People not behaving is actually the worst part. I heard talking on cell phones... full on conversations ... and the last time I went ... there was either a farter or someone with nasty BO. I would have been more comfortable at home.
I remember immediately spotting a 4-5 y/o when I walked into Django Unchained on Xmas day and going “oh no”…thankfully the kid didn’t make a single peep the entire time (and yes, I admit I said “oh no” entirely out of fear that he’d be obnoxious, not bc it was a 4 y/o seeing that movie, haha).
*This*. I feel like *alot* of our parents just let us see whatever and didn't monitor what we were really watching.
*However*, we should know better - especially as a society. Hell, when that gunman shot up the theater during one of the Batman movies, I believe a child was killed. A very clearly not kid movie at a midnight showing.
I just wish people were more respectful of *others*, even the actual kids being dragged to these movies, and lately we seem to be missing that
This. We went to see Deadpool, and we were in back of a family that brought every single one of their 6 kids. All the kids had a different screen to watch (iPhone/tablet/whatever) and the kids still got bored and started running around the theater and loudly asking their parents for stuff and those screens were BRIGHT. I wanted to yell at the parents and tell them "if you can't afford a babysitter for your 6 little demons then stay home until it comes out on streaming!" Seriously though, for what they paid for kids tickets and snacks for 6 kids you would think they could use that $$ to bribe a cousin or something to watch them. Given their behavior, they probably ran out of willing family to dump the kids on.
And in case anyone thinks this is just recent, the worst I ever saw this was Starship Troopers in 97, there was a sudden rush of super pissed off moms pushing strollers and whatnot. Smh
Opening day for Black Panther 2, a lady with a whole nursing baby sat next to me. I was going to say something but I held my tongue. Swear to god, that baby was the only one who didn’t cry during the movie.
There is a place here in TX called Alamo Draft House. They encourage snitching on talkers & will actually kick you out of the theater for it. It’s my favorite place lol
That's why I go pretty much exclusively to Alamo Drafthouse....they don't put up with that, make several announcements before a show that they won't put up with that, and WILL kick people out without a refund after one warning. Places to afraid to offend a customer by kicking them out need to realize they're actually pushing away way more customers by tolerating that stuff.
THIS. I wish so badly I had an Alamo near me. By pandering to the a\*\*holes, theaters are pushing away the passionate moviegoers. And it's costing them.
I used to see a movie a week, minimum. Now it's one a year, if that.
I wish Alamo didn't have staff running around and back and forth and talking to me and the people around me over and over because of the food stuff. Defeats the purpose.
Totally agree.
Y’all, to me, and I know bad behavior isn’t some “new” thing, but post-pandemic, I see a clear change in not just the *cost* of things, everything, but the blatant and unapologetic level of just “in your face” rude behavior and disregard for anyone else.
Why?
I was at a movie and some lady was taking on the phone. When someone asked her to stop she actually yelled at her to mind her own business and then more people got upset and she kept yelling at everyone else like it was our fault or something. Ruined the whole movie.
I suspect a lot of the more considerate and responsible people have opted to have streaming nights in with their friends. And what's left are the rude, entitled people who were *always* there but now feel emboldened by the smaller crowds.
It seems like it's a pervasive "I'm taking what I can" mentality that starts at the top with the ultra rich who are able to take the most...and then every one else tries to grab any scraps they can.
I read a great article on this phenomenon more specifically at live concerts and theatre in general, but their conclusion was basically the same as what you said.
Politics. There is a group of people who had their desire to be huge public assholes validated. They believe their behaviour is not only acceptable, but justified.
I honestly think this is Trump trickle down.
This is NOT a “political” comment but an observation of his behavior.
Downvote me if you want, but he (and his ilk) are making society think it’s ok to act very selfishly & obnoxiously without regard to how it affects others.
I’m sure I will be super downvoted but I don’t care, that is what I think is slowly happening.
It is an extension of the people who refused to wear masks during the height of the pandemic.
Not being downvoted! Not wrong on the least, either.
There’s a good deal of people that believe they’re entitled to act selfishly because they’re on the side of right and you’re not. Your opinion doesn’t matter.
On the whole I truly do think this is a kinder, more sterile world now compared to the 1980s when I grew up, but there is misparenting in every echelon of society.
I’m in my 40s, so this is my fifth decade bearing witness on how people from different home lives deal in the real world…
This is a big piece of it. Healthcare, education and housing costs have all spiraled for decades now, so people have less disposable income for things like “going to the movies.” It doesn’t help that the movie theater prices have spiraled faster than inflation, also. Back in the year 2000, movie tickets were $5.39 per, national average. Add $10 for a bucket of popcorn and a couple of sodas. Today’s $75 movie date would have been a $25 movie date a generation ago, yet the $75 u/cloudydays2021 is spending this weekend had the purchasing power ~$41, in the summer of 2000.
Sauce for the goose is that TVs have gotten both larger, and with higher quality picture, than they were years ago. The delta between the theater experience, and the home experience, is nowhere near what it once was. Back in 2000, a typical new TV was about 27”. Maybe you had a 40” or 50” *projection* TV, if you were ballin’. Today, the average TV sold is over 50”, and 75” and 85” TVs are increasingly common.
Not to mention that now you have to site through 35+ minutes of commercials *after* the posted start time. Before, commercials, if any were even shown, were only prior to the dimming lights. The trailers were totally separate.
For some reason this is what ultimately ruins the experience/immersion. I want to go see a movie with zero ads that’s why I pay the high price for a ticket, what I don’t want is a damned youtube video experience at the theater.
We made our basement into a home theater. Got a Bose sound system and 75 inch UHD all for under $2500. With all the streaming available we just don’t need to go to the theater. For a family of 4 a night out easily costs over $100. So this is way more economical.
It feels like the entertainment we enjoyed as kids (movies, amusement parks, hell, even video games and toys) are out of reach to the middle/lower class because they're catering to the Uber rich. Like, I understand if you're going to someplace like Alamo Drafthouse, it's going to cost more. I don't need beer and steak and a reclining chair if I'm going out to the movies. That's something I can do when I'm watching a movie at home. As long as a spring isn't poking me in the butt and the floor isn't sticky, I'm good. I just want to watch the film.
I wish places like movie theaters and amusement parks would cater to the average income. I said this in my other response: if the cost of going to the movies were more affordable (like $10 a person including ticket and snacks), I'd go more often. And I'm someone who will buy merchandise for films I like, so they'd get more money out of me there, too.
Video games today are much much cheaper than they were in the 80s and 90s. Back then I’d spend my saved allowance to buy an $80 NES game cartridge. Today, AAA studio games are $60-$70 brand new and are on sale for much less quite often. Then there are the indie games which are usually $30-$40 brand new.
We actually still have a nice small older theater about 30 mins from us.
Tickets were a little less expensive, as is the food. (Still adds up with 5 of us), but it is usually where we choose to go when it is the whole family.
Plus, they are corky and fun there. (They have a whole. Please turn off your phone song they do before the movie. With a warning that they will kick u out.)
I asked a couple young gals to be less loud during a movie, and they ended up punching me and telling me I was racist for the request after the movie. Since then I’ve been be way less inclined to go back to a movie.
Amen to that. I've got a family of five, and even when we go on $6 admission day, make the kids share popcorn and small sodas, it still runs us around $100.
For sure. I'm not hiring for money, but I'm sure as shit not spending that much on a movie and some popcorn.
Five or six trips to the theater S you could buy a 55" TV.
Same. I have a nice setup at home, so I’m more than ok waiting for home release and not having to deal with other people. The only time we go to the theater now is to take my kid since he still likes going.
I've always wondered how the heck I got so lucky going my whole life and never having a problem with people misbehaving in a theater. Like once there was a baby crying that the mom eventually took out but it hasn't been this systemic issue that I've needed to try and avoid. Weird. I've lived all across the USA before too.
We do AMC Tuesday nights for $5.
Last time I saw truly terrible behavior was from my wife’s former friend. During the movie, she started snap chatting our movie watching with her light on for like 40 seconds despite multiple people in our group telling her to knock it the F off.
I refused to ever see a movie with her again.
I found a way to get away from this was going during the week, let the youngsters and immatures have the weekend. My younger brother and I go every couple months and we end up going on Tuesday or Wednesday and we generally go around 2 or 3 in the afternoon then get dinner afterwards.
My first job was at a movie theater and it was some of the best times of my life. Movie releases were events where people lined up around the block to see The Lion King or some other great movie. It’s nothing like that now, and it makes me kind of sad.
My late father was a projectionist. We bonded over our love of cinema and movie theaters. If there's a heavenly afterlife, he's somewhere screening a freaky but funny flick for a group of folks, and they're all laughing it up in the dark. What a wonderful fantasy.
When I was a teen, there were weekends where every single showing of every single movie sold out. Nowadays, the theaters hold ⅓ the people they used to (Because of much bigger and more comfortable seats) and I haven't seen a full one in years.
I worked in a posher, big city downtown theater when the second Lord of the Rings movie came out. It was insane. I got to go to the midnight showing without waiting in line because I was an employee and wasn't scheduled that day (although I had to sneak around the managers because if they saw you on your day off they would try to make you work).
There are where I live. At least 2 days a week the small, well kept, old school style theatre here does 5$ movie nights with 5 dollar popcorn (Canadian dollars)
It's glorious
That and the drive ins, some of them at least, have cheapovie nights once a week.
I once looked further into this to make sure it wasn't just confirmation bias on my part. In 1993, 2 of the top 20 movies were part of a franchise or from a pre-existing property (and one was Jurassic Park, which was the first movie in the franchise). In 2003, it was 11. In 2023, it was 17, and that's if you very generously don't count Barbie.
Production companies find it extremely difficult to gamble on a bad movie now. A reboot/remake has statistics to back it up. A gamble movie like we got through the 90's/00's no longer has a theatrical release, DVD release, and TV/cable release, video store rental release, making money for years to come they break even eventually even on a flop.
There's a fair few good articles on the issue. You hear some actors bring it up in interviews as well. I remember Kevin Bacon did a good short breakdown on hot ones as a relatively recent example?
I'm in the industry and it's come up a few times in our company question time.
I worked at a theater in 98-2002. This is when mega plexes exploded. I was told the business model shifted to make as much money/recoup costs in 2-4 weeks vs over several months/a season or two like before. Consequently, this shifted to movie styles that were guaranteed box office hits which lead to superhero movies being preferred as there was a genuine demand and quality to it. Especially as CGI advanced tremendously.
