Movie theater owners want to know how to boost business... [Archive]

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Fire Me Boy!

03-15-2006, 10:24 AM

I’ve heard they’re talking about blocking cellular signals to keep people from talking/receiving phone calls... cutting back on “pre-show entertainment”... offering electronic tickets through cell phones... incentives to repeat customers...

How about NOT raping people at the concession stands... or... GASP!!!... get Hollywood to make better movies!

Hootie

03-15-2006, 10:25 AM

Don't they do that at Casino's?

The one I went to in Canada has NO SIGNAL whatsoever.

Katipan

03-15-2006, 10:29 AM

movie theatres only make money through the concessions.

sell more pre movie ads for revenue. lower the cost of concessions. sell beer.

NewChief

03-15-2006, 10:30 AM

Yeah, I heard some report about this. The owners were complaining about how they all may have to start shutting down because attendance is so down for movies. Like you said, how about charging a decent price for concessions?

Saulbadguy

03-15-2006, 10:32 AM

I would go to more movies if...

1. The ticket prices were cheaper
1a. Incentives for repeat customers
2. Concessions were cheaper
3. Have certain shows/times be for ages 18+. There is nothing worse than going to a movie when you are stuck around a bunch of tweens that won't shut the hell up, or the white trash family that has to take their litter of children to the movie.
4. Cut back on the pre-show "entertainment". Previews are OK, but if i'm at "Terminator 3", I probably don't have an interest in seeing "The Notebook". I also can't ****ing stand the commercials they have now. The last 5 or 6 times i've been to the movies it's been for that "Bod" body spray. Awful.

The cell phone thing doesn't bother me too much. I rarely ever hear a cell phone or pager go off in the movie theater. I more often hear a screaming baby, or a small child that won't stop talking.

SLAG

03-15-2006, 10:33 AM

Don't they do that at Casino's?

The one I went to in Canada has NO SIGNAL whatsoever.

I went to one of the Casinos around here -either Harrahs or Ameristar- Anyway I went with my Wifes Uncle Who works for sprint and i Asked him why I didnt get a signal in the casino and he said they dont put "Repeaters" In the Building to push the signal farther because they dont want you to get a call and have to leave.

anyway maybe that makes sence

sedated

03-15-2006, 10:34 AM

The only people seeing movies are teenagers now.

That's why there's so much crap out there, they have to appeal to a dumb, immature audience.

Movies are such a pain to go see.

You gotta leave an hour early, pay $10 to get in and $5 for a thimble of soda, sit through an hour of commercials, then another hour of previews, and you get stuck sitting in front of a crying baby and behind Abe Lincoln (with the hat).

Then you get out and realize you sat in gum.

Garcia Bronco

03-15-2006, 10:34 AM

Open more Cinema Draft Houses...serve meals and drink dumbasses.

Hootie

03-15-2006, 10:35 AM

I went to one of the Casinos around here -either Harrahs or Ameristar- Anyway I went with my Wifes Uncle Who works for sprint and i Asked him why I didnt get a signal in the casino and he said they dont put "Repeaters" In the Building to push the signal farther because they dont want you to get a call and have to leave.

anyway maybe that makes sence
Yeah, I think that sounds right. I also like how they have no windows inside casinos. You can be there all day and not realize it's night.

Casinos rule.

sd4chiefs

03-15-2006, 10:35 AM

They are kind of screwed if the studios keep making movies that suck. The last few months have been horrible.

Hootie

03-15-2006, 10:35 AM

and for the movie theater question, all they've got to do is come up with a few Passion of the Christ sequels and all of you old homo's will be there.

Saulbadguy

03-15-2006, 10:36 AM

Yeah, I think that sounds right. I also like how they have no windows inside casinos. You can be there all day and not realize it's night.

Casinos rule.
Plus they give you free drinks.

Prince22

03-15-2006, 10:37 AM

How about selling alcohol. Hell, set up a bar and lounge and I'll be there every weekend.

Hootie

03-15-2006, 10:39 AM

How about selling alcohol. Hell, set up a bar and lounge and I'll be there every weekend.
now we're talking.

StcChief

03-15-2006, 10:39 AM

luv

03-15-2006, 10:40 AM

I would go to more movies if..
1a. Incentives for repeat customers

There's a theater in town here that hands out stamps that you put ona card whenever you purchase movie tickets. Once you get so many you can redeem them for free consession items, a free ticket, etc.

At least they did that last time I was there. It's probably been a few years ago. If I go see a movie, I usually wait for it to get to the $2 theater.

Rain Man

03-15-2006, 10:40 AM

I'd love it if they did newsreels of the war with the Nazis before each movie. Back when they did that in the 40s, it looked really cool.

luv

03-15-2006, 10:40 AM

How about selling alcohol. Hell, set up a bar and lounge and I'll be there every weekend.
Why not just start showing movies at bars?

Hootie

03-15-2006, 10:42 AM

Haven't gone in years, don't intend on going back until.

Reserved seating. 18+ audience times. All cellphones on vibrate.

Violators caught with cell phone off vibrate/taking call are banned. zero tolerance rule posted at the door.
banned!? That's such a pussy punishment. All violaters get one finger of their choice cut off with a weapon of their choice. Repeat violators die. Did you know that in Costa Rica, if you're convicted of two DUI's you die? Oh man, could you think of the adrenaline that would be pumping when you're behind that wheel a little tipsy after that first conviction!? That's how we should do it here in America, with everything. Parking tickets, speeding tickets, indecent exposure, public urination, etc...

dj56dt58

03-15-2006, 10:43 AM

The only people seeing movies are teenagers now.

That's why there's so much crap out there, they have to appeal to a dumb, immature audience.

As opposed to old people who can't even see or hear what's going on and has to go take a piss every 5 minutes and everyone by them has to keep standing up so they can get through the isle?

dr00d

03-15-2006, 10:47 AM

Nzoner

03-15-2006, 10:49 AM

sell beer.

The Cinemark on The Plaza has VIP theatre for 21+ only.Oversized leather recliners with a small table by each and a waiter or waitress who will bring you wine,beer, or concession items.

Katipan

03-15-2006, 10:58 AM

The Cinemark on The Plaza has VIP theatre for 21+ only.Oversized leather recliners with a small table by each and a waiter or waitress who will bring you wine,beer, or concession items.

Can we leave our wives at home and go?

Nzoner

03-15-2006, 10:58 AM

Bugeater

03-15-2006, 10:59 AM

F*ck 'em. The whole industry can go to hell.

Katipan

03-15-2006, 10:59 AM

re-open all the closed drive ins

Nzoner

03-15-2006, 11:00 AM

Can we leave our wives at home and go?

I thought your wife was out of town?

Katipan

03-15-2006, 11:02 AM

even better :D

Nzoner

03-15-2006, 11:05 AM

re-open all the closed drive ins

Best idea yet.

I've got some damn good memories from my nights at the drive-in.

KCTitus

03-15-2006, 11:07 AM

There are 18+ times...they are called the matinees. Ive never seen a bunch of idiot teens in a matinee. Of course, they probably dont care to see Spongebob, Iron Giant, Dinosaur or Rug Rats.

As you can tell, the movies I attend are aimed at a 'smaller' audience.

MichaelH

03-15-2006, 11:07 AM

If they sold beer, turned the volume down a wee bit and actually showed good movies, I'd go at least once a month.

Fire Me Boy!

03-15-2006, 11:10 AM

geez, people who don't know how the industry works, drive me completely insane...don't get me started on my rant, because we will be here for days.
I understand how the industry works better than you realize. Don't make blanket statements when you don't know who your talking to.

Feel free to rant... that's what mine was. Just don't make statements criticizing my viewpoint because you think I don't know the industry. You have no idea who I am, what I do, or where I've been.

dj56dt58

03-15-2006, 11:13 AM

re-open all the closed drive ins
Drive ins are MUCH better than regular theatres. I'm 19 so I havn't been to a lot of them since most are closed down, but I have been to several. I think the ones I went to have closed down though. I enjoyed them a lot better.

sd4chiefs

03-15-2006, 11:43 AM

ChiefsFanatic

03-15-2006, 11:47 AM

As far as boosting business a few things I'd like to see

1.Double features,when I was a kid these were commonplace.

2.Midnight movies,and not first run stuff,with today's theatres I'd gladly pay to go see some concert movies and the like.

3.More independent films,we have 19 theatres here and every one of them are only showing first run hollywood crap.Granted,we're a smaller town but people here would pay to see some of the lesser known independent movies too.

I read once that Kansas City [Metro Area] has more movie screens per person than any city in the country.

A better variety of films would probably spur more interest. Also, with theaters that have 20 screens, they could take back some of the business that 2nd Run theaters have taken by showing those same movies at Dollar Show prices.

If I had to choose from Noland Fashion Square and Independence Commons [Same movie, same price] I would pick the Commons everytime. Most other people would too. Then they might make some extra money on food and drink.

ChiefsFanatic

03-15-2006, 11:48 AM

Drive ins are MUCH better than regular theatres. I'm 19 so I havn't been to a lot of them since most are closed down, but I have been to several. I think the ones I went to have closed down though. I enjoyed them a lot better.

The only reason I don't go to the drive-in is because the sound is horrible. Even at I-70 with stereo reception in the car, it is still horrible. Better sound and my family would go every weekend.

Rain Man

03-15-2006, 11:50 AM

Has 'more gratuitous female nudity' been suggested yet?

Frosty

03-15-2006, 11:53 AM

Once they start letting the whole family in for $2.95, let me bring my own food and let me pause the movie when I have to go to the bathroom or back it up when some idiot talks over part of it, I'll start going back to the theaters.

