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Movie Theaters Haven't Innovated Beyond Popcorn, Says Netflix CEO (variety.com)
Janko Roettgers, reporting for Variety: Asked about his company's relationship with major theater chains, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings didn't pull any punches on Thursday. "How did distribution innovate in the movie business in the last 30 years? Well, the popcorn tastes better, but that's about it," he quipped. "What Netflix wants to do is to unleash film," he said. "It's fundamentally about growing the movie business." [...] On Thursday, Hastings pushed back against the notion that the company aims to bypass theaters. "We are not anti theater," he said. "We just want things to come out at the same time."
That, coupled with streamed or local content (discs) and I am good to go.
It now cost $35 per person for ticket and popcorn to see a late night movie.
Seriously, anyone could've told you that. All they did was change their audio visual system over time, but that's really all.
Selling you cheap polarized glasses at insane markup is pretty innovative, I think.
Now, I know that when it first came out, the digital theater systems tended to "blue screen of death" too often, but please.
The best publicity man FreeBSD ever had.
Movie theaters can only show the content they are given. Netflix did little more than that until they started making their own content a few years ago. Showing video over the web? Oh, sure, no one ever did that before Netflix, right? Nope. People weren't downloading movies (illegally but...) in 1998.
There have been attempts to give the movie theater a more club-like atmosphere where groups could sit around small tables, and also to integrate movie theaters with entertainment complexes that also featured bumper cars, arcades and the like. The problem is that that costs more money per customer, so somebody has to pay more. But maybe some merchandising genius will eventually hit on a formula that works. People do enjoy watching first run movies and live sports in a crowd where the reaction of the spectators is part of the entertainment, and a source of stories aftewards.
I don't remember what popcorn tasted like 30 years ago, but it doesn't taste that great nowadays so maybe Netflix could do something about that as well.
Netflix was a successful DVD rental by mail company that got the MPAA and copyright holders to put their content online for streaming. That is not some kind of "tech innovation"
Yes, I'll grant you that Netflix's deal to allow streaming required *marketing* innovation...some kind of innovative way to package the deal to copyright holders...that is true.
That's business and marketing innovation...it's not tech. An example of tech innovation is Youtube. They were able to build a system that allowed users to upload video and it worked well on the low-bandwidth internet of the time. The innovation was the technical ability to code and program a system to allow users to do that and make it scale.
Why does this matter?
Billions of dollars are invested into "innovative tech startups" every year...it's better for our industry (and our jobs!) if investors and the general public understand exactly what "innovation" actually is...in other words, I'm promoting anti-hype.
Thank you Dave Raggett
was sitting on a log in a rainforest watching The Neverending Story projected on a bed sheet.
Maybe they could try that.
No one in their right fucking mind is going to pay $10 for a popcorn, $7 for a soda, and $15 for a movie ticket PER PERSON if they can watch that shit at home with their whole family for a small fee. OF COURSE that would put theaters out of business.
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
There are certain kinds of people that like to shout out loud, at the actors in the theater. There are those who like to talk amongst themselves whilst watching a movie, occasionally conducting a kind of running commentary on the movie while they are watching it
I AM NOT ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. But maybe if movies came out in theaters and netflix on day one, all those people could watch it together at home and i can enjoy the movie at the theater in peace, or vise versa.
Well I don't go to theaters anyway, but if I did I'd much rather beef tenderloin wrapped in tortilla w/mushrooms and garlic... and many other options...
Problem"" is profit.. charge an arm and a leg for worthless popcorn...
They found new and innovative ways to piss of customers while at the same time raise prices ("hey, you wanna buy glasses for the 3d movie you just bought the ticket for? that's extra!").
1. 3D
2. Better sound and video (I remember some movies being limited to complaint movie theaters)
3. Chairs (reclining)
4. More previews (and annoying pre-screening stuff)
5. Online ticket purchases
"Shunned by major theater chains, Netflix last fall struck a deal with iPic Entertainment, a small chain with 15 theaters."
How long until MPAA finds some excuse to cut off iPic Entertainment from mainstream distribution?
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I can't stand going to general admission shows since I first tried it a couple of years back now. Reserved seating for the movie, in-seat menu service for meals or concession before the movie starts, wider and more comfortable seats than GA, and with a bit more legroom to boot. Tickets are a bit more than GA, but man are they worth it!
Gonna go see Disney's classic tale of Stockholm syndrome tomorrow afternoon with my wife in a VIP lounge....and there won't be any screaming kids. I heartily recommend it if you are willing to shell out the extra couple of bucks per ticket for an improved theater experience.
