Posted on February 21, 2006 at 3:47 PM in thoughts
Note: The below is an archived entry from Earthling, formerly EarthLink's official blog. The blog itself has been decommissioned and is no longer updated, and comments are trackbacks are no longer accepted.
One of the big three topics at CES this year was the beefing up of America's home theatre systems. I saw lots of evidence that Consumer Electronics companies are spending scads of money to make you think that your neighbors all have high-definition flat screen televisions, a six speaker surround-sound setup, next-generation gaming systems, multiple iPods, a TiVo, a Slingbox, and a computer in your living room to control it all. And, they'll have you believe, the way DVD's look on your flat screen high-definition television is so awful that you'll beat people down for the chance to purchase either an HD-DVD player or a Blu-Ray player (or both) as soon as they hit the market.
I call BS. First of all, I know lots of folks who have several of those items, but many who have none. And everyone I know who has high-definition TV thinks regular DVD's look just fine on it. If there's a concern about image quality, it's not one that would motivate them to go out and buy another fancy DVD player and replace all of their DVD's. I was hanging out with the HowStuffWorks.com nerds at CES for breakfast, and we turned to the guy in the booth next to us and asked him the same question, and he agreed whole-heartedly. Standard DVD's look just fine, and he has no motivation to buy a new player unless they force the old one into obsolescence.
The future-as-today picture of your living room the big manufacturers are pushing is not accurate, but I do believe that our living rooms are getting better and better at their own pace. My question is, what are movie theaters offering any more as an alternative to your comfortable and customized home setup? Just about every time I go to the movies with my friends Linda and Chris, on the way back we end up discussing how mediocre the whole experience was. Even when the movie itself was pretty good. Have you had similar feelings?
It's good and healthy to get out and be among people you don't know. There's no substitute for the excitement and fun you can derive from seeing a movie with a crowd of strangers. I've always been a big fan of that experience in general. I even like people talking back to the screen from time to time.
So that's one thing movie theaters have going for them.
But as far as the theaters themselves, i.e. the businesses that are hosting the movie experience, how hard are they trying any more? In some cases they are fighting against the ability of producers to release movies on DVD and in the theaters at the same time and force some friendly competition.
Wired Editor Chris Anderson has a multi-part blog study (in advance of a book) devoted to the idea that the big big Hollywood blockbuster movie is dying as the cornerstone of the studio and distribution business.
To me it has the distinct feeling of a monopoly, where no one has to compete for your business so they don't bother. The existence of smaller chains like Landmark makes for more choice in type of movie, but is anyone out there offering a unique approach or even an approach that resembles effort?
The one exception I've experienced personally is the fancy, high-end AMC Framingham Premium Cinema in Framingham, MA. There are big leather club chairs, assigned seating, a full dinner and drinks menu, and table service. It's also more expensive than regular theaters. I'm not saying that all theaters should follow this model or anything close to it, but at least they are offering a reason to go there instead of somewhere else. I'm sure more of these exist, but aren't they the fringe exception rather than the rule? Even contemporary baseball stadiums that service millions of people and show over a hundred games a year do a better job conveying the sense that they put effort into the experience.
It's not that I want theaters to go away -- on the contrary I really want them to stick around. I just want them to try a little harder.
Comments
Dear Madam/Sir,
Over the past years I have had the pleasure to be involved in the 'Moviebeam' project.
I started as a sceptic but with my continued involvement was privi to see some of the market research that has changed my opinion. I have realize like yourself that indeed there is a great market for an 'improved movie watching experience' that is 'medium/distributor' independent.
The Moviebeam service gives me high hopes that some control is taken away from the horrible DVD store or cinema experiences my family keep having.
Cheers,
Jacco.
Posted by Jacco | February 22, 2006 1:31 PM
as an unabashed movie theater fanatic i don't have the same issues with the movie-going experience. i do however think the pricing on the snacks thing is out of control. how many friggin more times do the theater chain owners have to see orders for a popcorn and nothing to drink before they get the picture. lower the prices.
i bet the american family would attend in greater numbers if they could get snacks at a reasonable prices. that is all.
Posted by butterbeancastro | February 23, 2006 9:19 AM
I have found my self and my wife as well looking to see what is playing at the mugs and movies because we don't like sitting in the usual uncomfortable chairs.
mugs and movies has the nice high backs and you can put your feet up as if you were at home, but with the addition of a watress to come serve you a sandwich and a beer.
that is the only way I'll go to the movies anymore.
and if it isn't something I want to see at mugs and movies.meaning if its playing in one of the other theaters, I wait till the dvd is available and watch it in the comfort of my home.
Posted by David | February 23, 2006 10:58 PM
I live in a small town in Northern Arizona. It's thirty miles to the nearest theater. I haven't been to a "walk in" in many years. Like David, I'll wait for it to hit TV or come out on DVD.
I,m getting older, and driving thirty miles, sitting my 6'2" long legged frame in an uncomfortable seat and no legroom, for 2-2 1/2 hours with no break to use the restroom, expensive snacks & drinks then driving 30 miles home, is not my idea of a pleasant afternoon or evening!!!
Stay @ home, pop up several bags of "Theater Butter" popcorn @ less than half the price of a medium popcorn cup, crack open a cold beer, (COORS) for me,kick back in my recliner while wearing my lounge pants & robe!! Need to go pee-pee? Push the pause button! ( I can even do that to a satelite movie). Years ago, we used to go to Drive-in theaters when we lived in Phoenix. Those were always enjoyable evenings. Where have they all gone to?
I'll stay @ home, Thanks!
Posted by Steve | February 26, 2006 8:12 PM
Anyone ever read this blog???
Posted by Steve | February 27, 2006 11:32 PM
Hi Steve,
Thanks for your thoughts.
I'm on Earthling constantly, but I don't reply to every comment individually unless there's something I have to add to the ongoing conversation.
Posted by earthling | February 28, 2006 12:14 PM
For me it is mostly a price point issue. For the price we pay as a family to go to the movies and buy snacks and sodas you could buy the DVD and a DVD PLAYER. It really doesn’t make any sense. I agree with Steve with regard to watching at home. Sitting back in my leather recliner, the cat and dog curled up on rugs on the floor, my wife and boys huddled under blankets on the sofa. There is something to be said about the camaraderie of watching with an audience, especially for comedies…with a live laugh track. But I can’t get away from the price point. I have a 36” TV and old Dolby surround sound system. It is no home theater but $50, $60 or more for a movie and snacks. It’s hard to justify. I am very curious about the places that serve real food and drinks…but once again I’m cheap.
Posted by Rugs | February 13, 2007 4:18 PM