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movies-digest          Friday, March 3 2000          Volume 02 : Number 261



Re: [MV] re: Concessions
[MV] re:Theatre
Re: [MV] re:Theatre
Re: [MV] re: Concessions
[MV] Re: Theatre Economics
Re: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
Re: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
Re: [MV] re: Concessions
Re: [MV] re: Concessions
RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
Re: [MV] re: Concessions
RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
[MV] movie question
[MV] re: movie question
RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
Re: [MV] re: movie question
Re: [MV] re: movie question
[MV] movie question
Re: [MV] re: movie question
Re: [MV] re: movie question
Re: [MV] re: movie question
RE: [MV] movie question

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 08:35:11 CST
From: "Wade S" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: Concessions

I tell you that they must be considering their economic principles in terms
of their costs when some stinkin plexies don't carry Dr. Pepper!!!!!!!!!!!!
And, there's even a couple in Austin that don't even carry Coca Cola, just
ratty Pepsi related products. Cause it's cheaper. But, the cost of the drink
is no cheaper than anywhere else..

But really, the prices in a theater concession stand may be based on
supply-demand, but that doesn't make it in everyone's best interest. In
considering the supply-demand principle, you should realize that if people
are bringing in food then there is not an equilibirium. If supply equals
demand, then people would be able to buy whatever they wanted at the
equilibrium price, and more importantly, people would not be sneaking in
food because they could get their demand satisfied at the concession stand
prices. That is not the case in reality.

Basically, the economic viewpoint is actually along the lines of a monopoly,
and to some extent it's like a centrally planned economy, that producers are
supplying a quantity lower than the equilibrium level as their prices are
higher than what would be equilibirium (if they weren't people wouldn't
bring in food). In a normal case, prices would decrease (people would not
buy at higher prices and thus buy from competitors at lower prices) and the
quantity supplied and then demanded (bought by consumers) would increase as
producers would try to bring their prices in line with the equilibrium. But
in this case, as a monopoly (where the only market is the concession stand
in the lobby and the only producer is the theater), they are able to hold
their prices higher and maximize their profits because there is no
competition. A monopoly is a market imperfection where a firm, by virtue of
the fact that it is has no competition, can limit its production of a good
in order to maximize profits by finding the quantity where marginal cost
equals marginal revenue, and then looking at the price for the demand at
that lower level of production. Basically, they are limiting output to take
advantage of higher prices.

Demand for a good is how many units of a good are sold at ANY given price.
So, at a lower price, there will be a high number of goods sold, and at a
higher price, there will be a lower number of goods sold. So, yes, the
theaters tend to set prices in relation to demand, but it is not the demand
of perfect equilibirum but a demand in relation to lower production. In a
competitive marketplace, consumers' demand will basically influence
producers to produce at a point where supply equals demand. In a monopoly,
because there is no competition from producers, producers don't produce
goods where in an equilibrium supply equals demand, but they restrict the
supply in order to be able to charge a higher price. So, there may be still
quantity demanded at the higher price, but a lower demand than there would
be at a lower price, which would be closer to market equilibrium.

Of course, by its nature, there cannot really be any competition in a
theater for concessions (and I acknowledge that theaters are somewhat forced
into this price setting by the nature of their costs), thus sneaking in
snacks is really sort of like a black market. It may seem like "cheating"
the theater, but rational people behave in their own self interest, and if
prices are not at equilibrium and there are no penalties, then it is often
in people's self interest to simply sneak in food. A black market can't
exist where there's perfect competition, but it thrives where there are
barriers to entry or barriers to competition.

Thus ends today's Econ 101... :)

Wade


By taking food in with you - you are
>"cheating" the theatre of their only way of keeping afloat.  The argument
>of
>"lowering prices and more people would buy" seems obvious - but I am sure
>the big boys have taken a course or two in economics and have figured out
>the supply versus demand ratio and determined their pricing strategy
>accordingly.

- ------------------------------------------------------------
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not
so sure about the first one."
                    --Albert Einstein

"I don't kill flies but I like to mess with their minds. I hold them above
globes. They freak out and yell, 'Whoa, I'm way too high!'"
              --Bruce Baum

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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 09:23:00 -0700
From: ("Paul D  Richardson") <[e-mail]>
Subject: [MV] re:Theatre

> I get so annoyed with the advertising that is shown along with the previews.
> I know it's a money maker but I go to movies to escape the constant barrage
> of crap on TV.

Yeah, the theaters get big bucks from their advertisers and plead poverty when
we complain about concession prices.

