Several news sources (including the BBC) are making a fuss over a poll that suggests most (73%) of American moviegoers prefer watching movies at home than at their local theatre. It shouldn't be surprising - let's break down the prices.
For your average movie ticket in Canada, it's around $10. Then about $5 for popcorn and possibly another $3 for a drink. That's roughly $18 per person, making a romantic night at the movies for two come up to a whopping $36. For that price, you get 20 minutes of commercial messages before a movie, no privacy and probably an uncomfortable chair.
For around $5 (total), you can rent a DVD to watch at home. Presuming, as many people now do, you have a true 5.1 surround sound system installed, and perhaps even a 16:9 television monitor, the picture and sound experience is at least comparable, if not better. You can skip the commercials, sit on your own couch, have a nice glass of wine and even pause the movie for bathroom breaks (or other romantic interludes, should the spirit move you...). (Heck - for around $20 - still cheaper than a night at the movies - you can OWN the DVD.)
You also get to choose the film, which may not be something that a theatre would show.
My question is - why is anyone surprised?
For your average movie ticket in Canada, it's around $10. Then about $5 for popcorn and possibly another $3 for a drink. That's roughly $18 per person, making a romantic night at the movies for two come up to a whopping $36. For that price, you get 20 minutes of commercial messages before a movie, no privacy and probably an uncomfortable chair.
For around $5 (total), you can rent a DVD to watch at home. Presuming, as many people now do, you have a true 5.1 surround sound system installed, and perhaps even a 16:9 television monitor, the picture and sound experience is at least comparable, if not better. You can skip the commercials, sit on your own couch, have a nice glass of wine and even pause the movie for bathroom breaks (or other romantic interludes, should the spirit move you...). (Heck - for around $20 - still cheaper than a night at the movies - you can OWN the DVD.)
You also get to choose the film, which may not be something that a theatre would show.
My question is - why is anyone surprised?
| :: posted by Ian Dawe, 6/17/2005 | Comments (2) Links to this post |
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