Comments on: Is The Future of Movies… Free?! http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/ Blogging the Reel World Thu, 4 Dec 2008 22:11:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: A Die Python Missus http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-230249 A Die Python Missus Sat, 08 Mar 2008 13:16:35 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-230249 At the large theaters here (Silver City by Cineplex Odeon in Canada), they offer a Tuesday Special where they offer, for the price of admission, a free regular popcorn and a free regular drink, with the choice to upgrade both to "Superhuman Size" for a mere 50 cents per item. More people go to the theater on this day, and most of that is just because the appeal of "free" is just that. It's evidence in practice. At the large theaters here (Silver City by Cineplex Odeon in Canada), they offer a Tuesday Special where they offer, for the price of admission, a free regular popcorn and a free regular drink, with the choice to upgrade both to “Superhuman Size” for a mere 50 cents per item.

More people go to the theater on this day, and most of that is just because the appeal of “free” is just that. It’s evidence in practice.

]]> By: Mark Sylvester http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-228452 Mark Sylvester Fri, 07 Mar 2008 06:27:33 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-228452 I have to agree that the overall theater experience for me is mixed. My biggest annoyance is the cost of the movie tickets. I've never had a really bad experience at the movies, but then again, I don't go that often. I think that I'd first try dropping the prices of concessions to reasonable levels. I never get food at a movie since its so obviously a ripoff. If the profit margin is so high, I think you could get a lot more people buying concessions if you lowered the prices, and get away with it. If people talking/being rude around you is such a big deal, why not try headphone rentals, where you can rent a really good pair of headphones to listen to the movie with? That should eliminate any outside noise, and might actually give you a better viewing experience. I know the sound systems in theaters are supposed to be "good", but how good are they, or are they just "loud?" On a different note, how about showing older movies on the big screen again now and then for a cheaper showing? Maybe watch some old Bond for a few bucks, and eat some pocporn (if its not overpriced)? Bigscreen TV or not, there is still something to be had for the theater ecperience. I have to agree that the overall theater experience for me is mixed.
My biggest annoyance is the cost of the movie tickets.
I’ve never had a really bad experience at the movies, but then again, I don’t go that often.

I think that I’d first try dropping the prices of concessions to reasonable levels. I never get food at a movie since its so obviously a ripoff. If the profit margin is so high, I think you could get a lot more people buying concessions if you lowered the prices, and get away with it.

If people talking/being rude around you is such a big deal, why not try headphone rentals, where you can rent a really good pair of headphones to listen to the movie with? That should eliminate any outside noise, and might actually give you a better viewing experience. I know the sound systems in theaters are supposed to be “good”, but how good are they, or are they just “loud?”

On a different note, how about showing older movies on the big screen again now and then for a cheaper showing? Maybe watch some old Bond for a few bucks, and eat some pocporn (if its not overpriced)? Bigscreen TV or not, there is still something to be had for the theater ecperience.

]]> By: cora http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-228288 cora Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:23:25 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-228288 wow... wow…

]]> By: Jon http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-228205 Jon Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:53:59 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-228205 This is a great idea because it is becoming harder for cineplexes to grab huge audiences consistently post-opening weekend of a specific movie. This is a great idea because it is becoming harder for cineplexes to grab huge audiences consistently post-opening weekend of a specific movie.

]]> By: jerry seinfeld http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227801 jerry seinfeld Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:41:09 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227801 yes, the answer is to charge MORE for tickets. the archlight here in hollywood charges something like $14.50 per ticket - whhich you can purchase ahead of time, along with which seats you want. they have ushers that help you to your seat. an usher comes in and announces the movie beforehand and explains the rules of etiquette. and you know what? that's the only theatre i'll go to here in LA - when i must see something in the theatre. that, and they have a bar. yes, the answer is to charge MORE for tickets.

the archlight here in hollywood charges something like $14.50 per ticket - whhich you can purchase ahead of time, along with which seats you want.

they have ushers that help you to your seat. an usher comes in and announces the movie beforehand and explains the rules of etiquette.

and you know what? that’s the only theatre i’ll go to here in LA - when i must see something in the theatre.

that, and they have a bar.

]]> By: Quenfis http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227795 Quenfis Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:33:38 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227795 "estrus Says: So even MORE ruder, louder, crazier people surrounding you! Where do I sign up!?!" This was exactly what I was thinking after reading the blog. The invitation to anyone period to see these movies would keep me so far from going, I wouldn't even want to be close to the mall that has this theater. I'll just wait til' it hits HD-DVD in the privacy of my own home then. No way in heck am I sitting in a crowd of freebie's cackling and yelling at the screen. “estrus Says:
So even MORE ruder, louder, crazier people surrounding you!
Where do I sign up!?!”

This was exactly what I was thinking after reading the blog. The invitation to anyone period to see these movies would keep me so far from going, I wouldn’t even want to be close to the mall that has this theater.

I’ll just wait til’ it hits HD-DVD in the privacy of my own home then. No way in heck am I sitting in a crowd of freebie’s cackling and yelling at the screen.