> How about the "local" ads they show, amatuer garbage with bad
> sound and poor film quality. I think our theatre has shown the same pizza ad
> for 15 years! Time to update!

The funniest one I ever saw was in a small tourist town in Colorado.  This
thing went on and on and on.  I swear they must have shown every business in
town.  What's funny is that you kept seeing the same people showing up as
customers and employees in the different shops and restaurants and such.

> the most annoying though is home videos.When I rent a video I expect not to
> see car and magazine ads!

Sweet sweet DVD.




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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 10:34:53 -0600 (CST)
From: ":" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re:Theatre

On Tue, 29 Feb 2000 [e-mail] wrote:

> The funniest one I ever saw was in a small tourist town in Colorado.  This
> thing went on and on and on.  I swear they must have shown every business in
> town.  What's funny is that you kept seeing the same people showing up as
> customers and employees in the different shops and restaurants and such.

i believe that i have the greatest tale of a theatre commercial.  it was
back in 1995 in st. louis, mo (where i live), for the film "friday", right
after it came out.  anyway, it was a commercial for colombian coffee (you
know, the "juan valdez" commercial).  usually, not a very exciting topic,
right?

well, the film itself was running as a reverse-image AND upside-down, AND
the sound was running backwards.  i still am not quite sure how this
happened, but suffice to say, it was absolutely hilarious.


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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 09:46:00 -0700
From: ("Paul D  Richardson") <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: Concessions

> They don't make money anywhere else - just tickets and popcorn.

You forgot advertising.

> The argument of
> "lowering prices and more people would buy" seems obvious - but I am sure
> the big boys have taken a course or two in economics and have figured out
> the supply versus demand ratio and determined their pricing strategy
> accordingly.

I have nothing to add to Wade's brilliant essay on this subject, but I would
like to say this: the days of theater overpricing are numbered if they want to
stay in business.  Home theater systems are getting more and more advanced
everyday.  Many films are being released on DVD with anamorphic picture and
Dolby 5.1 surround sound mere months after theatrical release.

For my wife and I to go to the movies plus get drink and popcorn costs about
$20.  For that amount of money, we can OWN nearly any DVD out there.  For that
amount of money we can rent unlimited DVD's at Netflix.  No theater chair can
beat my recliner...plus there's nobody kicking the back of my seat.  The
amount of idiots making noise during the movie is reduced to 1 (me).  My
equipment is maintained better than most theater equipment.  And if I have to
go to the bathroom, I don't miss anything (I still have no idea what the
"twist" is in THE CRYING GAME since I got up in the middle of that one).

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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Feb 00 09:16:00 -0000
From: David F. Nolan <[e-mail]>
Subject: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

This just in .........

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - The new year continued at an unspectacular
but respectable pace as February's national boxoffice rang up $491.4
million, up 10% on last year's $445.3 million but only the third-best
performance for the month. Dimension's "Scream 3" was by far the
frame's most popular film, scaring up $73.1 million during its first
21 days of release - more than doubling the take of its nearest
competition, illustrating the relative lack thereof. Neither were
turnstiles spinning as fast as during years past - ticket units
posted a modest 2% gain on last year's 92.9 million, good enough only
for third-best ever. This February racked up an estimated 95 million
admissions, down 14% from 1997's record-high 110.5 million and off
nearly 12% from 1998's 107.7 million. As this year's estimated
admission count was well below those of 1998 and 1997 - the only
years during which February ticket units surpassed 100 million - the
boxoffice increase can essentially be attributed to higher ticket
prices.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------

So there you have it folks.  Higher prices DO drive down attendance,
especially as home viewing becomes an increasingly attractive option.

Personally, I don't mind paying $15-$20 for two tickets plus refreshments
IF ... and this is the big if ... I get a first-class experience: good
movie, well-shown on a big, flawless screen, surround sound, no talkers,
crying babies, or loud eaters.  Hey, it's still cheap compared to any
live show!

Problem is, most moviegoers today are used to watching movies at home,
where they can chat away to their heart's content.  That, and the
ubiquitous overpriced, noisy food (snap, crackle, pop....)

I realize that theater owners rely on food sales to turn a profit, but
maybe there are alternatives.  How 'bout a reserved-seat section, in the
prime part of the theater, with a $2 surcharge?  Or decent-quality
headphones you can rent for $2 that plug into a special jack on the
armrests of some seats? This would let people hear the movie soundtrack
w/o extraneous noises. (Note: They'd have to be GOOD headphones, not
those crappy airline air-tube deals.)

