“Cinema should be seen in cinemas.” -Stellan Skarsgård
Are movie theaters dying?
In the age of streaming and rising prices, movie theaters have lost their appeal to a lot of people. Before streaming was an option, movie theaters generated a lot of excitement around new releases. Today, films have such a short theatrical run to allow for quick turn-arounds onto streaming platforms. Theaters also have to compete with the comfort aspect of homes. They have remedied with reclining and heated chairs, but a lot of people haven’t gone back since the pandemic. I think the biggest deterrent from theaters is the disruptive behavior from others. This mostly includes talking and using phones. People have become fed-up with their viewing experience being disrupted by others and have exclusively watched at home due to this.
Even with all of these factors, I don’t think that movie theaters are dying. Theater experiences have become more of a spectacle depending on the movies coming out instead of the experience itself. I think of Barbie or Avengers: End Game, which made billions of dollars from the box-office. People do want to see these block-buster films in theaters, but aren’t willing to give smaller budget ones a chance. Another way theaters try and draw people back in is through re-showing older films in theaters. They are constantly running films on their anniversaries with new editing or bonus scenes, which seems to attract fans. I don’t think that movie theaters as a whole are dying, but I think that they are becoming more few and far between. With that being said, we should value these experiences and give more films a chance!
why i love the theater
I LOVE going to the movie theater. For me, there is no better way to see a film. For two hours, there are no distractions and you get to enter the world of that film! I love the environment, the snacks and the new story that you get to see unfold. Who doesn’t love movie theater popcorn? Cinemas introduce you to so many new directors, actors and genres of films. Theaters especially give you a social aspect to the film. Everyone is experiencing the story together, and I love being able to react at the same time with others. Cinemas are one of the only ways we can fully engross ourselves into the films we watch, and I love being able to see them on the big screen with the sound all around me. I also think that an underrated part of the theater experience is the trailers. You get the opportunity to see all the new movies coming out in the following months and get excited about them!
How you can support cinemas
The best way you can support cinemas is going and seeing as many movies as possible, especially at independent cinemas! They need viewers to keep them running. Another way is by joining loyalty programs or even purchasing concessions. Support can also be through following your theater on social media and sharing posts. Outreach is critical for getting the films being showing into the public. Cinemas aren’t dying, but they are endangered. Cinemas need us, just as much as we need them. So, go see movies with your friends in theater!