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Some Canadians with a hankering for movie theatre popcorn without the trek to a cinema are in luck.

Cineplex Inc. has started to offer delivery of concession stand snacks — popcorn, hot dogs, candy, nachos and soft drinks — to customers in 60 communities throughout Ontario, Alberta, B.C. and Quebec this week.

One offering under the plan, which the company dubs its 'Cineplex Movie Night In Combo' would see anyone who signs up get a HD movie rental, two medium popcorns, two medium candies and two medium drinks for $28.99. All of which they would consume without ever leaving their home.

The offering, a partnership with Uber Eats, comes months after Cineplex tested delivery in university towns in southern Ontario and as the entertainment giant ramped up its efforts to diversify its revenue beyond movie screenings, whose profits can be unpredictable because they are dependent on the strength of the films studios roll out.

To combat that unpredictability and the popularity of on-demand streaming services that are increasingly convincing film lovers to stay home to watch movies, Cineplex has expanded concession stand products, offered VIP seating and opened Rec Room gaming bars and a Playdium arcade centre in Ontario.

Those ventures have drawn in a young demographic that is also likely be a fan of the delivery service, Cineplex chief executive Ellis Jacob said.

"I know when I was studying for exams, I didn't want to leave (the house), but I still wanted a treat," he said. "This allows you to do that or if you've got little kids and you want to watch something at home, you can do that and have the goodies at the same time."

The service is available in cities including Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal, but parts of downtown Toronto will be left out of the offering because some theatre concession stands aren't easily accessible for Uber Eats drivers.

If there is demand for an expansion to unserviced areas, Jacob said Cineplex will look at using its Rec Room gaming bars and head office as hubs for delivery or consider opening a distribution centre.

For now, he said the company will focus on Ontario, Alberta, B.C. and Quebec because of their high populations and the company's large network of theatres there.

The foods Cineplex will deliver from theatres in those provinces will be packaged for deliveries. Popcorn will be double-bagged and sealed at the top, so kernels don't spill out in transit and hot dogs will be wrapped in foil and dropped off alongside condiments in small packages.

On top of concession stand treats, customers will also be able to order combos that include movie rentals from the Cineplex Store.

If the service takes off, Jacob said delivery customers might see new treats crop up for delivery.

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Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 06-28-2018, 07:48 PM:
 
Wow $28.99 for $3-5 worth of food. Sign me up! I wonder if that includes the delivery fee.

I suppose that this isn't quite as bad as it looks, since I assume that the prices listed are in Canadian dollars. But, still....

And, since I think that this is a dumb idea, it will probably turn out to be a huge hit.
 

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Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 07-01-2018, 10:54 AM:
 
If you want popcorn as good as you get at the movies, just go out and get a "Whirly Pop" popcorn popper.

http://whirleypopshop.com/stovetop-poppers.html

You'll never eat microwave popcorn again.
 

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Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 07-01-2018, 12:57 PM:
 
Is that like a Stir Crazy, which is a small electric popper with a stirring rod? I thought maybe that's the missing element. I was wrong and gave it away after a couple of tries. I then bought a small version of a pro machine. Many years ago, we rented one where I worked and it really made popcorn as good as a large machine so I had high hopes for the one I bought off CL. But while the one I bought made decent popcorn it still wasn't quite there and not worth keeping it around so put it back on CL and sold it.
 

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Posted by Frank Cox (Member # 6258) on 07-01-2018, 01:04 PM:
 
I was always under the impression/assumption that the advantage was the high heat in the kettle compared to what you can get in a home-type popper.

Now that I think about it, I really have no facts to back that up though.
 

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Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 07-01-2018, 02:03 PM:
 
Whirly Pop is a thin, metal pot with a stirrer inside. You heat it on your stove. I use a gas stove. It good and hot so the popcorn is properly popped. Almost all of the Corn Pops. There are hardly any duds.

You can buy the company’s pre-packed popcorn which is really good or you can use whatever popcorn, oil and flavor/salt you like.

