Caped Crusader Can't Save Movie Industry

[Evil Avatar]

The LA Times is reporting (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-na-boxoffice21jun21,0,59825.story?coll=la-home-headlines) (Registration Required) that despite the success of summer films like Batman and Star Wars Episode III, the movie industry is still in a major slump.

In an era when a pair of movie tickets can cost more than a DVD, and in a season when the films seem like sorry retreads of years past, consumers are leaving one of America's great pastimes.

Compared with last year, box-office receipts have been down every weekend since late February; the last time comparable business was off for such a long span was in 1985.

This summer's movie season has been especially brutal. North American theater attendance from early May to June 19 was off nearly 11% from a year ago, tracking firm Exhibitor Relations Co. estimated Monday. If the year's overall weak admission trend holds, it will mark the lowest number of moviegoers since 1996 and the third consecutive year of decline, a skid that hasn't been seen since 1962.I've been saying that for two years now... that it is cheaper for me to just buy the DVD than to go to the movie, so I only see about one movie a year in the theater.

[outontheporch]

Baseball is a great american pastime. Movies are how John Travolta can afford to fuel his jets.

[Groo]

There's a very simple reason why people aren't going to the movies: most of the movies released lately suck ass. Hollywood hasn't quite caught on to the idea that if they make good movies, people will see them. Instead, they insist on playing commericials on television every 5 minutes.

[Zulu107]

C'mon its common sense mixed with bad movies...who wants to pay $18 after Matinee for a flik nowadays. I'd rather get a bootleg for $5 :p And its real scary how the quality of them are improving drastically.

[HarverdGrad]

I used to go to movies because it was a treat. Something I looked forward to. Now going to the movies, I feel like cattle. It's not a fun experience. It's bullshit filled with overpriced snacks and 10 minutes of commercials before the movies.

The only thing that will save the Movie Theater is if Hollywood gives more profit to the the Movie Theater owner so they don't have to charge an arm an a leg for snacks, and show commercials. So they don't have to have little salt packets for popcorn because they don't want to spend money for proper salt shakers. Or Napkins...little wads of paper. WTF is that about?

I purchased an $800 ceiling mounted projector about 1 year ago. I've been to two films since getting it. The Return of the King, and Team America.

Movie Theaters suck & America is becoming 3rd World.
Just wait until haggling becomes commonplace. Ya...I'm looking forward to haggling for a cheeseburger.

[Deadend]

Tickets are overpriced, I pay $7 a ticket on a student discount.

My friends who work at the theatres can see 2 movies a week for free, only movies that are over 4 weeks old of course.

People there get paid minimum wage, a large drink is $4 and tastes watered down.

Where does all the damn money go?

[Evil Avatar]

Just wait until haggling becomes commonplace. Ya...I'm looking forward to haggling for a cheeseburger.

Keep in mind that if you want to haggle for a cheeseburger at McDonald's, you are going to need to learn to speak spanish.

[Zulu107]

lol, I agree Harv! I can't believe commercials are in movies along with a cheesey consession stand that is way over priced and just over rated. Like I said its gotta be a hell of a flick or I'm going to do matinee or just wait.

[Blue]

I miss my student discount.

Sadly, I can only catch a Matinee (and thus hit the low low price of $6.50) when it's for a special occasion like Star Wars or LOTR when I'm able to get out of work early. For whatever reason, I'm one of those people who has little to no patience and can't wait until a flick hits the local dollar theater, let alone DVD. If something is on my list of things to see, I almost always have to hit it opening weekend if not shortly thereafter. And, because of this bizzare addiction, I end up coughing out $9.50 x 2 to see something that I'm typically only mildly interested in. Sucks. My movie-going time is drastically over-riding my gaming necessities. I don't get it.

On a side note: am I the only one who gets and loves movie theater hot dogs? I know they're most likely made of gum and bootstraps, but I inevitably turn my attention to that case holding the rotating links. However, and this is where the money starts to hike, if I get a hot dog I have to hit-up either nachos or pretzel bites because they come with cheese. Cheese was designed specifically with hot dogs in mind. So I sit there dipping my hot dog in the weird fake cheesy stuff and then turn my attention to the scraps of whatever is left.

I'm not sure why I'm writing all this out. 12 Step Program? Perhaps.

[Savok]

Why go give someone a pile of money to eat bad food, watch ads and sit with a pile of most likely awful people in shitty seats when you can stay home, watch a longer, probably better version in your own home in a comfy chair with your own food.

[Demize99]

Anyone else hate those new "SuperBig" screens? Its not like the omnimax, I just sit further from the screen and I'm surrounded by more retards. Theaters need smaller, more intimate screening rooms, just more of them.

It also baffles me that they're having trouble making audience #s, but the ticket prices keep going up. This is a pretty elastic price point, raising your prices is going to drive a good number of people away.

