DVD release same as Theatrical release

[scubasteve]

So I was listening to the radio a couple days ago and the people were talking about how they may start releasing the movies on DVD the same day as the theatrical release. They were talking about how the theater business has drastically decreased in profit and will eventually become obsolete. What do you think about releasing them on DVD the same time as the theater? Personally, I would enjoy that. I have myself a nice home theater system at home and would love to watch the movie right when it comes out.

[Dexter]

I'm not quite sure about this. I have a decent home theater, but I love seeing movies on really big screens.

[AngelDust06]

yea i agree. I have a nice collection of DVD's and a home theater system. But again I enjoy the theater experience. Thats why the theater coprorations are hurting so bad and the box office. Due to the quick releases of the DVD. But hey Im not complaining

[armani_adik]

that's really cool!!!

[Deeber]

i hope i never see the day that people stop going to the movies.

[Triggernometry]

I enjoy going to the theatre way too much to want DVDs to come out at the same time. I think there are certain films that you need to see on the big screen. However it would be nice to see DVDs come out at the same time, because then less annoying people may go to the theatres.

[jgt24]

I love DVD's, but I will always love the theater more. I don't think releasing DVDs the same day is a good idea. Even less people will go to the theaters if they do that.

[dfd3657]

Yeah, I wrote my research paper for my Mass Communications class on this. I LOVE going to the movies (there's nothing quite like it), but I also love being able to watch a movie in the comfort of my own home. I think that if this goes through (it's already started with Steven Soderbergh's film Bubble), I think that the theatrical releases will suffer even more. But I gues they don't care as long as they're making money one way or another.

[jackson13]

It'll be convenient in only one way: If someone likes the movie, once they get out of the theater, they can go straight to the store and buy it.

I know I, for one, would end up doing something like that. I go to the movies, and if I love it, I want it now! This way, that'll happen. I'll never stop going to the theater. I love it too much. But this would really help me out on having to wait months for it to be released in video stores and the likes. I've downloaded 2 or 3 movies now that I saw in theaters because I couldnt wait 4-5 months to see them again. This would save me, and plenty of others, the hassle of having to do that.

[bigred760]

I'm with Dexter - I love my DVDs, and my collection, but I also love the theater experience. I love the bigscreen and the popcorn and the trailers, all that. I don't mind too much the commercials and all that - usually I can get to the theater after all that - have gotten pretty good at it.

Here's something to think about - if theaters do go the way of the Dodo, will home theater system sales increase as well. I know I'd probably want to increase the enjoyment of the first time movie viewing experience if I couldn't do it at the theater.

[Benz]

I love the theatre experience, but honestly, for alot of people it's gotten too expensive.

If I go to the movies by myself it's atleast $8 for a ticket, then $5-$10 for a drink and a snack ... that's just for me. If I end up taking my girlfriend, which I normally do, take that total and multiply it by 2 ... that's an expensive night for just a movie. Then if you I really like the movie I'll probably buy it on DVD when it comes out, so cap atleast $15 more on that total.

Honestly, while I very rarely allow price to be a deterrent for me to go the the theates, I can completely justify the people who simply wait to buy the flick on DVD so that they can watch it from the comfort of their own home.

- Benz

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Benz
I love the theatre experience, but honestly, for alot of people it's gotten too expensive.

If I go to the movies by myself it's atleast $8 for a ticket, then $5-$10 for a drink and a snack ... that's just for me. If I end up taking my girlfriend, which I normally do, take that total and multiply it by 2 ... that's an expensive night for just a movie. Then if you I really like the movie I'll probably buy it on DVD when it comes out, so cap atleast $15 more on that total.

Honestly, while I very rarely allow price to be a deterrent for me to go the the theates, I can completely justify the people who simply wait to buy the flick on DVD so that they can watch it from the comfort of their own home.


While the rising prices may have something to do with it, I also think that people are getting fed up with cell phones ringing, people talking, rudeness, and the billions of commercials before the movie. I think it's a combination of things.

And again - with the improvement in home theater systems - people would more rather stay at home.

[Benz]

Originally posted by bigred760
While the rising prices may have something to do with it, I also think that people are getting fed up with cell phones ringing, people talking, rudeness, and the billions of commercials before the movie. I think it's a combination of things.