For me, I was surprised to see such a new spiderman reboot so soon when the 2000s one still seemed modern.
I cannot imagine the data analysis on streaming model. It must be so difficult. Like you're getting a flat fee from everyone and making/buying content to retain that flat fee, and you don't even know if that is working and less than 10 years of useful stats to work with.
My specific sub industry is hitting some hard times right now.
We aren't saving lives or anything but we are still people facing work shortages against an era of awful social security systems and a housing/cost of living crisis.
This is why it's horseshit that Netflix cancels awesome but niche shows. What data back that up? They're not bringing in enough new people? That can only go so far.
Yep. I worked in a 20 screen megaplex from 2001-2003. It was a crazy time. Every weekend was busy.
The pay wasn’t great, but I saw a ton of movies during those years.
94-2003, my wife and I went to the movies at least twice a week. $30 you got 2 tickets, drinks, snacks etc. Now it’s minimum $22 a ticket here. There just haven’t been any movies worth it. Stop giving us sequels and reboots.
Don't forget the Chinese market. Movies used to not be shown in China. Now, movies are mostly made to appeal to the Chinese market, because there's so many more people there, it would be a bad business decision not to. They absolutely love the super hero movies.
True, though I think that still falls within the lines of production companies not taking risks and making movies based on what's already worked.
I don't think we'll ever again see so many big budgets spent on risky scripts and experimental movies as we did in the 90s.
It does, it's just one more incentive not to take those risks, and they almost don't care if the movie doesn't do well here, if it does over there. Probably true. Those movies will still get made, but without the marketing and budget. I mean poor things is a cinematography masterpiece, and it's based off a novel that's never seen the big screen. So it's still possible. Like you said though, it won't be as often
Yeah for sure, indie flicks and cheap tech helps a lot too. But things like spending millions on filming a plane land at sunset for a relatively dull script lmao, [this one always cracks me up from the absurdity](https://youtu.be/5POb5fQ4BYM?si=YBpkvfRM4_R_VsO2). Crazy budgets on experiments are a thing of the past I think sadly. I mean maybe it's a good thing (what a waste that example is), but it is still sad. Especially when you consider how much money is going to all the supporting staff
Maybe, although it's hard to say. I think depalma was likely afforded that shot because he was proven. The movie flopped, but the odds of that were less with him, so he was given a big budget. So the airplane shot was just part of that budget, and the studio wasn't getting in the way because of the odds of it being a good movie. Is yorgos lanthimos next movie probably getting a bigger budget, and is he getting more trust because he's on a roll? I would bet it's likely. So maybe that kind of thing is still possible, idk.
nice insight! Maybe a bad example then but the gist is still there I think. At least we have cheap indie movies being possible now too with technological advances. Though I can tell you even a cheap VFX house is very very expensive XD
Yeah fair enough. Cool video also. I watched all of it
Edit: I also think getting an indie movie out there is weirdly harder now. Aside from A24, since people go to movies less, and see fewer previews, and less commercials for indie movies, getting your buzz about an indie movie is tougher it seems like
To be honest, if going to the movies now was the way it used to be, I wouldn't mind paying the ticket prices. Like, a cartoon before the main attraction, and a B movie afterwards that you could either take or leave? It would create more jobs in the industry and it would be a way to get those more indie films distributed and viewed. Or heck, it could even be a rerelease of an older film that would find a new audience.
Short movies would also really help fund and push those indie productions too. Did you ever see the Aliens Anniversary short movies (there's like 6 I think)? Stuff like that would be amazing to put before or after a movie. Instead we get 20 minutes of adverts.
>Instead we get 20 minutes of adverts.
And if it helped lower movie ticket prices, I'd be okay with that. I'd prefer actual content, but I'd trade ads for lower prices. I remember when I was a kid, they had the ads playing as you walked into the theater, but once the show time came around, they would switch to previews. I also don't mind that; I usually try to come early anyway because I like previews.
Because I don't have regular cable, I feel like I never know what movies are coming out and when. The ads that they show on my streaming platforms are like the same 3-4 ads about medication, cleaning supplies and deodorant. I very rarely see commercials for movies, unless they're released to the platform itself. If I went to the movies more often, I'd be aware of more movies thanks to the previews, and I'm someone who would totally give the webpage some traffic if it looked appealing.
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure there's other consumers out there like me, and studios are missing out on our money, lol
I’m ok with reboots or remakes of *movies that sucked*.
Someone blew it decades ago, but the source material is good? Awesome. See: Lord of the Rings. Dune. Do it. Get it right this time.
Someone captured lightning in a bottle so you’re just gonna try to repeat it? Jurassic Park. Ghostbusters. Indiana Jones. The Crow. Nah man. Leave it be. Come up with your own ideas.
Beetlejuice is almost certainly gonna be in the second group here. But Keaton *is* involved so…I will judge it on its merits.
What do you mean someone blew Lord of the Rings decades ago? Unless you are considering the cartoon adaption from the 70's (or was it the 80's) with Peter Jackson's adaption being the reboot?
Bingo
The 70’s cartoon was “remade” to Peter Jackson’s glorious masterpiece.
You don’t now go trying to redo what PJ did. That’s done. Leave it alone. Find your own masterpiece.
Remakes/reboots/sequels dominate big box movie theaters, yes, but those are still only about 10% of the movies released in any given year.
There are still so, so many good movies made. And they’re more available than ever before.
Since Covid, I'd rather order food, stream a movie we want to see, and veg out in bed than deal with the prices and people at theaters. I have noticed the change, though I'm not quite sure what the catalyst is.
The catalyst. That’s the part that has me squirming. What caused such and utter *change* in America? I’m not sure if people in other nations are seeing the same thing.
We were asked to lock down for a few weeks. That turned into months . People broke out in the summer and destroyed things, for some valid reasons, but for some reasons otherwise as well.
And we’ve not been “right” since. Like 9/11, we saw decency and care for another for a brief time, then we went off the cliff.
Please tell me we get better as people from here.😢
America has experienced cycles in the past. It happens about every 80ish years. We're entering, or have entered, the bad times. Turns out, the phrase that so many goobers use online of "Tough times create hard men, hard men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create tough times" is... actually kind of correct. The irony is that they people who use this phrase are, in fact, the weak men who think they're hard.
This. There is a secret feeling that being indoors is a dangerous place full of respiratory sickness. I can’t suspend the illusion of it. I truly believe this unspoken secret thought is what is killing theaters.
Remember when people bought tickets for the movie 'Meet Joe Black' just to watch the trailer for Star Wars Episode 1, then get up and leave. It was one of the first movies to have the preview.
I feel the exact opposite.
The rare occasion I can get the time to go out and see a movie I’ll enjoy, then go disconnect from the world for 2 or so hours, seems more magical now than it has in a long time.
No social media. Phone on silent. My preferred snack. A reclining seat. People leaving me alone. What’s not to like if you have the ability to make time for this?
So much this. I love going to the movies. I’ve got AMC’s “Stubs A-list” and I can see 3 movies a week for literal pocket change. Complete escape from reality and it’s a communal viewing experience. I’ve spent enough lonely time alone in my house.
Same (mostly). Two matinee tickets for *Furiosa* with a popcorn, candy, and soda combo, all in for just $40. Comfortable recliners with maybe ten other people in the theater, and we sat dead center with nobody near us. Great escape for a few hours, saw a film we wanted to see, and friends want to join in the near future. Wins all around.
I enjoyed Furiosa quite a lot but that movie was long. I can't even imagine sitting through a double feature. I'd need a nap somewhere in there. Although tbf I think the movie theater narcolepsy is inevitable for me regardless of length since both my parents fall asleep every time they go to the theater.
Thank you. I appreciate when others our age aren’t…so damn old.
The movies are still a lot of fun. A lot of the missing magic of things like this comes from within. But old folks always think it comes from without.
It’s easy to reminisce upon the things that a trip to the theater isnt anymore:
-a bike ride away
-$4 for a ticket
-some movie that is formulaic and probably sucks but seems like magic when you are young
-a special outing with mom or dad or grandma or grandpa
But not think about the thinks in mentioned above. Imo its not any worse… just a different season
Right, and it’s not even live entertainment. Sometimes I can find tickets to live concerts or shows locally that cost less than a movie. The movie just isn’t worth that same amount.
Nothing was better than being young, on a date, in the dark, spending the next two hours testing the waters, wondering if you should put your hand near their hand, if you should then hold their hand, then should you put your arm around them, put your heads closer together, slowly turn…
And it was in public, so everything is subtle.
What are dates even like now? Can’t really picture that happening on a couch at someone’s house.
Granted some stuff is better on the big screen but for me at home entertainment has got so close in quality that it's kinda just like 'whats the point' most of the time.
By far the worst part though is seemingly every other respectable adult feels the same way and it's impossible to have a decent experience unless you find an empty showing. For whatever reason covid absolutely destroyed people's ability to not be rude selfish twats in public spaces.
In 2004 @ in Marshall TX I could go to the theater and see a new movie for $3. There was a $1 theater 20 minutes further.
A ticket now costs me $20. An over 600% increase over two decades tends to slow down any market.
The only thing that hasn't changed is my wages. I won't be surprised if there's barely any left by 2034.
This was my favorite type of movie experience as a broke young adult. They weren't always the cleanest and it would be a new movie that came out 2 months ago. I wish they still existed by me. All the ones I liked turned into movie/bistro places like the Alamo.
They try, but there are still people that don’t know how to behave in public. It’s hit or miss on if I go and there will be someone in my row on their phone or talking.
Yes. I am not ashamed to admit I've had people kicked out before. They give them a warning first! If they keep disturbing my movie though yes I will get them kicked out
Theaters aren’t declining. Streaming isn’t *ever* going to replace theaters. (Although, streaming 100% is going to replace broadcast).
What *is* happening is there’s less creativity with content. Less willingness to take a risk. Every studio is sticking with “it worked in the past, it will work in the future.” Thus the rise of movie “franchises”. Wildly successful. But , now starting to show its age.
We need a better class of content.
It's expensive. I only go to a couple movies a year now and seek out the cheapest price. I usually go on a Tuesday (AMC and Regal are cheaper on Tuesdays) or the first showing on a Sunday morning.
I have to be really excited to see a movie now to go to the theater. I'll probably go see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Same. Went and saw Dune 2 at a Sunday matinee opening weekend. Still shocked at what we paid for the tickets. Thank you mom for the movie gift card.
As an adult with bills, I’ve become selective when splurging. Gone are the days of being bored so I just go to the theater.
