Would you pay $50 to watch first-run movies at home the day they're released in theaters?

This says it's possibly coming soon:

Studios, Exhibitors Consider Revolutionary Plan for Day-and-Date Movies at Home (EXCLUSIVE)

For me, the answer is wholeheartedly "Yes." I hate going to theaters for anything other than a weekday matinee, and there are very few films I need to see in theaters.

 

A bit expensive, but I like the concept. Get it down to the $20-25 range, and I'm in.

The rare movie I see in a first-run theater — Star Wars Episode VII was the last one — is usually a miserable experience of too-loud speakers, people constantly coming and going from a very long row of seats, and sitting way too close to the screen unless I get there the instant the doors open. Watching Star Wars in a theater literally gave me a headache.

In the long run, the movie industry should like this view-at-home concept, too. Bringing the product directly to fans should help both the movie makers and the viewers. Movie theater owners (mostly huge corporations) are annoying middle men who overcharge for everything, so I have little sympathy for them if this hurts their business.

 

Far as I can tell, the price is that expensive precisely because of all the concessions they're giving to pissed off theater owners.

 

Yes, without a doubt. Next question?

 

No.

 

The market for grown-up movies at the theater has really dried up in recent years, I think, for many reasons. TV is better. Parents are more involved with their kids and go on less dates. When they do, they often go to restaurants. Also, home theaters and vast selections of instantly watchable movies make it worth it to just stay home.

 

My favorite line from the article:

Box office hit record levels last year, crossing $11 billion for the first time in history.

 

I'm electing not to vote on this issue. It could be a game-changer for this site. #courage

 

My hunch is this will do good business with a handful of movies per year, and otherwise be useless.

There's a major difference between paying $50 to avoid theaters for Star Wars and doing the same for the latest Adam Sandler comedy.

 

Since you have to pay $150 for the equipment, you'd need to watch 60 movies to make the average price even $52.50.

 

Everyone here knows that means little since the Fed keeps printing money.