James Cameron Siding With Theater Owners Against Studios' Premium VOD Plan - Blu-ray Forum

Flatnate · 04-10-2011, 09:26 PM

Here is an interesting tidbit I stumbled upon:

James Cameron Siding With Theater Owners Against Studios' Premium VOD Plan

Source: hollywoodreporter.com

quote:

Cinemark also takes a stand, refusing to carry trailers or put up signage for any movie until it's notified whether the title will be part of the premium VOD offering.

The standoff between Hollywood studios and theater owners over a new premium VOD service intensified Wednesday as prominent filmmakers -- including James Cameron -- prepared to side with exhibitors in a show of support for the theatrical experience.

The country's largest theater circuits also are hitting back hard at Warner Bros., Fox, Universal and Sony, whose VOD deal with DirecTV is reportedly finalized.

On Wednesday, Cinemark Entertainment told the four studios it won't carry trailers, or put up signage, for any movie until the studio notifies it in writing whether the title will be part of the premium VOD offering down the road. Cinemark also could refuse to play a film.

"We are not here to market movies for DirecTV and VOD. We are demanding they tell us upfront what movies those are," Cinemark CEO Alan Stock told The Hollywood Reporter. "Our goal is to promote and advertise movies for their theatrical run."

Cinemark's stern warning came one day after Regal Entertainment told the four studios that it is slashing by half the number of all trailers it plays from them. Nor will it play a spot for any film that's slotted for premium VOD. The policy takes effect April 15.

Representatives from AMC Entertainment met with studios Wednesday to discuss the steps it plans on taking.

Regal, AMC and Cinemark are the country's three largest theater chains, respectively, representing nearly 16,000 of the 38,605 screens in the U.S.

DirecTV is expected to launch the new service -- dubbed Home Premiere -- this month, followed quickly by a similar service on Comcast and VUDU. Consumers will be able to see a movie 60 days after its theatrical release for $29.99.

Theater owners say the move threatens the theatrical window and sends the message that watching a movie at home is just as good as seeing it in a theater.

Last week, director Todd Phillips spoke out against the premium VOD service when attending CinemaCon, the annual convention of theater owners. He was there as part of the Warner Bros. contingent, promoting his The Hangover Part II.

Phillips told theater owners he makes his films for the big screen, not for the small screen. Otherwise, he would be have been a television director.

Cameron also attended CinemaCon to discuss the future of digital cinema and give a demonstration on frame rates. He repeatedly told exhibitors that the theatrical experience can't be repeated in the home, particularly when it comes to digital 3D and new technologies.

Insiders say Cameron, along with other industry leaders, will go public with his opposition to the premium VOD service in the coming days.

For their part, studios say they have to find a way to make up for collapse of the DVD market, once a major source of revenue. Also, they say movies don't play in theaters beyond four or five weeks anyway.

Now, movies debut on DVD 90 to 120 days after they bow in cinema houses.

In a statement, Regal CEO Amy Miles said a healthy theatrical window is important to the entire movie industry.

"Based on the recent announcement regarding Premium Video on Demand, we are amending our policies for support of films from studios participating in the new VOD model," Miles said. "It is simply not in Regal's best interest to utilize our resources to provide a marketing platform for the release of Premium Video on Demand movies."

So I'm also curious is anyone on here using this service yet with Directv or others? The Directv site states that you can do any number of VOD streams to your DVR for $5.99, but they are all for movies where the blu-ray has been released already. Now I won't lie if I could get a high quality 1080p lossless audio VOD over a dish to do a first run movie right after release for say 30 bucks... with my theater system, I'd invite the whole neighborhood over and do it on occasion! *cough.. next Star Trek movie* Still what are we talking about here because a 60 day wait on new releases to VOD... is kinda like the VOD you see already on Lodgenet at hotels now for years. To me a 60 day wait for a $30 dollar VOD when your only a month out from a blu-ray release seems idiotic then. Thoughts?

seigneur_rayden · 04-10-2011, 09:52 PM

This VOD crap will not only hurt the Theaters' owners but the studios too. This is just stupid. I hope this VOD crap will die.

Flatnate · 04-10-2011, 10:18 PM

Well these are the same studios who thought that the 3D bundle pack of Avatar with Panasonic would be a good thing. Its a wonder any of them are still in business with a business sense like that.