Also, I second the suggestion of having "adults only" showings, where
babies, kids and teenagers are barred.... unless there's some dumb-ass
law against this kind of "age discrimination."

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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 11:20:54 -0600 (CST)
From: ":" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

On Tue, 29 Feb 2000, David F. Nolan wrote:

> Personally, I don't mind paying $15-$20 for two tickets plus refreshments
> IF ... and this is the big if ... I get a first-class experience: good
> movie, well-shown on a big, flawless screen, surround sound, no talkers,
> crying babies, or loud eaters.  Hey, it's still cheap compared to any
> live show!

generally, i'm like most of you - when i see a film at the theatre, i dont
like hearing other people talk and whatnot.  but the last film that i saw
at the theatre (and granted, as much as i enjoy movies, i generally do not
see many movies at the theatre, because most everything that is available
in most theatres does not appeal to me in the least) was a slightly
different experience.

the last film that i saw in a theatre was "american beauty".  i saw it
rather late in its run, however (is it even still out?) - after all its
accolades and whatnot.  so anyway, anyone who has seen this film knows how
deeply, deeply cynical this movie is - especially the first 20 minutes or
so.  well, i consider myself to be a pretty cynical person - i have a
generally low opinion of most everyone, and i suppose in some ways a
rather egotistical sense of my own superiority (commentary not requested).
so anyway, during the course of the movie, i felt kind of good about
myself, i suppose, as i was able to see how much the film was making fun
of most everyone in our society - but not me, of course.  also during the
course of the movie, there were two of three late-teen or early-twenties
couples sitting behind me and the friend of mine whom i was seeing the
movie with.  so, during the course of the movie, the girlfriends were
constantly making idiotic remarks to their boyfriends: "what are they
going to do NOW?"; "what does he mean by that?"; and best of all, "this is
the single weirdest movie i ever seen in my entire life".

and thus, as the film was making fun of THEM - and they of course didnt
realize it - it just added to the enjoyment i derived from "american
beauty".

so a word to all: "american beauty" is a good movie.  but its even better
if you see it with a bunch of idiots around.


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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Feb 2000 12:55:03 CST
From: "Wade S" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

Ah, so that's why I didn't care for it too much.

>
>so a word to all: "american beauty" is a good movie.  but its even >better
>if you see it with a bunch of idiots around.
>

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2000 10:25:45 +1100
From: "Oz" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: Concessions

On 29 Feb 00, at 8:35, Wade S wrote:

> But really, the prices in a theater concession stand may be based on
> supply-demand, but that doesn't make it in everyone's best interest. In...

<SNIP>

Or to put it in one sentence, if I go to the movies I'm prepared to
spend $4 to feed myself. If one theatre lets me have popcorn, coke
and some tooth-loosening yummies for that $4 and another only
gives me popcorn, who's getting my $5? And a lot more visits from
a lot more people in the future?

The fact of the matter is that over the last 20 years concession
prices have dribbled upwards so slowly that nobody ever really
bothered saying "um, we're being ripped off here, screw you" in
large numbers. "Oh, it's gone up 30c more? Rip off. Okay, hand
'em over" - so the theatre owners haven't noticed any huge drop-off
in sales. What they also haven't noticed is the POTENTIAL
increase in sales if they priced things like every other food outlet in
the world.

Stuff your cargo pants with burgers. Fight the power.

<----------- {{{OZ}}} ------------>
<-------- FILMINK ONLINE --------->
<- http://www.filmink-online.com ->

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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 29 Feb 00 17:03:31 -0000
From: David F. Nolan <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: Concessions

OZ wrote:
>The fact of the matter is that over the last 20 years concession
>prices have dribbled upwards so slowly that nobody ever really
>bothered saying "um, we're being ripped off here, screw you" in
>large numbers. "Oh, it's gone up 30c more? Rip off. Okay, hand
>'em over" - so the theatre owners haven't noticed any huge drop-off
>in sales. What they also haven't noticed is the POTENTIAL
>increase in sales if they priced things like every other food outlet in
>the world.

The problem is, you can't look at a movie theatre as just a food outlet;
it's a package deal: movies and food bundled together.  I doubt that most
theatre owners would price their crappy food so high if they got a larger
cut of the box office receipts.  As it is, basically they acquire the
right to a captive food market by renting movies to show at a very low
profit margin. That's why they'e a LOT unhappier when they catch people
smuggling in food than they are when people sneak in to an extra movie
after paying for the first one (unless the second movie is sold out).