[Herodotus5]

Amen. I saw Star Wars, and Batman last week, and when I met up with the rest of my friends, I told them if they want to enjoy them, to wait for the DVD. There is no decency out there anymore. How desperate are people to fuel their delusions of grandure and significance, to not be able to go a whole freaking 90 minutes with out calling every freaking person they've ever met in their meaningless life. If you are that sad, please join the other lemmings on line over at the cliff. Thank you :D

[Heretic Machine]

Cut back on the mark-ups, and I might go back to the hteatre more than a few times a year.

[if76]

I think part of the reason is that lately I've seen movies because I'm bored rather than there being something that I just HAD to see. Batman is cool but really didn't fill me with anticipation the way that 3001/Idiocracy does.

[Mrbunchypants]

not sure how it works in the US. in BC Canada we have set movie prices. so if i got druing the week day it's the same as the week end.

You know there going to blame piracy for it too. just anoythere reason i don't go that offen.

[Evil Avatar]

"The PlayStation 3 is a sumptuous feast for special occasions; the Xbox 360 is a fine Sunday dinner; and the Revolution is a rich, home-cooked supper." Hideo Kojima

Odd. I would have said that the Xbox 360 is a 612 Scaglietti, the Playstation 3 is a Jaguar XK and the Revolution is a 1978 Volkswagon VW Bettle with the floorboards rusted through. After all, isn't the big revolution of the Revolution that it plays burned out old games?

[Heretic Machine]

Odd. I would have said that the Xbox 360 is a 612 Scaglietti, the Playstation 3 is a Jaguar XK and the Revolution is a 1978 Volkswagon VW Bettle with the floorboards rusted through. After all, isn't the big revolution of the Revolution that it plays burned out old games?

Wouldn't it be a rebuilt Volkswagon VW Beetle, as of recent news?

[GunnyMo]

Cost is the single biggest factor. Who want's to pay $10+ to see just any movie in the theater when you'll be able to buy the DVD for that price a few months later. I only go see huge, blockbuster movies that are best experienced on the big screen at least once. I can't remember the last comedy and/or drama I saw at the theater for full price. Maybe if they paid their A list actors a bit less they'd be in a better position.

[Royal Fool]

Baseball is a great american pastime. Movies are how John Travolta can afford to fuel his jets.

And his Scientology addiction.

[Kelegacy]

with home theaters getting so good, who needs to go out? Movies being released on DVD are coming out each Tuesday, so you never have a shortage.

I havent been to the movies in a long time. Basically it's because I am currently single and/or my friends arent into the same movies as I.

[Mr_Snuffle]

funnily enough I watch more movies these days than I ever use to.

But I'm Australian, so I guess I don't count :P

[GrinR]

You people are such grouches!!! Look at the silver lining:

1. Movie theaters are smoke-free!
2. There is no smell from food other than popcorn.
3. You can talk all you like without worrying about stupid ushers.
4. Perfect place to organize your cellphone contacts in darkness.
5. You are helping those hard-working movie industry people by not pirating.
6. No need to worry about getting comfortable - you CAN'T!
7. Kliegel excercises ain't got shit on holding your water for 2 hours.

Come on - Theaters ROCK!!!

[Savok]

Odd. I would have said that the Xbox 360 is a 612 Scaglietti, the Playstation 3 is a Jaguar XK and the Revolution is a 1978 Volkswagon VW Bettle with the floorboards rusted through. After all, isn't the big revolution of the Revolution that it plays burned out old games?

Just, wow.

[mindstrike]

Well, one way I will goto theaters if more places did what they do ip here in these parts. Chunky's theaters charge 6.50 per ticket, and they offset these costs by selling you dinner... two birds one stone... The meal prices are not bad, and they serve beer.... ;)

The only killer is the place usually sells out quickly on the newly released stuff.

[Chandler]

convert all movie theatres in the world to LANs!!

[Racknahm]

It's called shitty movies. Stop making them. I doubt piracy has anything to do with the slump, since most people don't know how to work the interweb properly, or what bittorrents are or how to use them in conjunction with Google.

[Heretic Machine]

And his Scientology addiction.

It's better than Mel Gibson's Church of Gibsonianism.

[T-Dawg]

For the most part I don't have a problem with ticket prices these days. I can afford it, so I'm willing to pay it. However, my movie watching is down this year, no doubt. Why? Not enough quality movies I want to see. Since the beginning of the summer movie season, I've seen Sin City, HItchhiker's Guide, Episode 3, Batman Begins, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Usually starting in late April or May, through July, there's been a movie I've wanted to see opening every weekend. This year, not so much. I'm not pirating any of the other movies, it's just I have no desire to see them. So, make something good, and I'll gladly go see it.

