe if movie studios stop gouging theaters, you would see snack prices decrease.

[@AndrewGuillermo]

They get almost nearly nothing on ticket sells

[@cybertrend8134]

@@Ottophil doesn’t feel the same

[@thedhruvshow1775]

@@Ottophil well without popcorn I can't sit through a movie 😂

[@danabarakat1816]

I went to almost every Harry Potter movie premiere at the cinema and it was always such an experience. Nothing like being with complete strangers but for the same purpose. I could never get an experience like that at home. Nothing like going to the theater especially highly anticipated movies. I hope cinemas are here to stay.

[@Phakaday]

I thought watching movie at home would be better, but nothing beats watching a blockbuster movie in a theater.

[@rkan2]

Unless a home movie theater (with a projector) :P

[@Phakaday]

@@rkan2 Still not the same for me. I need to feel like I am getting ready and out to do something. Helps my mind focus on the movie. Home threater is nice, but still not the same feel for me personally. I always get distracted by things around the house.

[@Pamelostar]

I think the experience is the biggest thing keeping the cinema industry alive. Being able to do something nice and relative cheap, even though you can watch something at home. To be able to see the movie to its fullest experience that most working class can't get at home, is really unique.

[@OmarMohamed-yr7kj]

Spider-Man: No Way Home is gonna make them even more alive.

[@jackblack704]

Who would want to see that

[@scottmcfarlane7524]

Yea Ill wait doesn't look good

[@eisque]

@@jackblack704 me

[@ocielmartinez2129]

@@jackblack704 mostly everyone but u

[@elmandarin1002]

The holiday season will but I think Spider-Man will take the cake bc matrix Resurrections will also be on HBO Max

[@omarispowell2949]

I believe if movie theaters stay around its only going to stay because its a experience deeply rooted in American culture with so many first dates, family outings and movies and shows always having people going to the movies, people will only go solely for the culture and not because it’s the best option. Like daylight savings for example: we don’t need it anymore but we do it because its a tradition that’s deeply rooted in American culture as well as other cultures around the world.

[@Bat_Boy]

I can’t drink a beer, while in my underwear , watching Dune, in the theater. Check and mate. Game over

[@thegrinderman1090]

Says who?

[@fubytv731]

When I'm at home drinking beer in my underwear, I'd rather apply the lip-gloss then watch Dune.

[@Alpha8713]

Clearly, you are visiting the wrong theatres.

[@SpencerJ289]

I still love going to the theater. I hope it doesn’t end any time soon. I love getting my bowl of popcorn and a too large soda and enjoying the atmosphere you can’t replicate at home.

[@VedavyasMunugoor]

I think in the future theaters will have to adjust from just being about watching the movie, to being about the experience as a whole. Lots of theaters already offer food, drinks, etc. Theaters need to be almost like an amusement park experience if they want to survive. I know that, for example, in India, theater-watching is much more of an experience (pre-gaming the movie by firing off fireworks outside, people partying outside the theater, etc), and I suspect the industry is heading that way.

[@lordatum8139]

You cannot match the experience of watching a movie in the theatre ❤

[@TheMrawesomest]

I suppose it depends on the quality of the movie theater near you. I would prefer to watch a 4K HDR version of the movie at home rather than drive to a movie theater to watch the movie on a dimly lit screen that is a bit blurry and out of focus with the distracting shadows of cobwebs that are hanging from the ceiling.

[@jensenraylight8011]

you realize it's 2021 right not 1970. i never saw any blurry and out of focus movie or any shadow at the theater. dude, you're outdated. go watch a great movie on IMAX first, and get yourself an emotional life changing experience

[@rkan2]

Absolutely - unfortunately blurays are kind of on their way out.. Other than that - a proper home theater with a projector is the best option by far!

[@zj7396]

or maybe go to a proper cinema?

[@elendoy]

As much as I like streaming content at home, as soon as the theaters opened in my country and there were interesting movies to watch, I was there. Between November 2020 and today, I've been to the movies at least 7 times and I'll add 2 more before year's end 😅 I refuse to lose the movie going experience even if I have to wear a mask 😀

[@WolfRawrrr]

Cinema advantages: Big screen and great sound, cinematic experience. Cinema disadvantages: Overpriced food and drinks, waiting in lines, putting up with other people's behavior while watching Overall prefer watching at home, but every now and then that cinema "feel " is just nice.