]]> By: Allynd Dudnikov http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227658 Allynd Dudnikov Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:28:12 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227658 I was close enough.. I was close enough..

]]> By: Goro http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227637 Goro Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:01:48 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227637 NIN Ghosts purchase options FREE Download: 9 tracks in 320Kbps mp3 $5 Download : 36 tracks in either 320 Kbps mp3 or lossless $10 CD : $5 download + 2 audio cds $75 Delux : $10 CD pack + Data DVD with sessions + BluRay Disc with 24bit 96KHz Hires audio. Plus case $300 Delux : $75 Delux + 4 Vinyl Albums + Book + Book of Giclees + case NIN Ghosts purchase options

FREE Download: 9 tracks in 320Kbps mp3
$5 Download : 36 tracks in either 320 Kbps mp3 or lossless
$10 CD : $5 download + 2 audio cds
$75 Delux : $10 CD pack + Data DVD with sessions + BluRay Disc with 24bit 96KHz Hires audio. Plus case
$300 Delux : $75 Delux + 4 Vinyl Albums + Book + Book of Giclees + case

]]> By: Allynd Dudnikov http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227440 Allynd Dudnikov Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:11:33 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227440 Giantman if you don't believe the concept has merit may I point you to the latest findings at Trent Reznor University. I know music is way different from a movie but the model does prove something: Trent Reznor offered a brand-new CD for free download except it wasn't lossless audio. He offered a Loss-less CD for download in any format for $5, a 2 Disc CD that contained both regular audio tracks on one and an MP3 CD on another and a $300 boxset autographed containing a DVD a CD and 2 Vinyl records, do you know how much money he made? $750,000 on the first night (which was yesterday) Its proof that it could work. Giantman if you don’t believe the concept has merit may I point you to the latest findings at Trent Reznor University. I know music is way different from a movie but the model does prove something:
Trent Reznor offered a brand-new CD for free download except it wasn’t lossless audio. He offered a Loss-less CD for download in any format for $5, a 2 Disc CD that contained both regular audio tracks on one and an MP3 CD on another and a $300 boxset autographed containing a DVD a CD and 2 Vinyl records, do you know how much money he made? $750,000 on the first night (which was yesterday)

Its proof that it could work.

]]> By: Helena http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227432 Helena Thu, 06 Mar 2008 13:06:51 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227432 Not only would I be likely to get back to the theatres more often if it were free (or way cheaper). But I have to say I was discouraged from going to see Diary of the Dead last night (10 pm show on a Wednesday night) simply because I knew the theatre would be empty except for a couple weirdos. Not only is that not fun (we go to the theatre in part to see it with an AUDIENCE) but it's sort of unsettling. Now, offer that same movie for "free" (or nearly free) and you probably get a real audience and I would have gone too. Instead, I'll probably just wait for the DVD or download. Not only would I be likely to get back to the theatres more often if it were free (or way cheaper). But I have to say I was discouraged from going to see Diary of the Dead last night (10 pm show on a Wednesday night) simply because I knew the theatre would be empty except for a couple weirdos. Not only is that not fun (we go to the theatre in part to see it with an AUDIENCE) but it’s sort of unsettling. Now, offer that same movie for “free” (or nearly free) and you probably get a real audience and I would have gone too.

Instead, I’ll probably just wait for the DVD or download.

]]> By: gaintman http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227416 gaintman Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:53:54 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227416 I do think the concept has merit, but I believe any idea like this is going to run into huge resistance from the establishment, the theater owners have proven resistance to new technologies - just look at how long it is taking to get digital projection installed. I live in a fairly large market and we have just 2 theaters with digital systems. Having said that however, perhaps starting slowly is the answer. Maybe start by offering free tickets on typically slow days, or only during matinee times? Testing is big with these guys, so maybe that is the answer. It would be good to get some hard data established concerning the free ticket/buying concessions idea - my gut tells me people that come for a free ticket would be less likely to buy concessions, but I could be wrong. I do think the concept has merit, but I believe any idea like this is going to run into huge resistance from the establishment, the theater owners have proven resistance to new technologies - just look at how long it is taking to get digital projection installed. I live in a fairly large market and we have just 2 theaters with digital systems.

Having said that however, perhaps starting slowly is the answer. Maybe start by offering free tickets on typically slow days, or only during matinee times? Testing is big with these guys, so maybe that is the answer.

It would be good to get some hard data established concerning the free ticket/buying concessions idea - my gut tells me people that come for a free ticket would be less likely to buy concessions, but I could be wrong.

]]> By: sorry http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227377 sorry Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:29:44 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227377 10 + -45= 55? not really no, -35 10 + -45= 55? not really no, -35

]]> By: Happy_Evil_Dude http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227161 Happy_Evil_Dude Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:17:48 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227161 I think it's a horrible idea. Giving something for free takes away its value; There are plenty of other brilliant solutions, many of which have already been applied in Europe. I think it’s a horrible idea. Giving something for free takes away its value; There are plenty of other brilliant solutions, many of which have already been applied in Europe.

