15 votes

AMC’s revenue plummets by more than ninety percent as theaters remain empty

7 comments

  1. [2]
    Gaywallet
    Link
    At the beginning of this pandemic I remember having a conversation with one of my exes about movie theaters since they really enjoy movies and going to the theater. We both came to the conclusion...

    At the beginning of this pandemic I remember having a conversation with one of my exes about movie theaters since they really enjoy movies and going to the theater. We both came to the conclusion that it's unlikely they will survive the pandemic, at the very least they will downsize significantly to major areas. I personally believe that the only way they can survive is to embrace the experience aspect and stop relying on the 'shown here first' focus. I believe Mulan is proof that this model will be dying, eventually.

    Movie theaters in the last decade or so have slowly stopped trying to fight people bringing in their own food and drink, and instead started to serve their own alcohol and a larger selection of food as well as invest in larger seats with more adjustments. I believe this trend will need to continue - offering an experience you can't get at home without investing a significant amount of money is where they need to head to stay attractive. I can also foresee this as somewhere new technology can be tried out - VR movie experiences for example might help to push technology forward and garner home adoption in the long run.

    7 votes
    1. joplin
      Link Parent
      It's funny because living in a big city now, I have so many more things to do than go to the movies. When I lived in a smaller area, it was the only thing to do, and everyone was there. Our local...

      at the very least they will downsize significantly to major areas

      It's funny because living in a big city now, I have so many more things to do than go to the movies. When I lived in a smaller area, it was the only thing to do, and everyone was there. Our local theaters did really good business at least for the major releases. But I guess the increased density of cities is the only thing keeping them alive at this point.

      6 votes
  2. [5]
    j3n
    (edited )
    Link
    I'm just surprised they're taking in any money at all. Movies theaters have seemed to be on the decline for at least the last decade to me. I wonder if this pandemic isn't going to be the end of...

    I'm just surprised they're taking in any money at all. Movies theaters have seemed to be on the decline for at least the last decade to me. I wonder if this pandemic isn't going to be the end of big theater chains entirely and permanently.

    5 votes
    1. [4]
      moocow1452
      Link Parent
      What's most likely is that they become Dave and Busters, or event destinations, maybe with some early viewing experiences, but much more rent a giant screen for you and a party, maybe some general...

      What's most likely is that they become Dave and Busters, or event destinations, maybe with some early viewing experiences, but much more rent a giant screen for you and a party, maybe some general audience viewing. Probably with Disney money.

      5 votes
      1. [3]
        bloup
        Link Parent
        I'm hoping movie theaters go the way of playhouses. Instead of big, for-profit chains, movie theaters could turn into local, beloved, nonprofit, community-oriented institutions. We already see...

        I'm hoping movie theaters go the way of playhouses. Instead of big, for-profit chains, movie theaters could turn into local, beloved, nonprofit, community-oriented institutions. We already see this model have some success in the form of art-house cinema.

        5 votes
        1. [2]
          cfabbro
          Link Parent
          Agreed, that would be pretty cool. Although I definitely also wouldn't be opposed to more movie theaters moving towards catering to the more mature "dinner, drinks and a movie" crowd, like Alamo...

          Agreed, that would be pretty cool. Although I definitely also wouldn't be opposed to more movie theaters moving towards catering to the more mature "dinner, drinks and a movie" crowd, like Alamo Drafthouse does.

          1 vote
          1. bloup
            Link Parent
            I will say most local playhouses (and art-house cinema, for that matter) have a full bar!

            I will say most local playhouses (and art-house cinema, for that matter) have a full bar!

            1 vote