[@doujinflip]

The "feel" comes from knowing random people have also experienced the same thing, and that you had to focus on it the whole time instead of having the option to pause it and get distracted by something else.

[@WolfRawrrr]

@@doujinflip maybe for you, but for me its def the big screen and loud speakers *__* if i could rent the whole place to myself I would lol I did in fact see movies before in next to empty theaters, it was amazing lol

[@factVIJA]

दोस्ती नाम है सुख-दुख की कहानी का, दोस्ती नाम है सदा मुस्कुराने का। ये किसी पल भर की पहचान नहीं, दोस्ती नाम है सदा साथ निभाने का।।

[@theterrificyolo]

I love the cinema experience, its my happy place when a film comes out. I rather pay over £10 to see a film in a cinema than pay £6-9 a month to disney+ etc to see 1 film. You cannot ever replicate a cinema at home no matter the TV/ projector or sound system.

[@shankar4330]

Nothing can replace the movie watching experience. I find going to the movies more memorable and convenient experience than sitting on my couch and watching with my big bowl of popcorn. I don't get that same immersive experience that theatres give. Theatres for life

[@JBrotsis1]

I find that when I see a movie in theaters, whatever the emotions the director/actors are looking to pull out of me (sadness, laughter, applause, etc) become amplified and more memorable when I’m among other people. Providing a greater experience and more appreciation for a movie. Plus streaming will eventually hit its own peak and have consequences that will need to be addressed and changed. We’re already seeing every network and their mother creating their own streaming platform, making what used to an affordable $10 a month easy purchase, into an expensive venture paying that much for 20 platforms.

[@elikebudi]

People who enjoy the movie theater experience because of the love of art or being social or whatever will still want to watch movies in theaters. I am in that category. As long as I’ve money to go, I go to the theater.

[@SR-cm2my]

I'm perhaps the most average person when it comes to movies but 90% of the movies I watch, I just wait until it's available digitally. It is just not worth the effort to go to a movie theater unless the movie is truly exceptional. For example, something like "Dunkirk" has to be seen in the IMAX format. Something cinematically mundane like "Marriage story" is good to watch on my TV with a very humble sound bar. These executives forget how unnecessarily expensive some movie theaters are. From ticket pricing to pop corn/soda.

[@daviie]

I think marriage story was a direct release to netflix anyways, buy I understand what you mean.

[@earthling_parth]

Yup, 100% agree to this.

[@erdemoz2187]

dude if you can not afford to go to the movies, you should seriously question your life decisions!

[@Squicx]

Spider-Man single handedly saved theatres.

[@vikhyatpuri3850]

I'd still prefer watching a movie on theatre as the without distraction environment focusing on just the storyline comes with theaters only 🔥

[@lightsoda7445]

That smell of the popcorn as you walk into a theatre. I never even buy the popcorn, we always bring our own snacks in, but nothing can replace that aroma. When you smell it, you know it's about the go down.

[@nicolezhang8116]

Just this year, I went to the theatre to watch Top Gun: Maverick twice and Nope. I'm definitely going back in a few days time to watch Avatar

[@disco.jellyfish]

Cinemas do have a BIG advantage, they will 100% keep forever. You will get a far better audio and viewing experience than in average Joes living room. To replicate what you get to experience in the cinema for a couple bucks, you would need to spend a whole fortune to build it at home to then realise that you spent a whole fortune on something that doesnt earn you money and still lacks behind what a cinema can offer as technology progresses. Seeing the biggest and greatest movies on your TV at home vs seeing them in the cinema, which was carefull designed to just show you movies in the best possible way is a big difference. Just make sure you get seats in the middle - I also do kinda wish cinemas just ditched the outer seats and left the space empty instead.

[@fabianvaneijk9200]

Personally, I like to go to the cinema to watch a movie. When watching a movie at home I get distracted faster and miss parts of the movie, but in the cinema, I´m fully focused on the movie and experience more of the movie. Just like school from home, I learn more in the classroom than when I'm behind the computer listening to a zoom meeting all-day.

[@tristx7832]

One thing not mentioned is the growing DYI theater at home. Cost of 4k projector, ATmos Dobly, theater recliner are becoming affordable for those interested in turning a room into a home theater. When the pandemic hit, this was a pretty good option since I couldn't go anywhere.

[@uss_04]

As a kid I thought “Only in Theaters” meant that they were never showing the movie again after that.

