Megaplex Owners More Worried About DVDs Than Theaters That Treat Customers Right
from the it's-dandy,-now-shut-up dept
It's still kind of scary to see that big movie theater owners don't seem to recognize what business they're in. They're so focused on the "threat" of movie downloads, that they don't seem to realize that it's easy to compete with them, if they just offered a better movie-going experience. Going out to the movies has always been a social experience, about more than just the movie itself. While a few smaller theaters have started to recognize this, the big chains still seem confused. The best example of this was how they reacted to the movie Bubble, which was offered on DVD the same day it was released to theaters -- hopefully giving people a choice in how they wanted to watch it. If the theaters were smart, they would have tried to play up the overall experience of the theaters -- but they couldn't, since that experience just hasn't been very good lately. There would be plenty of opportunities to profit from such simultaneous releases. For example, they could have sold the DVD to people leaving the theater who enjoyed the movie. Instead, the theater owners claimed that releasing a move on DVD took away their only competitive advantage. If they really believe that exclusivity is their only advantage, they deserve to die off.However, it's fascinating to see Wired Magazine ask the CEO of AMC theaters some tough questions about this phenomenon, only to see him respond by totally missing the point. The interviewer asks a few times what's wrong with showing simultaneous "day and date" releases -- and he basically responds by saying that, by definition, any such release can't be good. He doesn't comment on the actual quality of the movie -- but simply insists that a studio wants to release it so quickly on DVD it simply has to suck. Then, when the interviewer notes that the high price of attending a movie upsets people, the guy responds by making a bogus comparison, saying that it's cheaper than going to more expensive live events, and then saying the real problem was that movie quality sucked -- a theme the theater owners love to repeat. The final question, basically notes that the overall experience of going to a megaplex sucks, and smaller boutique theaters seem to be much more enjoyable -- which is why their business is booming. The CEO totally misses the point, by bragging about how many millions of people go to his theaters, saying that proves they're doing something right. So, in other words, he's saying that everything is going just great with their product... even though the big theater owners were just saying that something as simple as releasing DVDs simultaneously will ruin their business, and that downloading is a huge threat? Meanwhile, he's complaining about movie quality, while the interviewer pointed out that movie quality doesn't seem to be a problem at all for the smaller theaters that focus on a better movie-going experience. So, his summary seems to be that everything is going great -- and the thing to worry about is not the real competition from smaller theaters that treat their customers right, but those damn people at home.
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so a merger of sorts is called for?
That's one answer based on the comment above: "For example, they could have sold the DVD to people leaving the theater who enjoyed the movie." Yes, then they have a happy customer that hopefully will go tell other people about their experience.
Word of mouth still works right?
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theater owner
members of the audience talk through the whole film, adults bring young children to violent movies, there isn't a lot of room to sit (for tall and fat people), the floor is dirty, ticket price is expensive, snacks are expensive, they have to sit through actual product commercials (not movie trailers) before the film starts, etc.
the list goes on and on...
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Re: theater owner
I don't believe for a second that the social experience of "going to the show" doesn't have everything to do with why people are or are not going to the movies.
We moved away seven years ago, and last time I was in town I was crushed to learn that the theatre we enjoyed so much had been destroyed by fire....(sigh)
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Re: theater owner
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Re: so a merger of sorts is called for?
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I hate theaters now
Lately I have been trying the large new Harkins theater we have. It is the largest, fanciest, and most expensive in our state.
The last film I saw, on opening night, (The Hills Have Eyes), was damaged, or there was a projector problem, and there were several green stripes through the screen on top of the movie. I was so furious that I left and asked for my money back.
The previous film I saw (Ayreon Flux), about 15 kids under the age of 16 came in to the theater 30 minutes into the film, and started yelling across the room. I stood up and got them quiet, but the real problem here was that the theater had oversold the tickets, and there were no more seats, hence the confusion and interuption.
I have a great respect for films, and really want to enjoy them on a big screen the way they were intended, but every theater I go to I deal with either misconfigured projectors, damaged film, inaudible audio, or distractions by other patrons, and it is utterly infuriating.
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Re: I hate theaters now
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The last few times I've been to the movies, I'm faced with over-priced tickets, then over-priced snacks. Yeah, it's a huge screen, with awesome sound, but couldn't I just save my money on the over-priced tickets/food to set up my own theater, in the comfort of my house? X-Men III is coming out this year, and you can bet I'm not looking forward to crowds at all.
If he says, "...we must be doing something right..." that's because they are the only choice in town. I live in Nashville, and I'm not aware of any of these 'specialty' theaters I keep hearing about. You can bet I'd be going to those if they were around.