In the meantime, I'll keep enjoying my digital projector, DVD player and surround sound in the comfort of my own home. Plus I get to eat popcorn with real butter on it instead of butter flavored (sort of) transfats. :D

Baby Lee

03-15-2006, 11:58 AM

Standards, standards, standards.
Make them fully light the projector.
Guarantee that the sound system is state of the art.
Super sized screens for 'event' movies.
Give a price break if you're sent to the kiddy room with the screen only a little bigger than your big screen at home, and a sound system in stereo with no subwoofer. or at least tell you ahead of time.
Course, the only thing bringing me into the theater is the 'event' movies like King Kong, LOTR, Star Wars, Titanic, Kill Bill, etc. No need to go to the theater for small screen stories like Junebug, or comedies like Anchorman and Dodgeball when the DVD release is just around the corner.

Dave Lane

03-15-2006, 12:09 PM

Does anybody remember Leawood Drive-in on State Line road?

I do I listened to the Bobby Kennedy assassination broadcast while in line to see a movie there with the parents...

Dave

RedNFeisty

03-15-2006, 12:15 PM

Lower the damn prices! If I can not sit back with my feet up and smoke then I am not comfy. Also, stop serving food and getting in my line of sight, make the lazy s.o.b.s walk to the concession stands.

I love the drive in's!! Well for the most part anyway. The screens are shitty and the sound sucks unless you bring a good radio to listen to the movie through.

el borracho

03-15-2006, 12:16 PM

They are basically screwed since everything comes out on DVD about 2 months after it's release and everyone in America has a DVD player. Maybe they should see about delaying the DVD release date... then people would have to go to the movie or steal it off the internet.

Or maybe they could do my laundry while I'm in the movie. That would be cool. ROFL

Rausch

03-15-2006, 12:19 PM

I’ve heard they’re talking about blocking cellular signals to keep people from talking/receiving phone calls... cutting back on “pre-show entertainment”... offering electronic tickets through cell phones... incentives to repeat customers...

Best idea they've had in years.

Here's another: Serve alcohol.

It keeps out the ****head teenagers and after 3 or 4 you don't care how $#itty the movie is...

Saulbadguy

03-15-2006, 12:21 PM

BTAU

03-15-2006, 12:21 PM

I love the drive in's!! Well for the most part anyway. The screens are shitty and the sound sucks unless you bring a good radio to listen to the movie through.

Then there are all the cars with the squeaky susoensions. It's distracting.

NewChief

03-15-2006, 12:22 PM

There is a theater in Wichita called the "Palace" or something like that.

They have a concession stand that features candy, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, soda, etc. Nothing over $2.00

The ticket prices are reasonable as well, but they don't get the "feature" movies.

That's what kills me about movie concessions. It's not like you're talking about high dollar items that they're selling. Popcorn costs like pennies per batch. Soda is the same as are nachos. Some of the candy I can understand, because they probably have to pay a -little- bit more for it. It's just ridiculous to markup the items that high.

Saulbadguy

03-15-2006, 12:24 PM

That's what kills me about movie concessions. It's not like you're talking about high dollar items that they're selling. Popcorn costs like pennies per batch. Soda is the same as are nachos. Some of the candy I can understand, because they probably have to pay a -little- bit more for it. It's just ridiculous to markup the items that high.
The candy is the worst part. They get candy in "made for movie theater only" sizes. Where in the hell else can you find Reese's Peanut Butter cups in a 3 pack? You can't.

Eleazar

03-15-2006, 12:26 PM

Ways to get me to the movies more often:

1. Tell Hollywood to stop putting out 90% crap
2. Make the theatres more spacious and comfortable. If you are 6'3", by the end of a movie you are pretty friggin stiff.

Concessions don't resonate with me, I almost never buy anything because they are so expensive. You would think they would rather price popcorn at $2 and have me buy it than $6 and have me not buy it.

Rain Man

03-15-2006, 12:26 PM

I expected more support for my 'more nudity' concept.

I like going to movie theaters, but one thing that really annoys me is how loud they have the sound on the previews, in combination with previews that are aimed toward ADD Gameboy teenagers who are unable to concentrate on anything for more than 1.5 seconds. Previews that are merely a compendium of 50 1.5 second clips of loud explosions are at once both incredibly dull and incredibly annoying.

NewChief

03-15-2006, 12:31 PM

The candy is the worst part. They get candy in "made for movie theater only" sizes. Where in the hell else can you find Reese's Peanut Butter cups in a 3 pack? You can't.

True. I think that my high school football concession stands probably have a better business model than the entire movie concession industry.

luv

03-15-2006, 12:31 PM

There is a theater in Wichita called the "Palace" or something like that.

They have a concession stand that features candy, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, soda, etc. Nothing over $2.00

The ticket prices are reasonable as well, but they don't get the "feature" movies.
There's a theater here called The Palace. Movies are $2. Consessions aren't much cheaper than regular theaters though. They play movies that are out of the new release theaters, but not yet on DVD (or just came out on DVD).

Fire Me Boy!

03-15-2006, 12:32 PM

There's a theater here called The Palace. Movies are $2. Consessions aren't much cheaper than regular theaters though. They play movies that are out of the new release theaters, but not yet on DVD (or just came out on DVD).
That place used to be $1... and they have always had the best popcorn in Springfield. Do they still give you free refills on large drinks/popcorn?

Fire Me Boy!

03-15-2006, 12:33 PM

There's a theater here called The Palace. Movies are $2. Consessions aren't much cheaper than regular theaters though. They play movies that are out of the new release theaters, but not yet on DVD (or just came out on DVD).
They also used to do a weekend a month where they'd bring back OLD movies -- like 20+ years old. I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark there back in 1997...

NewChief

03-15-2006, 12:33 PM

BTW, if you ever get out to Portland, OR check out the Baghdad. Microbrew, pizza, and cheap flicks like the Holy Grail. Awesome fun.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=9&id=176

luv

03-15-2006, 12:33 PM

That place used to be $1... and they have always had the best popcorn in Springfield. Do they still give you free refills on large drinks/popcorn?
I remember when it was $1. I think the refills are a quarter now.

Fire Me Boy!

03-15-2006, 12:34 PM

I remember when it was $1. I think the refills are a quarter now.
Still not bad. I always liked that theater. As a poor college student at the time, that place was wallet friendly.

Rain Man

03-15-2006, 12:34 PM

How about NOT raping people at the concession stands... or...

Or at least limit it to R-rated movies. Kids shouldn't be seeing that kind of stuff.

luv

03-15-2006, 12:34 PM

They also used to do a weekend a month where they'd bring back OLD movies -- like 20+ years old. I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark there back in 1997...
Not sure if they're still doing that or not.

Fire Me Boy!

03-15-2006, 12:35 PM

Or at least limit it to R-rated movies. Kids shouldn't be seeing that kind of stuff.
OK... let me get this straight... you want more nudity, but not violent nudity in front of the kids?

Fire Me Boy!

03-15-2006, 12:36 PM

Not sure if they're still doing that or not.
I don't think so... I think they only did that for a couple of years. They were always midnight showings, too, IIRC. "Insomniacs Theater" they called it.

Rain Man

03-15-2006, 12:36 PM

OK... let me get this straight... you want more nudity, but not violent nudity in front of the kids?

Actually, I was just being PC. I really don't care about the kids.

Mr. Kotter

03-15-2006, 12:36 PM

....How about NOT raping people at the concession stands... or... GASP!!!... get Hollywood to make better movies!

Yup. Exactly right.... :clap:

Also slow down the price of tickets at the box office..... :shake:

Rausch

03-15-2006, 12:37 PM

I don't think so... I think they only did that for a couple of years. They were always midnight showings, too, IIRC. "Insomniacs Theater" they called it.

If they went 1/2 price and did midnight or 1 AM showings they'd make a killing here...

luv

03-15-2006, 12:37 PM

Still not bad. I always liked that theater. As a poor college student at the time, that place was wallet friendly.
Only problem is that it's usually packed on the weekends.

The have an outdorr cinema downtown during the summer here as well. They show movies on the side of a building. They usually have activities centered around whatever movie they're showing for a few hours befor it starts.

luv

03-15-2006, 12:38 PM

I don't think so... I think they only did that for a couple of years. They were always midnight showings, too, IIRC. "Insomniacs Theater" they called it.
Now it's just the "late shows" on Friday and Saturday nights.

luv

03-15-2006, 12:39 PM

If they went 1/2 price and did midnight or 1 AM showings they'd make a killing here...
1/2 price? The shows are only $2 to begin with! Cheap a$$. :p

Fire Me Boy!

03-15-2006, 12:42 PM

Now it's just the "late shows" on Friday and Saturday nights.
I meant those special screenings of older movies (like Raiders of the Lost Ark) were all midnight screenings, that they called "Insomniac's Theater"...

luv

03-15-2006, 12:44 PM

I meant those special screenings of older movies (like Raiders of the Lost Ark) were all midnight screenings, that they called "Insomniac's Theater"...
Ah yes. I never went to those, but I remember the advertisements, now that you mention it.

Bob Dole

03-15-2006, 12:45 PM

Why not just start showing movies at bars?

We actually have a newly opened "microcinema" in Texarkana. They have food and alcoholic beverages and show independent films and oddball classics. A few weeks ago they did the Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd deal.

They also showed Monday Night Football this past season. You could get a bucket of beer for $10, and you could form a team, and all buckets purchased by team members were tallied all season and the winning team got the run of the place for a Superbowl party.

They've also started having live bands on weekends and a monthly Blues Jam. The business is doing pretty well thus far.

luv

03-15-2006, 12:48 PM

We actually have a newly opened "microcinema" in Texarkana. They have food and alcoholic beverages and show independent films and oddball classics. A few weeks ago they did the Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd deal.

They also showed Monday Night Football this past season. You could get a bucket of beer for $10, and you could form a team, and all buckets purchased by team members were tallied all season and the winning team got the run of the place for a Superbowl party.