File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
Theater innovations since the late 1980s:
* More IMAX/OMNI screens
* More stadium seating
* Buy tickets online or at a kiosk
* More special screenings for people with autism or other special needs
* More regular screenings of foreign or art films in "regular" movie-houses
* More (or maybe better advertised) "events" like the Doctor Who events and MST3K events in the last few years
* Movie-theater gift cards
Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
[snip]....Digital movies are projected using a digital projector instead of a conventional film projector. Digital cinema is distinct from high-definition television and is not dependent on using television or high-definition video standards, aspect ratios, or frame rates. In digital cinema, resolutions are represented by the horizontal pixel count, usually 2K (2048×1080 or 2.2 megapixels) or 4K (4096×2160 or 8.8 megapixels). As digital cinema technology improved in the early 2010s, most of the theaters across the world converted to digital. [snip]
there's been plenty of "innovation," or attempts at it. dinner theatres, nicer seats, etc.
the problem with the film industry is MOVIES SUCK
10 years ago I used to watch almost everything, nowadays I might see 1 or 2 a year and it's almost always a waste of my time.
"What Netflix wants to do is to unleash film," he said. "It's fundamentally about growing the movie business."
How magnanimous. And here I believed they just wanted to make a lot of money.
So I'll be waiting for my free netflix account, since all they want is to "grow the movie business".
Good lord: You sell entertainment. Don't pretend like you're healing lepers.
They darn well innovated the 'plush' theaters. Does no one remember the crappy chaired, cemebt floored, small theaters of the 70s - 90s? Hell it wasn't until about the 2000s that sound buffering wall carpet, light paths along the floors, and reclining seats with cupholders came on the scene. Yeah it was a reason to jack up prices, but still... theaters have come a looong way.
Considering Netflix rarely gets any new movies anymore, one thing movie theaters have that Netflix doesn't is new movies.
I'm a good cook. I'm a fantastic eater. - Steven Brust
The womens Bra was NOT invented by the undergarment industry in the 1800's. They where just making undergarments that people had been wearing for the last 50 years. A woman running a small business in NYC making dresses invented the Brazier so her dresses would look better on her customers. After a year she was selling and making more braziers than dresses. Eventually she bought a factory and started manufacturing and selling braziers across the country. By the time they started gaining mass appeal, the existing undergarment industry tried to launch a advertising campaign against them, but it was too late.
This pattern repeats throughout history. Small business invent products that become whole new industries, and literally create new jobs that didn't exist before. This is what politicians are talking about when they say 'Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, they are the true job creators" its not just a good sound bite, its actually true. In the brazier example, the existing undergarment industry didn't really suffer, they where still producing underware worn around the buttocks area by both men and women. However sometimes these new growing small businesses will cannibalize existing big ones who failed to see the demand in the market for the new product and go out of business.
Once upon a time Netflix was a small business. They created a whole new industry, new jobs that didn't exist before, and cannibalized BlockBuster. Of course movie theaters are next. Of course they didn't innovate for 50 years, they had no incentive to do so so long as the Hollywood studios has iron grip on Washington politicians and could push the TV networks around with their Hollywood prestige and money
But now the Hollywood studios have started turning their backs on movie theaters. TV Networks are no longer small fry, and the theaters that are making money are the ones actually innovating (Ever heard of alamo drafthouse? Cheap tickets and decent food+beer served to you while you watch!) I won't be surprised if movie theaters become niche in the future. it would just be so much better to watch the latest marvel movie day one on my couch on my screen with my favorite beverage and meal.
The only thing it didn't do - it didn't die. All in all it has evolved into DVD/HD etc. Next evolutionary step will be VR experience in movies or even interactive movies. But hey, Cinema has it's niche. Some people prefer bicycle over motorbike and for many good reasons.
Netflix is missing the point. While admittedly, movie theaters haven't done anything revolutionary for a while, they have steadily updated the picture and audio quality. These two things are the reason I continue to go to theaters instead of watch on my home theater.
Not true. In my city in the US, theaters have introduced at-seat table service and reserved seating. The former is nice to have but the latter is transformative. No queues, no racing for seats, no getting stuck in lousy seats or separated from your friends. Contrary to Netflix's self-interest, there are still films that benefit from being viewed in a movie theater, and reserved seating completely removes any tension or unknowns from the experience.
What about digital distribution of digital content displayed via huge digital display systems?
