Streaming Services Flick Theaters to the Curb
April 13, 2021
Movies have been an escape from reality since their invention. But like all things, in 2020, they got shut down. However, Warnermedia’s new plan for HBO Max could make theaters permanently obsolete.
Warnermedia is releasing all-new 2021 movies on HBO Max and in theaters at the same time at no extra cost to HBO Max subscribers.
Watching a movie at a movie theater makes a difference in the quality of the movie. “One of the noticeable differences between watching at home and watching at the theater is the sound,” said Movie Review Club Co-founder Phu Hong (12). “The sound is louder and you can hear it from all directions.” Open to all students and staff, the Movie Review Club watches and discusses two movies each month.
But movie theaters are slowly getting replaced by streaming services. “I do miss sitting in comfy chairs, watching movies on a giant screen, with full surround sound,” said Lacrosse and Field Hockey Coach James Cho. “But, I love that movies are coming to streaming services. It’s definitely more convenient.”
According to Hal Wolf, former Vice President of Content at Time Warner Cable and the Full Service Network, consumers appreciate the availability of watching what they want when they want to watch it. “The Full-Service Network (FSN) led the development, both technical and market research, of movies-on-demand into cable households,” Mr. Wolf said. “There was no doubt it would be a hit. It was just a question of cost per stream.”
Not everybody likes that new releases are coming straight to streaming. “It’ll probably impact the movie theater industry pretty badly,” said Annie Tran (12). “I hope movies releasing straight to streaming doesn’t shut down the whole industry. I would love to have my future kids go and experience a movie theater.”
However, video-on-demand services have given people a cheap way to understand pop culture. “I love that various streaming services are putting out movies,” said Peter Kratz (10). “I can stay up to date with the latest movies without having to go to the theatre.”
Tricia Agnoli • May 7, 2021 at 8:01 am
Great job Marcus- we love watching movies at home but would still like to be able to watch new releases on the big screen. The cost for a family of 4 to go to the movies though has gotten expensive- especially with all the snacks!
Joyce Lofstrom • May 7, 2021 at 12:25 am
Marcus,
You write about a timely topic important to so many of us. I like the hybrid approach where movies are available at home and in the theater. Streaming expands the audience reach, I would think, but sacrifices the benefits of the movie theater. My point- many people have embraced streaming-so it’s an option to keep and evolve.
Dr.M • Apr 19, 2021 at 9:38 pm
Hi Marcus! Great topic and article! I would really miss movie theaters if they disappeared. I watch a lot of series on Netflix and Disney Plus, but watching movies in the theater is best, especially those with great special effects like Star Wars.
Mr. Healy • Apr 16, 2021 at 12:29 pm
I guess it is time to get HBO. I miss going to the movie theatre, especially the nice ones like Mosaic with good snack bars. I love watching movies at home though, mainly because it is much easier to watch with my daughter. I just hope they start making movies again, I feel like the movie market is a little dry at the moment.