It seems that studios are rethinking their covid-19 strategy where they sent a certain amount of releases straight to streamer versus the movie theatre. While it may be a good move for distributors and studios, major or otherwise. It could just find their coffers filled a bit better or just faster. After all, revenue is guaranteed to be good when bums on seats pay for all those extra goods in a movie theatre.
Popcorn anyone?
Those pandemic blues
During the pandemic, movies were not put on hold although the CDC probably would have preferred that move. Instead, films were made, following the rules either assiduously or not. Slap dashedly was more the norm, although each project shouted to the rafters just how difficult it was to make a movie under those conditions.
Theatres became, not an oasis in a desert of rapidly dwindling projects, but instead they turned veritable ghost towns. The new rule of the day was to “make it and stream it.” Charging extortionate amounts to purchase or rent the product on offer online.
When the live action remake of Mulan was released, the price was not just the cost of a subscription to Disney Plus, potential viewers had to put up an additional 29.99 to stream it. For a family of five, this was a pretty good deal. Solitary viewers felt, quite rightly, that the cost was exorbitant.
Theatres were struggling and along with so many other businesses, many closed down. In some cases temporarily and other permanently. Hollywood was clutching at straws while pinching their purses.
There was a new way to watch the latest releases. Paramount +, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and others, offered up the movies on demand. Films were made available to new customers and old, without the worry of facemasks and social distancing. A family could furnish their own popcorn and drink of choice and still save money on watching Hollywood’s newest fantasy.
turning that corner
Now Covid-19 has become a slightly nasty quarantine memory. Social distancing is no more a requirement in public places. Although many a business still have the templates on their floors showing just where six feet is between customers. More folks still wear face masks however. Something Asian denizens have been doing for years to prevent the spread of flu, cold, or suspicious sniffles.
For a short time, after the CDC stopped it’s “Chicken Little” impressions, one could stay home and surf the net for the newest films on offer. Some internet companies did not even charge extra for these post covid films.
Cocaine Bear (The last film of Ray Liotta) would have been a straight to video anyway. But there were other more classy offerings that could be had at home. Five Nights at Freddy’s aside (A horror movie so dire that even Matthew Lillard could not save it.) some were pretty impressive.
It is now, however, harder to find entertaining films on offer right out of the distribution gate. Even traditional “straight to DVD” horror offerings are once again being cinematically released in theatres. A case in point being the latest vampire tale: Abigail. It is now showing at a cinema near you. “Book your tickets now.” This is one that I, for one, am desperate to see. It has a decent cast and the trailer looks very tasty. *Side note: Rotten Tomatoes has given this one a great score – 85% on the old tomatometer and an audience score of 87%.*
Hit or miss
Some streaming sites have slowed down to a snail’s pace on offering new films. Although good old Peacock still coughs up the odd “streaming only” movies. The two latest films are both panned by Rotten Tomatoes. Both Night Swim and Drive-Away Dolls – Blumhouse and Ethan Coen, without Joel, respectively were panned.
Still, I for one, appreciate mediocre or “so bad they’re good” films. And given the choice I would rather watch them at home versus the movie theatre. *Side note: Which brings back a rather odd memory of watching The Pyramid in a deserted AMC in Las Vegas. I was literally the only audience member. Despite the film featuring James Buckley, who was brilliant in The Inbetweeners, once the thing started playing I could see why no one else was there.
I still balk at paying nearly $30 US dollars for a film that I can watch for a decent seniors rate of around $9.50 cinema. But some movies are not worth waiting for if they are a bona fide hit.
it’s a wrap
It may take some time for Hollywood and distributors to rethink this whole stream or theatre game plan. Until then, it may well pay to just cruise the net before plunking out big bucks for overpriced popcorn and a family fun day cinema ticket. Still, some of the latest offerings just scream, Cinema time baby!
You must be logged in to post a comment.