It basically looks just the same as that from a film. It might save the cinema money but it does nothing for the customer. There is pseudo-3D I suppose but that shrinks the screen and gives many people a splitting headache after a few minutes. So I suppose the criterion should be innovation that is good for the customer.
From a movie-watcher's point of view, there is very little difference between a digital theater and a brand-new 70mm print on its first trip through the projector.
From a theater-owner's perspective and from the distribution-channel's perspective, there are huge differences.
So, I guess it's a difference in distribution but not one most consumers will notice, except that they may notice the lack of streaks on the screen.
Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
For me, it's that they aren't as cost-effective as entertainment as they used to be.
If movies were $1 each I'd see dozens a year. As it is, I see only a few a year in the theater.
Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
Going to the movies, use to be about watching something on a HUGE screen, with a LOT of sound. Other than a 10-15 foot tall screen, you can still have a 40-50-60 inch screen, with a lot of sound for an inexpensive price, enjoy the movie in your own home, eat your own snacks. Taking a "typical" family of 4 to the movies these days, can, in places, run around 100 bucks by the time you figure in the gas, tickets, snacks. Plus, considering the movies released these days, are reboots, or part 5,6,7 of something, there isn't a lot of movies, for me anyway, that I want to spend a lot of money on.
I'm not asking for the asstes to be made available for free, just available like assets in the Unity asset store. I know that asset flippers have been getting a lot of attention and making the whole notion seem like a bad thing, but that is something that needs study.
You're not a VIP, this is just what they're turning all theaters into.
They darn well innovated the 'plush' theaters.
More like re-invented them.
Ever been to a classic theater from before WWII?
Some of those are very ornate and very classy, on par with a classy stage-play theater or concert hall, except the acoustics generally aren't as good as a concert hall. Many of them are now used for stage plays or other events instead of film.
Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
Why don't movie theaters do merchandising?
When people are done seeing a movie, there should be a shop that sells copies of the soundtrack, copies of the other movies in the franchise, related toys (as appropriate), etc. They could even sell the Blu-Ray of the movie you just saw (whether restricted sales to movie-goers, sold to anyone, or pre-sold with day-of-release delivery).
There is so much in the way of movie merchandising, and the theaters seem to completely miss it. Even if they're contractually locked out (which is stupid), they could lease a separate store adjacent to the theater that sells movie merchandise. (Perhaps I should start that chain--too bad I already have a good job.)
It is a freakin' movie theater, not a $100 ticket performance.
In Michigan we have theaters called E-Magine. Awful name, outstanding theaters. All of the theaters themselves are fairly small, which means you aren't sitting too far away from the screen. The screen stretches from wall to wall, and they are all dimensioned properly. All of the seats are motorized extra-wide recliners. For a couple of extra dollars you can sit in a row with more leg room than you could possibly need. All the screens, projectors and speakers are properly maintained. They also have reserved seating so you can pick your seats hours before you show up to the theater. Most theaters also have waiter service, so you can just sit down and they'll bring you a drink and popcorn, including liquor, before the movie starts.
They also have special matinee showings for kids with sensory issues, so no trailers, they keep the lights on dimly, and turn the sound down, which is fantastic.
Ticket prices are, of course, a bit more than regular, but we don't see many movies so it doesn't matter that much to us.
My Other Computer Is A Data General Nova III.
Plenty of innovations beyond "popcorn" fools. Go to an Alamo Drafthouse or similar. Order some adult beverages, food, have it delivered to you, and watch the idiots with their cellphones get kicked out.
Don't recall movie theaters doing this when I was younger.
Yeah, and Taco Bells will suddenly appear in cinemas around the country, along with a mini-Starbucks and Baskin Robbins!
Whoppers and fries!
Smoked sausages!
wriggly things on sticks! ( ref Simon Green - The Nightside series, for the noobz )
Unicorn poop!
although all of it has probably been eliminated by lack of cost-effectiveness ( not enough profit...)
My local cinema has installed transgender bathrooms, and has a special "safe space" in each theater where snowflakes can watch the movies without being bullied by normal people. Netflix can't match that.
this
we went to do our usual christmas eve movie. The only option was a theater that was basically a 40 seater with recliners and reserved seating. Ticket price was still the same.
They've finally started to realize that was people want is to just watch movies at home, and so they are just trying to replicate that experience. This is why I never go to the theaters unless prodded by friends, otherwise my own home theater setup provides a much better experience
Any appearance that I might have been suggesting that *I* was somehow more important than anyone else because I go to such lounges is a misinterpretation on your part, since I was only referring to the term "VIP" as it applies to what they happen name their lounges.