We saw it at our local IMAX for $10. I can’t wait to watch it again on my own setup in the comfort of my home, but man, that was definitely a movie worth seeing in that format if there ever was one. The enormous screen and fantastic sound system really made the experience for me.
Yep, my brother and routinely talk about things that seemed like they’d last for all humanity but that essentially everything is a fad:
Malls
Theaters
Fancy Department Stores
Dine-In Pizza Huts
I'll never stop seeing movies in theater. My only movie theater complaint is that the nearest Alamo Drafthouse is over an hour drive away. (Still planning to go when they have a showing of The Wizard on June 25th!)
Most movies fuckin suck tho. Like honestly, another marvel movie? no thanks..... Another remake from a 90s movie? No thanks... The content they're putting out just doesnt make it exciting to even go to the theaters
That's exactly how I feel. I've seen less than a handful of movies in theaters since 2018. I have a, I dunno, 65-70" TV at home. Where there's already snacks, drinks, and a pause button ,and zero crying children, assholes on their cell phone, or sticky floors.
The only movie I was actually looking forward to seeing was Godzilla Minus One because I'd never seen a Godzilla movie on the big screen.
When I was in high school, my friends and I practically lived in the movie theater. We saw movies at least once a week. We didn't live somewhere with a whole lot of options for things to do, but there was always the movie theater.
Haven't been to a movie in years. Not because of streaming but because the experience itself isn't as enjoyable as it was. Way too expensive, the sound is always uncomfortably loud, and there are so many jerks on their phones/talking/letting their kids run all over the place. I much prefer gathering at someone's house/my house with takeout and snacks and watching there.
My local theater has extra wide electric recliner seats with cup holders in both arms. Sure, I don't go as often as I did in high school, but the experience now is way better than it was when I was a kid. I do miss getting to play Galaga in the lobby after the movie, though.
It used to be great, especially when they started adding the nice seating, seat specific tickets, and adding alcohol and more substantial food items.
Movies used to be cultural experiences. Everyone looked forward to seeing the huge hits.
Then the world changed. Movies aren't groundbreaking anymore. There's really no excitement in my house about any new movies, so we don't spend the money or time to see them.
Plus, people's sense of decorum also changed with the world. I don't want to deal with adults who act like kids and kids whose parents let them run wild. Just no. Lockdown made some people feral. I expect that from my 3 year old, not grown adults.
Just saw Furiosa this morning.
Going to the theater now is better than it’s ever been. Assigned seats, recliners, food delivery beats anything from the 80s, 90s, and 00s.
Yes, it’s expensive, just be selective; the rest can wait until they show up on a streamer in the comfort of your own home.
This. All of this.
And for those who are still interested in regular theater going, subscriptions go a long way towards mitigating the cost. AMC A-List is $25.00 a month and let’s you see 3 movies a week. Where I live that’s a big savings even if you only end up seeing 2 movies a month.
Can't believe I had to get this far down to see a post about AMC's A-List. It started with Movie Pass, and AMC has kept their subscription model around. It's great. Pays for itself if you see two movies per month, and you can see three every week. Makes movie going a lot cheaper. AMC makes its money on concessions. I can't figure out why more chains don't adopt the subscription model. We only go to AMC because of it, and we go to a movie once a week or so.
I have a pretty kicking home theater and I still go to the theater. I like the experience. I like the reclining chairs and heated seats and the assigned seating. It's still an event for me.
The pandemic kinda sealed the deal for me, but I had been hesitant to go since some theatre shootings some years ago occurred. In my late 40s and back when our group of friends were all single, we used to go often. Along the years I got dismayed by movie theatres. People getting into fights, threatening and rowdy behavior, people talking and cackling during the movie, etc.
My wife has never been a huge fan, and so during the last 15 years of our marriage I haven’t been too often - mainly cause as our groups of friends evolved we preferred entertaining at our homes with dinner parties. Every so often I’d go with some guys and see a movie with big effects like Pacific Rim or Star Trek, Star Wars. I used to actually love going by myself, get popcorn, soda, and smuggle a half pint of booze ;-) and spike my soda. Immerse myself in the movie, and escape reality for two hours.
But the pendemic kinda sealed through deal. I haven’t been in almost 4 years. Not because I’m worried about getting sick but a couple of years ago we got a nice big OLED, and yeah…streaming. I set up on the couch either by myself - if it’s something sci-fi nerdy - or with my wife and we’ll watch whatever we want at our pace, pause to go pee or grab a snack or refreshment. It’s just more comfortable and convenient. And I don’t have to put up with the few idiots that ruin the experience.
Can’t post pictures but this is what my childhood theater looked like. It originally held stage plays but was converted to a movie theater.
https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/9114
I spent thousands to make my home entertainment setup as good as it is. Now if I go to the theater, I'll almost always disappointed. Between the general cleanliness of theaters and various issues that I've come across over the years (out of focus, speakers not all working right, too loud or too soft,) I just stopped going.
I went to see the 80th anniversary Gone with the Wind in theatre alone. It was a Wednesday matinee and nobody else was there. Magnificent.
Other than that, it’s been a long while since we’ve had a movie night out with friends or family.
I used to be heavily into movies and saw most of what hit the theaters, either at the theater or when it came out on DVD. I feel like now, most movies suck. The industry stopped coming up with unique ideas. It’s either super hero stuff, remakes, or stuff I don’t care about. TV shows on streaming services are better than a lot of movies now. Also, my family of 4 just for movie tickets on a matinee with zero food is like $70+. Damn
I just looked it up for the sake of making an accurate post, my local Regal Cinema charges 16.50$ per ticket just to go in. So two tickets = 33$ before the 12$ soda and 25$ bucket of popcorn to sit in a theater with a bunch of people with no manners, unruly children, cellphones, no volume control AND I can't vape? Hard pass. I'll wait for it too stream.
You got a link for that $25 popcorn bucket? Which commemorative collectible one is it to go at that price?
And did you look at ticket prices for anything other than the single most expensive time to go?
I miss when theatres were motivated to compete for business, and updated their facilities. The last couple theatres I’ve been to were run down, musty, and sad.
That’s unfortunate.
I live in a major city. We’ve got tons of options. Can’t remember the last time I saw a run down theater. The local, cheap independent theater down the street from me use to be, even they underwent a massive overhaul. The standard in the big box chains are comfortable, reclining seats, updated sound systems and improved food. And the dine-ins are amazing.
Theaters here are putting in the work to retain business.
I used to go to movies pretty much weekly or more, but the past 5-10 years I had probably been to fewer than 10 total. That was until a couple months ago due to some temporary life changes causing me to rent a room in a stranger's house which is pretty close to an Alamo Drafthouse.
I discovered their season pass, and having nothing better to do with myself I've been going to movies almost every day since then. It's been really fun seeing lots of movies I never would have otherwise, plus all the throwback film they're playing constantly (Batman, Back to the Future trilogy, all the Spider-Man movies, Tammy and the T-Rex, etc). Soon I'll be moving back into my own place and won't be able to continue with it and I'll be kinda sad.
My grandfather owned multiple theaters when I was a child. I was raised so strict in etiquette. No talking, no feet on chairs, clean up after yourselves, respect your fellow patrons. Watching movies at the theater was my favorite hobby.
Cell phones and entitled assholes have ruined the movie going experience. I actually took a 10 year hiatus from going to the theaters. I was sick and tired of spending so much money to have others ruin the experience. I’d much rather watch movies at home where I control the experience.
I never really had that mystique factor about movie theaters. Having a crowd around me isn't usually adding anything to my movie watching experience, especially when I have a nice 4k flat screen and a decent 5.1 audio system. And you can put together a very capable AV system for incredibly cheap these days.
Going to the theatre is nice and all but dealing with idiots is a chore, that is why I built a home theatre in my basement. That way I can still kinda get the theatre experience without all the obnoxious morons getting in the way. If I have to wait a few months to watch something new, so be it. I very rarely go out to an actual theatre anymore, unless it’s a major movie that really interests me.
Now most of the time when I go to see something the state of theaters leaves a lot to be desired. Last few times I have went the speakers are turned up so loud and you can hear that the cones are blown. Concessions are usually in a state that I won’t use them. The theater experience meant a lot more to me when I was young and couldn’t have the kind of movie setup I have now.
Or even watching a movie that isn’t very loud and one wall next to you in the theater is bleeding in to your viewing experience because it’s cranked up so much.
I still enjoy going to the movies just as much as I did when I was a kid. Only now, the seats are much nicer and I can go at a time when it's not packed with loud people. I'm also a huge fan of all the theaters that now serve full meals (and not crappy ones) and booze.
I've started going with my kids- it's a great rainy/ cold day activity.
If you catch the matinees it's not any more pricey than any other kid activity. Granted a lot of the movies suck... Some are good tho and have a little of that magic. Where I'm at there do seem to be a lot of people going lately but the theaters hold a lot fewer people since they have the huge recliners now. But this past weekend we wanted to go see If and it was pretty much sold out for 2 different times we wanted...
But I remember when stadium seating first came out we were all so excited and used to go to the movies at least once a month. Check the newspaper for times or call movie phone... Good old days.
You have to find the old theaters. I thought the same until I found the perfect theater in Portland. Very cheap, they play old movies in 35mm, it’s historic and once again magical. It just depends on where you are.
I worked at a movie theater in HS. The job sucked, the pay was minimum wage, came home reaking of popcorn, but I got to see whatever I wanted for free.
I just can’t handle the bad behavior of other patrons. I don’t want to drop a lot of money to have five assholes with their phone screens on full brightness the entire film, it ruins the experience. If it were an occasional asshole then meh, but it seems like every single time I have gone to a movie I was excited to see there have been plural jackasses.
Edit autocorrect.
I stopped going to the movies for the most part. I don't know if it's me getting older and curmudgeonly, or if people really are less socially graceful nowdays, but the last few times I took my family to the movies there seem to be more people who talk, use their phones, and basically don't follow movie etiquette anymore, it disrupts the experience.
Regardless of movie theater etiquette, like many people I have a large TV with surround sound at home, I can pause the movie and make my own snacks or use the bathroom, etc.
I think covid ruined it for me and just the unpredictable nature of today, so much bullshit happens in public places anymore. Half our country is off their rockers cultists… im good at home lol
I went to the movies last night, person next to us looked at there phone the entire time, kids up front were loud and taking pictures. And of course i got stuck sitting behind a 500 pound giant so my view was his head. I think we’ll be taking a break from the theater.