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Re:
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Re: Re: Re: Nashville
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Nashville
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Hmmm
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Re: Hmmm
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That guy is the very definition of "asshat."
I'm sick of their BS. So I'll just keep right on downloading. You screw me, then screw you.
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Small theaters
That is a good movie going experience. Big multiplexes suck.
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Re: Small theaters
these days however the quality of most movies convinced me that i would rather spend a lesser amount on the DVD when it drops so i could turn it around on ebay or to a friend that liked it if I thought it sucked, which in the last few years, most have.
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commercials
i'm feed up to the top with there whinny bull crap..
take take take till its broken then they blame piracy.
i'm dun.. i'll stay home next time. you corporate jerks.
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Re: commercials
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Here's a birlliant idea!
Certainly that would do more for business than the punk who blends the words "Thank you, enjoy the show," into "thankyouenjoyshow" while checking out the babe standing behind you.
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Re: Here's a birlliant idea!
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Re: Here's a birlliant idea!
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This time, theatres really are going to die
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Theaters
Since then there are more places around Portland that offer upscale screenings.
Sell me on the experience.
The idea about selling a DVD to people right as they walk out of the theater sounds like the perfect impulse buying opportunity to me.
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Not Impressed lately
Then in the winter time we would find our way over to the movie house and catch a flick on a friday nite of sat afternoon. It would cost us about 3-4 bucks total to see 1 good movie at the theater or drive-in where we got 2 movies. This was long before DVDs and VCRs and so it was something special to see a flick since there was really no other way to watch movies unless you had a 8mm projector.
And if you did you either had home made family movies or skin flicks ;).
Anyway times have a changed and so have the way people go about entertaining themselves and the movie experience has not keep paced with the digital age IMOHP. Lets face it, for the 30$ for 2 to see a show Ill wait the 3-6months for the 15$ DVD to come out and watch it on the big screen at the house. That way I dont have to wait in a long line for popcorn/pop and when I have to go to the bathroom halve way through i can hit the pause button and not miss a thing.
Oh dont get me wrong I'll still go to the theater on ocassion but not much more then 1-2 times a year.
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Not Impressed lately
Then in the winter time we would find our way over to the movie house and catch a flick on a friday nite of sat afternoon. It would cost us about 3-4 bucks total to see 1 good movie at the theater or drive-in where we got 2 movies. This was long before DVDs and VCRs and so it was something special to see a flick since there was really no other way to watch movies unless you had a 8mm projector.
And if you did you either had home made family movies or skin flicks ;).
Anyway times have a changed and so have the way people go about entertaining themselves and the movie experience has not keep paced with the digital age IMOHP. Lets face it, for the 30$ for 2 to see a show Ill wait the 3-6months for the 15$ DVD to come out and watch it on the big screen at the house. That way I dont have to wait in a long line for popcorn/pop and when I have to go to the bathroom halve way through i can hit the pause button and not miss a thing.
Oh dont get me wrong I'll still go to the theater on ocassion but not much more then 1-2 times a year.
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mOVIE THEATRERS SUCK!
I just can't tolerate it(the noise, the inconvenience, the crowds and especially the cost). I live in NY and the average cost of movie today is about $12, I have 4 kids plus my wife, thats $72 before dinner and snacks. A DVD costs $25 bucks max, you do the math. Now I still send my kids to movies occassionally when it's a group outing, but as far as family outings, we do can better things together.
Now, recently, I heard that the Caroline's (the comedy club) is going to offer a Dinner and a Movie, They are gping to show new releases in a dinner setting, so that you canhave your dinner, have your drinks and watch a good movie, how well wiould it be implemented I don't know, but it seems like they are adding value to experience which is good thing. I might even try it out.
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I agree with you 100%
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AMC sucks
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Re: AMC sucks
Death to AMC!
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Re: Re: AMC sucks
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Re: AMC sucks
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Re: Re: AMC sucks
So I feel your pain dude.
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Small theaters
It seems that the people who go to the boutique theaters understand how the theater experince should be enjoyed. I always enjoy it and the prices are much more reasonable.
We have a theater here in Minneapolis called The Heights. Beautifully restored old neighborhood theater. Before the movie starts, a man playing a pipe organ slowly rises out of the stage! So cool! Then they usually play an old cartoon before the movie, not commercials. If you don't live here, be jealous!
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Backwards business plan
Until a mega-plex owner feels like a crook to charge me $60+ to take my kids to the movie where they pick up new cuss words (from both the crowd and the movie) then I leave with gum on my shoe (or pants or kids), then I won't feel like a crook to watch a movie at home that my neighbor pulled off the internet the week before it released in the theater.
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All the DVDs I (haven't) bought...