I have no problem with using a dish to bring in a movie (and thats not the real issue here either), the internet where I live is pure shyte, so there is a pipeline problem for me. This or something like XstreamHD sat streaming is the only disc alternative I have outside of blu-ray for high quality movies as Netflix is just not an option for my location. Now that Dishnetwork has bought Blockbuster I would not be surprised if they began a VOD/DVR movie rental service and with the woefully inadequate internet infrastructure in this country I could see them being relatively successful. Especially in rural markets.

The real issue is what is the best distribution system that ensures that you and I get some better movies down the road. I mean lets face it the current system is pretty messed up. Hollywood has drifted more and more to big budget releases for cinematic exhibition to stay afloat. I would argue that this has left many drama's and smaller budget movies in the dust or completely in the hand of independent film makers. I honestly don't know where I sit on the whole thing now.

Anthony P · 04-11-2011, 12:43 AM

I thought it was more PPV then actual VOD. But don't know of anyone that offers it yet. I think it is a bad idea for studios, but who knows.

BBE · 04-11-2011, 04:07 PM

I use the VOD on my directv from time to time. You don't have to pay for all of them. There are quite a few movies to choose from that are totally free, it downloads to the hardrive in your player. It stays "good" for a few days until presumably you delete it or it becomes unwatchable to you.

They have a lot of older movies in HD on it for free to download that won't be coming out on blu anytime soon that I like to revisit. Stuff like the mighty ducks, 3 ninjas, surf ninjas, the indian in the cupboard, etc...

They do have a few 1080p premium VOD movies to download that are NOT available on blu ray. Most notably of the two that I have thought about ponying up the cash to download and watch in 1080p are planes, trains, and automobiles, and pretty in pink.

P@t_Mtl · 04-11-2011, 04:15 PM

Is this something similar that Videotron as here in Montreal (you can pick from a list of older movies and order it from your DVR box)?

Or is it mostly for new movies?

If it's done from the Internet connection it's not something I would have much interest in, would start costing way to much after a while.

bseivxx · 04-11-2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Is this something similar that Videotron as here in Montreal (you can pick from a list of older movies and order it from your DVR box)?

Or is it mostly for new movies?

If it's done from the Internet connection it's not something I would have much interest in, would start costing way to much after a while.

No this is a service that would be provided by someones existing cable or satelite company and the services would come through your satelite or cable box.

Quote:

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

Or is it mostly for new movies?

It would be for new movies 60 days after they are released to theatres.

Flatnate · 04-11-2011, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bseivxx

No this is a service that would be provided by someones existing cable or satelite company and the services would come through your satelite or cable box.

It would be for new movies 60 days after they are released to theatres.

See the article quotes 60 days after initial theatrical release as well as the $29.99 price. Okay $5 or $7 bucks to VOD Black Swan right now is one thing and $5 dollars for 3 Ninjas when it isn't on Blu-ray seems reasonable too. But $29.99 after a full 60 days yet in the theater... woof, that seems steep enough late enough in the movies run where I doubt you'll get too many takers on that. I'd pay it for a PPV on a cinematic premiere to be honest; but 60 days later... 30 bucks! Psh.

P@t_Mtl · 04-11-2011, 05:36 PM

What am I missing in this? What is the point of getting a movie for $29 sixty days after theatrical releases? Wait another 30 or 40 days and you can have the Blu-ray if you like it so much?

MrFattBill · 04-11-2011, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

What am I missing in this? What is the point of getting a movie for $29 sixty days after theatrical releases? Wait another 30 or 40 days and you can have the Blu-ray if you like it so much?

You aren't missing anything, it's essentially a money grab for the studios directed at people who have no patience and aren't willing to wait a few more weeks and actually OWN the movie for less (plus all the extras that come with it).

Bill

Dynamo of Eternia · 04-11-2011, 06:01 PM

I do side with the theaters in this as this could be the beginning of a slippery slope of even worse things to come if the time window between theatrical release and this premium VOD service were to shrink.

That being said, I really wonder how much this VOD offering in it's current form will really threaten theaters.