They've also started having live bands on weekends and a monthly Blues Jam. The business is doing pretty well thus far.
See? And the cover is probably less than a ticket to a theater. :)

pikesome

03-15-2006, 12:55 PM

I think showing "classics" is probably the best idea I can think of. The most fun I had at a movie was seeing Evil Dead 2 at the student union at KU for the first time. The comments from the die hard fans were priceless, made a funny movie even funnier. I am also a big supporter of the 18+ movies but young adults can be just as big of problems as teenagers. That's one of the reasons I'm not so hot on alcohol, last thing I need is Bubba, the drunk redneck, acting like we're in his double-wide.

Nzoner

03-15-2006, 03:09 PM

I love the drive in's!! Well for the most part anyway. The screens are shitty and the sound sucks unless you bring a good radio to listen to the movie through.

I spent many a weekend at the drive-in while in high school,of course when you're there for the back row keg party the shitty screen and sound is not a big deal.

Nzoner

03-15-2006, 03:11 PM

We actually have a newly opened "microcinema" in Texarkana. They have food and alcoholic beverages and show independent films and oddball classics. A few weeks ago they did the Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd deal.

They also showed Monday Night Football this past season. You could get a bucket of beer for $10, and you could form a team, and all buckets purchased by team members were tallied all season and the winning team got the run of the place for a Superbowl party.

They've also started having live bands on weekends and a monthly Blues Jam. The business is doing pretty well thus far.

This sounds awesome,makes me long for those midnight rock movies like Pink Floyd The Wall and The Song Remains The Same.

Iowanian

03-15-2006, 03:22 PM

I think if I ran a movie theater I'd run Dual movies......one for kids with supervision provided, not a babysitter per se..but someone keeping an eye on them and have it next to a movie adults may wish to see.

We like tuesdays at our local threater....free popcorn tuesdays. Its stupid but it works.

banyon

03-15-2006, 03:28 PM

Thank God for Liberty Hall.

RedNFeisty

03-15-2006, 03:29 PM

I spent many a weekend at the drive-in while in high school,of course when you're there for the back row keg party the shitty screen and sound is not a big deal.

I never went when I was younger, I enjoy it more now that I have a child. I missed out on all of the fun growing up.

Taco John

03-15-2006, 03:39 PM

Back in Idaho, the local theatre used to have "budget buster" Tuesday nights, where tickets were half off. That was always a packed night.

Hammock Parties

03-15-2006, 03:41 PM

I think showing "classics" is probably the best idea I can think of.

I'd pay to see the Star Wars Trilogy on the big screen every year...

Hammock Parties

03-15-2006, 03:44 PM

Course, the only thing bringing me into the theater is the 'event' movies like King Kong, LOTR, Star Wars, Titanic, Kill Bill, etc. No need to go to the theater for small screen stories like Junebug, or comedies like Anchorman and Dodgeball when the DVD release is just around the corner.

Word.

Deberg_1990

03-15-2006, 04:12 PM

pikesome

03-15-2006, 04:33 PM

The 4 month Theater to DVD window and the eruption of Home Theather systems/Large Screen TV's over the past 10-15 years have done more to hurt Theater business than anything else. In fact i predict in the next few years you will start to see movies released on DVD and Movie theaters at the same time.

No whats hurt the theater business is the same problem all "mature" industries have, complacency. Business was good and rather than look ahead they kept looking at the profit sheet. Wake up all of of sudden and the world's moved on and you're selling a product few people need, most don't really care about and some down right hate.

banyon

03-15-2006, 04:36 PM

3 word answer:

Kill Rob Schneider.

Calcountry

03-15-2006, 05:33 PM

Calcountry

03-15-2006, 05:38 PM

Best idea yet.

I've got some damn good memories from my nights at the drive-in.Are there any posters here, that were created at a drive in?

Calcountry

03-15-2006, 05:40 PM

Calcountry

03-15-2006, 05:43 PM

The candy is the worst part. They get candy in "made for movie theater only" sizes. Where in the hell else can you find Reese's Peanut Butter cups in a 3 pack? You can't.If you are into movie candy, like goobers, raisinettes, Milk Duds, or Dots, you can find them at the local Rite aid store which is near the Blockbuster, etc.

For a lot less than they charge at the movies.

Molitoth

03-15-2006, 05:58 PM

The Majestic was pretty fun to watch a movie, but way to ****ing expensive to be a constant customer unless your loaded.

Valiant

03-15-2006, 06:11 PM

4th and Long

03-15-2006, 06:14 PM

I have a date to go to the movies this weekend. Anything good playing?

jspchief

03-15-2006, 06:19 PM

Movie theaters make like 25-50 cents off the price of admission. If they didn't charge so much for concessions, they would lose money.

FWIW, I love the movies and don't blink at dropping $20 on pop and popcorn. Unfortunately, with a 15 month old, we just don't get to go anymore.

mcan

03-15-2006, 07:01 PM

I go to the movies and movie-hop all the time... I try to see everything that's supposed to be good in the theatre. I went last weekend and saw three films (Dave Chappele's Block Party, Trans America, and Libertine).

But, I was a little disapointed that there weren't better movies to choose from at a 30 screen theatre. I was hoping to get to see Munich and/or Syriana, but they weren't there anymore...

Ways to get more people in to go to the theatre:

-Offer free refils on LARGE drinks and soda. That pretty much guarentees that more people will buy them, and when the product you're selling is dirt cheap like popcorn/soda is, you should only be concerned with getting a few dollars more in the register. AMC 30 in Olathe has started doing this again, so I started buying concessions again.

-Do more advertising before movies, and pay your people better with the extra money. The ads are annoying, but I can ignore them... If it means that I'll actually get the door shut when movie starts, my theatre will be clean, my popcorn will be fresh, and if I have a problem with the sound or people talking during the movie that the problem will be taken care of, then I'm all for it.

-Rent out space in your lobbies for fast food resteraunts or places like Pizza Hut to sell alternatives to your concessions. Have a little area for people to eat, offer second or third movies to people at discounted prices. I think a lot of people would take a Saturday and go to movie, eat a quick dinner at the theatre, then go see another movie...

007

03-15-2006, 07:49 PM

No more damn TV commercials.

Previews that are appropriate to the movie you went to see. If I am going to take my son to see Narnia, I don't want to see the damn preview to Date Movie.

More leg room. Stadium seats are great except they shrunk the leg room. What was the point then?

Create a PG 15 rating since PG 13 is practically the old R now.

Make all screens same HUGE size. NO more of this 2 giant screens, 2 medium and a bunch of tiny screens. Change the admission prices for the screen size if you have to do that.

|Zach|

03-15-2006, 07:54 PM

Interesting article from Mark Cuban. Owner of the Landmark theater chain in addition to the Mavs...

http://www.blogmaverick.com/entry/1234000010073495/

With the release of Bubble on January 27th in theaters, on DVD and for 2 showings on HDNet Movies, there has been a ton of press and discussion about the future of the movie industry.

THe most extreme has come from John Fithian, who wins the award for the best ever imitation of Jack Valenti’s famous comparison of the VCR to the Boston Strangler when he was quoted in FastCompany as saying...

John Fithian, the head of the National Association of Theatre Owners, a trade group based in Washington, DC, called Iger’s suggestion this summer a “death threat” against his members. Fithian says that “if [release] windows were eliminated, what you would have would be fewer movies, fewer total dollars for the industry, and less choice for the consumer.” He thinks movies would become little more than commodities and that hundreds or thousands of theaters would close.

But he wasnt done there, he said the same thing to USA Today

It’s the biggest threat to the viability of the cinema industry today,” John Fithian, president of the National Association of Theater Owners, said of the so-called “day and date” release strategy.

How sad is it when the President of the National Assoc of Theater Owners doesnt think his members can create a better movie going experience than what we can see in our houses and apartments ?

Guess what John, I can whip up a mean steak, but I still like to go to restaurants. Because I enjoy it. I enjoy getting out of the house with family, friends, who ever.

Every single Mavs game is on TV. It wasnt that long ago that some people in the sports business thought that having games on TV would reduce attendance. After all, why go to the game when you can watch it for free on TV ? Then someone decided to do some research and as it turns out, the more games you broadcast on TV, the more people who go to your games. At the NBA, when we do our analysis to determine the revenue opportunity in any given market, the number of games broadcast is one of the criteria analyzed.

Hey John, you can get just about anything you want online….. but people still go shopping.

Going to a restaurant. Going to a sporting event. Going shopping. Cabin Fever is alive and well. Wanting to get away from your parents, your kids, your job, your apartment, your house, your problems will never, ever go out of style. For the next thousand years the question will be asked…

What do you want to do tonight ? For the next thousand years, people will want to get the heck out of the house. The question is where to and why.

It didnt take me long to realize that the business of the Mavericks was not selling basketball, it was selling a fun night out and creating a favorable brand identification with our team and our players, with the hope that people would be excited to buy merchandise , products and services from us.

It didnt take me long to realize that the business of Landmark Theaters was very similar. At Landmark, our business is not showing the biggest movies from the biggest studios.

At Landmark Theaters we know who our demographic is. Its not kids 18-24 who are deciding whether to hang out at the mall or go to the movies. Its not people who are concerned with seeing the latest blockbuster. The 12mm and growing number of people who attend movies at a Landmark Theater are typically 25 plus years old, who love independent films from independent minds.

We try to be the Voice of Independent Film for the people who make movies, and the people who love to see those movies. That is our mindset. That is what our demographic wants.

Our job at Landmark is to go out and find those movies and to make the experience of watching those movies as unique and enjoyable as possible. It can be the decor of the theater. It might be offering adult beverages before, during and after the film. It may be offering the a DVD selection of the movies director so you dont have to scour the aisles of a huge retailer looking for a title they may not have. It may be offering the soundtrack of the movie, or the book the movie was based on. And starting with Bubble, it will include selling the DVD of the movie you just saw. Also starting with Bubble will be the rollout of Digital Cinema. Every single play of Bubble in our theaters will be digitally projected. We are using a mix of Sony 4k and TI based 2k projectors. We want our customers to have the best possible viewing experience with every single showing of this and future movies. No scratches, no pops, no fades, no problems with the presentation whether you see it the first day of release or the last showing 6 months later.