The studios demand such a high percentage of the ticket sales because
they're paying outrageous salaries to movie stars and big-name producers,
and to hype the hell out of their overproduced movies.  So in essence,
your popcorn costs $4 because Jim Carrey got paid $20 million.  If you
don't like it, wait 'til the movie you wanna see hits the second-run
theatres, or rent it on video. (Life is tough.)

And if you've just gotta-gotta see it NOW, pay the freight, and/ or
smuggle in a candy bar. Who says we have to eat while watching movies
anyhow?

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2000 12:13:32 -0000
From: MARK <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

Regarding the whole "adults only" situation.  Here in Sheffield in the
UK our largest multiplex has two special screens.  The ticket price is
=A310.00 compared to the normal =A34.90, but for this you get free =
popcorn,
nachos etc.  a Bar, a special seated waiting area to relax in before =
the
film starts, you can take your beer to your seat which is absolutely
huge, fully reclining with its own table, you can also have a waiter
bring you drinks during the film.  Because they serve alcoholic drinks,
these screens (called the "Premier Screens") are only available to over
18's.  So you can pay more money, but the comfort and benefits are
fantastic.

MARK

> -----Original Message-----
> From:    David F. Nolan [SMTP:[e-mail]]
> Sent:    29 February 2000 09:16
> To:    [e-mail]
> Subject:    [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
>=20
> This just in .........
>=20
> LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - The new year continued at an unspectacular
> but respectable pace as February's national boxoffice rang up $491.4
> million, up 10% on last year's $445.3 million but only the third-best
> performance for the month. Dimension's "Scream 3" was by far the
> frame's most popular film, scaring up $73.1 million during its first
> 21 days of release - more than doubling the take of its nearest
> competition, illustrating the relative lack thereof. Neither were
> turnstiles spinning as fast as during years past - ticket units
> posted a modest 2% gain on last year's 92.9 million, good enough only
> for third-best ever. This February racked up an estimated 95 million
> admissions, down 14% from 1997's record-high 110.5 million and off
> nearly 12% from 1998's 107.7 million. As this year's estimated
> admission count was well below those of 1998 and 1997 - the only
> years during which February ticket units surpassed 100 million - the
> boxoffice increase can essentially be attributed to higher ticket
> prices.=20
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>=20
> So there you have it folks.  Higher prices DO drive down attendance,=20
> especially as home viewing becomes an increasingly attractive option.
>=20
> Personally, I don't mind paying $15-$20 for two tickets plus
> refreshments=20
> IF ... and this is the big if ... I get a first-class experience: =
good
>=20
> movie, well-shown on a big, flawless screen, surround sound, no
> talkers,=20
> crying babies, or loud eaters.  Hey, it's still cheap compared to any =

> live show!
>=20
> Problem is, most moviegoers today are used to watching movies at =
home,
>=20
> where they can chat away to their heart's content.  That, and the=20
> ubiquitous overpriced, noisy food (snap, crackle, pop....)
>=20
> I realize that theater owners rely on food sales to turn a profit, =
but
>=20
> maybe there are alternatives.  How 'bout a reserved-seat section, in
> the=20
> prime part of the theater, with a $2 surcharge?  Or decent-quality=20
> headphones you can rent for $2 that plug into a special jack on the=20
> armrests of some seats? This would let people hear the movie
> soundtrack=20
> w/o extraneous noises. (Note: They'd have to be GOOD headphones, not=20
> those crappy airline air-tube deals.)
>=20
> Also, I second the suggestion of having "adults only" showings, where =

> babies, kids and teenagers are barred.... unless there's some =
dumb-ass
>=20
> law against this kind of "age discrimination."
>=20
> [ To leave the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe ]
> [ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]          ]

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2000 09:01:13 CST
From: "Wade S" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: Concessions

And I say, "STICK IT TO THE MAN!"


