Theaters to become… Extinct?

By Matt Lee

In the coming years, the changes that could be ahead for the film industry may affect movie-goers far more than creating a simple debate on which movie they want to see. They also may debate where they want to see it.

For the first time ever last January, “Bubble,” a film from Steven Soderbergh, simultaneously was released in theaters and on DVD, which has prompted the question, how long until this happens to every movie?

Already, the debate has begun about where people are more likely to see a brand new movie: in the theater or in the comfort of their own home?

According to a recent Time Magazine interview with George Lucas, creator and director of Star Wars, people will go to the movies for a “social experience.”

“Football games are on TV, and it doesn’t affect stadium attendance at all,” Lucas said. “It’s the same with the movies. People who really love movies and like to go out on a Saturday night will go to the movie theater.”

Several points can be made for each side. A theater allows viewers to see a film on a much larger screen, with much better sound quality, while purchasing a DVD would be relatively close to the same purchase price for two tickets to see a movie in the theater. Not to mention, people would be nearly distraction-free in the comfort of their own home.

“I’d rather stay in than go out,” said Maddie Lehman, a freshman business administration management major. “The only reason I go to the movies is because I can’t wait for it to be released on DVD and I’d rather watch a movie in privacy without distractions, rather than in a big theater with annoying teenagers.”

Countless others across the nation may be conflicted on their point of view at this particular time, and will, apparently, wait to see which particular movie is up for debate.

“It all depends on the movie,” said senior mechanical engineer Brandon Wallace. “If I think it’s worth seeing in the theater, I’ll go to the theater. If not, then I’ll watch it at home.”

Regardless, it’s still too early to tell how long it will take to make simultaneous releases a weekly, or even everyday occurrence.