Are movie theaters going to go the way of the drive-in theaters that disappeared a couple decades ago?

Good God, I honestly hope not. I happen to work at a theater, so I sincerely hope the movie theater business does not go under anytime in the near future. When do you normally go to the theater? Weekdays are particularly slow and theaters' hundred seat capacity are almost always only filled on weekends when people have the time to enjoy such entertainment. Time of day is also a factor. There are systematic "rushes" that occur midday and evening (before or after dinnertime, people usually decide against having to eat late just so they can go see a movie).

I have not seen any studies done about the general populace and movie theater patronage, but there has been an interesting and (as I'm a theater employee) disturbing film "experiment". A few weeks ago Roger Ebert made mention of a little-known movie called "Bubble". It was not particularly noteworthy in terms of plot, critical praise, or box office success. But what made it worth mentioning was the structure of its release. Its debut consisted of movie theater release, being aired on television, and release on DVD all within the span of one week. Not much monetary success followed this experiment mostly due to the film's indie status. However, in the future, as the demand for instant gratification becomes greater and more ubiquitous, movie studios may feel pressed to acquiesce to the public's demand.

In all, it all boils down to the almighty dollar. A movie that does well in the theaters will do just as well in DVD sales. I highly doubt present-day Hollywood feels the need to cut out the highly profitable middleman (movie theaters) and release films direct to DVD. In a highly competitive capitalistic market, if they can have their cake and eat it it too, chances are they will. So my feeling is, for now and the near future (or at least in my lifetime) movie theaters are here to stay.

I think they need to get prices under control. Who can afort $50 for a night with the family (tickets and popcorn, may be a soda)? Especially, you can get many good video to play at home, and more and more home systems are every bit as watchable. Perhaps the theater of the future is more along the IMAX design. Something you couldn't do in a home.

I for one think that movie theaters are too expensive, which may be one reason for their declining attendance. I can wait until the movie comes out on DVD, which is getting to be a shorter and shorter span of time, and enjoy it in my own home with my own choice of refreshments rather than having to spend $8+ for a ticket, $10-20 on flat coke and stale popcorn and candy and then having to drive home.

A few weeks ago a movie came out by the name of Bubble, and it came out in theaters and dvd and Pay-Per-View. the poele who made the film wants to start a trend of putting movies out there like that. So Theaters could be gone sooner than you think.

The first night of the opening, the theaters is packed. But i suppose it all depends on where you live; population.

Yes, I think eventually there will not be any theatres left. Movies will go directly to DVD.

Believe it or not, Drive-ins are coming back.