The Future of Cinemas imho

Netflix (or another streaming service for that matter): Quality content generator or a killing machine for the cinemas?

There’s no way on earth this discussion wasn’t going to happen sooner or later. A lot of people argue that streaming services are killing the ultimate movie-going experience, others argue that cinemas are killing themselves by dimming the light to save costs (Edward Norton). Some are even speculating that the content on streaming services are just better now. But stats somehow show that box-office results are not declining that much. The worldwide box-office hit $41B+ in 2018 with about $12B being in North America (about 30%). The numbers for 2019 shall yet to be seen.

There’s a weird correlation though between movie-goers and streamers. Turns out the majority are the same people. A person that goes to the cinema at least once a month is more likely to subscribe to at least one streaming service and vice-versa. Myself included. But to be honest I’m seeing just a slight shift towards streaming than going to the cinemas and cinemas are only to blame honestly. I thought I could show you the advantages and disadvantages of both.

CINEMA

Pros:

✅Large screen
✅Secluded experience
✅Comfortable chairs/armchairs
✅IMAX, DOLBY ATMOS, 3D
✅Date night, Kids outing

Cons:

❌Uncomfortable chairs
❌Not enough lit screens
❌Kids screaming/talking
❌Adults talking
❌Smartphone lights
❌$10 average price per ticket

STREAMING

Pros:

✅$10 average subscription price per month for unlimited content
✅No disturbance or interruption
✅Your comfortable couch
✅Can pause
✅Somewhat better content

Cons:

❌No date nights or kids outings
❌No experience of going out
❌Smaller screen

Right now AMC theatres in the USA are testing a concept where you can get subscribed to an AMC cinema on a monthly basis and watch as many movies as you wish. Also, streamers like Netflix and Amazon Prime are showing their movies in cinemas though for a limited time (1–2 weeks). Dipping toes in each other’s grounds.

Maybe the future is in the VR headsets where you can sit at home but get the cinema feel & experience? I don’t know. Will have to look closely though.