Two weeks ago I asked you about the screen size in the cinema and if you would still go if it was small. I got some interesting answers and I have another question along those lines:
If each and every movie which came out was available both in the cinema and on demand (Netflix/iTunes etc) would you still go to the cinema? (and a small question, do you think instant availability at home will be realised in the future)?
Personally I don’t think I would be heading to the cinema much. The reality is that going means a lot of extra time to set apart. If I’d be single I know I’d visit the cinema a whole lot more, but time often does not allow it with three kids running round the house. I would love to have the choice available. I think the current state is very artificial.
I think for small, indie films by new filmmakers or those who needed attention. Having it on demand is a good thing where it would allow someone to see it at home and not have to worry about driving 15-30 minutes to the nearest art house theater and spend extra gas money. Still, it all depends on the film itself.
In some cases like To the Wonder by Terrence Malick. I knew it was available on demand but having seen 2 of his films in the big screen. I knew seeing it on a big TV or on a laptop isn’t good enough. I was fortunate to see the film at my nearest art house theater which is only 15 miles away and I really liked it despite the fact that the small people I saw it with didn’t like it at all.
So if it was possible you would prefer to have the choice.
I asked this question on my blog awhile back as well. For me, as much as I love to go to the cinema, I’d probably watch VOD more. The fact of the matter is I have a baby, and my folks don’t live anywhere near me, so I always have to find a babysitter. I think I would still make an effort to go, but it would be so much easier to watch at home.
I am sure I would watch it more on VOD as well, especially with the kids around I also have a harder time making it out of the house.
For me, I don’t think it would make a big difference but in general I think it would greatly impact on cinemas with audience numbers drastically dropping. The big thing is the cost-saving of VOD and I think that will be the deciding factor for the casual viewer (especially when you consider travelling costs and food and drink associated with physically going to the cinema). I can’t see mainstream Hollywood movies being released simultaneously on VOD and in the theater.
Yeah, I guess it would impact cinemas but it would also drive cinemas to innovate more in offering something even more unique.
For the most part I would still go to the cinema. I make it an event by going to dinner and then watching the film.
I do like the idea of films being released across multiple platforms. Though it may cannibalize some audience members from the cinema, I believe it will actually introduce the film to an overall broader audience.
Yeah, I like the event of going there as well, but I can not do that all the time.
In the end it is about the movies and not cannibalisation of audiences…
There have been a few films released in the UK with either simultaneous on-demand releases with a theatrical release, or maybe a day or two later. Solely for the smaller films or indie films. But, I think it’s a solid idea. It’s all about giving the viewer choice, right? Their choice to see the film where they want to see it. I still like going to the cinema, but there are some films which, I don’t think, require cinema visits. Like comedies or little films that work just as well on your TV.
Combine VOD with sync’d theatrical releases across the globe, you’d have the perfect system. Film makers want their films to be seen, more often than not, it’s the studios who are too pre-occupied with the money making to see that.
Indeed it is about viewer choice, but not everyone seems to be for it. It would be the perfect system indeed from the viewers point of view.
Very interesting question. I think it would depend on the film, for me. Some films demand they be seen on the big screen, Gravity for instance, and so I’d go to the cinema. Other films I’d be happy to watch on demand. My local cinema only really plays the big films, so it’d also give me the chance to see other films I wouldn’t normally get the chance to see.
I think it’ll become more and more the case but I don’t think it’ll happen for every film. It’s already starting and some films are being realised simultaneously across multiple formats, but I still think the big blockbusters will remain cinema only for the time being at least.
I agree that some movies should be seen on the big screen, but I think the majority of them do not need it.
I think if I have a lot of time (and lower price on the ticket), perhaps I’ll go to the cinema often. But I saved some movies that worth to watch in the cinema, like Gravity or Man of Steel. If it’s drama movies, you just need a nice free time. Doesn’t matter where.
So you would also prefer to have the choice.