We have to create an environment that makes going to a movie at a Landmark Theater - fun, entertaining, relaxing, a good value and for a film fan, the best answer to the question, what do you want to do tonight.

We also have to create an environment where people trust our judgement in the movies we offer to our customers. There are going to be times when someone wants to see something different, and may not know a lot about a movie playing on one of our screens. We want them to trust our judgement that this movie is worth seeing. And when we find a movie we really like, we try to put it on in as many cities as we possibly can. So as many of our customers as possible can see it.

Thats the relationship we have with our customers. We arent perfect, but we work hard to make it as strong as possible. We also want to retain the relationship we have with our customers when they cant make it to one of our theaters to see a movie they want to see. We realize that there are times when you cant get out of the house for whatever reason. You want to see the movie. You are dying to see it, but you cant make it to the theater during its run. Or maybe you live in a city where the movie is not showing

We dont feel we should penalize our customers for either scenario. We want you to be able to see the movie you want to see, where and when you want to see it. If you decide that you would like to own a copy of the movie the week it opens in theaters, feel free to buy it at your local Walmart, Best Buy, Movie Gallery, online, wherever. Thats great.

If you have a great High Def home theater setup and you want to subscribe to HDNet Movies to watch one of the two showings available only on opening night. Thats great. Go for it.

As with the Mavs, the more committed you are to independent film, the more likely you are going to come back to a Landmark Theater, again and again. We know that the preference of any film fan is to see independent film in a Landmark Theater And we will always work our asses off to make sure it stays that way. So unlike Mr Fithian, we think the day and date release will expand the audience for the movies our audience wants to see.

As for Mr Fithian’s Valentiesque fears … I can and will offer my observations of the problems first run multiplexes have.

First of all, I dont think they know what business they are in any longer. It appears they believe they are in the business of showing the movies Hollywood gives them and praying that Hollywood makes good movies and spends enough money to drive people through the doors so they make some money on the boxoffice and concessions. They arent.

But thats not the biggest of their problems. Their biggest problem is that they dont care who their customer is, as long as a lot of people come. Which in turn makes it almost impossible to determine what business they are in.

I will explain.

The experience that a 16 year old expects is going to be completely different than what a 35 or 55 year old expects.

When a 16 year old goes to a movie, there is absolutely nothing at all wrong with answering your cellphone, talking back to the screen and texting your heart away during a movie. The movie is just there because its better than doing the same thing sitting or walking at the mall, or hanging in your buddys smelly bedroom again, listening to his mom yell at him.

All of the above drives anyone not in that demographic crazy. So when a couple of 35 year olds go to see King Kong, not only can you pretty much bet that they arent going to have a great experience during the showing of the movie, but they probably didnt have a great experience before they even got their seats.

They are probably already pissed because the stereos were blasting in the parking lot, the lines to the concession stands were filled with kids chit chattering and taking their good old time, while you wanted to get into the movie so you could talk to your wife or date. The whole reason you left the house to see a movie in the first place was to get away from kids.

People of different demographics have different expectations of the movie going experience. Trying to mix them only ends up making both mad.

It probably wouldnt be a bad idea for the multiplexs to tailor the experience to the appropriate audience.

Its also probably a good time to take steps to be paid for the role you play in promoting the sale of DVDs and TV. You already know that you platform movies and create demand for future sales. Your problem is that you dont get paid for it. DVD sales now exceed box office sales and you dont get a nickel of those DVD sales. Its time for that to change.

There will be non Landmark Theaters that show Bubble, just as there were that showed Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room. The DVD for Enron just came out this week, and every single theater that played the movie will get a percentage of the DVD sales.

Its time your industry stood up for itself and rather than fighting day and date or collapsed windows, realizing that it will increase the total sales for a movie and get paid for the fact that you help increase those total sales.

Just think, all those millions of people that were outside the reach of even King Kong first run theaters could run to the store and buy the movie they have been hearing so much about. While its still exciting and fresh to them. Think maybe they could sell more DVDs that way ? You could even get paid for it. A pct of DVD sales in towns where the movie isnt even playing.. You earned it. Or are you going to make this a religous war and adamantly oppose any day and date release of movies ?

And lets take a look at kids movies. If you have DVDs sitting behind the counter, staring at the little kids , all with big smiles as they come out of the theater after just having seen Ice Age Benji, Shrek, or any number of kids movies. How many kids are going to let their parents walk out of the theater without pitching a fit if they dont have the DVD of the movie they just saw to watch at home ? And to be nice, you can give them a 5 dollar discount from retail for having seen the movie. Lets see, you made 5 bucks on the popcorn and soda, but you stand to make 15 on the DVD.. Isnt that more than your gross margins on the concessions and box office combined ?

But alas no, Mr Fithian. Rather than recognizing this and using the business opportunity that the studios want to present you as a way to make the pie much bigger, and do a deal to get a piece of that pie that you ahve never gotten in the past, and also use the change as a catalyst to correct some of the movie going experience issues your members face and maybe even extract some guarantees in the process (after all , you are eliminating the DVD spend. They might share that with you up front).... you would rather join Jack Valenti in the “oops, did I say that ” Hall of Fame and try to block it all

Thats your call. But the decline in the number of theaters wont come from the collapsing windows, it will come from not recognizing what is happening in the business and missing an opportunity to get paid for the value you create

Adept Havelock

03-15-2006, 08:00 PM

I seem to recall the cellular lobby helped push through legislation making it a crime to use cellular jammers in the US.

Other than that, good ideas.

Sully

03-15-2006, 08:02 PM

Mcan,
Was lLibertine any good? I was interested, but i read a review that turned me off of wanting to see it.

mcan

03-15-2006, 09:03 PM

Mcan,
Was lLibertine any good? I was interested, but i read a review that turned me off of wanting to see it.

It's a pretty mediocre movie. In fact, I'd say it's pretty dull and lacks any real value except for the novelty of seeing a period piece about a guy who likes whores and degenerate behavior. I'd say the performances are pretty good, but there isn't much of a story here, and by the end of movie, you find yourself thinking "who gives a sh!t about this guy anyway?"

Actually, the more I think about it, the worse the movie is... Avoid it.

KCChiefsMan

03-15-2006, 09:22 PM

1) better customer service, the one in Lawrence is horrible! I hate going there, it's just not a pleasant experience. It start with waiting in a line of about 30-50 people with 2 tellers/3 if it's a good night. After waiting in that painful line, the same long lines are at the concessions.

2) More comfortable seats! who the hell wants to go watch a movie if they are going to be uncomfortable? I have long legs, I'm tall. So whenever I go to a movie my legs naturally hits the chair in front of me, this guy almost wanted to fight me over it, I apologized to him and tried not to hit my knees against the back of his seat, but I had to sit in an uncomfortable position in order not to piss this guy off any further.

That is about it, if that happened in Lawrence, I would want to go see movies more. When I lived near Wichita I went to the movies all the time at the Warren Theatre and always had an enjoyable time, comfy seats and better service

keg in kc

03-15-2006, 09:23 PM

I almost never see anything but summer popcorn flicks on the bigscreen. Most of the oscar-calibre films I catch on DVD or HBO, because they aren't generally as visually expansive as event flicks. Something like the lord of the rings trilogy was the exception rather than the rule.

Plus they're expensive.

I do like seeing films on IMAX, and I'm anticipating several flicks this summer, of the X-men, Superman ilk.

Frazod

03-15-2006, 09:24 PM

I assume this has been touched on, but here's why I don't go to the theater anymore:

Tickets for me and the wife: $20
Snacks for me and the wife: $15-20

or

Wait five months and buy DVD for $20 or rent DVD for $4, and watch it in HD in the comfort of my own home on my schedule with no screaming brats ruining my experience (a cell phone will ring for a couple of seconds - a brat will scream ALL DAY).

Unless I'm in a big damn hurry to see the film in question, or I deem it to be something worth seeing on the really big screen, I simply will not waste my money anymore. There was a time when I'd go see at least a movie a month. Last year I saw five, and haven't been to the movies since King Kong in December. Ticket/concession prices are way too high, and I've got a damn nice TV.

So if any movie industry types are reading:

1. Quit assraping me on prices.
2. Tell the idiots with brats to get the f#ck out and find a sitter.

And maybe I'll come back a bit more often.

keg in kc

03-15-2006, 09:27 PM

I always try to go to movies during the day so I can be as alone as possible in the theater. And it's not because I'm anti-social, it's because people make f*cking noise during the movies. Two relatively recent events that precipitated this were a woman bringing a crying infant to a 9 pm showing of the fellowship of the ring (she was asked to leave after 45 minutes) and a dude falling asleep and snoring - snoring! and I mean loud - during a 9 pm showing of the first Spiderman flick.

After that, it's only been matinees, and generally on weekdays, for me.

Coach

03-15-2006, 09:29 PM

They should go for 3 movies for the price of one deal or something like that.

Saulbadguy

03-15-2006, 09:33 PM

I hate people. We always try to sit AWAY from people, but it never fails the minute we sit down, someone will sit down right in front of us. We usually move 3 or 4 times before the movie starts just to avoid people.

Frazod

03-15-2006, 09:38 PM

I hate people.

We hate you back. :grr:

:D

Katipan

03-15-2006, 09:44 PM

On that note and having zero relevancy to the article, I hate Mark Cuban.

Skip Towne

03-15-2006, 09:47 PM

I've never been much on movies. When I was in Korea, the movie theatre ran 24/7 while changing the movie every 2-3 days for the year I was there. It only cost 20 cents to go so I went to every movie and watched it until I lost interest and then left. During that entire year the only two movies I didn't walk out of were "Wait Until Dark" and "The Thomas Crown Affair". I must have walked out of more than 100 movies.

mcan

03-15-2006, 09:53 PM

That Cuban article was right on... I'm really glad that guy's rich. He's one of the good guys.