And again - with the improvement in home theater systems - people would more rather stay at home.

Unfortunately rudeness is something that will probably never go away. For as long as I can remember going to movies, I can also remember people looking out for their best interest as opposed to the best interest of everyone in the theatre. Be it talking during the movie, cell phones, or even something as simple as sitting in front of someone when there are other seats available ... rudeness is an American society trait, one that is unfortunately not changing anytime soon.

I live in CT and I remember reading in our local news a while ago a story about CT considering making talking on the phone in theatres, grocery stores, and some other places illegal ( we just recently made it illegal to talk while driving ) ... whether that will happen is another story.

Also, one thing people have to remember too, there haven't been that many films that appeal to a wide audience ... and while some of the ones that did appeal to a wide audience cleaned up in the box office numbers, alot of them just weren't that good of movies and the numbers reflected it.

Alot of theatre patrons probably only want to go if there's a movie they desperately want to see. My parents for example, both mid-50s, rarely go to the movies ... however they either rent a DVD every week or watch one from my collection. They enjoy movies, but only go to the theatres if it's something they DESPERATELY want to see ... for example, they really wanted to see Narnia, so they went ... but on the same token, they also want to see Brokeback, but don't want to go to the theatres for it .. they'll probably watch the DVD.

DVD release dates as well play a part in killing the theatre experience. I'm a big movie fan, I go to the movies all the time, but sometimes I'll base my judgment on what to see based on when it will be released on DVD. For example, I wanted to see Brokeback ... and inevitably saw it on Saturday, but I considered waiting simply because it's getting released on DVD in a month or two. I'm sure alot of people say, "Why see it now when I can wait 2 months and watch it from the comfort of my own home?".

Theatres will always have patrons, but with the way technology is advancing and the way society is changing, the numbers will continue to dwindle.

- Benz

[Sigur509]

Terrible fucking idea.

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Benz
Unfortunately rudeness is something that will probably never go away. For as long as I can remember going to movies, I can also remember people looking out for their best interest as opposed to the best interest of everyone in the theatre. Be it talking during the movie, cell phones, or even something as simple as sitting in front of someone when there are other seats available ... rudeness is an American society trait, one that is unfortunately not changing anytime soon.

Very true, very true. But I've been to a packed theater where the experience has been better than times where they've only been a handful of people in the crowd - I guess it's the luck of the draw.


Also, one thing people have to remember too, there haven't been that many films that appeal to a wide audience ... and while some of the ones that did appeal to a wide audience cleaned up in the box office numbers, alot of them just weren't that good of movies and the numbers reflected it.

Alot of theatre patrons probably only want to go if there's a movie they desperately want to see. My parents for example, both mid-50s, rarely go to the movies ... however they either rent a DVD every week or watch one from my collection. They enjoy movies, but only go to the theatres if it's something they DESPERATELY want to see ... for example, they really wanted to see Narnia, so they went ... but on the same token, they also want to see Brokeback, but don't want to go to the theatres for it .. they'll probably watch the DVD.

But not there are not many movies that are taylored for the 50+ crowd. Chronicles of Narnia is targeted at families more than it is the older demographics. It's a safe bet that studios are making movies for the 13-40 crowd - or thereabouts.
I agree with the thought that theater patrons going to movies they desperately want to see, but again - I think that depends on the age of the patron. Most studios and theaters don't care much if senior citizens (am not calling your folks old or anything) go to the movies or not, but they do care for the younger crowd and they want to make movies targeted at them.


DVD release dates as well play a part in killing the theatre experience. I'm a big movie fan, I go to the movies all the time, but sometimes I'll base my judgment on what to see based on when it will be released on DVD. For example, I wanted to see Brokeback ... and inevitably saw it on Saturday, but I considered waiting simply because it's getting released on DVD in a month or two. I'm sure alot of people say, "Why see it now when I can wait 2 months and watch it from the comfort of my own home?".


Yeah and that's the point of this thread. I'm hoping theaters stick around for a long long time. DVDs are great, but they don't compare to the theater experience, at least not yet.

[Benz]

Originally posted by bigred760


Very true, very true. But I've been to a packed theater where the experience has been better than times where they've only been a handful of people in the crowd - I guess it's the luck of the draw.



