|
|
This topic comprises 4 pages: 1 2 3 4
|
|
Author
|
Topic: Being honest with your customers?
|
|
|
Paul Linfesty
Phenomenal Film Handler
Posts: 1383
From: Bakersfield, CA, USA
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 12-06-2012 11:44 PM
Here's what the Hitching Post Theatres in Tehachapi, CA, says about why they don't show 3-D (from their website).
"The cost to equip just one theater auditorium with the current digital 3D process (the only system supported by all of the major film companies) is over $100,000.00. Being a small business in a small town, this is just not financially feasible.
Theaters trying to offset their equipment investment and associated costs like 3D glasses, and with the "strong encouragement" from film studios desperate for additional revenue charge moviegoers a significant increase in admission prices for a 3D presentation. For example, the Edwards theater in Bakersfield has a $3.50 charge added to their normal admission prices. To see a film in 3D, ticket prices are $14.00 for adults, seniors and children are $10.50. The Maya Cinemas in Bakersfield and the Cinemark theater in Lancaster adds $3.00 per ticket to their already high normal admission prices for the process.
With normal ticket prices already high for most people, I am not willing to do this. I feel the vast majority of our customers would not or could not pay these ridiculous, inflated prices to see 3D movies most of which are poor-quality 3D "conversions" (movies not originally filmed in 3D but converted to 3D after-the-fact).
When digital 3D movies were first emerging, the novelty was fresh and many people chose to pay the additional fees. After nearly 80 percent of those who saw "Avatar" saw it in 3D, it was assumed that the format would quickly overtake theatrical distribution. But 3D's box-office trajectory has been pointing downward almost ever since, with moviegoers growing disinterested in paying higher ticket prices.
A recent article published by the well-respected financial services/market research company BTIG confirms this:
"We continue to believe the US consumer is frustrated by the excessive pricing of 3D and that the 3D experience is increasingly being viewed as a gimmick to squeeze more money out of moviegoers, with 3D often adding very little to a movie’s enjoyment (beyond eye fatigue and a headache). 3D technology is not the answer to making more money in the movie business - making great content and pricing it conservatively is."
Sincerely,
Will Viner
Owner, Hitching Post Theaters
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manny Knowles
"What are these things and WHY are they BLUE???"
Posts: 4247
From: Bloomington, IN, USA
Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 12-07-2012 11:18 AM
While 3D cinematography and 2D to 3D post processes may have improved, I personally don't think 3D adds much to the experience.
It isn't that I find the glasses uncomfortable, and I have only experienced eye-strain with one movie (Piranha), so those are not my issues with 3D. My issue is this: Supposedly, 3D makes a movie a more "immersive" experience, but my experience has been quite the opposite -- 3D somehow creates a sense of detachment from the action. It is as though putting things in 3D underscores the idea that "I am an observer, witnessing this with the aid of technology. This is a mediated experience, to be seen through lenses. I am not really a part of this world, for this world is merely an illusion. It does not exist. If I remove the glasses, it will all fall apart." The viewer becomes too self-conscious and, under such circumstances, even the best movie has to work overtime to tap into the subconscious.
Now, there is one movie that I feel benefits from seeing in 3D. And that movie is Werner Herzog's "Cave of Forgotten Dreams." It works for me because I know that the cave is a real place that I would never get to see in 3D with my own eyes. The shape of the cave walls is an important component to the cave art. So 3D helps in that respect.
And "Captain E/O" was fun -- but that doesn't count since it was a 17-min amusement park attraction.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mike Frese
Master Film Handler
Posts: 465
From: Holts Summit, MO
Registered: Jun 2007
|
posted 12-07-2012 05:50 PM
quote: Andrew Thomas
Mike, the theater in question doesn't have digital currently. To go digital + 3D could easily run $100k.
Projectors are $35-$70 depending on resolution and screen size.
Matte 3D systems like Dolby run $15-$20k with a decent amount of glasses.
If you go polarized 3D, you could spend the same if you go with Master Image or less upfront with RealD. Either way (RealD or MI) now you need a new silver screen. Which could be another $5-$10k.
They likely need a new audio processor to handle D-Cinema sound, so that is another $2-$3k.
Shipping, installation, etc...
Yeah, nothing about that $100k claim is false for this particular theater which is currently 35mm only.
Assuming this guy wants to continue operations, he will very soon have to convert. No doubt about it, it will have to be done very soon.
Now if we were talking about a statement made 3 years I could agree to an extent. But not now. He converts within 8 mos or less or he drastically changes his operations (to discount late run or closed-he is now first run).
Keep in mind he could of ran Tech film 3d.
BTW, this guy is behind the curve. My best guess is that 85% of the top 3000-3300 locations have already converted.
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All times are Central (GMT -6:00)
|
This topic comprises 4 pages: 1 2 3 4
|
Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classicTM
6.3.1.2
The Film-Tech Forums are designed for various members related to the cinema industry to express their opinions, viewpoints and testimonials on various products, services and events based upon speculation, personal knowledge and factual information through use, therefore all views represented here allow no liability upon the publishers of this web site and the owners of said views assume no liability for any ill will resulting from these postings. The posts made here are for educational as well as entertainment purposes and as such anyone viewing this portion of the website must accept these views as statements of the author of that opinion
and agrees to release the authors from any and all liability.
|
Home
Printer-friendly view of this topic