The Death of Movies?

Are movies dead?  A more appropriate question is: Are movie theaters dead?

The answer is not one I want to accept.  Sadly, I believe movie theaters are in critical condition and will be dead within a generation.

The clues to the homicide are right in front of us… And right in front of you as you read this!  (Spoiler alert: the Internet.)

or is it the end?

The Possible Suspects:

Multi-tasking

Let’s face it, we’ve become a society of multi-tasking junkies.  We simply cannot do just one thing at a time!  We need to be checking email, tweeting, and Googling while we’re watching, listening, reading, eating, even carrying on a conversation.  We can’t help ourselves anymore; it has become second nature.  I have to admit that the last few times I saw movies in a theater – even action-packed summer blockbusters – I felt myself longing to check email, text someone… or skip ahead!

On-line Alternatives

It’s hard to dispute the convenience of watching movies on-line.  There’s no need to drive anywhere or wait in lines… Just a click or two and in a matter of seconds you’re watching a movie.  Sure, not always the newest releases but that will change.  More important than selection, it seems, are things like speed and viewing options.  I can instantly watch a movie – or part of a movie – anywhere!  At any time!  I can wake-up and watch the opening credits in bed, see the “meet cute” while eating breakfast, catch the ups-and-downs of the relationship during breaks throughout the day, and watch the tear jerker reunion while cutting onions for dinner!  All without feeling like I’ve lost 2 hours of my day.  Let’s face it; our lives have changed.

Cost

$4.50 for a soft drink?  ‘nuff said.

Non-social / More social!

In case I haven’t made it obvious yet, our society is moving (has moved) in a new direction.  The younger generation sees little reason or occasion to be connected physically – they get their social fix on-line.  For movie theaters, this is a double-whammy.  For one, you are not allowed to use your phone or other connected device during the main attraction (for good reasons), making it impossible to stay connected with your friends – your world – for 2+ hours.  And secondly, there is little appeal in experiencing a movie in a crowded theater with noisy, impolite strangers!

Are movie theaters dead?  The question is not are they, but how much longer will they remain on life support.

For another take on this subject, visit my friend writer/producer Dave Topping’s blog.