Ebert: I'll Tell You Why Movie Revenue Is Dropping 865
schwit1 writes in with a link to Roger Ebert's webpage where he gives his opinion on the decline of movie industry revenues."According to Ebert movie piracy isn't the problem. He contends that the industry needs to lower prices on tickets and popcorn, keep people off their cell phones, show a wider variety of films, and understand that movie streaming is here to stay. From the article: 'The message I get is that Americans love the movies as much as ever. It's the theaters that are losing their charm.
Proof: theaters thrive that police their audiences, show a variety of titles and emphasize value-added features. The rest of the industry can't depend forever on blockbusters to bail it out.'"
forget popcorn (Score:5, Funny)
How about some couches and beer [central-cinema.com]? It doesn't even have to be that classy; movie theaters have gotten bad enough that the classiness level of a brewpub would be a big improvement.
It's not about the beer (Score:5, Funny)
People would think that is better to watch a movie at home because you can drink a beer or two. Or three, it does not matter.
What is really a 'plus' regarding watching movies at home is that you can actually PAUSE the move to take a pee!
New ideas, not rehashing old stuff (Score:4, Funny)
I can watch movies at home on a big screen with good sound for under 3k$, my setup is *way* below that...
-Windows Media Center 2k5 HTPC with 600w 5.1 system, plays about everything I can throw at it.
-95" screen (1080p projector)
-Nice '70s comfy couch
-Popcorn maker in the kitchen, fridge in the living room.
Why should I go to the theater unless I want to buy a 15$ candy bar?
Re:Maybe the movies just aren't very good (Score:5, Funny)
Part of the problem is that cinema butter is also mostly digital effects.
Re:Kids (Score:4, Funny)
Wow. I'm pretty sure being an old cranky man disqualifies you from calling your partner "girl". Unless that's what you're into, of course.
Re:Also (Score:4, Funny)
And ditch 3D. Yes, 50% of the audience likes it. But they're going to come anyway, 3D or 2D. Nobody ever refused to go to the cinema because a movie was 2D. The people you need to be concerned about are the 50% who no longer go to the cinema because they hate it.
I agree. If I wanted to be sea sick I'd go fishing.
Re:Also (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Also (Score:5, Funny)
And ditch 3D. Yes, 50% of the audience likes it. But they're going to come anyway, 3D or 2D. Nobody ever refused to go to the cinema because a movie was 2D. The people you need to be concerned about are the 50% who no longer go to the cinema because they hate it.
Also ditch the audio. Talkies are a fad.
Re:Full service (Score:4, Funny)
They exist.
If you're in Texas, drop by an Alamo Drafthouse [drafthouse.com]. Check the schedule to see if there's a special event like a sing-along. Or just watch the movie with a nice cold beer. But whatever you do, leave the cellphone off [youtube.com]. And don't talk during the film (unless participating) or else (former) governor Ann Richards will take your ass out [youtube.com].
There are other chains here in Texas that serve dinner and a movie, and almost certainly even more in other states, but I don't think their PSAs are nearly as awesome.
Re:Alamo Drafthouses are the model of the future (Score:2, Funny)
That's why I take them out on the boat. Because of the implication.
Re:Maybe the movies just aren't very good (Score:4, Funny)
Way to make everyone feel old by insinuating that 2001 is no longer recent enough to be considered "nowadays". :)
Re:Also (Score:4, Funny)
Audio allows for telling a more interesting story. 3D doesn't.
Withouth 3D, Avatar is just "Dances With Giant Smurfs."
Re:forget popcorn (Score:2, Funny)
I'll have one slice of beer and maybe a pint of pepperoni.
Re:Also (Score:5, Funny)
And with 3D it was "Dances with Giant Smurfs: 3D" plus a headache.
Re:Also (Score:5, Funny)
The problem isn't good stories. The problem is how executive meddling will change things.
By the time this story you've related hits theaters, it's about a mutant baby riding a ten meter tall KKK mecha named KKKollusus with a miniguns for arms.
Re:Back in my day... (Score:3, Funny)
"...we had to wait for the novelization! And then walk 10 miles barefoot to the bookstore! In the snow! Up hill! BOTH WAYS!"
Re:Also (Score:5, Funny)
Let no one else's work evade your eyes,
Remember why the good lord made your eyes,
So don't shade your eyes,
But plagiarize, plagiarize, plagiarize -
Only be sure always to call it please 'research'.
-Tom Lehrer
Re:Also (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Also (Score:4, Funny)
Thanks Dos Equis guy!