One thing that does continue to bug me about industry analysis though is they never normalize the box office grosses when comparing to the past. "Such and such movie is the highest box office ever!" Well yeah, when ticket prices are $9 for Episode 3, compared to possibly $2 for Episode 4 in 1977 (speculating here, I was 5 then), you're gonna have a bigger box office. Either track tickets sold, or devide by the mean ticket costs - but don't go blowing smoke up my ass about how much better today's movies do versus the past. Yeah I understand that to the industry, it's not tickets sold, but profits generated, but you're just being deceitful.

I've rambled on too much.

[Breezer]

I, like most, have a home theater and so I don't go to the movies as often as I use to. I do still like the "larger than life" aspect of a movie theater so I won't stop going if I believe there is benefit from big screen viewing.

I just went to Batman this last weekend and really enjoyed it. About a quarter way through the movie a baby started crying in the row right behind me. The hair on the back of my neck was standing on end. I couldn't help thinking that I paid how much for these tickets and I get to sit here and listen to a baby cry!!!! you've got to be kidding. Lucky, after a few low mummers in baby talk the toddler settled down and was quite for the rest of the flick....dodged that bullet.

[zorper]

Well yeah, when ticket prices are $9 for Episode 3, compared to possibly $2 for Episode 4 in 1977 (speculating here, I was 5 then), you're gonna have a bigger box office.


Close. I paid $3.50 to see Star Wars in Albuquerque when I was eight.

Edit: And did my old man bitch about that!

[Racknahm]

I, like most, have a home theater and so I don't go to the movies as often as I use to. I do still like the "larger than life" aspect of a movie theater so I won't stop going if I believe there is benefit from big screen viewing.

I just went to Batman this last weekend and really enjoyed it. About a quarter way through the movie a baby started crying in the row right behind me. The hair on the back of my neck was standing on end. I couldn't help thinking that I paid how much for these tickets and I get to sit here and listen to a baby cry!!!! you've got to be kidding. Lucky, after a few low mummers in baby talk the toddler settled down and was quite for the rest of the flick....dodged that bullet.

I've heard of some movie theaters that don't allow minors to enter(and not the porno kind, the regular kind) specifically so that shit like a baby crying during the movie or some kid whining doesn't happen. I also think that you should have to check in your cellphone or beeper at the door unless you're a doctor or something.

[BabyJesus]

I've heard of some movie theaters that don't allow minors to enter(and not the porno kind, the regular kind) specifically so that shit like a baby crying during the movie or some kid whining doesn't happen. I also think that you should have to check in your cellphone or beeper at the door unless you're a doctor or something.


It would be ok if people would...

Shut the fuck up.
Get off the fucking phone.
Shut the fuck up.
Get there BEFORE the fucking movie starts, not 10 minutes after. You show up late, you deserve to not know how the movie starts and no I won't move over so your fat ass can sit with your idiot boyfriend or give you the rundown.
Shut the fuck up.
Keep the rugrats at home, for christs sake they can't sit still at home strapped to a chair with duct tape, holding a gameboy and watching tv, what makes your dumb ass think they will sit for 2 hours?
Shut the fuck up.

Thank you.

[GrinR]

You're all whiners. I love going to the theater. I'm also fucking insane.

[Spigot]

I love seeing movies in theatres but alas, I don't have the time. I work mostly evenings and that precludes seeing a movie unless I get to go with the guys at work.

I don't mind sitting through the ads, though it's getting ridiculous these days. When there is almost half an hour of ads and trailers to sit through before the movie starts, that's too much. I don't mind seeing one or two ads and then 3-4 trailers, but it really shouldn't be more than a 10 minute delay from the time the house lights go down until the feature presentation starts.

Thankfully I have been blessed with well behaved audiences of late when I have made it out to a theatre for a movie. I don't mind if it's a little rowdy when it's opening night for a big movie, but otherwise it had better be quieter than church in there.

I do agree that a lot of the movies have been pretty crappy of late and what few have been good aren't necessarily worth running out to instead of just waiting for the DVD. I prefer to see a movie in the theatre if it's got crazy visual effects that make it worth seeing on a 60 foot screen. If it's a more laid-back, character/drama driven piece, I prefer to watch that at home on my DVD player from the comfort of my couch.

One thing I do not do is buy food at the movie theatre. If I absolutely need to snack on something, I'll bring in a package of skittles. Otherwise, I'll just make sure I've eaten a snack before I go and that saves me ~$10+ every time.

I'd rather just go to the local rep theatre and see a variety of documentaries, foreign films and things I missed the first time around.

[Spigot]

I've heard of some movie theaters that don't allow minors to enter(and not the porno kind, the regular kind) specifically so that shit like a baby crying during the movie or some kid whining doesn't happen. I also think that you should have to check in your cellphone or beeper at the door unless you're a doctor or something.

