Netflix Buying Warner Bros. Discovery

[Dan H]

I think "miserable" is a bit over the top, but can't argue that much with the poor value proposition. Theaters do not make any money on ticket sales, that's why you have programs like AMC A-List. You pay a monthly fee and come spend $100 in concessions, which DOES go to the theater.

The whole reason theaters like iPic exist is is because providing overpriced dining makes it so that theaters become a one-stop shop for movie goers. But no arguement about the cost, which is a bit out of control when it comes to food.

But there is something to be said about the theater experience. Sure, it's not as "convenient" as sitting on your couch, but there is definitely a unique feeling about seeing Jurassic Park on a giant screen. Add to that the community aspect of it (which exists no matter what anyone says), it's still got value. Take a look on Youtube for old reaction videos of audiences during Phantom Menace or Avengers Endgame.

I think there’s very much a dividing line pre and post-Covid.

We saw Fantastic Four in IMax, and it was incredible, but that goes with the high price.

Our local AMC is a better cost value but the experience sucks. Broken seats, poorly maintained, and they even had to shut down for a month this summer because their AC failed.

I’d love to see someone like Netflix or Amazon invest in an AMC or other chain and incorporate them into their business model. I think that creates some interesting possibilities and could bring back the more frequent movie goer. When I lived in Flagstaff I was within walking distance of the Harkins on the west side of town and I’d go to movies two or even three times a week.

Now, I have done a grand total of four times this year.

 

[MigratingOsprey]

I love going to the movies - if I had more time, I'd likely be there much more often

Typically splitting between a relatively new Harkins and an AZ old AMC that looks like it was a different theater previously

Never have any of the issues I hear people complain about - production is solid, concessions are standard but easy to access, good bars, seats work, generally clean

It's a much better experience than what I grew up with

If it still exists, I could completely see me an an A-List member when empty nested

IMO, what impacts theaters as much as anything is what is there combined with a relatively short wait to availability on streaming

There have definitely been movies this year I wanted to get to, just having trouble finding time and next thing I know I see it's available at my house and I can squeeze it in whenever

 

[elindholm]

In theaters, sound effects for action films are almost always too loud, and other kinds of films don't benefit that much from the big screen. I go to a movie theater less than once a year now, but it's not price that's the deterrent, it's knowing that I'm likely to be uncomfortable.

 

[Chaplin]

In theaters, sound effects for action films are almost always too loud, and other kinds of films don't benefit that much from the big screen. I go to a movie theater less than once a year now, but it's not price that's the deterrent, it's knowing that I'm likely to be uncomfortable.

Well, you are old, so there's that.

 

[Dan H]

In theaters, sound effects for action films are almost always too loud, and other kinds of films don't benefit that much from the big screen. I go to a movie theater less than once a year now, but it's not price that's the deterrent, it's knowing that I'm likely to be uncomfortable.

I agree with this. The sound mix in Nolan’s films are particularly bad, and are much better at home.

 

[oaken1]

I think "miserable" is a bit over the top, but can't argue that much with the poor value proposition. Theaters do not make any money on ticket sales, that's why you have programs like AMC A-List. You pay a monthly fee and come spend $100 in concessions, which DOES go to the theater.

The whole reason theaters like iPic exist is is because providing overpriced dining makes it so that theaters become a one-stop shop for movie goers. But no arguement about the cost, which is a bit out of control when it comes to food.

But there is something to be said about the theater experience. Sure, it's not as "convenient" as sitting on your couch, but there is definitely a unique feeling about seeing Jurassic Park on a giant screen. Add to that the community aspect of it (which exists no matter what anyone says), it's still got value. Take a look on Youtube for old reaction videos of audiences during Phantom Menace or Avengers Endgame.

we disagree on much.
But not on this Chap...

certain movies demand the theater experience...and every once in a while its not just a movie...its an event...a cultural revolution in the dark.

the average comedy, drama..cop show...whatever...pretty much the same on my 60" as it is in the theater.
But epics like SW, JP, Avatar, Matrix...
the larger than life factor is a big part of the memory making...and even with a truly epic film its rare for people to jump to their feet and cheer...in their living room
But I saw it happen in each of the movies listed.
There is just something...cynergy?...when the current world culture, and epic film making, state of the art FX...all meets in exactly the right moment...
suddenly, a random decision to go catch a flick on saturday afternoon becomes a life changing experience you will never forget.

maybe a 15 foot screen an 2500 watt 15 speaker surround sound system would make it all available at home?? I dunno..but I dont think so...
Theaters with epic movies...it just creates a magic that cannot be duplicated in any other venue.