I mean, it's 60 days (that's 2 months) after the movie initially hits theaters. These days most movies are coming out on DVD and Blu-Ray around 3 to 4 months after the theatrical release. Why would someone, who apparently wasn't THAT eager to see the movie that they've waited 2 months, spend $30 for a 'rental' when they can just wait another few weeks and either OWN the movie for around $10 to $15 less, or could rent it in some manner for even less than that? (even though some movies are on a rental delay, VOD services usually have them the same day as release as the DVD/Blu-Ray)

Plus, these days, with the opening weekend being the big deal when a movie opens, by the time most movies are in theaters for 2 months, the audience coming in to see them are a slow trickle at best. Granted, from what I understand (and someone please correct me if I am wrong), it is better for the theaters after the movie has been out for a while because they get a bigger percentage of the ticket sales the longer it is out. (The studios get a bigger piece of the ticket sales during opening weekend, for exmaple). But none the less, the theater still make a lot selling popcorn, etc, to big crowds on those opening weekends. And I would also imgine that the 'sweet spot' for the theaters ticket-sales wise would be a couple/few weeks after the movie comes out (when there's probably still a decent sized crowd, but the theater gets a bigger piece of the ticket sale).

I can certainly see where this VOD service would be cheaper for an entire family as opposed to going to the theater, but none the less, it just seems like a pointless intermediary option between the theater and home video. Either pony-up the cash to see it early on, or instead of pissing away $30, wait another month or so and just buy the damn thing.

So, at this point, I don't see it being a huge threat to theaters, but I do understand the concern.

At any rate, I can't see myself using this service. As it is, my wife and I rarely spend much more than $10 to $12 to see a brand-new movie in the theater anway, so I don't see us waiting 2 months and paying 3 times that to see it at home.

We have a local Regal theater (which up until a few months ago was AMC), that on weekends as $5 tickets before noon for regular, non-3D screenings. And on Monday - Thursday, they have $5 tickets before 5:00pm, and $7 after 5:00pm (again, for non-3D screenings). So really, we have options to go see a movie without spending a ton (and we usually don't bother getting popcorn.. maybe once in a blue moon). We usually go to see movies on Sunday mornings that start at or after 11:00am. $10 for the both of us. Can't beat that! To hell with VOD!

Anthony P · 04-12-2011, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

What am I missing in this? What is the point of getting a movie for $29 sixty days after theatrical releases? Wait another 30 or 40 days and you can have the Blu-ray if you like it so much?

because it is meant to comnpete with theatrical presentation (which is why the article talks about theatre owners), The idea is not to give something away (or cheap) but an other option for people that want to watch it while it is still in theatres but don't want to go there.

octagon · 04-12-2011, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Last week, director Todd Phillips spoke out against the premium VOD service when attending CinemaCon, the annual convention of theater owners. He was there as part of the Warner Bros. contingent, promoting his The Hangover Part II.

Phillips told theater owners he makes his films for the big screen, not for the small screen. Otherwise, he would be have been a television director.

It's nice to see that the director of The Hangover Part II is so committed to his medium. Artistic integrity like that is in such short supply these days.

(Seriously, did that crack anybody else up?)

Jacob6875 · 04-12-2011, 01:28 AM

is this $30 for one movie?

I don't understand why anyone would do this. I mean if the movie wasn't important enough to you to see in the first couple of weeks I don't see the big deal of waiting a month or two more and buying it for 1/2 the price or renting it for even less.

krazeyeyez · 04-12-2011, 01:43 AM

Last time i went to the theater it cost me a lot more then 29.99 after all was said and done for just my girl and I. I could see biting on this from time to time, friday night, no plans, invite a few people over and screw it, watch a movie not yet out.

Think 60 days is pushing it but i am sure that was for the theaters benefit. I could see this being in the studio's favor however as i think this would suit a decent enough segment of the population that have lost interest in going to the theater, or just want the option on the spur of the moment boring nights.

nolfoc · 04-12-2011, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seigneur_rayden

this vod crap will not only hurt the theaters' owners but the studios too. This is just stupid. I hope this vod crap will die.

+1

ZoetMB · 04-12-2011, 02:17 AM

Don't think the studios are going to hold this to 60 days. The theatrical window used to be a year before it hit home video.

