Via Drudge: All the Raisinets in the world aren’t enough to sugarcoat this fact: In recent months, the Hollywood box office has been a disaster. In terms of attendance, Tinseltown just wrapped up its worst summer at the box office in nearly a quarter-century.
That means theaters now have to fight harder than ever to get butts in seats. “For a very long time, movie theaters were not overly focused on pleasing the consumer,” says Eric Handler, a media analyst at MKM Partners.
But in recent years, he says, theater owners have wised up to a novel idea: making the theater experience enjoyable beyond the screen.
First it was comfier seats, and now it’s all about tossing aside the stale popcorn for mouthwatering gourmet options. “Movie theaters are really stepping up to distinguish themselves from each other,” says Daniel Loria, editorial director of BoxOffice Media. “Every theater is building its identity.”
New boutique-style venues are offering everything from dine-in table service to full bars. That competition’s a good thing, says Loria, and it hints at a sustainable future. “So many theaters wouldn’t be opening if there were heavy clouds in the forecast,” he says.
That means theaters now have to fight harder than ever to get butts in seats. “For a very long time, movie theaters were not overly focused on pleasing the consumer,” says Eric Handler, a media analyst at MKM Partners.
But in recent years, he says, theater owners have wised up to a novel idea: making the theater experience enjoyable beyond the screen.
First it was comfier seats, and now it’s all about tossing aside the stale popcorn for mouthwatering gourmet options. “Movie theaters are really stepping up to distinguish themselves from each other,” says Daniel Loria, editorial director of BoxOffice Media. “Every theater is building its identity.”
New boutique-style venues are offering everything from dine-in table service to full bars. That competition’s a good thing, says Loria, and it hints at a sustainable future. “So many theaters wouldn’t be opening if there were heavy clouds in the forecast,” he says.
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12 comments:
I never understood why going to a movie had to include gastronomic torture. I mean how hard is it to have food as good as any other place on the street? And of course you have adult beverages. We aren't all going to see a Disney cartoon.
It's not seducing you into the movies, it's just not punishing you for being a paying customer. These things are available everywhere else except the theater.
No. If you thought there was nothing worse than having to listen to someone opening a cellophane-wrapped candy at a concert, or slurping a drink through a straw, then be prepared for the ultimate gross out of being next to a party eating a full meal, in otherwise-silence, while knives carve, forks tear, spoons stir, mouths masticate, stomachs gurgle and burp, and you sit there with the odors of ketchup, mustard, french fries, beer.
What John said. That was my immediate thought: who needs restaurant commotion while watching a film. And on top of the sounds John mentions does anyone seriously think those diners won't be carrying on full volume conversations? It will spell the end of movie theaters (the few quiet ones that are left) for those who actually come to watch the movie.
These full service theaters have been around for years in some places like L.A. I've done the ones with full menus including full bar, and big comfortable chairs. I really liked it. It's not really noisier. The patrons are spending more, so there are less kids and teens, which is where the noise comes from. People avoided conversation when the movie was on. Like it or not, you should have a choice by having at least some theaters like this.
I don't need service as much as decent food, and drinks. No adult really wants a pound of candy and 40oz soda. Just some french fries and a beer at least.
What with HD and large tv screens, I just don't see the point of movies anymore. Movies are like vaudeville. It's an obsolete way of consuming entertainment. Still, I'd rather own a theater than a newspaper.
I usually bring in s bag of pistachios w/ me along w/ a bottled water.
No adult really wants...
What adults really want varies widely.
I've not partaken of a pound of candy or 40 oz soda at a movie theater. And I wouldn't be interested in mixing a burger/fries and beer experience with a theater experience either.
The last movie we bought tickets to see in a theater was The Help in 2011. With the advent of online rental, our trips to the Video store ended as well.
As William says, It's an obsolete way of consuming entertainment.
Which takes the question back to, what it the point and payoff of going to a movie theater?
We have Movie Taverns around here. Service was better than I expected, but the food reminded me of the options at a skating rink as a kid with the same quality.
I rather wait a few months, invite a few friends over for dinner and drinks, and watch at home together.
Among the various things ruining movie theaters are cellphones. They just can't police them. Even if you caught a person using their phone and being a distraction; ejecting them will be an equal or worse distraction. And the worst offenders are likely the theaters most regular customers.
My recommendation, make smaller theaters with high quality sound, smaller screens, and no more than 30 people. Then, if someone is a distraction, fewer people are discomforted and you can "pause" things to handle the obstinate. You can keep the large auditoriums for first week releases. What most people can't get at home is good sound and screens over 70".
Hollwyood lost me years ago. I still haven't stepped in a theater since - ah I can't even remember the movie it was.
Just say no to Hillarywood
What used to be an attraction to movie theaters was the shared experience. My Italian immigrant grandmother would take me to movies. I remember going to see the classic, Ben Hur. Grandma would have a pack of saltines w/ her to nibble on, being to frugal to buy the concessions. I remember my mom and aunt taking myself, siblings, and cousins to see Cinderella. I was maybe 5 or 6 and I remember everyone laughing at Gus Gus. But my mom and siblings told me no one laughed harder than me. I may have peed my pants.
As I walk daily I note few people are approachable. They all have ear buds or are staring at their little personal TV, err..phone. Shared experience is not part of the mix anymore and that bodes poorly for our future, beyond just watching movies.
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