The cause of this is affecting a lot of different things. Everything is instant and custom/individualized now. There is no anticipation because we don't embrace that anymore, we have supported a system of instant gratification. Video on demand, pay for things with credit rather than saving up (remember layaway programs?). Sports is about the only entertainment left with broad appeal (maybe video games too), everything else is expected to be customized and half the audience is only watching so they can complain about it not meeting their expectations.
Movie theatres to me USE TO be magical to me.
Then they became super expensive. People forgot how to behave. And to be honest? There isn’t much I find compelling me to go. I just don’t want to gamble $15 to have a bad experience that has nothing to do with the movie. The last movie I saw in theatres was Terminator: Dark Fate. I was bored out of my tree because there wasn’t much that we hadn’t seen before in that movie. My dad enjoyed it but he’s never seen a terminator film before. That’s why I couldn’t leave.
The other one before that was Avengers End Game and I was ready to punch someone. Between the grown ass adults who sit in the middle with their huge ass pop that the drink before the movie starts, and then go to the washroom 500 times in an hour, to people who decide after the movie starts to go get food multiple times, to people who talk during movies, and finally people who shout out things like the characters can hear it and react, I decided enough was enough. And let’s not forget the people bootlegging it on the phone.
Staff isn’t paid enough to deal with that and since there is a bar right next door, they probably deal with a lot of belligerent drunks, I don’t blame them. Police will probably show up after the movie has started if they were to bother calling them.
For me, it's other people who don't know how to behave. Maybe it's a generational thing. Anyway, if I go, it's for a big movie and it's on a weekday morning when there's less chance of running into the unwashed masses.
Why would I go to a theater and pay too much money to be surrounded by other (annoying, inconsiderate) people and watch a movie I can’t pause, when I could wait a few months to stream it at home on a slightly lower-quality screen where I can pause the movie when I need to pee and the only people annoying me are my own family?
Our local AMC theater was really nice and had some amazing deals during the pandemic where we could rent out an entire screen for $100-250 depending on the movie. Really couldn't beat having an entire screen to yourself and your friends. Sadly it didn't survive the pandemic and got knocked down and replaced with an Amazon distribution center.
I do miss seeing movies in the theater but there is so much content being generated now that there isn't anything I would consider a "must-see" blockbuster anymore. The days of huge anticipation for movies like Independence Day, Lord of the Rings or even a big Avengers movie are long gone. Also, the theaters have done a lot to improve the experience with larger, reclining, reserved seats, better food options, etc but it has come at the cost of super-high ticket prices and 30 minutes of ads and trailers before the movie. Also, cell phones have kind of ruined the theater experience. Every time I go, there always seems to be at least one person sitting in front of me scrolling through their phone during the movie. Don't have that problem at home.
The theater by my house takes part in this program called Flashback Cinema. They play a different classic film each week. I go to those often. Sure I can rent it from my library or stream it, but some movies were just made for a theater setting and it’s a whole different experience watching them than in your living room.
I truly love historic and small independent theaters, but I know business is hard for them now. I love the experience and I live in a city where the indie theater is still a thing, but I admit I haven’t been to a large corporate theater since probably 2016. Hate the entire vibe. And so many adverts. Just another place to sell sell sell things.
I do worry about the little theaters in my town going belly up, but I do hope they won’t and I know a few have converted over to digital format to try and get first run movies to compete.
There are still several wonderful independent theaters in Portland, Oregon. I even met my wife while volunteering at one several years ago. We attend at least 2 shows per week, rotating around 7 theaters. I actually think a film buff would have a great time visiting here specifically to sample our movie palaces.
The biggest difference between when we were young and now is that now you don't have to go to the movies to see something. You can usually get it on demand that same day. And if not, you would just have to wait a month or 2. When we were young, the movie would be in the theaters for 6 months, sometimes longer. You wouldn't be able to see it on VCR for at least a year.
I went to a packed movie on Saturday afternoon. I mean packed. Wasn't sold out but it was probably 80% full.
It was at Nashville's independent theater the Belcourt. And the film was The Matrix.
Packed house for a 25 year old movie.
I agree with everyone. There are multiple factors to the quality these days. Expense at big chains. Bad experience due to other people. But the biggest is the quality of new movies.
The Belcourt has a strict policy on being rude and will kick people oust supposedly. But I've never seen the actual need.
I went to see Furiosa at a Regal last week and someone was talking the entire movie. And including myself, there were only 5 people there.
I believe they need to change the way movies are released and the way box office sales are tracked.
I think they should make movies available to rent digitally the same day they’re released in theaters. Have the money made via those rentals go towards box office. I guarantee they’ll see their numbers rise.
I would gladly spend $20 to be able to watch new releases in the comfort of my own home with only my wife to keep me company, my own snacks and drinks, and the ability to pause to pee.
I used to love going to the movies, I’d even go to the movies by myself just to see something new, but now I can’t stomach the thought of sitting in a theater with other people at their prices.
I actually had a good experience at the movies this weekend. I took my daughter and her friend to see “IF.” We sat in the very last row. They had nice recliner seats, and even a partition to separate me from the two girls. Tickets were $15 a piece and I bought candy and Gatorade at the Dollar Store. It was a kids movie, so there was some chatter from the younger ones, but that’s to be expected.
We go to the theater about a dozen times a year (wife, daughter and myself). Crowds are usually pretty good, concessions are good, and usually we enjoy the movie itself. Despite having an 80" TV at home, movies are still great to experience on the real big screen.
I still love the movie theatre. Prob helps though that I live in a major city with one of the best screens in the country, many art house & dine in theatres and have a-list. If I lived in my hometown hell no, I’d rarely go.
Still go to the movies twice a month. Tuesdays are discount tickets. Just went on Friday to see In a Violent Nature and the theatre was pretty full. Smaller theater but for an art house horror movie I thought it was pretty good. Saw Ghostbusters a few weeks ago and it was great. I love it. Every time I go to my local AMC the parking lot is packed
I still have a younger kid so I take him to the theater for a movie he gets excited about (ie Godzilla, TMNT, Ghostbusters). It’s magical for him which makes it a fun experience for me still.
I still go to probably a movie a week? At least 2-3 a month, but that’s a combo of new releases that I consider “big screen worthy” at the multiplex, and older or smaller movies at our two local independent theatres.
They’re very different experiences— the multiplex is more expensive on every aspect (especially if you want to see an IMAX movie) but it’s cleaner and the big comfy recliners are great! But it’s also where I’m more likely to encounter crappy behaviour like people talking or are on their phones.
The smaller indie theatres have a more traditional vibe, with ancient seats and cheaper prices, but we have to gamble on whether a movie might go to one of them as a “second run” vs just going to their special programs and events. Rocky Horror with a shadow cast, musical singalongs, particular director retrospectives, Oscar night parties, etc.
Our favourite recurring event is the “3 hours of curated vintage cartoons and all you can eat cereal party” every few months. People bring their kids, people wear their pyjamas, it’s a super fun morning!
People keep saying this, but the theaters around me are always packed. Maybe it's because I live in a major metro area, but they're always busy.
My friends and I had to wait two weeks to see Dune 2, tickets were sold out.
I agree. I think it’s just become something cliche to say, for whatever reason. Maybe because the home TV’s have gotten bigger, and maybe because people are still mindlessly trapped in the Covid thought process, but that is not actually true.
Whenever I pull AMC’s app up on my phone and look at seats, or drive by the parking lot, it’s always jammed. 🤷🏻♂️. Despite the perception, there are still tons of people that love seeing new movies in a theater.
I personally think introverts parrot this a lot because they think everyone thinks like them and just stays home all the time.
And to the people that complain about price, you can literally subscribe monthly for $20 and see 3 movies a week if you want to. That amounts to literal pocket change.
Going to a movie is a whole experience and night out. They have food delivered to your seat, bars in the lobbies, etc. it’s such a weird thing to complain about. It’s awesome.
It’s a night out. Try to enjoy your life and get out a little bit before it’s over.
I just can’t bring myself to drop $75+ for my husband and I to get tickets, popcorn and soda and be at the mercy of people that can’t behave in public
People not behaving is actually the worst part. I heard talking on cell phones... full on conversations ... and the last time I went ... there was either a farter or someone with nasty BO. I would have been more comfortable at home.
Don't forget about people bringing they're loud ass kids to non kid movies.
I remember immediately spotting a 4-5 y/o when I walked into Django Unchained on Xmas day and going “oh no”…thankfully the kid didn’t make a single peep the entire time (and yes, I admit I said “oh no” entirely out of fear that he’d be obnoxious, not bc it was a 4 y/o seeing that movie, haha).
Yeah I'd be more worried about the kid bringing home a certain word....
*This*. I feel like *alot* of our parents just let us see whatever and didn't monitor what we were really watching. *However*, we should know better - especially as a society. Hell, when that gunman shot up the theater during one of the Batman movies, I believe a child was killed. A very clearly not kid movie at a midnight showing. I just wish people were more respectful of *others*, even the actual kids being dragged to these movies, and lately we seem to be missing that
This. We went to see Deadpool, and we were in back of a family that brought every single one of their 6 kids. All the kids had a different screen to watch (iPhone/tablet/whatever) and the kids still got bored and started running around the theater and loudly asking their parents for stuff and those screens were BRIGHT. I wanted to yell at the parents and tell them "if you can't afford a babysitter for your 6 little demons then stay home until it comes out on streaming!" Seriously though, for what they paid for kids tickets and snacks for 6 kids you would think they could use that $$ to bribe a cousin or something to watch them. Given their behavior, they probably ran out of willing family to dump the kids on.
I hope you asked for the manager and tried to get your money back. This is the only way they will start enforcing 18 and up and rated R movies.
And in case anyone thinks this is just recent, the worst I ever saw this was Starship Troopers in 97, there was a sudden rush of super pissed off moms pushing strollers and whatnot. Smh
Opening day for Black Panther 2, a lady with a whole nursing baby sat next to me. I was going to say something but I held my tongue. Swear to god, that baby was the only one who didn’t cry during the movie.
As opposed to half of a nursing baby?
Kids are why I try to go to late shows, if possible
Kids are why I prefer going midday on a weekday- they’re in school.
The funniest thing I ever saw was a Dad who brought his 2 little kids to see the South Park movie on opening night.