The studios have been pushing for day and date (which essentially means some sort of home video release the same day as it premieres in the theatre) for some time. They feel it reduces marketing cost. They don't seem to care that it will help kill theatres in the long run, because as with most large companies, they only care about the next quarter and the stock price. And surprisingly, one of the biggest proponents of day and date is Mark Cuban, who owns Landmark Theatres, although he also owns Magnolia Films.

I'm glad to see the theatres starting to do something about this. They've let themselves get screwed too many times in the past. In the opening weeks of a film, most theatres only get 5% of the ticket gross. That might have been okay in the days when films played for months, but today, when all but the biggest hits play for only two weeks, it simply doesn't work. Most of the large theatre companies have found themselves in bankruptcy at least once over the last 20 years and most have gone through mergers (AMC-Loews and Regal-UA, just to name a few). If more than a few theatres per city are going to survive, they have to take a stand. This is all about greed by the studios.

Anthony P · 04-12-2011, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

Don't think the studios are going to hold this to 60 days. The theatrical window used to be a year before it hit home video.

The studios have been pushing for day and date (which essentially means some sort of home video release the same day as it premieres in the theatre) for some time. They feel it reduces marketing cost. They don't seem to care that it will help kill theatres in the long run, because as with most large companies, they only care about the next quarter and the stock price. And surprisingly, one of the biggest proponents of day and date is Mark Cuban, who owns Landmark Theatres, although he also owns Magnolia Films.

I'm glad to see the theatres starting to do something about this. They've let themselves get screwed too many times in the past. In the opening weeks of a film, most theatres only get 5% of the ticket gross. That might have been okay in the days when films played for months, but today, when all but the biggest hits play for only two weeks, it simply doesn't work. Most of the large theatre companies have found themselves in bankruptcy at least once over the last 20 years and most have gone through mergers (AMC-Loews and Regal-UA, just to name a few). If more than a few theatres per city are going to survive, they have to take a stand. This is all about greed by the studios.

I don't think it will be D&D but I agree, I think it will keep shrinking. What you are missing is theatrical releases are on a sliding scale, the first week the studio gets most(if not all) the $ from ticket sales while at the end it gets mostly nothing. Obviously the studios will push it as much as they can until the point where it hurts them too much. Plus there is the 90 day window http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2...ft-problem.ars

What I mean is if a group of 5 friends on day one go to the theatre the studio will make more then if they are at home and pay 30$ for it, so I don't see them doing that.

Aerodude73 · 04-12-2011, 04:36 AM

To me, a select "Few" might be willing to pay $30 after the 60-day period. But, IF most are waiting for the DVD/Blu-Ray anyway (if they don't like attending theaters), they/we Will wait another 4-8 weeks & either Rent it or buy it. I have DirecTV & occasionally order a movie (via On-Demand, for $5.99), but like someone posted above, there are Plenty of movies avail. for Free as well. $30??!! Yea, everyone's rich, or so the Studios seem to believe.

I don't see this being successful in the Long OR Short-term. I'm with Cameron, the theatre chains, & anyone else who thinks this is a bad idea.

ZoetMB · 04-13-2011, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony P

I don't think it will be D&D but I agree, I think it will keep shrinking. What you are missing is theatrical releases are on a sliding scale, the first week the studio gets most(if not all) the $ from ticket sales while at the end it gets mostly nothing. Obviously the studios will push it as much as they can until the point where it hurts them too much. Plus there is the 90 day window http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2...ft-problem.ars

What I mean is if a group of 5 friends on day one go to the theatre the studio will make more then if they are at home and pay 30$ for it, so I don't see them doing that.

I know theatres are on a sliding scale (that's what "in the opening weeks of a film" meant), but the first two weeks they generally get only 5% (although some are guaranteed their "nut", especially in New York and Los Angeles) and not that many films play more than two weeks anymore. And they NEVER get nothing or anything close to it. And for big films, like a Star Wars, the studios are demanding guarantees. For a while, they were block booking - if you took one film, you had to take another cruddy film that you didn't want, but the courts put a stop to that.

In the studios' fantasy, there's no cannibalization. They think the person who will stay home and pay $30 is the person who wouldn't go to the movie theatre anyway. And they're hoping that person likes the movie enough that they'll still buy it on DVD or BD or pay to download it again at a later time.

I'm hoping that consumers whole heartedly reject this concept.

