AMC Sets Condition for Shorter Theatrical Windows

[headphones]

the world’s largest movie theater chain is open to participating in a premium video-on-demand service, but only if there’s an arrangement in which the company is paid appropriately.

[cinemaphile]

The whole premium VOD issue is a joke anyway. If the cost was about the same as a movie ticket, it may have some appeal, but they're talking $30 - $50 to rent the movie. Great if you have a big group of people over, but what about people who want to watch a movie by themselves or with one other person? Are they really expected to pay $50 to rent a movie?

[DanTheMan]

Originally Posted by cinemaphile

The whole premium VOD issue is a joke anyway. If the cost was about the same as a movie ticket, it may have some appeal, but they're talking $30 - $50 to rent the movie. Great if you have a big group of people over, but what about people who want to watch a movie by themselves or with one other person? Are they really expected to pay $50 to rent a movie?

If it's a romantic date you're on and you seal the deal, then it's money well spent.

[Visionist]

Movie dates aren't romantic.

This only makes sense for people with sizable home theaters who can invite friends over, or who have large families. I won't deny the multiplex I attend with friends leaves a lot to be desired though; some new films I'd rather see at home. I wouldn't pay that kind of money if they weren't anticipated event films though- the type I'd rather see in a cinema.

Of course, being in Italy the whole topic is moot for me. Give me the chance to see a new blockbuster in English instead of dubbed and I might just bite. But again, not for fifty bucks. MAYBE thirty, but only if I can watch it multiple times before the rental expires.

[cynatnite]

Originally Posted by cinemaphile

The whole premium VOD issue is a joke anyway. If the cost was about the same as a movie ticket, it may have some appeal, but they're talking $30 - $50 to rent the movie. Great if you have a big group of people over, but what about people who want to watch a movie by themselves or with one other person? Are they really expected to pay $50 to rent a movie?

Where is that pricing coming from? It wasn't in the article that I could see.

I can't imagine them thinking they'd be competitive at that price with all the streaming that's available for much lower prices.

[Groot]

I'd pay $30 for home cinema releases. It costs $14.50 a ticket, plus $18-$20 for a popcorn and drink. It'd be cheaper at that price point, plus no noisy people or other disruptions.

[cinemaphile]

It was mentioned in previous articles on the subject, and I also took part in a survey recently where they talked about the potential pricing.

[doctor_who]

A mom and dad with three kids want to see a movie on opening night. This is $75 by itself, at least. More like $95 near me in some theaters.

Add in the cost of movie theater goodies, it's near $125-$150.

And you think there's no market for this just because it doesn't fit your situation? If it doesn't fit your situation, it's obviously not for you.

[doctor_who]

Originally Posted by Groot

I'd pay $30 for home cinema releases. It costs $14.50 a ticket, plus $18-$20 for a popcorn and drink. It'd be cheaper at that price point, plus no noisy people or other disruptions.

This is exactly why it won't be $30. They will lose money if it's $30. The market is not a single person who goes to the theater.

[imsounoriginal]

The $30-$50 price point still makes no sense for me. I usually go alone or with a friend/date. Any movie that's big enough to get a group together is a movie that we'd all wanna see in IMAX or Dolby anyway, so seeing it at home is a moot point.

But for families, even those with just one kid, that price point can look awfully attractive.

[Groot]

Originally Posted by doctor_who

This is exactly why it won't be $30. They will lose money if it's $30. The market is not a single person who goes to the theater.

$50 may be pushing it, but I could still see myself using the service as I like being left alone.

[filmbuffTX]

Originally Posted by doctor_who

A mom and dad with three kids want to see a movie on opening night. This is $75 by itself, at least. More like $95 near me in some theaters.

Add in the cost of movie theater goodies, it's near $125-$150.

And you think there's no market for this just because it doesn't fit your situation? If it doesn't fit your situation, it's obviously not for you.

In my area those figures you list would be true if the family wants to see IMAX 3D, maybe.

At AMC for an evening show in Houston on a Tuesday night it's $9.99 for adults and $6.99 for kids.

The better option for a family of 5 that wants to save money on going to the movies would be to find a matinee showing; or wait until the movie hits the dollar cinema or home video. (Which these days is only a few months)

Of course there's always movie cash promos, coupons, app deals, discount days, etc.

[cinemaphile]

Originally Posted by doctor_who

A mom and dad with three kids want to see a movie on opening night. This is $75 by itself, at least. More like $95 near me in some theaters.

Add in the cost of movie theater goodies, it's near $125-$150.

And you think there's no market for this just because it doesn't fit your situation? If it doesn't fit your situation, it's obviously not for you.

But the point is, it shouldn't be just not for me. If they do it, the same service should be available for everyone at a fair price. Why should a single person pay the same price that figures a whole family of 5 is watching?

They have technology that can detect different people in a room (Kinect, etc) and eyes on a screen to make phone videos pause when you look away - Maybe they should have a rental box that detects number of people watching the film and charge per person! LoL
...of course, then you would just have people wearing sunglasses and hiding behind blankets watching movies

[cinemaphile]

honestly though, if it's a movie I want to see right away like big blockbusters, I would see it in theaters anyway, so this service isn't for me anyway.
My concern is it affects theatrical or blu/dvd. I can see them deciding to have more non-blockbuster movies just go this route instead, foregoing a theatrical release, and also if they create this, I can see them deciding to extend the home video window, since they'd wanna milk this middle step for all the $ they can get first, and people are more likely to do this if they know it's a longer wait for dvd/blu/digital.

[Dunemoon]

I'd pay $30 not to deal with some dipshit in front of me shouting over the movie.

[sandman slim]

Originally Posted by doctor_who

A mom and dad with three kids want to see a movie on opening night. This is $75 by itself, at least. More like $95 near me in some theaters.

Add in the cost of movie theater goodies, it's near $125-$150.

If spending fifty bucks on popcorn & candy to watch a two hour movie is considered normal, then I'm glad I'm weird...

[octagon]

Originally Posted by sandman slim

If spending fifty bucks on popcorn & candy to watch a two hour movie is considered normal, then I'm glad I'm weird...

I don't go to theaters very often anymore but ten bucks a person for concessions might be a little high but it's not really extravagant.

[DanTheMan]

Originally Posted by Groot

$50 may be pushing it, but I could still see myself using the service as I like being left alone.

Plus you can avoid the following:

- Excess talking
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Restless children
- Seats being kicked
- Smartphone brightness
- People getting up/down for restroom/concessions breaks

All of which can make you miss the dialogue, and the theater won't replay it back. Meanwhile, with pausing capability, you can step away to the kitchen or restroom and resume at the exact moment you've left off. Plus, bonus perk: You get to eat and drink whatever you want. Could be seafood and wine, etc.

I'd consider it briefly for $30-$50, then remember that I can always visit the theater mid-week during the daytime while most folks are at work or school. But it's certainly useful for a group of people out there who have their legitimate reasons for avoiding the cinemas.

[stvn1974]

I would pay $30-$40 to not have to rub elbows with you people at the theater.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Originally Posted by stvn1974

I would pay $30-$40 to not have to rub elbows with you people at the theater.

"What do you mean, you people?"

[Show spoiler]