[@Rockmusicisthebest]

I haven't been to the movies since August 2015. I was born in 2000 and my whole life, I never enjoyed the movies. I always found it easier to enjoy movies at home than in the theater. I went to the movies when I was in Kindergarten in April 2006 and I didn't even like it back then. Since 2015, if I wanted to see a new movie, I would wait for it to be released because I knew I would enjoy it more than at the movies. To each their own.

[@Batmann29]

I really hope theaters stick around for another few decades. Sure it’s convenient to watch new movies at home. But theaters are an entire experience and the same feeling cannot be duplicated at home unless you’re a millionaire with a private home theater lol. Also I think theaters have gotten better throughout the years: luxury recliners, bigger screens, 3D & 4D options. Let’s hope people will continue to support their local theaters in the coming years.

[@tyrannosaurusburke]

I'm not against streaming or on-demand movies, but seeing a movie in a movie theater is my preferred way of seeing a movie. I can turn my cell phone off and just focus on what's on the screen.

[@smhdpt12]

I can't imaging why anyone would want to see a movie in an expensive theatre, if you can just watch it at home on your couch.

[@mattwolf7698]

The screen is bigger, there's better sound and it's just a more interesting experience.

[@xadychang]

theaters are only expensive in the US

[@JeremyLeech]

Yeah movies at home are nice, but theaters are an experience. Especially the popcorn.

[@varadbhandare4441]

Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home wouldn't be the icons they are today without the theater.

[@chicocalte]

People who have contagious laughs in the movie theater makes the jokes even funnier. You can’t replace that.

[@sanzhsn]

The issue is, I'm not going to the theatre. If it isn't out legally by the time I want to watch it, I'm pirating it.

[@timberwolfe1645]

And you're able to do that BECAUSE of streaming platforms already showing it

[@notkimpine]

as lazytown once said... DO WHAT YOU WANT CAUSE THE PIRATE IS FREE,YOU ARE A PIRATE!!!

[@StaticBlaster]

Movie theaters will never be dead because even if you could make a movie theater experience at your own home, you still lose the social aspect of it. It's cool to experience what people are feeling and hearing the laughter around you. It's a very human thing to feel like you are connecting with everyone around you.

[@NickCTorres]

that's like the very worse part of a theater dawg

[@StaticBlaster]

@@NickCTorres it can be the best or it could be the worst. It depends on the experience. I've had plenty of good experiences where no one talks on their phone or is texting nor puts their feet on the back of your seat and I've had bad experiences where they have done all of the above.

[@lonnease6415]

I can't believe you didn't mention ease of piracy as one of the key reasons movie companies want to keep the exclusive theatrical window. Black Widow, a day and date release, saw a huge drop after the first week and most people think that was because it was so easy to immediately pirate the film from streaming. It taught Disney how critical the exclusive window is to their billion-dollar money making films and they've backed off day and date since.

[@rocketgroot4311]

*people aren't abandoning theaters..* *Audiences are just more picky on what they spend their money on now more than ever*

[@_TRB_]

Nah,they definitely are,the catalogues are getting more and more boring with the time.We are going through a servere creativity and quality crisis in the newest films.

[@joyiheng7130]

I love theatres! There's a magic to watching a film with strangers in a big dark room. The whole experience is different. I hope theatres will be around for a long time to come. I hope I am able to bring my future children and grandchildren to the threatres.

[@SoCoolScience]

going to a movie theater is an experience you will never achieve by watching it on demand

[@darkfrost904]

Phones, computers, and TVs are convenient, but nothing can match the quality of cinema. The gigantic screen and the deafening sound cannot be replicated.

[@zaltmanbleroze]

the gigantic screen no but with a decent surround set you can definitely recreate a very good and deafening sound the whole neighbourhood can enjoy.

[@MrAK2018]

Who else was screaming and clapping during Infinity war and Endgame? Absolutely legendary, can’t get those feelings at home.

[@JERSEYBOYPLAY2HARD]

The best feeling for me was the end credits scene of fast 6.

[@ben7510]

MCU is the luckiest out there, they released Avengers: Endgame in 2019 before there was a pandemic in the same year and managed to make Billions in box office. Had they released it in 2020 or 2021 they wouldn't reached those figures.

[@justrifky]

- $15 one person one time only in theatre, pay again if you want to watch again. - $10 one month subscription one device which. U can watch anytime, anywhere, with anyone on your device. Second one sounds easy better. But you'll never gonna change the experience when you're on the theatre

[@suryaditaufan7285]

In my country movie ticket are $5 dollar with our currency