There is a place here in TX called Alamo Draft House. They encourage snitching on talkers & will actually kick you out of the theater for it. It’s my favorite place lol
Yeah, I pay extra and drive 45 minutes to go to the DTLA Alamo. Knowing that my fellow moviegoers have to be respectful is so worth it
That's why I go pretty much exclusively to Alamo Drafthouse....they don't put up with that, make several announcements before a show that they won't put up with that, and WILL kick people out without a refund after one warning. Places to afraid to offend a customer by kicking them out need to realize they're actually pushing away way more customers by tolerating that stuff.
THIS. I wish so badly I had an Alamo near me. By pandering to the a\*\*holes, theaters are pushing away the passionate moviegoers. And it's costing them. I used to see a movie a week, minimum. Now it's one a year, if that.
I wish Alamo didn't have staff running around and back and forth and talking to me and the people around me over and over because of the food stuff. Defeats the purpose.
*HELLO MOTO* Sir, if you cannot learn how to silence that shit, I will settle for muffling the sound by forcibly shoving it up your rectum.
\*poooot* ^^^hello ^^^moto
Sorry, I've been on a diet of various mustards and eggs.
It's the loud coughing that bothers me the most. Just stay home if you're sick, it's annoying and I don't want your flu.
Totally agree. Y’all, to me, and I know bad behavior isn’t some “new” thing, but post-pandemic, I see a clear change in not just the *cost* of things, everything, but the blatant and unapologetic level of just “in your face” rude behavior and disregard for anyone else. Why?
I was at a movie and some lady was taking on the phone. When someone asked her to stop she actually yelled at her to mind her own business and then more people got upset and she kept yelling at everyone else like it was our fault or something. Ruined the whole movie.
Did a ruckus ensue that got her 86’d?
Covid broke people's brains. Lock them inside for a couple months and all of a sudden people forget everything they knew about basic manners.
I swear it gave everyone mini strokes that made everyone one or two notches ruder. All the bad driving, all the foxnooz melted brains...
I suspect a lot of the more considerate and responsible people have opted to have streaming nights in with their friends. And what's left are the rude, entitled people who were *always* there but now feel emboldened by the smaller crowds.
It seems like it's a pervasive "I'm taking what I can" mentality that starts at the top with the ultra rich who are able to take the most...and then every one else tries to grab any scraps they can.
I read a great article on this phenomenon more specifically at live concerts and theatre in general, but their conclusion was basically the same as what you said.
A nation of grab hags. What a time to be alive.
Politics. There is a group of people who had their desire to be huge public assholes validated. They believe their behaviour is not only acceptable, but justified.
I honestly think this is Trump trickle down. This is NOT a “political” comment but an observation of his behavior. Downvote me if you want, but he (and his ilk) are making society think it’s ok to act very selfishly & obnoxiously without regard to how it affects others. I’m sure I will be super downvoted but I don’t care, that is what I think is slowly happening. It is an extension of the people who refused to wear masks during the height of the pandemic.
Not being downvoted! Not wrong on the least, either. There’s a good deal of people that believe they’re entitled to act selfishly because they’re on the side of right and you’re not. Your opinion doesn’t matter. On the whole I truly do think this is a kinder, more sterile world now compared to the 1980s when I grew up, but there is misparenting in every echelon of society. I’m in my 40s, so this is my fifth decade bearing witness on how people from different home lives deal in the real world…
This is a big piece of it. Healthcare, education and housing costs have all spiraled for decades now, so people have less disposable income for things like “going to the movies.” It doesn’t help that the movie theater prices have spiraled faster than inflation, also. Back in the year 2000, movie tickets were $5.39 per, national average. Add $10 for a bucket of popcorn and a couple of sodas. Today’s $75 movie date would have been a $25 movie date a generation ago, yet the $75 u/cloudydays2021 is spending this weekend had the purchasing power ~$41, in the summer of 2000. Sauce for the goose is that TVs have gotten both larger, and with higher quality picture, than they were years ago. The delta between the theater experience, and the home experience, is nowhere near what it once was. Back in 2000, a typical new TV was about 27”. Maybe you had a 40” or 50” *projection* TV, if you were ballin’. Today, the average TV sold is over 50”, and 75” and 85” TVs are increasingly common.
Not to mention that now you have to site through 35+ minutes of commercials *after* the posted start time. Before, commercials, if any were even shown, were only prior to the dimming lights. The trailers were totally separate.
For some reason this is what ultimately ruins the experience/immersion. I want to go see a movie with zero ads that’s why I pay the high price for a ticket, what I don’t want is a damned youtube video experience at the theater.
We made our basement into a home theater. Got a Bose sound system and 75 inch UHD all for under $2500. With all the streaming available we just don’t need to go to the theater. For a family of 4 a night out easily costs over $100. So this is way more economical.
It feels like the entertainment we enjoyed as kids (movies, amusement parks, hell, even video games and toys) are out of reach to the middle/lower class because they're catering to the Uber rich. Like, I understand if you're going to someplace like Alamo Drafthouse, it's going to cost more. I don't need beer and steak and a reclining chair if I'm going out to the movies. That's something I can do when I'm watching a movie at home. As long as a spring isn't poking me in the butt and the floor isn't sticky, I'm good. I just want to watch the film. I wish places like movie theaters and amusement parks would cater to the average income. I said this in my other response: if the cost of going to the movies were more affordable (like $10 a person including ticket and snacks), I'd go more often. And I'm someone who will buy merchandise for films I like, so they'd get more money out of me there, too.
Video games today are much much cheaper than they were in the 80s and 90s. Back then I’d spend my saved allowance to buy an $80 NES game cartridge. Today, AAA studio games are $60-$70 brand new and are on sale for much less quite often. Then there are the indie games which are usually $30-$40 brand new.
We actually still have a nice small older theater about 30 mins from us. Tickets were a little less expensive, as is the food. (Still adds up with 5 of us), but it is usually where we choose to go when it is the whole family. Plus, they are corky and fun there. (They have a whole. Please turn off your phone song they do before the movie. With a warning that they will kick u out.)
We literally project streaming movies on our wall in the basement now. It looks good. And it's huge.
I asked a couple young gals to be less loud during a movie, and they ended up punching me and telling me I was racist for the request after the movie. Since then I’ve been be way less inclined to go back to a movie.
It's worse when you're taking a family of four. I can stream it for $25 and buy a couple of pizzas for way less.
Amen to that. I've got a family of five, and even when we go on $6 admission day, make the kids share popcorn and small sodas, it still runs us around $100.
For sure. I'm not hiring for money, but I'm sure as shit not spending that much on a movie and some popcorn. Five or six trips to the theater S you could buy a 55" TV.
Yeah, these days it's hard to justify the cost when you've already got that at home.
That's it right there. They can't guarantee any kind of good experience, and it already costs too much even if they could.
Same. I have a nice setup at home, so I’m more than ok waiting for home release and not having to deal with other people. The only time we go to the theater now is to take my kid since he still likes going.
I've always wondered how the heck I got so lucky going my whole life and never having a problem with people misbehaving in a theater. Like once there was a baby crying that the mom eventually took out but it hasn't been this systemic issue that I've needed to try and avoid. Weird. I've lived all across the USA before too.
We do AMC Tuesday nights for $5. Last time I saw truly terrible behavior was from my wife’s former friend. During the movie, she started snap chatting our movie watching with her light on for like 40 seconds despite multiple people in our group telling her to knock it the F off. I refused to ever see a movie with her again.
The value just isn't there anymore.
I found a way to get away from this was going during the week, let the youngsters and immatures have the weekend. My younger brother and I go every couple months and we end up going on Tuesday or Wednesday and we generally go around 2 or 3 in the afternoon then get dinner afterwards.
This is why I don’t go to movies anymore
Pro-tip: Sunday morning movies.
This is the way
My first job was at a movie theater and it was some of the best times of my life. Movie releases were events where people lined up around the block to see The Lion King or some other great movie. It’s nothing like that now, and it makes me kind of sad.
Remember when the projectionist was the coolest job in the world? :D
My late father was a projectionist. We bonded over our love of cinema and movie theaters. If there's a heavenly afterlife, he's somewhere screening a freaky but funny flick for a group of folks, and they're all laughing it up in the dark. What a wonderful fantasy.
This is a really sweet memory, thanks for sharing.
I loved working the booth. Also gave me plenty of time in between showings to do a bit of reading for my courses. It was a great college job
When I was a teen, there were weekends where every single showing of every single movie sold out. Nowadays, the theaters hold ⅓ the people they used to (Because of much bigger and more comfortable seats) and I haven't seen a full one in years.
I worked in a posher, big city downtown theater when the second Lord of the Rings movie came out. It was insane. I got to go to the midnight showing without waiting in line because I was an employee and wasn't scheduled that day (although I had to sneak around the managers because if they saw you on your day off they would try to make you work).
Me too. If it had a 401k I would still be there
Movie lines was THE best place to be back then. I miss it a lot
I was a projectionist when The Phantom Menace came out. What an event. So much fun.
I wish there were $5 movie theaters like there used to be $1.50 ones. I'd even pay their stupid popcorn prices.
I remember seeing Pulp Fiction 3 times at my local dollar theater. Loved that place.
There are where I live. At least 2 days a week the small, well kept, old school style theatre here does 5$ movie nights with 5 dollar popcorn (Canadian dollars) It's glorious That and the drive ins, some of them at least, have cheapovie nights once a week.
Movies aren’t as appealing as they used to. Everything is either a remake, reboot or sequel. I find more interest in foreign films recently.
I once looked further into this to make sure it wasn't just confirmation bias on my part. In 1993, 2 of the top 20 movies were part of a franchise or from a pre-existing property (and one was Jurassic Park, which was the first movie in the franchise). In 2003, it was 11. In 2023, it was 17, and that's if you very generously don't count Barbie.
Dude, we got to Jurassic Park "late" and the theater was nearly full and we were in the second row. GOD DAMN THAT T-REX WAS SCARY LOUD.
Production companies find it extremely difficult to gamble on a bad movie now. A reboot/remake has statistics to back it up. A gamble movie like we got through the 90's/00's no longer has a theatrical release, DVD release, and TV/cable release, video store rental release, making money for years to come they break even eventually even on a flop. There's a fair few good articles on the issue. You hear some actors bring it up in interviews as well. I remember Kevin Bacon did a good short breakdown on hot ones as a relatively recent example? I'm in the industry and it's come up a few times in our company question time.
I worked at a theater in 98-2002. This is when mega plexes exploded. I was told the business model shifted to make as much money/recoup costs in 2-4 weeks vs over several months/a season or two like before. Consequently, this shifted to movie styles that were guaranteed box office hits which lead to superhero movies being preferred as there was a genuine demand and quality to it. Especially as CGI advanced tremendously. For me, I was surprised to see such a new spiderman reboot so soon when the 2000s one still seemed modern.