But not there are not many movies that are taylored for the 50+ crowd. Chronicles of Narnia is targeted at families more than it is the older demographics. It's a safe bet that studios are making movies for the 13-40 crowd - or thereabouts.
I agree with the thought that theater patrons going to movies they desperately want to see, but again - I think that depends on the age of the patron. Most studios and theaters don't care much if senior citizens (am not calling your folks old or anything) go to the movies or not, but they do care for the younger crowd and they want to make movies targeted at them.
[b]

Yeah and that's the point of this thread. I'm hoping theaters stick around for a long long time. DVDs are great, but they don't compare to the theater experience, at least not yet.

I agree with all you points, I just want to comment on the "packed theatre/better experience" comment you made.

It's funny, a few weeks ago I went with a buddy to see Hostel ... the theatre was packed ( it was a Saturday night ) ... and the crowd was really into the movie. They were cheering, booing, laughing. I've told friends and co-workers that it was "the most fun movie-going experience I've had in close to 5 years".

Hostel inevitably became my #4 favorite movie of all time ... I'm not saying that was because of the crowd, I just thought it was an amazing flick ... but the crowd made the experience so much better.

So yes, there are two sides to the coin.

- Benz

[TrippingBalls]

Unlike some of you, there are those of us who can't currently afford the luxury of a $2000 home theatre system and a $5000 53-inch widescreen Plasma TV. So we have to shell out a measly $8 every now and then ($6.50 for me since I'm a student) to get the theatre experience. I don't know about yall, but watching a movie like The Matrix or King Kong on a big ass screen with full booming surround sound is a lot more enjoyable than watching it on your puny outdated non-surround sound 32 inch TV. And believe it or not, we make up a large percentage of the movie-going public. So stop assuming that everybody shares the same luxuries that you do.

[bigred760]

Originally posted by TrippingBalls
Unlike some of you, there are those of us who can't currently afford the luxury of a $2000 home theatre system and a $5000 53-inch widescreen Plasma TV. So we have to shell out a measly $8 every now and then ($6.50 for me since I'm a student) to get the theatre experience. I don't know about yall, but watching a movie like The Matrix or King Kong on a big ass screen with full booming surround sound is a lot more enjoyable than watching it on your puny outdated non-surround sound 32 inch TV. And believe it or not, we make up a large percentage of the movie-going public. So stop assuming that everybody shares the same luxuries that you do.


Very true as well. About the only totally kickass thing about my home stereo system is I've got some pretty good surround sound going with several speakers around the room. TrippingBalls is right - home theater systems are expensive as hell, but the prices have been dropping consistently over the past couple of years. Who knows - maybe in another couple of years - those items will be in the mid to high hundreds where they're more affordable to the less priveleged consumer.
But for the time being, I'd rather Kong and Keanu on a big ass screen with kickass surround and some popcorn and a soda also.

[Bourne101]

If they did that I would never go to the movies again. I think it should just stay the way it is and a minimum of 2 months release before DVD.

[Tayzlor]

How are you guys going to see "Bubble"?



Unforunately distribution will force many people to catch it on DVD, not only because it is a small movie but because I think less theatres will be willing to pick up a movie when one could go to Best Buy and not have to deal with high prices and the possible nasty theatre crowd.

If anyone can find it, could you tell me how many screens "Bubble" is opening on?

[dman476]

Originally posted by Tayzlor
How are you guys going to see "Bubble"?

I don't know yet and I'm a bit conflicted.
I mean I have HDNet at home so maybe that and if I like it I'll buy it.
Unless it has some seriously stunning sights or if it's playing near me, I doubt I'll catch it in theaters. I am intrigued by this whole concept though. Anyone just buying it and not seeing it in theaters or on tv?

EDIT: I checked and the film's only playing at Landmark theaters.
And the film is playing on a little less than 20 screens.

[Lazy Boy]

Bubble got two big thumbs up from E+R, both calling it a masterpiece. Ebert strongly supported the idea of seeing it on DVD if you can't get around to a theater.

[J.Andrew Hosack]

I think this is a terrible idea. Movies at the theater are what I live for! Now, I wouldn't mind the Soderbergh idea where you release the film and a different portion on DVD simultaneously