 

[oaken1]

I love going to the movies - if I had more time, I'd likely be there much more often

Typically splitting between a relatively new Harkins and an AZ old AMC that looks like it was a different theater previously

Never have any of the issues I hear people complain about - production is solid, concessions are standard but easy to access, good bars, seats work, generally clean

It's a much better experience than what I grew up with

If it still exists, I could completely see me an an A-List member when empty nested

IMO, what impacts theaters as much as anything is what is there combined with a relatively short wait to availability on streaming

There have definitely been movies this year I wanted to get to, just having trouble finding time and next thing I know I see it's available at my house and I can squeeze it in whenever

and previews.
Back in the day we learned about the vvast majority of movies about 8 weeks before release via TV commercials...then more when we saw the trailers in the theater.....any real advance notice only came for the epics that were expected to break the world social order...like Star Wars, and the thousands who camped on sidewalks all over the country for months just to be one of the first to buy a ticket...
I hardly ever see movie previews anymore...99 percent are right here on ASFN, after I sought them out
you see more "coming soon to streaming" than you do "coming soon to a theater near you"... likely because it catches clicks.

 

[Zalixar]

Saudis are also part of the Paramount bid. Is that what is desirable in the film community, taking Saudi money? They are coming for Hollywood and will probably have the red carpet laid out for them.

 

[Town Drunk]

Paramount launches hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, challenging Netflix’s $83 billion deal​ The David Ellison-run company is promising Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders a deal it says is more lucrative and easier for the Trump administration to approve.

 

[Zalixar]

​

Paramount launches hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, challenging Netflix’s $83 billion deal​ The David Ellison-run company is promising Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders a deal it says is more lucrative and easier for the Trump administration to approve.

Ellisons, Kushner, and Saudi backed.

Lovely. Hollywood toast either way.

 

[oaken1]

Ellisons, Kushner, and Saudi backed.

Lovely. Hollywood toast either way.

I dunno man. It might be entertaining to see what happens in Hollywood when those ultra conservative Saudis get their financial foothold in there.

 

[Zalixar]

I dunno man. It might be entertaining to see what happens in Hollywood when those ultra conservative Saudis get their financial foothold in there.

A movie about it? Yes.

Real life? No

 

[Dback Jon]

I think "miserable" is a bit over the top, but can't argue that much with the poor value proposition. Theaters do not make any money on ticket sales, that's why you have programs like AMC A-List. You pay a monthly fee and come spend $100 in concessions, which DOES go to the theater.

The whole reason theaters like iPic exist is is because providing overpriced dining makes it so that theaters become a one-stop shop for movie goers. But no arguement about the cost, which is a bit out of control when it comes to food.

But there is something to be said about the theater experience. Sure, it's not as "convenient" as sitting on your couch, but there is definitely a unique feeling about seeing Jurassic Park on a giant screen. Add to that the community aspect of it (which exists no matter what anyone says), it's still got value. Take a look on Youtube for old reaction videos of audiences during Phantom Menace or Avengers Endgame.

I would be much more inclined to go to a theater, even pay a lot for popcorn, if they would actually:

Clean the theaters between screenings
Actively monitor and kick out people that insist on talking and staying on their phones.

I love a theater experience - the people, I'd rather stay home

 

[Dback Jon]

​

Paramount launches hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, challenging Netflix’s $83 billion deal​ The David Ellison-run company is promising Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders a deal it says is more lucrative and easier for the Trump administration to approve.

This is bad, bad news. And has Trump's fingers all over it.

 

[Chaplin]

I would be much more inclined to go to a theater, even pay a lot for popcorn, if they would actually:

Clean the theaters between screenings
Actively monitor and kick out people that insist on talking and staying on their phones.

I love a theater experience - the people, I'd rather stay home

What's funny is that 9 times out of 10, I don't experience that problem. I go to a big AMC and a place called Flix Brewhouse, which is like an iPic, and usually don't encounter any of those issues.

 

[Dback Jon]

What's funny is that 9 times out of 10, I don't experience that problem. I go to a big AMC and a place called Flix Brewhouse, which is like an iPic, and usually don't encounter any of those issues.

That is great - I would expect a place like Flix to be more civilized than a normal theater

 

[Devilmaycare]

maybe a 15 foot screen an 2500 watt 15 speaker surround sound system would make it all available at home?? I dunno..but I dont think so...
Theaters with epic movies...it just creates a magic that cannot be duplicated in any other venue.

It is, at least I think so. I only have an 11 foot screen but my seating distance puts it at IMAX (the real ones) viewing angles and I'm pushing a little bit north of 20k watts across everything. It's hard to produce the same level of sound in a huge theater that I am. I'll take that over having to deal with people talking, using their phones, hitting my seat, walking around, etc. any day of the week. I can also pause to get another drink or hit the bathroom. Something I usually want to do with a lot of movies being too bloated with 2.5-3 hour run times.