I, once, ran a race between Whirly Pop and a pack of microwave popcorn. Whirly Pop won by 30 seconds and it tasted WAY better.
 

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Posted by Alexandre Pereira (Member # 9295) on 07-01-2018, 04:35 PM:
 
This is the best example of the complete contempt that the monopoly in Canada that is cineplex has for the movie going experience.
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 07-01-2018, 05:02 PM:
 
The difference between theater popcorn and home popcorn are:

The oil. Most people use something other than coconut oil (such as "air") at home, hence the taste difference.

The post-pop: In the theater, popcorn sits in a cabinet with hot air being pumped through it, so it stays crisp. At home, it sits in a bowl getting cold.

Then there's the topping. Melted grocery store butter doesn't taste the same as the stuff you get at a theater, whether it's "real butter" or not.

And finally there's the atmosphere. It's kind of like the hamburgers served by the 4-H at our county fair...there's nothing special about the burgers, but they're at the fair, so they're awesome. In a restaurant they'd be just a below-average burger.
 

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Posted by Tony Bandiera Jr (Member # 2365) on 07-01-2018, 06:15 PM:
 
What surprises me about this thread so far is that no one brought up the most disturbing fact:

Why would a major chain of cinemas offer up an easy (and cheaper, no parking, driving or ticket expenses) way of keeping people parked in front of their TV's?

Way to go, Cinepuke.

It's bad enough the studios do all they can to kill off the whole idea of movie-going being an experience, something other than sitting your fat ass in front of the boob tube.

When exhibitors resort to this, it's time to hang the whole idea up.

So glad I don't own a cinema in this era.
 

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Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 07-01-2018, 07:07 PM:
 
Whirly Pop is made with coconut oil. The flavoring is butter salt, similar to Gold Medal Flavacol.

It's like Mike says, more than half of what makes it good is the atmosphere but I'd be willing to bet if you did a blind taste test inside an actual theater, Whirly Pop would easily compete if not win. (Depending on how well that particular theater makes its own brand of popcorn.)

Yes, you can use store bought butter provided that you melt it, separate out the curd and simmer down the rest. Frankly, I don't think Whirly Pop needs butter.

Further, once you make popcorn, whether at the theater or at home, popcorn will get cold once you dish it out. If it gets dished out directly from the popper (the way I like it best) it shouldn't last long enough to get cold.

I agree with Manny. Why would Cineplex cut themselves off at the knees?

Honestly, I bet it's just a publicity stunt. :
 

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Posted by Buck Wilson (Member # 5885) on 07-01-2018, 07:53 PM:
 
Oh have you all not seen Regal's microwave popcorn they're selling at the concession stand? They're going over like a lead balloon. We've had them for months and months, price is down to $2, and it has a $1 off coupon in it so really it's just a dollar.


 

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Posted by Alexandre Pereira (Member # 9295) on 07-01-2018, 11:06 PM:
 
Hey Tony - look at my previous post.
 

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Posted by Sam Graham (Member # 2889) on 07-02-2018, 04:53 PM:
 

quote: Buck Wilson

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Oh have you all not seen Regal's microwave popcorn they're selling at the concession stand? They're going over like a lead balloon. We've had them for months and months, price is down to $2, and it has a $1 off coupon in it so really it's just a dollar.

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The sound of a popcorn machine is synonymous with the experience of going to a movie. But as more of us opt to watch at home, the industry is looking for new ways to make money.

The latest idea, a partnership between Cineplex Inc. and Uber Eats, will offer delivery of concession stand snacks—popcorn, hot dogs, candy, nachos and soft drinks—to customers in 60 communities throughout Ontario, Alberta, B.C. and Quebec.

While the numbers ebb and flow depending on movie releases, Cineplex attendance decreased nearly six per cent overall in 2017 from the previous year. Cineplex is hoping this new partnership will help offset the losses, but Saskatoon film critic Craig Silliphant isn't convinced.