]]> By: cawlin http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227014 cawlin Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:19:03 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-227014 I think that indie/art house theaters that are struggling should latch onto this idea and push it. The usual customers will still come and I am sure be happy to support the films and I think you would get a lot more people who never visit these theaters come by out of curiosity and I notice in the smaller more layed back personal theaters people are always buy from the concession because it's more of an experience. Whoever does it first is going to get a shit load of press. I think that indie/art house theaters that are struggling should latch onto this idea and push it. The usual customers will still come and I am sure be happy to support the films and I think you would get a lot more people who never visit these theaters come by out of curiosity and I notice in the smaller more layed back personal theaters people are always buy from the concession because it’s more of an experience.

Whoever does it first is going to get a shit load of press.

]]> By: Liz http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226933 Liz Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:00:32 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226933 It's 12.328828. Might want to pick a more root-friendly number for your purposes, Maxx. The biggest practical problem is, as others have mentioned, the behavior of people who aren't paying to be there. There could be a "premium" section that is closed off, of course, or stricter security...but both would require a lot of money. There are already "premium" theaters in some cities that charge a lot more for tickets, and offer a much nicer viewing experience. They stay in business, so people ARE willing to pay for comfort. However, I'm not sure I understand the need for a theater revolution. Is attendance that far down due to rising prices/digital downloads? Given the rising cost of living, ticket prices seem pretty reasonable to me. Sure, they're not what they were when were kids, but what is? It’s 12.328828. Might want to pick a more root-friendly number for your purposes, Maxx.

The biggest practical problem is, as others have mentioned, the behavior of people who aren’t paying to be there. There could be a “premium” section that is closed off, of course, or stricter security…but both would require a lot of money.

There are already “premium” theaters in some cities that charge a lot more for tickets, and offer a much nicer viewing experience. They stay in business, so people ARE willing to pay for comfort.

However, I’m not sure I understand the need for a theater revolution. Is attendance that far down due to rising prices/digital downloads? Given the rising cost of living, ticket prices seem pretty reasonable to me. Sure, they’re not what they were when were kids, but what is?

]]> By: Is The Future of Movies… Free?! : Behind The Scenes TV http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226851 Is The Future of Movies… Free?! : Behind The Scenes TV Thu, 06 Mar 2008 04:20:46 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226851 [...] You might not know who Chris Anderson is. Some people know him as the editor-in-chief of Wired Magazine. Others know him as some sort of tech futurist, having coined the term The Long Tail in an acclaimed Wired article, which he expanded upon in the 2006 book The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More. His newest book, due out in early 2009, is called Free. It examines the rise of pricing models which give products and services to customers for free. [...] [...] You might not know who Chris Anderson is. Some people know him as the editor-in-chief of Wired Magazine. Others know him as some sort of tech futurist, having coined the term The Long Tail in an acclaimed Wired article, which he expanded upon in the 2006 book The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More. His newest book, due out in early 2009, is called Free. It examines the rise of pricing models which give products and services to customers for free. [...]

]]> By: Maxx http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226785 Maxx Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:16:42 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226785 Free will atract more dumb idiots. It should cost twice as much and you should answer what's the square root of 152 in order to get in. Btw i don't know the answer. Free will atract more dumb idiots.
It should cost twice as much and you should answer what’s the square root of 152 in order to get in.
Btw i don’t know the answer.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226760 Andrew Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:56:47 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226760 I've read the article, and it's still a cross-subsidy and a loss leader, no matter how Anderson tries to package it. (quote from the article: "It's as if the price of steel had dropped so close to zero that King Gillette could give away both razor and blade, and make his money on something else entirely." Note those last seven words.) It's a nice idea, but then so is utopia. I’ve read the article, and it’s still a cross-subsidy and a loss leader, no matter how Anderson tries to package it. (quote from the article: “It’s as if the price of steel had dropped so close to zero that King Gillette could give away both razor and blade, and make his money on something else entirely.” Note those last seven words.)

It’s a nice idea, but then so is utopia.

]]> By: Rick http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226728 Rick Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:15:46 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226728 Most movies suck that is why attendance is low. So free or not free no more people will come to the theater. The American public, unlike International Audiences, is tired of being feed one line of shit after another when it comes to movie quality. Hollywood Business Execs make movies for the lowest common denominator-an average IQ of 93. Most movies suck that is why attendance is low. So free or not free no more people will come to the theater. The American public, unlike International Audiences, is tired of being feed one line of shit after another when it comes to movie quality. Hollywood Business Execs make movies for the lowest common denominator-an average IQ of 93.

]]> By: Screen Rant http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226716 Screen Rant Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:01:55 +0000 http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/05/the-future-of-movies-is-free/#comment-226716 estrus, no kidding. This would only work if those $20 seats had some sort of "cone of silence" that woud isolate them from yaking, cellphone using idiots. Vic estrus, no kidding. This would only work if those $20 seats had some sort of “cone of silence” that woud isolate them from yaking, cellphone using idiots.

Vic

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