Disclaimer: I'm very biased. I really want movie theatres to survive. In fact, there was an article in the New York Times today about the movie-going experience and how home video has changed it.

04-10-2011, 09:26 PM	#1
Flatnate Power Member Top contributor Member since:Sep 2010 Location:Minnesota Home Theater Gallery:26 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:208	James Cameron Siding With Theater Owners Against Studios' Premium VOD Plan Here is an interesting tidbit I stumbled upon: James Cameron Siding With Theater Owners Against Studios' Premium VOD Plan Source: hollywoodreporter.com quote: Cinemark also takes a stand, refusing to carry trailers or put up signage for any movie until it's notified whether the title will be part of the premium VOD offering. The standoff between Hollywood studios and theater owners over a new premium VOD service intensified Wednesday as prominent filmmakers -- including James Cameron -- prepared to side with exhibitors in a show of support for the theatrical experience. The country's largest theater circuits also are hitting back hard at Warner Bros., Fox, Universal and Sony, whose VOD deal with DirecTV is reportedly finalized. On Wednesday, Cinemark Entertainment told the four studios it won't carry trailers, or put up signage, for any movie until the studio notifies it in writing whether the title will be part of the premium VOD offering down the road. Cinemark also could refuse to play a film. "We are not here to market movies for DirecTV and VOD. We are demanding they tell us upfront what movies those are," Cinemark CEO Alan Stock told The Hollywood Reporter. "Our goal is to promote and advertise movies for their theatrical run." Cinemark's stern warning came one day after Regal Entertainment told the four studios that it is slashing by half the number of all trailers it plays from them. Nor will it play a spot for any film that's slotted for premium VOD. The policy takes effect April 15. Representatives from AMC Entertainment met with studios Wednesday to discuss the steps it plans on taking. Regal, AMC and Cinemark are the country's three largest theater chains, respectively, representing nearly 16,000 of the 38,605 screens in the U.S. DirecTV is expected to launch the new service -- dubbed Home Premiere -- this month, followed quickly by a similar service on Comcast and VUDU. Consumers will be able to see a movie 60 days after its theatrical release for $29.99. Theater owners say the move threatens the theatrical window and sends the message that watching a movie at home is just as good as seeing it in a theater. Last week, director Todd Phillips spoke out against the premium VOD service when attending CinemaCon, the annual convention of theater owners. He was there as part of the Warner Bros. contingent, promoting his The Hangover Part II. Phillips told theater owners he makes his films for the big screen, not for the small screen. Otherwise, he would be have been a television director. Cameron also attended CinemaCon to discuss the future of digital cinema and give a demonstration on frame rates. He repeatedly told exhibitors that the theatrical experience can't be repeated in the home, particularly when it comes to digital 3D and new technologies. Insiders say Cameron, along with other industry leaders, will go public with his opposition to the premium VOD service in the coming days. For their part, studios say they have to find a way to make up for collapse of the DVD market, once a major source of revenue. Also, they say movies don't play in theaters beyond four or five weeks anyway. Now, movies debut on DVD 90 to 120 days after they bow in cinema houses. In a statement, Regal CEO Amy Miles said a healthy theatrical window is important to the entire movie industry. "Based on the recent announcement regarding Premium Video on Demand, we are amending our policies for support of films from studios participating in the new VOD model," Miles said. "It is simply not in Regal's best interest to utilize our resources to provide a marketing platform for the release of Premium Video on Demand movies." So I'm also curious is anyone on here using this service yet with Directv or others? The Directv site states that you can do any number of VOD streams to your DVR for $5.99, but they are all for movies where the blu-ray has been released already. Now I won't lie if I could get a high quality 1080p lossless audio VOD over a dish to do a first run movie right after release for say 30 bucks... with my theater system, I'd invite the whole neighborhood over and do it on occasion! cough.. next Star Trek movie Still what are we talking about here because a 60 day wait on new releases to VOD... is kinda like the VOD you see already on Lodgenet at hotels now for years. To me a 60 day wait for a $30 dollar VOD when your only a month out from a blu-ray release seems idiotic then. Thoughts?

04-10-2011, 09:52 PM	#2
seigneur_rayden Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Blu-ray collection:1097 Blu-ray reviews: 12	This VOD crap will not only hurt the Theaters' owners but the studios too. This is just stupid. I hope this VOD crap will die.

