If theaters approached their screens as real estate, which is what they are, you would naturally produce efficient outcomes that would, by definition, better please audiences. Instead, audiences are duped. Being socialized to believe 3D should cost more than 2D has inflated box office returns, which had inflated 2D pricing, and pushed demand to VOD, which of course harms their business.

There are theaters, apparently, that are experimenting with this, but not aggressively. This is frustrating because it harms the audience as much as the theaters. People who go to the theater will go more often if they feel it’s worth their time. This is the basis, though I disagree with it, of more 3D and more comic book fare. Apply these forces on the negative side and you might see a full screening of smaller films at lower prices in less-served cities. They aren’t running the numbers because they’ve forced themselves into an inelastic market.

Our audiences are hungry for arthouse and alternatives (our screenings have had up to 200 attendees in a 175 capacity location) and they refuse to allow us licensed screenings. I’m sure I’m not the only programmer to get the standard, short responses of “Too soon.” or “Thank you so much for interest and support. Unfortunately due to the timing of this opportunity, we are going to have to pass.” Yeah, thank YOU for your support too.

So while I agree the big corporate multiplexes need to up their game and improve the experience and presentation, distributors themselves need to get their heads out of their asses and these old models and understand basic demand/interest. They only hurt themselves.

Omg you’re so right about the ads. It’s getting absurd.