 

[oaken1]

It is, at least I think so. I only have an 11 foot screen but my seating distance puts it at IMAX (the real ones) viewing angles and I'm pushing a little bit north of 20k watts across everything. It's hard to produce the same level of sound in a huge theater that I am. I'll take that over having to deal with people talking, using their phones, hitting my seat, walking around, etc. any day of the week. I can also pause to get another drink or hit the bathroom. Something I usually want to do with a lot of movies being too bloated with 2.5-3 hour run times.

you have the system duplicated about as well as can be.
But even still, seeing an epic movie for the first time in the theater...I think sharing that experience add s an energy to it.
doesnt mean I wouldnt want your rig though...it would shrink the list that theaters are needed for, lol

 

[Ronin]

Las Vegas-Based HBO Max Subscriber Sues Netflix Over $72 Billion Warner Bros. Deal - IGN

An HBO Max subscriber has filed a class-action lawsuit over Netflix’s proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. seeking to block the deal.

www.ign.com

 

[Ronin]

Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Paramount $30/Share Acquisition Offer, Calling It ‘Inferior’ to Netflix Deal and Alleging Ellisons Aren’t Providing ‘Full Backstop’ for Financing

Warner Bros. Discovery rejected the $30/share takeover bid from David Ellison's Paramount Skydance, with WBD unanimously backing the deal with Netflix.

variety.com

 

[Devilmaycare]

Why pay to go to a theater when it can be watched for free in 17 days?

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

 

[MigratingOsprey]

Why pay to go to a theater when it can be watched for free in 17 days?

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Yeah, this has been a point of contention with them - even amongst the creatives that want a broader theatrical run.

The knives out movies are a good example of this. The 2nd was in and out of theaters in a blink.

The 3rd is in longer - I'm actually going to it on Sunday - but the distribution is horrible as Netflix couldn't get aligned with the major theater groups. The only place in the city is a dinner theater type setup.

 

[oaken1]

Yeah, this has been a point of contention with them - even amongst the creatives that want a broader theatrical run.

The knives out movies are a good example of this. The 2nd was in and out of theaters in a blink.

The 3rd is in longer - I'm actually going to it on Sunday - but the distribution is horrible as Netflix couldn't get aligned with the major theater groups. The only place in the city is a dinner theater type setup.

They gotta be thinking that choice will drive subscriptions and keep the overall product profitable.

 

[Devilmaycare]

They gotta be thinking that choice will drive subscriptions and keep the overall product profitable.

I don't see how that math adds up though. Netflix already has 301m paid subscribers. The number of viewers are probably at least 1.5x that due to multiple people in a house.

The venn diagram of that user base and the movie going public have a pretty good overlap. Is the incremental increase in subscriptions from the gap between the two really enough to make up for the loss in box office? A single ticket at the theater is about equal to a month of service and that's not counting a couple going to the movie or taking the kids which all multiply that number while the subscription is still the price of 1 ticket. I really don't see how the increase of subscriptions will make up for the loss of box office with such a tight release window.

 

[oaken1]

I don't see how that math adds up though. Netflix already has 301m paid subscribers. The number of viewers are probably at least 1.5x that due to multiple people in a house.

The venn diagram of that user base and the movie going public have a pretty good overlap. Is the incremental increase in subscriptions from the gap between the two really enough to make up for the loss in box office? A single ticket at the theater is about equal to a month of service and that's not counting a couple going to the movie or taking the kids which all multiply that number while the subscription is still the price of 1 ticket. I really don't see how the increase of subscriptions will make up for the loss of box office with such a tight release window.

While I tend to agree with you. I am certain there is a large portion of the country that never actually goes to the theater.
I used to go a couple times a month but the past decade im down to once or twice a year....or less, as the last movie I saw in theater was Dungeons and Dragons, until I recently went to see F4 and Superman(about a two year gap)...so in my case...Netflix is weighing the difference between 1 or 2 tickets a year and $8 every single month,rather I watch the service or not....so whatever their cut of the box office is..$7 did you say?...so for me $14 a year...or $96 a year in subscription fees.

...also, in an odd coincidence...shortening theater runs will in many areas actually increase ticket sales. For epic type movies the shorter chance to see it on the big screen will motivate many people to go see it now rather than put it off....I cant tell you how many movies I have missed just simply because I put it off a week thinking the movie will still be there..but then the following week it was no longer in theaters in my area(most recently, I have scheduled a trip to see the latest Avatar twice...but rescheduled both trips)....this sets a cultural expectation that the movie will only run on the big screen for X amount of time so I better go see it now. for many movie goers it will change the priority level of a trip to the theater.
however....I dont see how it could help out drama or RomCom movies,...those that dont really benefit from the huge screen or enhanced sound....many more of those will probably go straight to streaming.

Netflix may also further restrict there sharing of service. I have always gotten Netflix from my brother and his wife. The recent restrictions netflix added have made it so my sister in law has to come by and enter a code on my app so I can watch for two weeks....but I already no longer have it on my phone due to the issue of getting codes for both the phone and home TV....if they restrict further I will have to either get my own account or just not watch Netflix...I been mostly doing without since their program quality has dipped quite a bit the past 18 months or so...but the Stranger Things finale had me stressing over the service again, lol.
I might have to change my mobile service to T Mobile so I can get it for free.