I cannot imagine the data analysis on streaming model. It must be so difficult. Like you're getting a flat fee from everyone and making/buying content to retain that flat fee, and you don't even know if that is working and less than 10 years of useful stats to work with. My specific sub industry is hitting some hard times right now. We aren't saving lives or anything but we are still people facing work shortages against an era of awful social security systems and a housing/cost of living crisis.
This is why it's horseshit that Netflix cancels awesome but niche shows. What data back that up? They're not bringing in enough new people? That can only go so far.
Yep. I worked in a 20 screen megaplex from 2001-2003. It was a crazy time. Every weekend was busy. The pay wasn’t great, but I saw a ton of movies during those years.
Good time to see a ton of movies as well.
94-2003, my wife and I went to the movies at least twice a week. $30 you got 2 tickets, drinks, snacks etc. Now it’s minimum $22 a ticket here. There just haven’t been any movies worth it. Stop giving us sequels and reboots.
Don't forget the Chinese market. Movies used to not be shown in China. Now, movies are mostly made to appeal to the Chinese market, because there's so many more people there, it would be a bad business decision not to. They absolutely love the super hero movies.
True, though I think that still falls within the lines of production companies not taking risks and making movies based on what's already worked. I don't think we'll ever again see so many big budgets spent on risky scripts and experimental movies as we did in the 90s.
It does, it's just one more incentive not to take those risks, and they almost don't care if the movie doesn't do well here, if it does over there. Probably true. Those movies will still get made, but without the marketing and budget. I mean poor things is a cinematography masterpiece, and it's based off a novel that's never seen the big screen. So it's still possible. Like you said though, it won't be as often
Yeah for sure, indie flicks and cheap tech helps a lot too. But things like spending millions on filming a plane land at sunset for a relatively dull script lmao, [this one always cracks me up from the absurdity](https://youtu.be/5POb5fQ4BYM?si=YBpkvfRM4_R_VsO2). Crazy budgets on experiments are a thing of the past I think sadly. I mean maybe it's a good thing (what a waste that example is), but it is still sad. Especially when you consider how much money is going to all the supporting staff
Maybe, although it's hard to say. I think depalma was likely afforded that shot because he was proven. The movie flopped, but the odds of that were less with him, so he was given a big budget. So the airplane shot was just part of that budget, and the studio wasn't getting in the way because of the odds of it being a good movie. Is yorgos lanthimos next movie probably getting a bigger budget, and is he getting more trust because he's on a roll? I would bet it's likely. So maybe that kind of thing is still possible, idk.
nice insight! Maybe a bad example then but the gist is still there I think. At least we have cheap indie movies being possible now too with technological advances. Though I can tell you even a cheap VFX house is very very expensive XD
Yeah fair enough. Cool video also. I watched all of it Edit: I also think getting an indie movie out there is weirdly harder now. Aside from A24, since people go to movies less, and see fewer previews, and less commercials for indie movies, getting your buzz about an indie movie is tougher it seems like
To be honest, if going to the movies now was the way it used to be, I wouldn't mind paying the ticket prices. Like, a cartoon before the main attraction, and a B movie afterwards that you could either take or leave? It would create more jobs in the industry and it would be a way to get those more indie films distributed and viewed. Or heck, it could even be a rerelease of an older film that would find a new audience.
Short movies would also really help fund and push those indie productions too. Did you ever see the Aliens Anniversary short movies (there's like 6 I think)? Stuff like that would be amazing to put before or after a movie. Instead we get 20 minutes of adverts.
>Instead we get 20 minutes of adverts. And if it helped lower movie ticket prices, I'd be okay with that. I'd prefer actual content, but I'd trade ads for lower prices. I remember when I was a kid, they had the ads playing as you walked into the theater, but once the show time came around, they would switch to previews. I also don't mind that; I usually try to come early anyway because I like previews. Because I don't have regular cable, I feel like I never know what movies are coming out and when. The ads that they show on my streaming platforms are like the same 3-4 ads about medication, cleaning supplies and deodorant. I very rarely see commercials for movies, unless they're released to the platform itself. If I went to the movies more often, I'd be aware of more movies thanks to the previews, and I'm someone who would totally give the webpage some traffic if it looked appealing. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure there's other consumers out there like me, and studios are missing out on our money, lol
I’m ok with reboots or remakes of *movies that sucked*. Someone blew it decades ago, but the source material is good? Awesome. See: Lord of the Rings. Dune. Do it. Get it right this time. Someone captured lightning in a bottle so you’re just gonna try to repeat it? Jurassic Park. Ghostbusters. Indiana Jones. The Crow. Nah man. Leave it be. Come up with your own ideas. Beetlejuice is almost certainly gonna be in the second group here. But Keaton *is* involved so…I will judge it on its merits.
At least Beetlejuice is a sequel. Same with Ghostbusters. But yea I agree.
What do you mean someone blew Lord of the Rings decades ago? Unless you are considering the cartoon adaption from the 70's (or was it the 80's) with Peter Jackson's adaption being the reboot?
Bingo The 70’s cartoon was “remade” to Peter Jackson’s glorious masterpiece. You don’t now go trying to redo what PJ did. That’s done. Leave it alone. Find your own masterpiece.
Remakes/reboots/sequels dominate big box movie theaters, yes, but those are still only about 10% of the movies released in any given year. There are still so, so many good movies made. And they’re more available than ever before.
Since Covid, I'd rather order food, stream a movie we want to see, and veg out in bed than deal with the prices and people at theaters. I have noticed the change, though I'm not quite sure what the catalyst is.
The catalyst. That’s the part that has me squirming. What caused such and utter *change* in America? I’m not sure if people in other nations are seeing the same thing. We were asked to lock down for a few weeks. That turned into months . People broke out in the summer and destroyed things, for some valid reasons, but for some reasons otherwise as well. And we’ve not been “right” since. Like 9/11, we saw decency and care for another for a brief time, then we went off the cliff. Please tell me we get better as people from here.😢
America has experienced cycles in the past. It happens about every 80ish years. We're entering, or have entered, the bad times. Turns out, the phrase that so many goobers use online of "Tough times create hard men, hard men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create tough times" is... actually kind of correct. The irony is that they people who use this phrase are, in fact, the weak men who think they're hard.
This. There is a secret feeling that being indoors is a dangerous place full of respiratory sickness. I can’t suspend the illusion of it. I truly believe this unspoken secret thought is what is killing theaters.
Remember when people bought tickets for the movie 'Meet Joe Black' just to watch the trailer for Star Wars Episode 1, then get up and leave. It was one of the first movies to have the preview.
I feel the exact opposite. The rare occasion I can get the time to go out and see a movie I’ll enjoy, then go disconnect from the world for 2 or so hours, seems more magical now than it has in a long time. No social media. Phone on silent. My preferred snack. A reclining seat. People leaving me alone. What’s not to like if you have the ability to make time for this?
So much this. I love going to the movies. I’ve got AMC’s “Stubs A-list” and I can see 3 movies a week for literal pocket change. Complete escape from reality and it’s a communal viewing experience. I’ve spent enough lonely time alone in my house.
I saw a double feature today! Planet of the Apes and Furiosa! Ate popcorn, drank a beer, ate a hot dog. It was a great day!
Same (mostly). Two matinee tickets for *Furiosa* with a popcorn, candy, and soda combo, all in for just $40. Comfortable recliners with maybe ten other people in the theater, and we sat dead center with nobody near us. Great escape for a few hours, saw a film we wanted to see, and friends want to join in the near future. Wins all around.
I enjoyed Furiosa quite a lot but that movie was long. I can't even imagine sitting through a double feature. I'd need a nap somewhere in there. Although tbf I think the movie theater narcolepsy is inevitable for me regardless of length since both my parents fall asleep every time they go to the theater.
Thank you. I appreciate when others our age aren’t…so damn old. The movies are still a lot of fun. A lot of the missing magic of things like this comes from within. But old folks always think it comes from without.
It’s easy to reminisce upon the things that a trip to the theater isnt anymore: -a bike ride away -$4 for a ticket -some movie that is formulaic and probably sucks but seems like magic when you are young -a special outing with mom or dad or grandma or grandpa But not think about the thinks in mentioned above. Imo its not any worse… just a different season
When a single person pays $35 to enjoy 2 hours of entertainment, there is no wonder why it is dying. Ticket + popcorn and pop.
Right, and it’s not even live entertainment. Sometimes I can find tickets to live concerts or shows locally that cost less than a movie. The movie just isn’t worth that same amount.
By comparison, I don't mind spending $70 on a video game that i can play for days
Nothing was better than being young, on a date, in the dark, spending the next two hours testing the waters, wondering if you should put your hand near their hand, if you should then hold their hand, then should you put your arm around them, put your heads closer together, slowly turn… And it was in public, so everything is subtle. What are dates even like now? Can’t really picture that happening on a couch at someone’s house.
Granted some stuff is better on the big screen but for me at home entertainment has got so close in quality that it's kinda just like 'whats the point' most of the time. By far the worst part though is seemingly every other respectable adult feels the same way and it's impossible to have a decent experience unless you find an empty showing. For whatever reason covid absolutely destroyed people's ability to not be rude selfish twats in public spaces.
I know. I used to love going. It was an event.
In 2004 @ in Marshall TX I could go to the theater and see a new movie for $3. There was a $1 theater 20 minutes further. A ticket now costs me $20. An over 600% increase over two decades tends to slow down any market. The only thing that hasn't changed is my wages. I won't be surprised if there's barely any left by 2034.
Oh man it’s been a hot minute since I thought of the “dollar theater”. I wonder if they still exist?
This was my favorite type of movie experience as a broke young adult. They weren't always the cleanest and it would be a new movie that came out 2 months ago. I wish they still existed by me. All the ones I liked turned into movie/bistro places like the Alamo.
It was an event! Man, you once knew to go see a movie opening weekend or expect everyone to be talking about it and spoiling it on Monday.
I still love going, but only because I go to the Alamo Drafthouse and refuse to go anywhere else. They protect the magic!
They try, but there are still people that don’t know how to behave in public. It’s hit or miss on if I go and there will be someone in my row on their phone or talking.
That’s when you report them to your server via pen & paper & activated service light. And they kick those people out.
Once I’ve reported a guy with some chatty kids twice and they didn’t kick them out. I was sooo irritated.
