Why Movie Theaters Still Matter (MMM#38)
Greetings all,
Madeline here with the 38th entry in The Movie Minute. For this entry’s topic, we’ll be taking a look at another fun topic that I’m passionate about – movie theaters or “cinemas”!
Ever since the advent of film in the late 19th and early 20th century, the cinema has always been a place to experience the magic of film, from “nickelodeons” to grand movie palaces. Many of these theatres used to be owned by the studios themselves, until they were legally required to divest them. Then as time went on, “multiplexes”, as well as drive-in theaters, became more common around the world, and digital technology became more common in how the films were presented on the big screens. Nevertheless, the experience of going to see a movie at a theater has remained the same at its core.
Nowadays, though, more and more people are choosing to instead rent movies on VOD or wait until they come to streaming. The pandemic and subsequent restrictions may have fueled this, but many have their own reasons for watching at home, such as not having to view commercials or being able to pause the movie (due to the relative lack of intermissions). But today, even since the pandemic and the advent of the “streaming wars”, theaters remain an important part of the film industry. Even as some studios shortened their theatrical release window (or even simultaneously released the film on a streaming service), several figures in the industry have advocated for studios to continue to release their films in theaters, with most keeping their releases exclusively in cinemas for around 45 days or even longer before bringing films to VOD, streaming, and home video.
And today, having a theatrical run is still a requirement to be eligible for awards ceremonies, which is why films made for streaming services have a limited theatrical release beforehand. In addition, specialized theater formats such as Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and IMAX remain popular, especially for large blockbusters, and smaller, locally-owned theaters that specialize in independent films continue to thrive as well. Some theaters even offer a “dine-in” experience allowing moviegoers to enjoy a fresh meal while being immersed in the story that night’s movie has to tell.
Overall, even in the age of streaming, the movie theater remains a crucial part of cinema, both as a business and as an art. As cinemas big and small continue to push through after the pandemic, the theater as a place to experience a story on the screen will remain a great experience for years to come.
And that concludes this entry in The Movie Minute. Wishing you all the best, and see y’all in 2! -Madeline
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