04-10-2011, 10:18 PM	#3
Flatnate Power Member Top contributor Member since:Sep 2010 Location:Minnesota Home Theater Gallery:26 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:208	Well these are the same studios who thought that the 3D bundle pack of Avatar with Panasonic would be a good thing. Its a wonder any of them are still in business with a business sense like that. I have no problem with using a dish to bring in a movie (and thats not the real issue here either), the internet where I live is pure shyte, so there is a pipeline problem for me. This or something like XstreamHD sat streaming is the only disc alternative I have outside of blu-ray for high quality movies as Netflix is just not an option for my location. Now that Dishnetwork has bought Blockbuster I would not be surprised if they began a VOD/DVR movie rental service and with the woefully inadequate internet infrastructure in this country I could see them being relatively successful. Especially in rural markets. The real issue is what is the best distribution system that ensures that you and I get some better movies down the road. I mean lets face it the current system is pretty messed up. Hollywood has drifted more and more to big budget releases for cinematic exhibition to stay afloat. I would argue that this has left many drama's and smaller budget movies in the dust or completely in the hand of independent film makers. I honestly don't know where I sit on the whole thing now.

04-11-2011, 12:43 AM	#4
Anthony P Blu-ray Count Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Montreal, Canada	I thought it was more PPV then actual VOD. But don't know of anyone that offers it yet. I think it is a bad idea for studios, but who knows.

04-11-2011, 04:07 PM	#5
BBE Senior Member Member since:Jan 2009 Trading Score:68	I use the VOD on my directv from time to time. You don't have to pay for all of them. There are quite a few movies to choose from that are totally free, it downloads to the hardrive in your player. It stays "good" for a few days until presumably you delete it or it becomes unwatchable to you. They have a lot of older movies in HD on it for free to download that won't be coming out on blu anytime soon that I like to revisit. Stuff like the mighty ducks, 3 ninjas, surf ninjas, the indian in the cupboard, etc... They do have a few 1080p premium VOD movies to download that are NOT available on blu ray. Most notably of the two that I have thought about ponying up the cash to download and watch in 1080p are planes, trains, and automobiles, and pretty in pink.

04-11-2011, 04:15 PM	#6
P@t_Mtl Blu-ray Duke Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Montreal Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:452 DVD collection:513 Trading Score:3	Is this something similar that Videotron as here in Montreal (you can pick from a list of older movies and order it from your DVR box)? Or is it mostly for new movies? If it's done from the Internet connection it's not something I would have much interest in, would start costing way to much after a while.

04-11-2011, 05:36 PM	#9
P@t_Mtl Blu-ray Duke Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Montreal Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:452 DVD collection:513 Trading Score:3	What am I missing in this? What is the point of getting a movie for $29 sixty days after theatrical releases? Wait another 30 or 40 days and you can have the Blu-ray if you like it so much?

04-11-2011, 06:01 PM	#11
Dynamo of Eternia Blu-ray Knight Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 4K collection:335 Blu-ray collection:1857 DVD collection:1573 Trading Score:3	I do side with the theaters in this as this could be the beginning of a slippery slope of even worse things to come if the time window between theatrical release and this premium VOD service were to shrink. That being said, I really wonder how much this VOD offering in it's current form will really threaten theaters. I mean, it's 60 days (that's 2 months) after the movie initially hits theaters. These days most movies are coming out on DVD and Blu-Ray around 3 to 4 months after the theatrical release. Why would someone, who apparently wasn't THAT eager to see the movie that they've waited 2 months, spend $30 for a 'rental' when they can just wait another few weeks and either OWN the movie for around $10 to $15 less, or could rent it in some manner for even less than that? (even though some movies are on a rental delay, VOD services usually have them the same day as release as the DVD/Blu-Ray) Plus, these days, with the opening weekend being the big deal when a movie opens, by the time most movies are in theaters for 2 months, the audience coming in to see them are a slow trickle at best. Granted, from what I understand (and someone please correct me if I am wrong), it is better for the theaters after the movie has been out for a while because they get a bigger percentage of the ticket sales the longer it is out. (The studios get a bigger piece of the ticket sales during opening weekend, for exmaple). But none the less, the theater still make a lot selling popcorn, etc, to big crowds on those opening weekends. And I would also imgine that the 'sweet spot' for the theaters ticket-sales wise would be a couple/few weeks after the movie comes out (when there's probably still a decent sized crowd, but the theater gets a bigger piece of the ticket sale). I can certainly see where this VOD service would be cheaper for an entire family as opposed to going to the theater, but none the less, it just seems like a pointless intermediary option between the theater and home video. Either pony-up the cash to see it early on, or instead of pissing away $30, wait another month or so and just buy the damn thing. So, at this point, I don't see it being a huge threat to theaters, but I do understand the concern. At any rate, I can't see myself using this service. As it is, my wife and I rarely spend much more than $10 to $12 to see a brand-new movie in the theater anway, so I don't see us waiting 2 months and paying 3 times that to see it at home. We have a local Regal theater (which up until a few months ago was AMC), that on weekends as $5 tickets before noon for regular, non-3D screenings. And on Monday - Thursday, they have $5 tickets before 5:00pm, and $7 after 5:00pm (again, for non-3D screenings). So really, we have options to go see a movie without spending a ton (and we usually don't bother getting popcorn.. maybe once in a blue moon). We usually go to see movies on Sunday mornings that start at or after 11:00am. $10 for the both of us. Can't beat that! To hell with VOD!