Seems to me that DVDs would sell so much better when the marketing blitz is actually going on, just before the movie is released in the theater. I can think of several movies I would have bought *if* the DVDs were available on release night. Instead after 4-6 months I generally forget how good the movie is or there is something shinier coming out.
When the big companies learn to trust their customers instead of treating us like pre-criminals, then we will see a change of business models. I think we should relax piracy laws. Yes, it will increase piracy, but it will force companies to innovate and compete for your dollar instead of threatening us, and penalizing (DRM) honest customers. Less they spend on lawyers, more they can spend on real entertainment.
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Megaplex Owners More Worried About DVDs Than Theat
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The Real Reason Theaters are Failing
Yes it's easier with technology to make all sorts of films from indie flicks to documentaries to blockbusters. But it also means that the sheer volume is crowding out those films who have both commercial and critical appeal. There are frankly just too many movies being made!
The answer if for the theaters to go with this and be more selective in terms of what goes to theater and what should go to DVD. Movies should be an EVENT based on the fact that the theaters are deciding which ones are worthy of the experience. Their price then becomes equal to the value of the movie and if they would match that with service (and clean floors) then you would have the type of theater experience that their counterparts on the live stage have provided.
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Why Bother?
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Why Bother?
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How do you spell relief?
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Why it sucks to go to megaplexes
2. It costs more than a dinner at a fancy restaurant, where it is QUIET, the food is good, and the service is nice.
3. It costs more than the actual DVD, so waiting is not a big deal, there are always cheap movies on DVD to buy and watch at home and have a better time.
4. Movies are FREE online, it may be illegal, but they are there, there is really no incentive to going to the theaters.
5. Cell phones + kids + chatters + highschoolers = a horrible time, in any given place.
6. They think WE owe them something, as if they were doing us a favor for showing us the movie. Ive dealt with the worst of the worst managers at theaters when I complain.
Conclusion: I stopped going a while ago. It wasnt worth it because I wasnt having a good time, which is the point of going.
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Movie Theaters Are Over
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Re: Movie Theaters Are Over
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Movie Theaters Are Over
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Re: Movie Theaters Are Over
No commercials and trailers for movies I don't care about with the volume as loud as a 747 taking off.
When we went to see LOTR the volume was so loud,it shook the friggin' floor!
I wear ear protectors and ear plugs during the times I go to a movie,which is maybe once a year.
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Apples and Oranges
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So give up on the crutch and focus on how we can enjoy movies more not whine about how we should scrap everything.
I think that theatres could have a simple single disc version of a dvd there for sale along with movie posters, t-shirts, soundtrack, and all the other what nots. Then when it is done in the theatres the 2-disc special edition could come out with a ton of extras to buy it again. That would give the chains the profit oppurtunity they want without having to charge 12 dollars for popcorn.
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Independents are the best
Ticket prices were cheaper, drinks and popcorn were tasty/cheap, and no commercials! You could even drink beer.
The drawback? No stadium seating... was not a big deal at all. The seats were ten times more comfortable.
I even drove over to Chapel Hill and went to that old theater across from UNC to see Wallace and Gromit.
Excellent.
Then one night I went to one of the megaplexes to see something that was not playing anywhere else.
What a shitty contrast. Movie was good, but everything left me feeling date raped and kicking myself in the ass for ever going there.
Large coorporations just generally suck.
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Where do the old reels go?
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sell dvd in lobby
Why this terrific idea probably won't happen comes down to one thing - Wal-mart (and other retailers) who gripe that THEY will lose money on DVD sales. Wal-mart carries a lot of influence - in fact, too much - in today's market. It is said that Wal-mart's execs have told studio execs if they offer one DVD for sale in a theatre, Wal-mart will pull that studio's ENTIRE catalogue from its inventory. That studios and theatre owners will bow to Wal-mart instead of listening to loyal movie-goers further exacerbates the problem.
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Movie Theaters Suck
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Used to go weekly, now I go every 2 months
It's gotten to the point where I'm paranoid about anyone sitting behind me and cannot relax. Trust me, being tense and paranoid for 2 hours during a movie is not fun. I usually sit at the side in a row where no one is behind me, but it's not always possible. I've actually smacked someone's leg hard who was non stop acting like a tied down frog on speed. They stopped for 5 minutes and then continued. Unfortunately this was a fully packed preview, so no point complaining.
It doesn't seem to matter what time of day or week you go, there is always a disruptive influence.
Now I complain and get a refund, every time there is a full conversation, every time someone kicks my seat, every time they have sound or film problems - I have to get out of my seat to find someone to get the projectionist to fix it with rarely even a thank you?, give me back my money. If they say you can't get a refund after 1/2 hour into the movie, point out the people who were having a full conversation came in more than 1/2 hour into the movie. They'll sook, but you'll get a refund.