Around here they have a special screening once every couple weeks called "Stars & Strollers" where you can bring your baby/toddler and see a first-run movie with the sound turned down a bit. It's great because you're in a setting where a baby crying is expected. I would never bring my kid to a movie unless it's at something like this.

Granted, I'm going to make sure I drill proper theatre ettiquette into his tiny head as soon as possible. No yammering for my son, no siree.

[Deadend]

Oh yeah, smelly people.

Wen I went to see Lords of Dogtown, I was stuck next to a person that I probably should have attempted to MURDER.

He smelled bad, came in 20 minutes late, had no concept of NOT HOGGING THE WHOLE ARMREST and then some, spread his legs out... and smelled like someone peed on him.

I know he wasn't a hobo because about 35 minutes before the end His PHONE rang, he answered it... then left and never returned, along with his equally smelly friend.

I still should have attempted to kill them, even though I would have probably lost... I am sure I would have had help from all the skater/rebel kids.

[51|RandoM]

The biggest problem with movies: They make no sense economically as a media source.

Think about it. Pay 10+ bucks per ticket(in nyc), or wait and by the dvd for 20-30. As soon as you're a couple, or a family, the theatre suddenly becomes the losing proposition.

Currently available home cinema options have never been better, or for that matter, cheeper, as well. I've got a sub $3k projector that puts a 12 foot wide 16:9 image on one wall of my apartment. That room is then surrounded(heheh) by a very sweet 7.1 sound system. Movies generally look/sound better at my apartment then at the theatre now.

I only go to movies that I know are going to be on the best screen in the theatre and that will benefit from the crowd appeal(oohs, aahs, cheering at certain points, call me crazy, but I'm into that experience as a cinema buff).

Saw batman begins today with about 25 people on one of the biggest screens in nyc---in short, it rocked.

[Morratut]

I think its a combination of not enough decent movies and decent home cinema systems.

Hollywood should basically start making films for us geeks. I want a The Mighty Thor movie and maybe even Secret Wars.

I want to see Thor,Hulk,Iron Man,Captain America going up against Dr Doom,Absorbing Man,Ultron,Galactus.

A Thor movie would be great also especially if Jackson did it. You've got all the makings of a fantastic movie with Thor,Odin with Loki being a evil brother and Surtur being the big big baddie. I'm rambling again :(

[NACIONAL]

for what i've read... the movie experience in USA is very disturbing....

Damn, here in Colombia the theaters are Top Notch, the people gets early, and is very rare when you hear a cellphone in there.... the prices are all but cheap, but they are afordable.

The food is overpriced though.

[evilpenguin9000]

I think its a combination of not enough decent movies and decent home cinema systems.

Hollywood should basically start making films for us geeks. I want a The Mighty Thor movie and maybe even Secret Wars.

I want to see Thor,Hulk,Iron Man,Captain America going up against Dr Doom,Absorbing Man,Ultron,Galactus.

A Thor movie would be great also especially if Jackson did it. You've got all the makings of a fantastic movie with Thor,Odin with Loki being a evil brother and Surtur being the big big baddie. I'm rambling again :(


They have started doing this, but the problem is some executives think they know what people want more tht the writers of the original comic.

Every movie has to have the same format, with action, love interest and cookie cutter happy ending. That's the problem, the don't let movies challenge audiences anymore.

[dr_wily]

wow talk about jaded posts... i however love the movies.. great way to get out of the house and watch on a mega monster screen..
i personally like sitting close, about 3-4 rows back, and the theatre is usually half empty with a 90% chance of no baby screaming or cell phones.
And if your savvy you will use an entertainment coupon which knocks it down from 9 to 6 a piece and sneak in a candy bar or soda to avoid the gouging..

I don't care how big a tv you got, it isn't going to match the same size as a movie screen, although I do admit i hate the flabby sound systems even if theyre THX, my system just kills in comparison.

[netcraazzy]

I think going to the movies is becomming more of a once in a while big event rather than something you do every weekend. The trend towards big, expensive and farther away megaplexes is proof of this I think.

[PixelSamurai]

The problem for me isn't the prices. There is a dollar theater about 15 minutes from my house, and they get all the big movies a few months after their release but before they come out on DVD. Another older theater near me doesn't even show commercials before the show, just some easy listening music with a large curtain closed in front of the screen.

I think the problem is Hollywood's attitude towards theaters now; the film in theaters is just a trailer for the DVD these days. It's no mystery why directors film extra scenes they can use for the DVD (there's a great Sam Raimi quote about this regarding Spider-Man 2).

With this attitude, its no surprise why the films in theaters these days show all their best scenes in the trailers. Hell, most of them seem to be designed around their trailer, not the damn flick.

Also, I would think it would be much cheaper for a family to rent a DVD than take the kids to another sequal for the next Vin Diesal vehicle. 4 tickets, expensive food, or 1 DVD rental.