04-12-2011, 01:28 AM	#14
Jacob6875 Member Member since:Mar 2011 4K collection:31 Blu-ray collection:415 DVD collection:2	is this $30 for one movie? I don't understand why anyone would do this. I mean if the movie wasn't important enough to you to see in the first couple of weeks I don't see the big deal of waiting a month or two more and buying it for 1/2 the price or renting it for even less.

04-12-2011, 01:43 AM	#15
krazeyeyez Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Dec 2007 Location:the guy on the couch Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray collection:287 Blu-ray reviews:4	Last time i went to the theater it cost me a lot more then 29.99 after all was said and done for just my girl and I. I could see biting on this from time to time, friday night, no plans, invite a few people over and screw it, watch a movie not yet out. Think 60 days is pushing it but i am sure that was for the theaters benefit. I could see this being in the studio's favor however as i think this would suit a decent enough segment of the population that have lost interest in going to the theater, or just want the option on the spur of the moment boring nights.

04-12-2011, 02:17 AM	#17
ZoetMB Blu-ray Ninja Member since:May 2009 Location:New York Blu-ray collection:172 DVD collection:27 Blu-ray reviews: 3	Don't think the studios are going to hold this to 60 days. The theatrical window used to be a year before it hit home video. The studios have been pushing for day and date (which essentially means some sort of home video release the same day as it premieres in the theatre) for some time. They feel it reduces marketing cost. They don't seem to care that it will help kill theatres in the long run, because as with most large companies, they only care about the next quarter and the stock price. And surprisingly, one of the biggest proponents of day and date is Mark Cuban, who owns Landmark Theatres, although he also owns Magnolia Films. I'm glad to see the theatres starting to do something about this. They've let themselves get screwed too many times in the past. In the opening weeks of a film, most theatres only get 5% of the ticket gross. That might have been okay in the days when films played for months, but today, when all but the biggest hits play for only two weeks, it simply doesn't work. Most of the large theatre companies have found themselves in bankruptcy at least once over the last 20 years and most have gone through mergers (AMC-Loews and Regal-UA, just to name a few). If more than a few theatres per city are going to survive, they have to take a stand. This is all about greed by the studios.

04-12-2011, 04:36 AM	#19
Aerodude73 Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Middletown, RI (MEMBER OF THE "ECPP")™ Home Theater Gallery:134 4K collection:428 Blu-ray collection:2499 DVD collection:7 Digital collection:3 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:31	To me, a select "Few" might be willing to pay $30 after the 60-day period. But, IF most are waiting for the DVD/Blu-Ray anyway (if they don't like attending theaters), they/we Will wait another 4-8 weeks & either Rent it or buy it. I have DirecTV & occasionally order a movie (via On-Demand, for $5.99), but like someone posted above, there are Plenty of movies avail. for Free as well. $30??!! Yea, everyone's rich, or so the Studios seem to believe. I don't see this being successful in the Long OR Short-term. I'm with Cameron, the theatre chains, & anyone else who thinks this is a bad idea.

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