That's really upsetting. They're good about it at my theater
That’s super irritating!!! That’s when I would go to the box office after the movie & get a refund or a free ticket for next time
Yes. I am not ashamed to admit I've had people kicked out before. They give them a warning first! If they keep disturbing my movie though yes I will get them kicked out
At Alamo people are WELL WARNED that it WILL happen so I have no problem being part of that lol
I just made this comment. We have a subscription to the Alamo. It's dinner and a movie date night for us. We go almost every week.
Sameeee
Theaters aren’t declining. Streaming isn’t *ever* going to replace theaters. (Although, streaming 100% is going to replace broadcast). What *is* happening is there’s less creativity with content. Less willingness to take a risk. Every studio is sticking with “it worked in the past, it will work in the future.” Thus the rise of movie “franchises”. Wildly successful. But , now starting to show its age. We need a better class of content.
It's expensive. I only go to a couple movies a year now and seek out the cheapest price. I usually go on a Tuesday (AMC and Regal are cheaper on Tuesdays) or the first showing on a Sunday morning. I have to be really excited to see a movie now to go to the theater. I'll probably go see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
Same. Went and saw Dune 2 at a Sunday matinee opening weekend. Still shocked at what we paid for the tickets. Thank you mom for the movie gift card. As an adult with bills, I’ve become selective when splurging. Gone are the days of being bored so I just go to the theater.
We saw it at our local IMAX for $10. I can’t wait to watch it again on my own setup in the comfort of my home, but man, that was definitely a movie worth seeing in that format if there ever was one. The enormous screen and fantastic sound system really made the experience for me.
Yep, my brother and routinely talk about things that seemed like they’d last for all humanity but that essentially everything is a fad: Malls Theaters Fancy Department Stores Dine-In Pizza Huts
I'll never stop seeing movies in theater. My only movie theater complaint is that the nearest Alamo Drafthouse is over an hour drive away. (Still planning to go when they have a showing of The Wizard on June 25th!)
Most movies fuckin suck tho. Like honestly, another marvel movie? no thanks..... Another remake from a 90s movie? No thanks... The content they're putting out just doesnt make it exciting to even go to the theaters
That's exactly how I feel. I've seen less than a handful of movies in theaters since 2018. I have a, I dunno, 65-70" TV at home. Where there's already snacks, drinks, and a pause button ,and zero crying children, assholes on their cell phone, or sticky floors. The only movie I was actually looking forward to seeing was Godzilla Minus One because I'd never seen a Godzilla movie on the big screen.
When I was in high school, my friends and I practically lived in the movie theater. We saw movies at least once a week. We didn't live somewhere with a whole lot of options for things to do, but there was always the movie theater. Haven't been to a movie in years. Not because of streaming but because the experience itself isn't as enjoyable as it was. Way too expensive, the sound is always uncomfortably loud, and there are so many jerks on their phones/talking/letting their kids run all over the place. I much prefer gathering at someone's house/my house with takeout and snacks and watching there.
My local theater has extra wide electric recliner seats with cup holders in both arms. Sure, I don't go as often as I did in high school, but the experience now is way better than it was when I was a kid. I do miss getting to play Galaga in the lobby after the movie, though.
It used to be great, especially when they started adding the nice seating, seat specific tickets, and adding alcohol and more substantial food items. Movies used to be cultural experiences. Everyone looked forward to seeing the huge hits. Then the world changed. Movies aren't groundbreaking anymore. There's really no excitement in my house about any new movies, so we don't spend the money or time to see them. Plus, people's sense of decorum also changed with the world. I don't want to deal with adults who act like kids and kids whose parents let them run wild. Just no. Lockdown made some people feral. I expect that from my 3 year old, not grown adults.
Just saw Furiosa this morning. Going to the theater now is better than it’s ever been. Assigned seats, recliners, food delivery beats anything from the 80s, 90s, and 00s. Yes, it’s expensive, just be selective; the rest can wait until they show up on a streamer in the comfort of your own home.
This. All of this. And for those who are still interested in regular theater going, subscriptions go a long way towards mitigating the cost. AMC A-List is $25.00 a month and let’s you see 3 movies a week. Where I live that’s a big savings even if you only end up seeing 2 movies a month.
Can't believe I had to get this far down to see a post about AMC's A-List. It started with Movie Pass, and AMC has kept their subscription model around. It's great. Pays for itself if you see two movies per month, and you can see three every week. Makes movie going a lot cheaper. AMC makes its money on concessions. I can't figure out why more chains don't adopt the subscription model. We only go to AMC because of it, and we go to a movie once a week or so.
I have a pretty kicking home theater and I still go to the theater. I like the experience. I like the reclining chairs and heated seats and the assigned seating. It's still an event for me.
The pandemic kinda sealed the deal for me, but I had been hesitant to go since some theatre shootings some years ago occurred. In my late 40s and back when our group of friends were all single, we used to go often. Along the years I got dismayed by movie theatres. People getting into fights, threatening and rowdy behavior, people talking and cackling during the movie, etc. My wife has never been a huge fan, and so during the last 15 years of our marriage I haven’t been too often - mainly cause as our groups of friends evolved we preferred entertaining at our homes with dinner parties. Every so often I’d go with some guys and see a movie with big effects like Pacific Rim or Star Trek, Star Wars. I used to actually love going by myself, get popcorn, soda, and smuggle a half pint of booze ;-) and spike my soda. Immerse myself in the movie, and escape reality for two hours. But the pendemic kinda sealed through deal. I haven’t been in almost 4 years. Not because I’m worried about getting sick but a couple of years ago we got a nice big OLED, and yeah…streaming. I set up on the couch either by myself - if it’s something sci-fi nerdy - or with my wife and we’ll watch whatever we want at our pace, pause to go pee or grab a snack or refreshment. It’s just more comfortable and convenient. And I don’t have to put up with the few idiots that ruin the experience.
Can’t post pictures but this is what my childhood theater looked like. It originally held stage plays but was converted to a movie theater. https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/9114
I spent thousands to make my home entertainment setup as good as it is. Now if I go to the theater, I'll almost always disappointed. Between the general cleanliness of theaters and various issues that I've come across over the years (out of focus, speakers not all working right, too loud or too soft,) I just stopped going.
I went to see the 80th anniversary Gone with the Wind in theatre alone. It was a Wednesday matinee and nobody else was there. Magnificent. Other than that, it’s been a long while since we’ve had a movie night out with friends or family.
Did they at least provide an intermission so that you could use the bathroom? That movie is *long.*
I used to be heavily into movies and saw most of what hit the theaters, either at the theater or when it came out on DVD. I feel like now, most movies suck. The industry stopped coming up with unique ideas. It’s either super hero stuff, remakes, or stuff I don’t care about. TV shows on streaming services are better than a lot of movies now. Also, my family of 4 just for movie tickets on a matinee with zero food is like $70+. Damn
I just looked it up for the sake of making an accurate post, my local Regal Cinema charges 16.50$ per ticket just to go in. So two tickets = 33$ before the 12$ soda and 25$ bucket of popcorn to sit in a theater with a bunch of people with no manners, unruly children, cellphones, no volume control AND I can't vape? Hard pass. I'll wait for it too stream.
You got a link for that $25 popcorn bucket? Which commemorative collectible one is it to go at that price? And did you look at ticket prices for anything other than the single most expensive time to go?
I saw the Taylor Swift concert in the theaters (cheaper than dealing with Ticketbastard) and it was a great time.
I miss when theatres were motivated to compete for business, and updated their facilities. The last couple theatres I’ve been to were run down, musty, and sad.
That’s unfortunate. I live in a major city. We’ve got tons of options. Can’t remember the last time I saw a run down theater. The local, cheap independent theater down the street from me use to be, even they underwent a massive overhaul. The standard in the big box chains are comfortable, reclining seats, updated sound systems and improved food. And the dine-ins are amazing. Theaters here are putting in the work to retain business.
In the mid 90s and early 2000s I went to the movies constantly especially once I got my license and car in 96/97
I used to go to movies pretty much weekly or more, but the past 5-10 years I had probably been to fewer than 10 total. That was until a couple months ago due to some temporary life changes causing me to rent a room in a stranger's house which is pretty close to an Alamo Drafthouse. I discovered their season pass, and having nothing better to do with myself I've been going to movies almost every day since then. It's been really fun seeing lots of movies I never would have otherwise, plus all the throwback film they're playing constantly (Batman, Back to the Future trilogy, all the Spider-Man movies, Tammy and the T-Rex, etc). Soon I'll be moving back into my own place and won't be able to continue with it and I'll be kinda sad.
I stopped going to movies in 2018. People are disgraceful in theatres now. I'd rather watch a movie on my phone than go to a theatre.
My grandfather owned multiple theaters when I was a child. I was raised so strict in etiquette. No talking, no feet on chairs, clean up after yourselves, respect your fellow patrons. Watching movies at the theater was my favorite hobby. Cell phones and entitled assholes have ruined the movie going experience. I actually took a 10 year hiatus from going to the theaters. I was sick and tired of spending so much money to have others ruin the experience. I’d much rather watch movies at home where I control the experience.
I never really had that mystique factor about movie theaters. Having a crowd around me isn't usually adding anything to my movie watching experience, especially when I have a nice 4k flat screen and a decent 5.1 audio system. And you can put together a very capable AV system for incredibly cheap these days.
Going to the theatre is nice and all but dealing with idiots is a chore, that is why I built a home theatre in my basement. That way I can still kinda get the theatre experience without all the obnoxious morons getting in the way. If I have to wait a few months to watch something new, so be it. I very rarely go out to an actual theatre anymore, unless it’s a major movie that really interests me.
Now most of the time when I go to see something the state of theaters leaves a lot to be desired. Last few times I have went the speakers are turned up so loud and you can hear that the cones are blown. Concessions are usually in a state that I won’t use them. The theater experience meant a lot more to me when I was young and couldn’t have the kind of movie setup I have now.
Omg yes, whyyyyyy is it always SO LOUD?! Even when I was a teen, I hated how loud it always was in the movie theater.
Or even watching a movie that isn’t very loud and one wall next to you in the theater is bleeding in to your viewing experience because it’s cranked up so much.
I still enjoy going to the movies just as much as I did when I was a kid. Only now, the seats are much nicer and I can go at a time when it's not packed with loud people. I'm also a huge fan of all the theaters that now serve full meals (and not crappy ones) and booze.