"It's another gimmick in a long line of gimmicks that they're trying to work to stay afloat and possibly relevant," said Silliphant. "Ultimately, I think it's just one further thing that trains people out of going to the theatre."
'Tentpole movies' prop up the industry

One of the gimmicks to get people in the theatre is a more immersive experience.

In November 2016, Cineplex opened its first 4DX cinema at its Yonge-Dundas location in Toronto. It marked the 300th 4DX screen worldwide, but the first in Canada. Today, it remains the only one in Canada.

There have been many other ideas like reclining seats, VIP seating and even alcohol service.

According to Silliphant, only the "tentpole movies" will draw people in—the big-budget action films that prop up the whole industry.

"Now to go to the theatre, it has to be this crazy tentpole-effect movie, with superheroes and exploding cities and stuff. Otherwise, it's just not worth it to go see—it's too expensive," said Silliphant. "The middle class of movies has dropped out and largely can be found on television."

This trend is noticeable, with more spin-offs or sequels released each year. Most recently, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom earned a global box office total of $932 million in under two weeks.
'Superhero fatigue' inevitable for audiences

Silliphant doesn't think that model is sustainable and wonders how many of these big budget sequels and spinoffs movie studios can make before audiences check out.

"That superhero fatigue, while it doesn't really show signs of setting in right now, it'll set in eventually," said Silliphant. "You can only see a movie like [Avengers: Infinity War] a handful of times before you go: 'Well what's the point of coming to the theatre for that?'"

He says the fact that Disney put the brakes on any new Star Wars spin-off movies like Solo: A Star Wars Story, which came out in May to a lukewarm reception, proves his point.

Instead, Silliphant says we need movies that are big on original stories and make audiences want to see the movie and be part of of the conversation—ideally, inside movie theatres with popcorn in hand.

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 07-05-2018, 09:51 PM:
 
I hate stupid headlines like that..."save the movie industry."

Save it from what? Having a great summer?

I agree there are too many superhero movies right now but the market will adjust, it always does. There were too many Star Wars movies too, and the market just made a large adjustment on that.

I mean, we did great business with "I Can Only Imagine" a few weeks ago, and it was a non-sequel, non-action, non-superhero, non-raunchy PG rated movie. The biz is fine, we just need movies people want to go out to see. The hard part of course is figuring out what that is, without retreading old ground but still making a profit.
 

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Posted by Alexandre Pereira (Member # 9295) on 07-05-2018, 10:18 PM:
 
Canada is the country that its level of retardation is directly related to the exchange rate with the US. So the minimum of retardation below the US is usually at least 25%.
At least the US as the Great Satan can stand as its own Fucked-Upness where as Canada is a colony - forever a cargo cult colony where the English packed up and left the newfies in charge.
So of course take out movie popcorn sounds like a good idea. Why not! From cineplex - the monopoly run by tards - protected by the federal government tards and patronized by the cargo cult tards than pass off as Canadians and drink Tim Hortons shit water.
This is why the Kingsway Theatre has to clear the Queensway multiplex and there is NO competition in Canada. As Tim and Eric say "Great Job!"
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 07-05-2018, 10:20 PM:
 
WOW it must be hard to maintain your level of bitterness!
 

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Posted by Alexandre Pereira (Member # 9295) on 07-05-2018, 10:40 PM:
 
When a transnational does everything to keep you from getting first run - its not hard at all.
 

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Posted by Allan Barnes (Member # 5178) on 07-05-2018, 10:46 PM:
 
SIGN OF THE END TIMES... so people won't come to your theatre because (fill in the blank) SO OFFER (A) HOME DELIVERY of OVER PRICED SNACKS and/or (B) CHARGE FOR PARKING CARS on YOUR VACANT PARKING LOT or (C) RENT EMPTY THEATRES OUT for VR or VIDEO GAMES.
 

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 07-05-2018, 10:51 PM:
 
This kinda reminds me of when theaters all put in video stores in order to cash in on the VCR craze. Everybody thought that would kill the business too.