As for people making noise during movies. I go to a lot of movies and I very rarely get any big noisemakers... I guess I've been the CULPRIT more often than I've been annoyed. I saw Ring II in New York, and everybody around me was making fun of the movie, and I joined in because the movie was terrible... Basically it became an episode of Mystery Science Theatre, but I really thought everybody that could hear me was into it, because really they were all cracking up. When the movie got over there was a guy right in front of me that stood up and started getting pretty upset, in a cool and sarcastic kinda way.. "Wow, I guess I oughta ask this guy for my 10 bucks back since he won't shut up." In my defense, he never even looked at me or tried to shhh me or anything the whole movie. I kinda got caught up in it... Felt bad about it though.

A similar situation arose when I found myself bored to tears at Pride and Prejudice a couple months ago. This time though, I was in the back row, and the only people that could really hear me where my brother and Angela (Angel) who were both really enjoying my commentary, especially after the final shot of the movie when I pretty much yelled "please let it be over... credits, credits, credits.... YES!"

bkkcoh

03-15-2006, 10:02 PM

Money back if you don't like the movie...

Put a better product on the screen

Don't charge so damn much.....

But I am sure that these ideas have been suggested before...

keg in kc

03-15-2006, 10:10 PM

A similar situation arose when I found myself bored to tears at Pride and Prejudice a couple months ago. This time though, I was in the back row, and the only people that could really hear me where my brother and Angela (Angel) who were both really enjoying my commentary, especially after the final shot of the movie when I pretty much yelled "please let it be over... credits, credits, credits.... YES!"Bored to tears at Pride and Prejudice. I'm shocked. Shocked I tell you.

I don't know if I could handle going to a movie with other people anymore. The last time I went with anyone it was with my exwife during the time shortly before we finally separated. It wasn't comfortable or enjoyable, in any way, and I think I associate that experience with what it would be like going to a movie with anyone other than myself. And now It's been so long that I'm accustomed to it. I'm spoiled I guess.

But I only go to movies that I'm sure I'll really enjoy. I don't take chances because I don't have a lot of money. If it sucks, I'll leave. If I think it's good and some jackhole starts flapping his trap, I'll put my boot up his ass.

Logical

03-15-2006, 10:18 PM

That place used to be $1... and they have always had the best popcorn in Springfield. Do they still give you free refills on large drinks/popcorn?

I find all this amusing. I guess the theatres are more advanced here on the Left coast. Large Drinks and Popcorn have free refills at every theatre I know of.

Who on earth buys candy at a theatre, hell prepare just a little folks and take some with you, it is not like they strip search you at the door.

If you arrive at the last minute (actually late) you can avoid the annoying commercials and previews.

If you really want two for one stay for the next movie in another theatre and just walk in. Once you are in you are in, almost none of the multi-cinema complexes take tickets at the door to the actual theatre they have a central ticket collection point. Though staying for two movies hardly seems worthwhile given that at most one movie worth seeing seems to be coming out each week.

Hell a number of the theatres around here let you bring food in with you now and if they don't you don't need to be particularly brilliant to carry some in under a sweatshirt you carry in with you.

|Zach|

03-15-2006, 10:22 PM

Money back if you don't like the movie...

ROFL

I am sure people wouldn't abuse that.

|Zach|

03-15-2006, 10:24 PM

That Cuban article was right on... I'm really glad that guy's rich. He's one of the good guys.
Indeed.

go bo

03-15-2006, 10:44 PM

I understand how the industry works better than you realize. Don't make blanket statements when you don't know who your talking to.

Feel free to rant... that's what mine was. Just don't make statements criticizing my viewpoint because you think I don't know the industry. You have no idea who I am, what I do, or where I've been.and much like rich scanlon, you're much too modest to describe the who what and where... :) :) :)

Hammock Parties

03-15-2006, 10:45 PM

. Unfortunately, with a 15 month old, we just don't get to go anymore.

Good for you. People that bring infants to movies should be shot.

007

03-15-2006, 10:48 PM

If you arrive at the last minute (actually late) you can avoid the annoying commercials and previews.

Crappy seating for your money and you have to listen to everyone complain because you are late and they have to move for you to sit down.

For the price we pay, we should not have to show up late just to miss the commercials AND have crappy seating.

luv

03-16-2006, 12:47 AM

3 word answer:

Kill Rob Schneider.
:eek: NO WAY!

greg63

03-16-2006, 12:51 AM

:eek: NO WAY!

...That would be not nice.

007

03-16-2006, 12:52 AM

3 word answer:

Kill Rob Schneider.

you can do it!!!

luv

03-16-2006, 12:58 AM

:eek: NO WAY!
Oops. I was thinking of Rob Reiner. Never mind. :D

greg63

03-16-2006, 01:05 AM

Oops. I was thinking of Rob Reiner. Never mind. :D

ROFL

007

03-16-2006, 01:07 AM

Oops. I was thinking of Rob Reiner. Never mind. :D

OKAY? Rob Reiner, Rob Schnieder? How do ya mix those two up? :hmmm:

luv

03-16-2006, 01:09 AM

OKAY? Rob Reiner, Rob Schnieder? How do ya mix those two up? :hmmm:
Their names sound similar if you say them out loud. So shoot me.

007

03-16-2006, 01:11 AM

Their names sound similar if you say them out loud. So shoot me.

BANG!!!! ROFL

Rausch

03-16-2006, 01:11 AM

OKAY? Rob Reiner, Rob Schnieder? How do ya mix those two up? :hmmm:

Neither has put out anything worth watching in years...

007

03-16-2006, 01:11 AM

Neither has put out anything worth watching in years...

True so true.

greg63

03-16-2006, 01:23 AM

BANG!!!! ROFL

Cap gun. :p

007

03-16-2006, 01:43 AM

Cap gun. :p

Well, I didn't want to blow her away with KABOOM!!!! :harumph:

Ultra Peanut

03-16-2006, 01:49 AM

I liked the forced Oscar speeches.

"DVDs are, like, the worst, man. (God, this script sucks. Why are they making me read this?)"

Rausch

03-16-2006, 01:51 AM

I liked the forced Oscar speeches.

"DVDs are, like, the worst, man. (God, this script sucks. Why are they making me read this?)"

Uma Thurman.

Perhaps the most hideous woman Hollywood has ever tried to convince us we should want to ****...

Ultra Peanut

03-16-2006, 01:55 AM

Uma Thurman.

Perhaps the most hideous woman Hollywood has ever tried to convince us we should want to ****...There is something very disturbing about her appearance, yes.

keg in kc

03-16-2006, 01:57 AM

Perhaps the most hideous woman Hollywood has ever tried to convince us we should want to ****...Jodie Foster is pretty fugly.

luv

03-16-2006, 01:58 AM

Jodie Foster is pretty fugly.
She's starting to show a little age, but I don't think she's ugly by any means.

keg in kc

03-16-2006, 02:00 AM

She's starting to show a little age, but I don't think she's ugly by any means.While Contact is one of my favorite movies, I've never found her the least bit attractive.

Then again, I'm more into exotic women.

greg63

03-16-2006, 02:00 AM

Well, I didn't want to blow her away with KABOOM!!!! :harumph:

ROFL
Yeah, that would only anger her.

greg63

03-16-2006, 02:01 AM

She's starting to show a little age, but I don't think she's ugly by any means.

I liked her in Maverick.

Ultra Peanut

03-16-2006, 02:01 AM

I hate-hate-hated Contact, but I don't think Jodie Foster's fugly.

WHAT, YOU WANNA FIGHT ABOUT IT

keg in kc

03-16-2006, 02:03 AM

I hate-hate-hated Contact, but I don't think Jodie Foster's fugly.Different strokes for different folks.

Rausch

03-16-2006, 02:09 AM

I hate-hate-hated Contact, but I don't think Jodie Foster's fugly.

She isn't.

But a ton of men find lesbians-who-wouldn't-include-me unattractive by default...

keg in kc

03-16-2006, 02:11 AM

But a ton of men find lesbians-who-wouldn't-include-me unattractive by default...She's a lesbian?

Maybe fugly was too strong. I just don't think she's anything more than plain. Never have.

Miles

03-16-2006, 02:14 AM

Uma Thurman.

Perhaps the most hideous woman Hollywood has ever tried to convince us we should want to ****...

She was smoking hot about 10 years ago then just starting looking kind of odd as she got older.

007

03-16-2006, 02:19 AM

I liked her in Maverick.

She was looking pretty good in that movie.

Miles

03-16-2006, 02:19 AM

She's a lesbian?

Maybe fugly was too strong. I just don't think she's anything more than plain. Never have.

Yeah she is definitly into rugs. I have never found her to be extremely hot but she is definitly not bad at all. Doesn't hurt that she has aged really well either.

greg63

03-16-2006, 02:19 AM

She was looking pretty good in that movie.

Yep!

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 09:30 AM

and much like rich scanlon, you're much too modest to describe the who what and where... :) :) :)
My "who I am" comment was not meant to imply I'm someone special, but rather that the offending poster simply did not know me. I realize now that that's how it comes off... my apologies for that implication.

My point, to anyone that cares, was that as a filmmaker I might know a think or two about the industry. This guy doesn't know me or what I do and talked about people that don't know anything jacking their jaws... I was protesting.

jspchief

03-16-2006, 09:46 AM

bkkcoh

03-16-2006, 09:52 AM

ROFL

I am sure people wouldn't abuse that.

Of course, there would be some type of stipulation that would prevent watching 90% of the movie and then wanting your money back.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 10:17 AM

Well, with all due respect to the knowledge your career lends you, your idea of lowering concession prices suggests that you don't understand the industry from the perspective of a theater owner. Concessions make up 95% of the money theaters bring in.
When the cost of a 44oz. fountain drink is less than $.20, $3.50 goes beyond needing to make a profit and into the assrape category. I am fully aware of where profits come from in the theater industry -- but as someone else suggested, making $2.50 off a $.20 drink is better than making $0 when the drink is $3.50. They need to find other ways to bring theater-goers in... a MAJOR complaint from most of America regarding going to the theater is the price of concessions... well, gee, it seems that people may not be GOING because it's too ****ing expensive. Maybe they need to find ways to make it cheaper, huh?