I've started going with my kids- it's a great rainy/ cold day activity. If you catch the matinees it's not any more pricey than any other kid activity. Granted a lot of the movies suck... Some are good tho and have a little of that magic. Where I'm at there do seem to be a lot of people going lately but the theaters hold a lot fewer people since they have the huge recliners now. But this past weekend we wanted to go see If and it was pretty much sold out for 2 different times we wanted... But I remember when stadium seating first came out we were all so excited and used to go to the movies at least once a month. Check the newspaper for times or call movie phone... Good old days.
You have to find the old theaters. I thought the same until I found the perfect theater in Portland. Very cheap, they play old movies in 35mm, it’s historic and once again magical. It just depends on where you are.
I worked at a movie theater in HS. The job sucked, the pay was minimum wage, came home reaking of popcorn, but I got to see whatever I wanted for free.
I only like going at weird times so that no one else is there
Sad fact: The Bronx has 1.4 million people, and before last week had 2 movie theaters. One of them closed on Wednesday.
This is why I like going to morning/ afternoon showings and sneak my own snacks in… so much cheaper.
You must not have an Alamo Cinema in your area.
I just can’t handle the bad behavior of other patrons. I don’t want to drop a lot of money to have five assholes with their phone screens on full brightness the entire film, it ruins the experience. If it were an occasional asshole then meh, but it seems like every single time I have gone to a movie I was excited to see there have been plural jackasses. Edit autocorrect.
I stopped going to the movies for the most part. I don't know if it's me getting older and curmudgeonly, or if people really are less socially graceful nowdays, but the last few times I took my family to the movies there seem to be more people who talk, use their phones, and basically don't follow movie etiquette anymore, it disrupts the experience. Regardless of movie theater etiquette, like many people I have a large TV with surround sound at home, I can pause the movie and make my own snacks or use the bathroom, etc.
I think covid ruined it for me and just the unpredictable nature of today, so much bullshit happens in public places anymore. Half our country is off their rockers cultists… im good at home lol
I went to the movies last night, person next to us looked at there phone the entire time, kids up front were loud and taking pictures. And of course i got stuck sitting behind a 500 pound giant so my view was his head. I think we’ll be taking a break from the theater.
The cause of this is affecting a lot of different things. Everything is instant and custom/individualized now. There is no anticipation because we don't embrace that anymore, we have supported a system of instant gratification. Video on demand, pay for things with credit rather than saving up (remember layaway programs?). Sports is about the only entertainment left with broad appeal (maybe video games too), everything else is expected to be customized and half the audience is only watching so they can complain about it not meeting their expectations.
100%. I haven't been in 10+ years. Not to mention the caliber of movies coming out of is utter shite.
Movie theatres to me USE TO be magical to me. Then they became super expensive. People forgot how to behave. And to be honest? There isn’t much I find compelling me to go. I just don’t want to gamble $15 to have a bad experience that has nothing to do with the movie. The last movie I saw in theatres was Terminator: Dark Fate. I was bored out of my tree because there wasn’t much that we hadn’t seen before in that movie. My dad enjoyed it but he’s never seen a terminator film before. That’s why I couldn’t leave. The other one before that was Avengers End Game and I was ready to punch someone. Between the grown ass adults who sit in the middle with their huge ass pop that the drink before the movie starts, and then go to the washroom 500 times in an hour, to people who decide after the movie starts to go get food multiple times, to people who talk during movies, and finally people who shout out things like the characters can hear it and react, I decided enough was enough. And let’s not forget the people bootlegging it on the phone. Staff isn’t paid enough to deal with that and since there is a bar right next door, they probably deal with a lot of belligerent drunks, I don’t blame them. Police will probably show up after the movie has started if they were to bother calling them.
it was the new Star wars films that destroyed cinema for me. I have little interest in it now compared with before
For me, it's other people who don't know how to behave. Maybe it's a generational thing. Anyway, if I go, it's for a big movie and it's on a weekday morning when there's less chance of running into the unwashed masses.
Why would I go to a theater and pay too much money to be surrounded by other (annoying, inconsiderate) people and watch a movie I can’t pause, when I could wait a few months to stream it at home on a slightly lower-quality screen where I can pause the movie when I need to pee and the only people annoying me are my own family?
Heavy on the pee break. This wasn't an issue when we were younger but it sure is now 😆
Our local AMC theater was really nice and had some amazing deals during the pandemic where we could rent out an entire screen for $100-250 depending on the movie. Really couldn't beat having an entire screen to yourself and your friends. Sadly it didn't survive the pandemic and got knocked down and replaced with an Amazon distribution center. I do miss seeing movies in the theater but there is so much content being generated now that there isn't anything I would consider a "must-see" blockbuster anymore. The days of huge anticipation for movies like Independence Day, Lord of the Rings or even a big Avengers movie are long gone. Also, the theaters have done a lot to improve the experience with larger, reclining, reserved seats, better food options, etc but it has come at the cost of super-high ticket prices and 30 minutes of ads and trailers before the movie. Also, cell phones have kind of ruined the theater experience. Every time I go, there always seems to be at least one person sitting in front of me scrolling through their phone during the movie. Don't have that problem at home.
The theater by my house takes part in this program called Flashback Cinema. They play a different classic film each week. I go to those often. Sure I can rent it from my library or stream it, but some movies were just made for a theater setting and it’s a whole different experience watching them than in your living room.
I truly love historic and small independent theaters, but I know business is hard for them now. I love the experience and I live in a city where the indie theater is still a thing, but I admit I haven’t been to a large corporate theater since probably 2016. Hate the entire vibe. And so many adverts. Just another place to sell sell sell things. I do worry about the little theaters in my town going belly up, but I do hope they won’t and I know a few have converted over to digital format to try and get first run movies to compete.
There are still several wonderful independent theaters in Portland, Oregon. I even met my wife while volunteering at one several years ago. We attend at least 2 shows per week, rotating around 7 theaters. I actually think a film buff would have a great time visiting here specifically to sample our movie palaces.
We put in a home theatre. Worth it.
The biggest difference between when we were young and now is that now you don't have to go to the movies to see something. You can usually get it on demand that same day. And if not, you would just have to wait a month or 2. When we were young, the movie would be in the theaters for 6 months, sometimes longer. You wouldn't be able to see it on VCR for at least a year.
I went to a packed movie on Saturday afternoon. I mean packed. Wasn't sold out but it was probably 80% full. It was at Nashville's independent theater the Belcourt. And the film was The Matrix. Packed house for a 25 year old movie. I agree with everyone. There are multiple factors to the quality these days. Expense at big chains. Bad experience due to other people. But the biggest is the quality of new movies. The Belcourt has a strict policy on being rude and will kick people oust supposedly. But I've never seen the actual need. I went to see Furiosa at a Regal last week and someone was talking the entire movie. And including myself, there were only 5 people there.
I believe they need to change the way movies are released and the way box office sales are tracked. I think they should make movies available to rent digitally the same day they’re released in theaters. Have the money made via those rentals go towards box office. I guarantee they’ll see their numbers rise. I would gladly spend $20 to be able to watch new releases in the comfort of my own home with only my wife to keep me company, my own snacks and drinks, and the ability to pause to pee. I used to love going to the movies, I’d even go to the movies by myself just to see something new, but now I can’t stomach the thought of sitting in a theater with other people at their prices.
I actually had a good experience at the movies this weekend. I took my daughter and her friend to see “IF.” We sat in the very last row. They had nice recliner seats, and even a partition to separate me from the two girls. Tickets were $15 a piece and I bought candy and Gatorade at the Dollar Store. It was a kids movie, so there was some chatter from the younger ones, but that’s to be expected.
We go to the theater about a dozen times a year (wife, daughter and myself). Crowds are usually pretty good, concessions are good, and usually we enjoy the movie itself. Despite having an 80" TV at home, movies are still great to experience on the real big screen.
I still love the movie theatre. Prob helps though that I live in a major city with one of the best screens in the country, many art house & dine in theatres and have a-list. If I lived in my hometown hell no, I’d rarely go.
Still go to the movies twice a month. Tuesdays are discount tickets. Just went on Friday to see In a Violent Nature and the theatre was pretty full. Smaller theater but for an art house horror movie I thought it was pretty good. Saw Ghostbusters a few weeks ago and it was great. I love it. Every time I go to my local AMC the parking lot is packed
We have a drive in theater. They're fun and still cheap.
I have AMC A List and it’s $25 a month for 3 movies a week. Usually see 1-2 movies a week. It’s the best $25 I spend each month
I still have a younger kid so I take him to the theater for a movie he gets excited about (ie Godzilla, TMNT, Ghostbusters). It’s magical for him which makes it a fun experience for me still.
I also went to the movies Saturday. It was great and the concessions were great. It depends on other factors I think.
I still go to probably a movie a week? At least 2-3 a month, but that’s a combo of new releases that I consider “big screen worthy” at the multiplex, and older or smaller movies at our two local independent theatres. They’re very different experiences— the multiplex is more expensive on every aspect (especially if you want to see an IMAX movie) but it’s cleaner and the big comfy recliners are great! But it’s also where I’m more likely to encounter crappy behaviour like people talking or are on their phones. The smaller indie theatres have a more traditional vibe, with ancient seats and cheaper prices, but we have to gamble on whether a movie might go to one of them as a “second run” vs just going to their special programs and events. Rocky Horror with a shadow cast, musical singalongs, particular director retrospectives, Oscar night parties, etc. Our favourite recurring event is the “3 hours of curated vintage cartoons and all you can eat cereal party” every few months. People bring their kids, people wear their pyjamas, it’s a super fun morning!
People keep saying this, but the theaters around me are always packed. Maybe it's because I live in a major metro area, but they're always busy. My friends and I had to wait two weeks to see Dune 2, tickets were sold out.
I agree. I think it’s just become something cliche to say, for whatever reason. Maybe because the home TV’s have gotten bigger, and maybe because people are still mindlessly trapped in the Covid thought process, but that is not actually true. Whenever I pull AMC’s app up on my phone and look at seats, or drive by the parking lot, it’s always jammed. 🤷🏻♂️. Despite the perception, there are still tons of people that love seeing new movies in a theater. I personally think introverts parrot this a lot because they think everyone thinks like them and just stays home all the time. And to the people that complain about price, you can literally subscribe monthly for $20 and see 3 movies a week if you want to. That amounts to literal pocket change. Going to a movie is a whole experience and night out. They have food delivered to your seat, bars in the lobbies, etc. it’s such a weird thing to complain about. It’s awesome. It’s a night out. Try to enjoy your life and get out a little bit before it’s over.