Poll: Movies Cost Too Much, Suck
Tuesday, June 28th, 2005From the Department of the Obvious, a Gallop Poll was released today confirming what everybody has known for a long time: people have stopped going to movies because they cost too much and are horrible.
Asked why they are reducing their habit, one in three said they “prefer to watch movies at home” (the DVD factor) but 1 in 4 said “it costs too much to go to the movies,” and 1 in 5 alluded to the “poor quality” of movies today.
Quality also played a big factor in the answers to another question on what factor would get them into the theater more often. Here, 43% named lower ticket and concessions prices as the main draw, with 36% citing better quality movies–and 25% “better controls on audience behavior.”
My wife and I were discussing this recently and pretty much came to the same conclusions. Movie critics and fans alike have been complaining about the quality of the dreck churned out by Hollywood for the past several years. I mean, when major studios are releasing movies based on TV shows on a regular basis, you just know that creativity has done a nosedive. Occasionally, a movie such as the original Matrix or Gladiator is released, but for the most part we are getting nothing but the residue from the bottom of the barrel.
As for ticket prices, they have done nothing but increase for years. I believe a full-price ticket in San Antonio now costs $9.00 online. So, if you and your spouse/friend want to see a movie, that’s $18.00 just to get in the door. If you want a drink, you’ll pay anywhere from $3 to $6, depending on size and type. Want some candy? Add another $3 to $6. What used to be a $20 date is now closer to $50, and that doesn’t include dinner. Not to mention the fact that after you have paid all of these ridiculously high prices, you are subjected to twenty minutes of advertising, packaged as “entertainment.” You know, if I wanted to see commercials, I’d wait for the movie to play on television. If I’m going to pay a premium price to view the movie in a theater, I don’t want to be subjected to advertisements.
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June 28th, 2005 at 6:57 pm
Great post! I’m back from vacation and ready to roll! I’ve got a petition for you to sign if you get a chance.