Maybe some people love the Regal popcorn, and they know people are having "movie nights" at home anyway, so why not give Mom a break and free her from the task of making popcorn - which IS a bit of a chore and DOES create a mess in the kitchen.

We have people stop in here all the time just for a bucket of corn, but we don't have home delivery. Forget that, I haven't got any spare time as it is!
 

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Posted by Martin McCaffery (Member # 37) on 07-06-2018, 09:37 AM:
 
I just wonder if they come in and spill soda and popcorn on the floor for the full theatre experience.
 

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Posted by Lyle Romer (Member # 1266) on 07-06-2018, 12:24 PM:
 

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We have people stop in here all the time just for a bucket of corn, but we don't have home delivery. Forget that, I haven't got any spare time as it is!

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Uber Eats doesn't serve Forsyth?
 

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Posted by Frank Cox (Member # 6258) on 07-06-2018, 12:39 PM:
 
People always seem so surprised when they see someone else walk in and buy popcorn to take home.

"Hey, I didn't know you could do that!"
 

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Posted by Marcel Birgelen (Member # 6801) on 07-06-2018, 03:54 PM:
 
Well, I guess many multiplexes are organized in such a way that you need a valid ticket to even get to the concession stand.

Then again, I regularly bought a bunch of fresh popcorn from the local cinema, only to consume it later at home. Nothing beats fresh popped popcorn done properly.

Still, I doubt the margin on home delivered cinema concessions will really work out. I remember Starbucks experimenting with coffee-delivery, but even at the horrendous margins Starbucks is making on their coffee, it seems hard to do it without hefty delivery fees.

quote: Harold Hallikainen

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If you bring in a bag of Regal microwave popcorn, does that count as outside food?

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No, but your microwave is considered a concealed weapon. Now, enjoy your raw kernels.
 

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Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 08-10-2018, 08:30 PM:
 
The Whirly-Pop device is kinda cool -- it looks like it was designed to look like the hopper in the professional machines -- but I have been making "theatre" popcorn on the stove at home for decades in a plane old kitchen pot. The Whirly-Pop's spinner handle and stirring mechanism are OK, I guess, but it really isn't at all necessary to make excellent popcorn. Shaking the pot over the stove (gas flame) is all that is needed for even heat to pop the kernels efficiently.

The trick for getting "theatre" tasting (and smelling) popcorn, course, is as Mike said: the coconut oil, real Flavacol Gold Metal and At-The-Movies "buttery" topping, same as we us in the theatre. I put the topping in a spray bottle that once had I-Can't-Believe-It's-Not-Butter spray in it; spraying the topping is better than dribbling the topping oil all over the popped buds -- the spray allows a much more even coating and I think overall, you use less of it as well.

Originally I just brought home a big can of the same kernels we used in the theatre, but when we closed down the cinema operation, I had no source and wasn't going to order the minimum 50lb sacks of corn. I found that you can use almost any brand of kernels from the supermarket, but after a bit of experimenting, I found that Orville Redenbacher's premium corn kernels pop up just fine with the biggest popped buds of any that I tried, even bigger and fluffier than what we used at the theatre, plus with the least amount of unpopped kernels. It's a bit pricey, but if you get it in the largest jug (10 lbs, I think), it is worth it. And cooking on the stove simply fills the house with that awesome theatre popcorn aroma. I've experimented with sprinkling the popped corn with onion powder as I spray it with the topping. I have some big fans of that, also have tried garlic powder...not as popular, but it does have at least two fans.

Microwave popcorn? -- a sludge of toxic chemicals that will probably damage your DNA more than it will ever taste like anything close to real food and certainly no way anything like theatre popcorn no matter how many times they stamp the words "THEATRE TASTE" all over the bag. You opting to hand out those Microwave popcorn bags at your family movie night? Go ahead, but be sure to hand out additional barb bags along with them.
 

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