My suggestion on lowering concession prices is based on common sense -- find OTHER ways to increase revenue when people aren't coming.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 10:21 AM

Katipan

03-16-2006, 10:24 AM

I really don't think $3.50 is that much for a soda.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 10:30 AM

I really don't think $3.50 is that much for a soda.
When you can go to the QuikTrip down the street and get a larger one for $.99? Really?

I'm not suggesting theaters drop to convenience store prices, but $3.50 is too much.

Katipan

03-16-2006, 10:39 AM

Why in the world would I want to drink my soda at the QuickTrip?

jspchief

03-16-2006, 11:05 AM

Respective to the cost of concessions, perhaps you could simply give people "more bang for their buck"... offer free refills (or ONE free refill) on larges, as has been suggested. Many, MANY people would not take advantage of it, yet feel as if they are getting more for their money. And those people that DO take advantage of the extra drink or popcorn won't be breaking the bank -- most theaters that do this make the customer use the same popcorn bucket and cup (saving the cost on that), so a $.20 drink drops to $.15 (or whatever). Yes, the profit margin would dip a little, but not very damn much.Well, my theater does offer free refills on larges.

But I'm not sure that concessions is the real reason people stay away. Nothing says you have to eat or drink anything for those 2 hours.

And if you really are hellbent on food and drink, theater prices aren't that far off from any restaraunt prices. I can go to a movie with large pop and popcorn for my wife and I for less than $25. I can't eat out at many places for that cheap, and I don't get a movie.

I think the proliferation of DVDs/home entertainment, along with ever increasing busy lives, and laziness are all bigger factors.

On top of that, the movie industry has turned to over-hyped shit. Someone comes up with an idea, and for the next two years a percentage of all movies made are derivitive of that idea, a lot of which substitute money and special effects for story and acting.

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 11:08 AM

People bitching about concessions are stupid.

Just stuff your coat with your own refreshments.

jspchief

03-16-2006, 11:10 AM

People bitching about concessions are stupid.

Just stuff your coat with your own refreshments.I agree.

Or just restrain your fatass from eating for two hours if it's going to put you in the poor house. It's not like you have to eat when you're there.

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 11:12 AM

I agree.

Or just restrain your fatass from eating for two hours if it's going to put you in the poor house. It's not like you have to eat when you're there.

Totally. I rarely want anything more than water when I go the movies.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:12 AM

And if you really are hellbent on food and drink, theater prices aren't that far off from any restaraunt prices. I can go to a movie with large pop and popcorn for my wife and I for less than $25. I can't eat out at many places for that cheap, and I don't get a movie.

I think the proliferation of DVDs/home entertainment, along with ever increasing busy lives, and laziness are all bigger factors.

Food/drink prices are greatly different at restaurants for drinks anyway (you can't compare popcorn to a ribeye, so dont' try) -- think about what you get. At my theater, you spend $3.50 on a large drink, no refills. At most restaurants, drinks are $1.50-$2 with all the refills you want.

The proliferation of DVDs and such is an incredible deterrant, but ask anyone, ANYONE, if they think the cost of movie theater concessions is underpriced, right on, or overpriced and I will guarantee you 90% or better will say overpriced. That's a huge deterrant to spending that money on concessions. And while, yes, people do have the right to not have something, I think most would like to have it.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:15 AM

People bitching about concessions are stupid.

Just stuff your coat with your own refreshments.
Some people, myself included, like to respect a company's rules. I realize that I wouldn't get caught, but I think it's wrong... don't attack me for having a moral objection to it. Just like I refuse to theater hop -- I think it's nothing less than theft from the theater.

NewChief

03-16-2006, 11:15 AM

People bitching about concessions are stupid.

Just stuff your coat with your own refreshments.

My mother-in-law and father-in-law never went to the movies without filling up some water bottles with wine. Classy! (not that I've since taken up the habit or anything).

jspchief

03-16-2006, 11:15 AM

Food/drink prices are greatly different at restaurants for drinks anyway (you can't compare popcorn to a ribeye, so dont' try) -- think about what you get. At my theater, you spend $3.50 on a large drink, no refills. At most restaurants, drinks are $1.50-$2 with all the refills you want.

The proliferation of DVDs and such is an incredible deterrant, but ask anyone, ANYONE, if they think the cost of movie theater concessions is underpriced, right on, or overpriced and I will guarantee you 90% or better will say overpriced. That's a huge deterrant to spending that money on concessions. And while, yes, people do have the right to not have something, I think most would like to have it.Of course they'll say it's over-priced. It is. Concessions are over-priced at any venue.

But I still don't believe that's the reason people aren't going.

And you suggestion to just drop the price of a soda by $1 is the equivalent of telling them to decrease their profit margin by 30%. It's not financially feasible.

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 11:17 AM

Some people, myself included, like to respect a company's rules. I realize that I wouldn't get caught, but I think it's wrong... don't attack me for having a moral objection to it. Just like I refuse to theater hop -- I think it's nothing less than theft from the theater.

OK, you're a dumbass. ROFL

If the company isn't going to enforce it, it's not much of a rule.

Theater hopping was common practice and no one cared before Star Wars.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:21 AM

Of course they'll say it's over-priced. It is. Concessions are over-priced at any venue.

But I still don't believe that's the reason people aren't going.

And you suggestion to just drop the price of a soda by $1 is the equivalent of telling them to decrease their profit margin by 30%. It's not financially feasible.
The idea behind cutting prices equates to more sales, ie. if you sell 100 drinks at $3.50 ($350) that cost you $20, your profit is $330. If you sell 200 drinks at $2.50 ($500) at a cost of $40, your profit is $460... which makes more sense? I'd rather do the latter.

I also suggested they keep the prices where they are and offer refills, as well as a need to find OTHER ways to increase revenue. They don't always have to gain money to increase revenue -- there are ways to cut back on costs, which also increases revenue.

I'm also not sure that that's the reason people aren't going, but I do think that's the reason a lot of people don't buy concessions there. If a theater wants to make more money, drop the cost and more people will buy.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:23 AM

OK, you're a dumbass. ROFL

If the company isn't going to enforce it, it's not much of a rule.

Theater hopping was common practice and no one cared before Star Wars.
It's still a rule, ****tard. Just because you don't get caught speeding doesn't mean your not breaking the law. And I don't care what people did in 1940 -- theater hopping is theft. **** you. I really resent being called stupid because I find thievery reprehensible. **** you.

Saulbadguy

03-16-2006, 11:26 AM

I never theater hopped. I'd probably get caught.

I did used to throw gummy bears on the screen so they'd stick. And we threw twizzlers up at the projection booth.

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 11:30 AM

It's still a rule, ****tard. Just because you don't get caught speeding doesn't mean your not breaking the law. And I don't care what people did in 1940 -- theater hopping is theft. **** you. I really resent being called stupid because I find thievery reprehensible. **** you.

Neither are thievery, sorry.

Comparing them to speeding is ludicrous.

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 11:30 AM

I did used to throw gummy bears on the screen so they'd stick. And we threw twizzlers up at the projection booth.

Those "crimes" are worse, IMO.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:32 AM

Neither are thievery, sorry.

Comparing them to speeding is ludicrous.
Theater hopping IS thievery. You have paid for ONE movie and after that movie is over you then go to another theater to see another movie. You are stealing, no ifs, ands or buts about it. It's like buying one DVD and taking two. It's stealing.

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 11:34 AM

Theater hopping IS thievery. You have paid for ONE movie and after that movie is over you then go to another theater to see another movie. You are stealing, no ifs, ands or buts about it. It's like buying one DVD and taking two. It's stealing.

Hahaha, whatever. It wasn't thievery in 1970, it's not thievery today.

The only form of thievery associated with movie theaters is sneaking into the theater from the back. That and robbing the concession stands at gunpoint.

FAX

03-16-2006, 11:35 AM

Gosh. I'm not saying that it's right, but, if you guys were watching CSPAN2 right now, you would realize that there are far bigger crimes than theater hopping.

FAX

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 11:36 AM

Gosh. I'm not saying that it's right, but, if you guys were watching CSPAN2 right now, you would realize that there are far bigger crimes than theater hopping.

FAX

Forget it. FMB has to tell us all he's so much better than us. He's a moral paragon.

jspchief

03-16-2006, 11:36 AM

The idea behind cutting prices equates to more sales, ie. if you sell 100 drinks at $3.50 ($350) that cost you $20, your profit is $330. If you sell 200 drinks at $2.50 ($500) at a cost of $40, your profit is $460... which makes more sense? I'd rather do the latter.
Well, I'd say suggesting that lowering the price would double their sales is the fatal flaw in your argument. Whatever, it's speculation from either of us.

I just don't believe concessions are even a minor factor. I think times are just changing.

Saulbadguy

03-16-2006, 11:38 AM

I think you are right, concession prices is not what is keeping people away. It's what keeps people from buying concessions.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:39 AM

Well, I'd say suggesting that lowering the price would double their sales is the fatal flaw in your argument. Whatever, it's speculation from either of us.

I just don't believe concessions are even a minor factor. I think times are just changing.
You're right that a doubling sales would be astronomical... but if everything with such a low cost were lowered, the sales overall would increase significantly, and I believe (no market research to substantiate) would offset each other, both to appease the consumer and the seller.

I was using numbers I could easily do in my head.

FAX

03-16-2006, 11:41 AM

1. First Class Seating. Offer additional leg room, side tables, and optional headphones.

2. Attractive Female Ushers. A la Hooters or Playboy Mansionesque assistants.

3. Serve Cocktails. Specials that are consistent with the movie theme.

4. Orville Redenbacher.

5. Cartoons before the movie. South Park shorts maybe.

Charge me more, but make me feel like going to the theater is a quality time.