Re: To the academics
I know classical music and plays were performed to a crowd of people chatting and being loud. I know it was basically background noise to them. That's fine, that was then. Classical music was also performed by a bunch of drunks and louts. Do you advocate all directors and actors must get drunk to make good films? I want to watch a movie and enjoy it, get over it.
Re: Old people
Can be worse than teenagers.
Re: People coming in late
Don't have a 5 minute discussion about where you are sitting in a nearly empty theatre. You sit in the same area every time, your girlfriend always wants to sit in the back or whatever. Sit your arse down and shut up. Don't then continue to ask for 5 minutes whether the seats are okay, and then get up and buy snacks.
And if you are late and there is hardly anyone in the theatre, don't sit right behind me and kick my seat. One day I'm going to snap, and you will have a reason to charge me for assault, once you come out of your coma.
Re: Food
Open your chip packets during the ad break, will it kill you to get 1 minute of oxidation on your chips? If you bring in a full cooked meal, don't put them in the noisest bags you could find.
Re: Sick people
Geez, if you are coughing and sniffling non stop, stay the hell home you toerag.
Re: Chinese cinemas
Funny thing is, I hate it when people gasbag during foreign films, except at Chinese cinemas. I don't mind it when people have full on phone conversations, it's just a different atmosphere. Better acoustics as well, so people talking isn't so loud.
Re:Arthouse crowd
Sometimes they're better, but other times not.
The crowds at these movies can be worse. They draw the same crowd of people who go to the theatre and have full conversations. There was a play I went to, I had 4 people right in front of me have a 4 way conversation during Shakespeare. No smartarse scholar jump in and point out Shakespeare wrote for the smelly people, I don't frickin' care. I could only hear every 3rd line. The usher heard them and did nothing. By the way, the Theatre is not a cinema, stop eating cookies during the Opera you cretins.
I absolutely loathe film festivals now. Besides you lining up to buy tickets and their computers are broken (put a sign up so we don't waste our time), and their online ticket software doesn't let you buy passes, you have to deal with just as rude a crowd, except you expect them to be better behaved.
Re:Ticket prices...
People complain about the price of anything. There are people who spend $200 each Friday night on alcohol, who then complain about a $10 movie ticket.
The worst part about tickets is having to line up with people buying candy. What's that, you've lined up for 1/2 an hour and still haven't decided whether you want snacks or not? Do you SMS yourself to remember to breathe? Or those theatres with bizarre lines where no one can figure out where the line for tickets actually are.
Re: Quality movies
It's rare I want to see a movie on the screen anymore. I used to go weekly, but with all the disruptive influences I wait for DVD. Even then I wait for it to go weekly. There are just too many good classic and old foreign movies available to watch.
Now if I want a good night out, I go to Bollywood films. The crowds are small and well behaved, and I get a 3 hour entertaining movie for my money.
Re: kids in the cinema
They showed the original King Kong (30's version) recently in Oz. There were at least 10 kids running around. I'll refresh your memory, it was violent, in one scene Kong rips a creatures jaw apart. Needless to say the kids were screaming in terror and crying. Nice parenting skills.
I was watching a horror movie, where there were sound problems, the volume dropped to almost zero. On top of that, a woman had brought her baby along, and proceeded to play with a laughing bag. They have special sessions for mothers and babies, take your brats to those you selfish cow.
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Movie Theatres & the MPAA have lost
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balconies
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prices
The biggest problem with movie theaters isnt prices, it's disruptions. They should just charge an extra dollar and station an usher in each theater to take care of idiots on cell phones or ghetto parents who bring their five year old into a rated r movie instead of getting a babysitter (and you just know they said he was 2 so he wouldnt have to pay).
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re: AMC
And yet the CEO is complaining about DVDs? Do you mean to say that the corporate slime up at the top doesn't believe the platitudes in their own training manuals? What a surprise.
I was barely trained. I was required to attend one training session where we were exposed to the indoctrination of AMC's "guestfirst" program, then made to sign a form saying I'd seen all the various training videos and received training in all areas, which was almost completely false. My actual "training" came from coworkers. I've learned to do everything except box office, though I'm still being broken in.
I'm not sure what management does. Most of the employees can do just about everything in the theater, except for the miserable ones with attitudes who get put on cleaning duty perpetually until they quit. The rest of us are constantly busy doing everything and often don't get breaks. All for mimimum wage.
Well. I'll put in my time and continue to work as hard as I can for maybe six months, then leave with a letter of recommendation, which is really the only thing I'm looking to get out of the job.
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AMC bad experiences
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