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iPod Part of the Move Away From Multiplexes?

Monday, August 14th, 2006 at 3:50 PM - by

Today's teens and young adults are increasingly more interested in watching video content, even brand-new movies, on their computers, iPods, and cell phones, according to a recent Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll. According to the survey, 56% of those between the ages of 21 and 24 would rather watch new movies at home, if they could choose between that and going to a theater to watch them.

Among 12-to-17-year-olds, 47% like watching movies on their computers, while 18% cited an iPod or similar device and 11% pointed to cell phones. Among 21-to-24-year-olds, the computer-watching percentage was similar, although only 7% said they like to use an iPod and 6% referred to a cell phone.

Dan Glickman, president of the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), lamented the poll's results, saying: "You can't have a thriving movie industry without having a thriving theatrical business."

BitTorrent president Ashwin Navin retorted: "A lot of people want to watch movies on their PC, and part of the attraction is portability: You can take the movie with you. And a computer is private, in a [kid's] own space. They don't have to contend for the remote control. It doesn't replace the experience of theatergoing, but the selection is much broader."

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A guest said: (hide)

Mon Aug 14, 2006 4:42 pm

"You can't have a thriving movie industry without having a thriving theatrical business."

No just the definition of "theatrical business" needs to change. There is no reason why the movie industry can not be just as successful by altering the availability of new release movies.

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gslusher said:

member since 13 Nov 2002 with 2088 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Mon Aug 14, 2006 5:52 pm

"You can't have a thriving movie industry without having a thriving theatrical business."

and

"A lot of people want to watch movies on their PC, and part of the attraction is portability: You can take the movie with you. And a computer is private, in a [kid's] own space. They don't have to contend for the remote control. It doesn't replace the experience of theatergoing, but the selection is much broader."

Lessee, the local multiplex charges $7.75 for an adult Friday or Saturday evening ticket. Add in their overpriced popcorn and drinks and a movie date could easily cost $25-30. For that, you can BUY a DVD plus popcorn and soda. You can watch the DVD several times or even sell it to recoup part of the expense. Maybe the cost has something to do with it, as well.

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Biff said:

member since 08 Apr 2004 with 1479 posts, unranked, send him a message or view his profile

Mon Aug 14, 2006 5:58 pm

$7.75?!? Wow that's cheap. Matinee's are that much around here. But your point still stands. Sure we can't have 60 foot screens at home, but with a decent setup and an HD-DVD its getting pretty close. And for the same price you can stay home, have better food, more comfortable seats, cleaner surroundings, no over-crowding, etc...

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A guest said: (hide)

Mon Aug 14, 2006 8:01 pm

To be fair to some theatres, they receive close to nothing of the ticket price. They only make money when you buy concessions. Goes to show the greed of the studios.

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