FAX

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:42 AM

Forget it. FMB has to tell us all he's so much better than us. He's a moral paragon.
You're being a dick today. I can't believe you'd argue that taking something you haven't paid for isn't stealing.

This argument came because you decided to call me stupid because I have a moral objection to doing that... I didn't say you were wrong for doing it. I didn't tell you to stop. I said I... I ... didn't do it, and to not belittle me for thinking so.

dr00d

03-16-2006, 11:44 AM

My "who I am" comment was not meant to imply I'm someone special, but rather that the offending poster simply did not know me. I realize now that that's how it comes off... my apologies for that implication.

My point, to anyone that cares, was that as a filmmaker I might know a think or two about the industry. This guy doesn't know me or what I do and talked about people that don't know anything jacking their jaws... I was protesting.

I think you just 'owned' yourself by saying your are/were a filmmaker. You obviously are biased, likewise I am too, but you are trying to bitch about concession prices and also make several references to why attendance is down. So I can assume you are blaming concessions for this and NOT the recent piles of dung that has come out of hollywood lately. Correct? It seems only fitting.

You want to hear something else...only about 10% of the people that go to the movies actually buy something. Do you really think by lowering the prices, they would get more people to buy concessions to make up for the loss in profit? I seriously doubt they would make up the cost. Besides, if you haven't noticed, there are always lines to no end at every terminal...this means they would have to add more staff and more terminals to the more business to make up for the bottom line... As you should know, most lobbies are really cramped as is and couldn't handle many more terminals, thus losing more profit yet again.

If you want to bitch about the movie prices, perhaps you should talk to your immediate production companies are trying to keep their bottom line. They are the clowns who push this price up through the roof, not the theatre themselves. Hell, they have so much power, they make most 12-plex theatres TAKE 3 or more copies (see: basically blackmail in a sense) or more for at minimum 4 weeks thus making little room for other new releases causing even less attendance.

Next time you want to bitch about prices and attendance, perhaps you should create a movie worth my time to watch.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:45 AM

I think you just 'owned' yourself by saying your are/were a filmmaker. You obviously are biased, likewise I am too, but you are trying to bitch about concession prices and also make several references to why attendance is down. So I can assume you are blaming concessions for this and NOT the recent piles of dung that has come out of hollywood lately. Correct? It seems only fitting.

You want to hear something else...only about 10% of the people that go to the movies actually buy something. Do you really think by lowering the prices, they would get more people to buy concessions to make up for the loss in profit? I seriously doubt they would make up the cost. Besides, if you haven't noticed, there are always lines to no end at every terminal...this means they would have to add more staff and more terminals to the more business to make up for the bottom line... As you should know, most lobbies are really cramped as is and couldn't handle many more terminals, thus losing more profit yet again.

If you want to bitch about the movie prices, perhaps you should talk to your immediate production companies are trying to keep their bottom line. They are the clowns who push this price up through the roof, not the theatre themselves. Hell, they have so much power, they make most 12-plex theatres TAKE 3 or more copies (see: basically blackmail in a sense) or more for at minimum 4 weeks thus making little room for other new releases causing even less attendance.

Next time you want to bitch about prices and attendance, perhaps you should create a movie worth my time to watch.
Ummm...... are you aware I started this thread, and in the thread header it ends with "GASP!!!... get Hollywood to make better movies!"?

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 11:50 AM

You're being a dick today. I can't believe you'd argue that taking something you haven't paid for isn't stealing.

I paid to get into the movie theater. That is all that counts. If the movie theater truly cared, they'd enforce the rules more harshly. They don't.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 11:51 AM

I paid to get into the movie theater. That is all that counts. If the movie theater truly cared, they'd enforce the rules more harshly. They don't.
Which theater do you go to that the ticket you buy says "theater pass" instead of a specific movie? To my knowledge, they all list the name of which movie you've paid to see.

FAX

03-16-2006, 11:54 AM

If the movie theater truly cared, they'd enforce the rules more harshly. They don't.

I like this logic, Mr. goxlibutscrale. I'm going to go break into the coke machine downstairs. I don't think anybody's watching it.

FAX

morphius

03-16-2006, 12:02 PM

I also liked the deal that one filmaker did, if you come to the movie and are willing to pay X then they will give you the DVD for the movie as well.

Now I'm not sure that people would pony up for it, and it would kill repeat business, but it is intriguing.

King_Chief_Fan

03-16-2006, 12:15 PM

Neither are thievery, sorry.

Comparing them to speeding is ludicrous.

an effin theif and a bronco fan

You take the cake. You are truly an ass hat

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 12:18 PM

an effin theif and a bronco fan

You take the cake. You are truly an ass hat

I hate the Broncos.

pikesome

03-16-2006, 12:25 PM

I think the point most are missing is that no one goes to the movies just to see the movie. If that's what everyone did, they would just wait for the DVD/TV which is a far cheaper/easier way to watch a movie. There are many reason to go to a theater:

1. To go somewhere. To get out of the house and do something, movies kill a couple of hours for a (most of the time) reasonable price.
2. For the movie "experience". Some movies are more entertaining on the big screen, some are better when you watch with a crowd, some just like the ritual of going.
3. To see a movie first. If you want to be able to discus a movie with friends/coworkers or feel like you are "in on something", you go to the theater at release.

There are other reasons but lets say these are the most common. None involve concession prices or even ticket prices. People complain about prices because they are easy to identify but the real problem is value. The movie is poor, the theater is dirty, the employees don't care about you, kids talk through the movie and for all this they continue to ask for more money. Fix the other things and people would pay the price of admission or even more. Ignore those deficiencies and the only other thing you can do is lower prices.

Katipan

03-16-2006, 12:48 PM

If you get people to stay in the building you'll get them to buy your $3.50 sodas.

A 2:1 feature film deal would be wonderful but theres no way they make enough in concessions to pay for that.

I take it $1 theatres are so cheap because their cost for showing the movie is lower?

Hook a feature film with a older few months old $1 theatre type film as a double feature. There's no way most people are going to sit for 4 hours without buying a $3.50 something. They might have to raise ticket prices $1 or so to cover their cost of showing the 2nd movie, but I'd pay $7 - $10 for 2 movies, happily.

Hammock Parties

03-16-2006, 12:50 PM

2. For the movie "experience". Some movies are more entertaining on the big screen, some are better when you watch with a crowd, some just like the ritual of going.

Absolutely.

pikesome

03-16-2006, 01:01 PM

A 2:1 feature film deal would be wonderful but theres no way they make enough in concessions to pay for that.

The problem with something like this, as I understand it, is that theaters CAN NOT "give away" admission to first run movies. That's why, when you go to see a blockbuster, the ticket seller won't take free passes or discounts. This stems from the contract that the theater has with the distributor. It says that the distributor gets a percentage, which can be as high as 100%, of the box-office take for the first so-many weeks. Deals like this, which are pretty standard, are the reason that theater chains are pissed. They are severely limited in their potential source of income and the limits get tighter, the more the movie is expected to make.

Logical

03-16-2006, 01:06 PM

Crappy seating for your money and you have to listen to everyone complain because you are late and they have to move for you to sit down.

For the price we pay, we should not have to show up late just to miss the commercials AND have crappy seating.

Unless you are going in the initial weeks of the blockbusters like LOTR etc most of the time you do not have to move past anyone to get a seat. Isn't the whole point of this thread the fact the theater are having attendance problems?

Logical

03-16-2006, 01:14 PM

Which theater do you go to that the ticket you buy says "theater pass" instead of a specific movie? To my knowledge, they all list the name of which movie you've paid to see.

While true, they also don't take tickets at the entrance to the actual theatre. Movie crosssover watching is common and well known by the theater managers. Frankly they don't care all that much because the theaters are making their real money off the concessions not the ticket sales.

dr00d

03-16-2006, 01:27 PM

Ummm...... are you aware I started this thread, and in the thread header it ends with "GASP!!!... get Hollywood to make better movies!"?

isn't it funny how you changed sides half-way through the thread? I think so.

pikesome

03-16-2006, 01:27 PM

In reference to the original point, the theater chains are looking at the problem from the wrong angle. The problem is not getting butts in seats, paying admission and buying concessions, it's the draconian treatment they receive from their suppliers, ie "Hollywood". If the large chains wanted to fix their problem all it would take is for a couple of the largest chains to say "We're not going to be showing Spiderman 3, thank you". The production companies outlay so much money on these big movies that a move like this, limiting the screens showing the movie, would/could bankrupt major portions of Hollywood. This would be a powerful tool in forcing a more equitable sharing of the revenue across the board. If the theater industry, as a whole, could ever get on the same page they could fix this problem. At the very worst they could sell themselves to the distributors and walk away from the whole mess.

luv

03-16-2006, 01:31 PM

isn't it funny how you changed sides half-way through the thread? I think so.
I didn't think there were "sides" to this point. He was simply agreeing with the point of view that consessions could have a part to do with it as well. I don't see him wavering from his original point. I just don't see him expanding upon it.

dr00d

03-16-2006, 01:51 PM

I didn't think there were "sides" to this point. He was simply agreeing with the point of view that consessions could have a part to do with it as well. I don't see him wavering from his original point. I just don't see him expanding upon it.

perhaps that is true, but over 9 full pages of people bitching about concessions and NOT about crappy movies is like making a bad, bad english paper in college.

either way, lowering concessions is still an idea that only works in theory.

luv

03-16-2006, 02:03 PM

perhaps that is true, but over 9 full pages of people bitching about concessions and NOT about crappy movies is like making a bad, bad english paper in college.

either way, lowering concessions is still an idea that only works in theory.
The question they need to answer is what keeps people from going to the theater? Most people wait until it comes out on DVD. True, we don't have as many big hits as we used too. Not as many "gotta see on the big screen" type of movies. I might be tempted to go if prices were cheaper, though. You mess with people's pocketbooks, and they react.

pikesome

03-16-2006, 02:09 PM

The question they need to answer is what keeps people from going to the theater?