Also, they can't turn all theaters into such lounges because minors are prohibited from them, primarily by virtue of the fact that they serve alcohol.
File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
My theatre (Cineplex, in Canada) hosts video game finals.
WorldGaming.com, my old customer, is now part of the Cineplex chain.
There's nothing like a theatre full of gamers cheering their heroes on!
I'm a motocrossman, myself, but these folks are serious
davecb@spamcop.net
"How did distribution innovate in the movie business in the last 30 years?"
Umm, I don't know, how about getting rid of film and adopting the Digital Cinema System Specification?
1998 was the first public demo of a digital cinema projector. As of 3 May 2016, 98.2% of the world's cinema screens are now digitized, likely saving $1 billion in distribution costs.
I'm never giving that company another dime of my money. They can go bankrupt tomorrow as far as I'm concerned.
It basically looks just the same as that from a film.
You must be too young to remember film, or too senile to remember it. Scratches and dust on film was very noticeable, and became more annoying the longer a film was in use. It's been a while since I've seen a digital projector glitch, but I remember film getting stuck and melting somewhat frequently. And don't forget the projectionist getting the reels mixed up.
Movie and a restaurant is a real innovation. AM specialty movies (we saw Matilda with cereal in pajamas). Beer in movie theaters. But the real question is directed toward mainstream movies theaters. They've innovated a little, but very little. There's buy your ticket online, pick it up at the door (a real treat if you hate lines). There's reward points for watching. Beyond that, almost every "innovation" involves serving the distributors: 3d movies (never cared for them), digital distribution direct to the camera (I care about what's presented to me, not how it's delivered to the theater). Cell phone blocking equipment (barely seems to work better than the old standby, ejecting patrons from the theater).
Most of the "movie innovation" doesn't serve the audience. It serves the industry. That's why I'll go to a smaller, better run theater like Alamo Drafthouse. I want a good experience for me, I don't care as much about the experience for the distributor.
Not true - a few years back they innovated by employing Gestapo tactics against anyone not in possession of a photographic memory, seeking to augment with the help of a video recording device.
Pushing - the - envelope!
Requiem for the American Dream
I'm actually impressed at the number of butt hurt whiners here!
Thanks /. for continuing to lower the bar.
Tumeric is a very good addition IMHO. In small amounts it makes everything bright yellow without changing the taste at all and in larger amounts it adds a slightly bitter taste that goes well with garlic and salt.
I think those days are long gone.
hi watch that Celine dion horrified whilst ellen tells her to rap
In the early 2000s, when movie theaters were starting to replace their film projectors with digital projectors, I expected theaters would vastly broaden the variety of shows to include things like letting the audience play multiplayer video games on the big screen or show live sports. I also expected these kinds of shows to be very popular in theaters, perhaps even more popular than theatrical runs of movies. Unfortunately, these kinds of "alternative content" never grew beyond a tiny niche. The most popular kind of non-movie in movie theaters turned out to be the Metropolitan Opera.
The public has such ossified expectations about what experience a movie theater should provide they couldn't even handle the Hobbit movies running at 48 frames per second. That's a far smaller change than movie theaters running video games and sports and it accompanied one of the most popular and biggest budget movie franchises but it was still too much.
Movie theaters can change and they have tried to change but if the public punishes them for trying, they won't. All the ambitious, creative people in Hollywood now work on cable TV, streaming, video games and VR because the public rewards those mediums for innovating.
Over the holidays I took family to the iPic Theater here in Houston for a screening of Rogue One. They have some really innovative seating pods - pairs of recliners share a table, and have a short sound proofing wall wrapped around them to help cut down on noise from other patrons.
I posted some photos of them at the end of this blog entry - Two million pounds of ice on a subtropical island!
What's gotten me back into the theaters is that a Movie Tavern nearby about a year ago. Reserved seats, comfy large leather recliners in a stadium seating arrangement, lots of legroom, waiter service to your chair with meals, snacks, beverages, beer and wine - and a button at your chair you can push to summon your waiter back for more beer. Prices are not much higher than most theaters, the food is Applebees price and quality and the beer is cheaper than the popcorn.
I like Netflix, but they have too many 2nd rate movies that barely made it to the big screen.
This controversy can easily be solved by digital distribution of popcorn. I have a crowdfunding page if you want to contribute.
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