This is the wrong question. The question should be "How do we get people to come to the theater and watch movies". If you read the article post earlier from Cuban, you see that he "gets it". It doesn't matter how cheap a 2 week-old dead fish is, you can't make any money off it. You have to do one of two things, find alternate ways to profit from a product you have no direct control over or start selling a product people WANT to buy. Sticking with the dead fish analogy, you either sell that fish for compost or you find someone who has fish that don't stink.

dr00d

03-16-2006, 02:10 PM

the reality that I think is the truth is that it definately is a combination of things...

--people have big ass tv's now and huge surround sound speakers (experience isn't nearly as cool as it used to be)
--I think quality is a big deal too--maybe not as much as I think, but I'm never satisfied with the sound/picture whenever I go, but that is my bias (projectionist/manager for 5 years).
--I do think that people are tired of other people (cell phones, babies, anything of the sort)
--customer service is also a problem in most places
--minor things like bathroom breaks and pausing make a big difference too

oh yes--and another side note, I have NEVER EVER heard of anyone who gives a "theatre pass." Perhaps if you were a 6 or less plex and ran movies on the hour every 3 hours or something along those lines..but anything over that and there is just way too much overlap and you would have many people pay one time and stick around all day, hopping movies all over the place. Plus-we were required to keep track of tickets for every movie sold per show, per day..those numbers were given to a tracking system (mainly to find out how much a movie made per day). Most contracts have a clause in them that says, you take a movie for 4 weeks, you give us a % of everything you make, if you don't make enough money to give us at least 5,000, then you pay it out of pocket.

ModSocks

03-16-2006, 03:18 PM

Well, i didnt bother reading this thread, so if i repeat what somone else alrdy said, pls forgive me. Im a part time assistant manager at a Regal theatre as my second job, and lowering concession prices would put the theatre out of buisness. Customers are always complaining about stuff, and i really dont think they understand how stuff works. (i've had so many customers come up to me and ask me to rewind the movie, lol.)
The theatre industry gets very little revenue from tickets. Theatres dont up the ticket prices for fun, they do it because the movie industry charges the theatres more to lease the movie to them. Hollywood raises there prices, theatres have to raise theres, and customers pay for it in the end. I may be wrong, but my GM told us that the theatre actually makes a little less than 1% off of the actuall ticket prices. When she was explaining our monthly budget, she told us that the money we make from the ticket sales is barely enough to cover the power bill to keep the place open, if that helps to put things in perspective.
With that being said, yes, the concession stands are insanely overpriced, but that is becasue that is where all the money comes from. A lot of the money also comes from marketing on preshow entertainment, and special Radio screenings/leasing of a particular theatre. There is a lot of diffrent ways the theatre uses to try to make its money, but ticket sales is not one of them. The concessions bascialy payes everyones wages and covers the budget for the theatre. My theatre remains profitable (great management), but when my GM shows us the reviews of other theatres in our district, some are barley making any profit, and others are actually going down. The theatre industry is a dieing buisness, and people can complain about the theatre all they want, but nothing will change because of the way that the profits are shared between hollywood and the theatre.

Katipan

03-16-2006, 03:28 PM

Saulbadguy

03-16-2006, 03:30 PM

I like how some theaters are offering electronic ticketing now. Why can't they just replace the box office with that?

Logical

03-16-2006, 03:46 PM

I like how some theaters are offering electronic ticketing now. Why can't they just replace the box office with that?

Because there are people like me who go every single week who would quit if I had to use electronic ticketing.

Saulbadguy

03-16-2006, 03:47 PM

Because there are people like me who go every single week who would quit if I had to use electronic ticketing.
Why would you quit?

I've seen box offices that have ATM like machines where you insert a credit or debit card , or even cash, and it spits out a ticket.

dr00d

03-16-2006, 03:48 PM

I think losing a handful of people over saving 1000 bucks in wages every months sounds like a good deal to me.

Katipan

03-16-2006, 03:50 PM

You'd think they could easily have 1 ticket dude and a slew of automated machines.

Saulbadguy

03-16-2006, 03:50 PM

You'd think they could easily have 1 ticket dude and a slew of automated machines.
Thats what I was thinking. 1 guy for the morons who couldn't figure out what big red button to push.

Logical

03-16-2006, 03:54 PM

Why would you quit?

I've seen box offices that have ATM like machines where you insert a credit or debit card , or even cash, and it spits out a ticket.

I prefer dealing with humans when I hand money over. I don't mind using machines when I take money out. Just the way I am. I bank the same way. I will even pay a little extra on airline fares to get a real ticket from a person rather than being forced to use e-tickets.
Sometimes you have no choice any more though.:cuss:

Logical

03-16-2006, 03:56 PM

You'd think they could easily have 1 ticket dude and a slew of automated machines.

Out here there are several theatres with several automated machines that you won't find a single person in line to use, yet you will find long lines que'd up at the boxoffice. Evidently, People clearly prefer the box office.

Saulbadguy

03-16-2006, 03:58 PM

Sometimes you have no choice any more though.:cuss:
I don't mind that at all. Companies save money by not having to hire drones to push buttons, and can pass savings on to the customer. I've also found machines to have a much less margin of error than humans. Usually the only time they fail is when the human is too dumb to operate them correctly.

"Please wait for cashier assistance. Please wait for cashier assistance." ROFL

Logical

03-16-2006, 04:08 PM

I don't mind that at all. Companies save money by not having to hire drones to push buttons, and can pass savings on to the customer. I've also found machines to have a much less margin of error than humans. Usually the only time they fail is when the human is too dumb to operate them correctly.

"Please wait for cashier assistance. Please wait for cashier assistance." ROFL
Tell you what, tell me how you feel the next time you put a 20 dollar bill in, get gas for your car and it only takes 10, and you get no change. Then you cannot get the cashier to give you your change because he has no way to verify you put a 20 in. Then tell me how you feel. 2 weeks later I finally got a check for the 10 dollars from the company for that little error. Not to mention the horror stories I have heard from people who use ATM machines for deposits.

I am an engineer by education, definitely not a technophobe. I just don't like the lack of contol.

Saulbadguy

03-16-2006, 04:11 PM

Tell you what, tell me how you feel the next time you put a 20 dollar bill in, get gas for your car and it only takes 10, and you get no change. Then you cannot get the cashier to give you your change because he has no way to verify you put a 20 in. Then tell me how you feel. 2 weeks later I finally got a check for the 10 dollars from the company for that little error. Not to mention the horror stories I have heard from people who use ATM machines for deposits.

I've had that happen to me once with a person. Never a machine. Who is more likely to be incorrect, the human, or the machine?

Who are you more likely to persuade that they are wrong; the human, or the controller of the machine?

dr00d

03-16-2006, 04:56 PM

I'd say, quit being so old and use a credit card...I haven't stepped inside a gas station for 3 years, besides the few times I have gotten powerball tickets.

Logical

03-16-2006, 05:05 PM

I'd say, quit being so old and use a credit card...I haven't stepped inside a gas station for 3 years, besides the few times I have gotten powerball tickets.There are a few that won't accept credit cards around here, they are quite a bit less expensive than those that will normally, up to 10 cents a gallon.

Logical

03-16-2006, 05:06 PM

I've had that happen to me once with a person. Never a machine. Who is more likely to be incorrect, the human, or the machine?

Who are you more likely to persuade that they are wrong; the human, or the controller of the machine?

I am more likely to convince a person, my personality is quite forceful in person. Some would say intimidating others say scary. The result works in my favor.:D

Saulbadguy

03-16-2006, 05:08 PM

I am more likely to convince a person, my personality is quite forceful in person. Some would say intimidating others say scary. The result works in my favor.:D
Yeah, right.

Logical

03-16-2006, 05:10 PM

Yeah, right.I have had a number of people make mistakes over the years, I have never ever walked away without it being corrected, not once in my 50 years on this planet. I have demanded the manager count down the drawer in my presence if need be and believe me they will or they will just buckle and give me the money in the name of good customer service.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 06:04 PM

isn't it funny how you changed sides half-way through the thread? I think so.
I haven't changed sides at all. Look at post #1, dumbass. It says it right there. I never once edited that first post. Go look at post #21 if you don't believe me -- YOU quoted me as saying it. I don't even believe that lowering concessions would bring that many more people -- I do believe it would bring some. And as I stated earlier, more concessions sales at a lower price STILL means higher revenue. I started arguing concessions prices because that's where the conversation was heading. It's OBVIOUS, as I've stated before, the single best way to draw a crowd is to put better entertainment up there.

Maybe you should trying reading before posting.

Logical

03-16-2006, 06:20 PM

...It's OBVIOUS, as I've stated before, the single best way to draw a crowd is to put better entertainment up there.

....I don't think showing Inde flicks is the answer though as someone had suggested. They appeal only to a very limited audience type and would probably hurt as much as they help, though possibly distribution costs would be lower so more profit on the limited audience would be better. We have a local that typically runs one Inde a week but they tend to be for an ethnic audience of the week type deal. Seems to work somewhat for them but hardly a pancea.

Fire Me Boy!

03-16-2006, 07:02 PM

I don't think showing Inde flicks is the answer though as someone had suggested. They appeal only to a very limited audience type and would probably hurt as much as they help, though possibly distribution costs would be lower so more profit on the limited audience would be better. We have a local that typically runs one Inde a week but they tend to be for an ethnic audience of the week type deal. Seems to work somewhat for them but hardly a pancea.
No, you're right... indie's are not the answer (although QUALITY entertainment a lot of the time)... although, I do believe Hollywood gives the movie-going public too little credit... or maybe the LCD audience needs to be better informed.