>From: David F. Nolan <[e-mail]>
>Reply-To: [e-mail]
>To: <[e-mail]>
>Subject: Re: [MV] re: Concessions
>Date: Tue, 29 Feb 00 17:03:31 -0000
>
>OZ wrote:
> >The fact of the matter is that over the last 20 years concession
> >prices have dribbled upwards so slowly that nobody ever really
> >bothered saying "um, we're being ripped off here, screw you" in
> >large numbers. "Oh, it's gone up 30c more? Rip off. Okay, hand
> >'em over" - so the theatre owners haven't noticed any huge drop-off
> >in sales. What they also haven't noticed is the POTENTIAL
> >increase in sales if they priced things like every other food outlet in
> >the world.
>
>The problem is, you can't look at a movie theatre as just a food outlet;
>it's a package deal: movies and food bundled together.  I doubt that most
>theatre owners would price their crappy food so high if they got a larger
>cut of the box office receipts.  As it is, basically they acquire the
>right to a captive food market by renting movies to show at a very low
>profit margin. That's why they'e a LOT unhappier when they catch people
>smuggling in food than they are when people sneak in to an extra movie
>after paying for the first one (unless the second movie is sold out).
>
>The studios demand such a high percentage of the ticket sales because
>they're paying outrageous salaries to movie stars and big-name producers,
>and to hype the hell out of their overproduced movies.  So in essence,
>your popcorn costs $4 because Jim Carrey got paid $20 million.  If you
>don't like it, wait 'til the movie you wanna see hits the second-run
>theatres, or rent it on video. (Life is tough.)
>
>And if you've just gotta-gotta see it NOW, pay the freight, and/ or
>smuggle in a candy bar. Who says we have to eat while watching movies
>anyhow?
>
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>[ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]          ]

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2000 09:06:52 CST
From: "Wade S" <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

Holy crap, that's not a multiplex, it sounds more like Nirvana!

The price you're paying for all that is sweet, too, around 17-18 american
dollars which will get you two MATINEE tickets (two after 6pm tickets will
run you 13-15 dollars together) two medium drinks and a medium popcorn. but
no beer not table and no relaxing area, and certainly no damn waiter...

There are a few theaters in the US where you can sit and have pizza or
burgers and beverages while you watch a theater flick, I think there's one
in Dallas, but I don't know if it is even still open..

wade


>From: MARK <[e-mail]>
>Reply-To: [e-mail]
>To: [e-mail]
>Subject: RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
>Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2000 12:13:32 -0000
>
>Regarding the whole "adults only" situation.  Here in Sheffield in the
>UK our largest multiplex has two special screens.  The ticket price is
>ú10.00 compared to the normal ú4.90, but for this you get free popcorn,
>nachos etc.  a Bar, a special seated waiting area to relax in before the
>film starts, you can take your beer to your seat which is absolutely
>huge, fully reclining with its own table, you can also have a waiter
>bring you drinks during the film.  Because they serve alcoholic drinks,
>these screens (called the "Premier Screens") are only available to over
>18's.  So you can pay more money, but the comfort and benefits are
>fantastic.
>
>MARK
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From:    David F. Nolan [SMTP:[e-mail]]
> > Sent:    29 February 2000 09:16
> > To:    [e-mail]
> > Subject:    [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
> >
> > This just in .........
> >
> > LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - The new year continued at an unspectacular
> > but respectable pace as February's national boxoffice rang up $491.4
> > million, up 10% on last year's $445.3 million but only the third-best
> > performance for the month. Dimension's "Scream 3" was by far the
> > frame's most popular film, scaring up $73.1 million during its first
> > 21 days of release - more than doubling the take of its nearest
> > competition, illustrating the relative lack thereof. Neither were
> > turnstiles spinning as fast as during years past - ticket units
> > posted a modest 2% gain on last year's 92.9 million, good enough only
> > for third-best ever. This February racked up an estimated 95 million
> > admissions, down 14% from 1997's record-high 110.5 million and off
> > nearly 12% from 1998's 107.7 million. As this year's estimated
> > admission count was well below those of 1998 and 1997 - the only
> > years during which February ticket units surpassed 100 million - the
> > boxoffice increase can essentially be attributed to higher ticket
> > prices.
> > -------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > So there you have it folks.  Higher prices DO drive down attendance,
> > especially as home viewing becomes an increasingly attractive option.
> >
> > Personally, I don't mind paying $15-$20 for two tickets plus
> > refreshments
> > IF ... and this is the big if ... I get a first-class experience: good
> >
> > movie, well-shown on a big, flawless screen, surround sound, no
> > talkers,
> > crying babies, or loud eaters.  Hey, it's still cheap compared to any
> > live show!
> >
> > Problem is, most moviegoers today are used to watching movies at home,
> >
> > where they can chat away to their heart's content.  That, and the
> > ubiquitous overpriced, noisy food (snap, crackle, pop....)
> >
> > I realize that theater owners rely on food sales to turn a profit, but
> >
> > maybe there are alternatives.  How 'bout a reserved-seat section, in
> > the
> > prime part of the theater, with a $2 surcharge?  Or decent-quality
> > headphones you can rent for $2 that plug into a special jack on the
> > armrests of some seats? This would let people hear the movie
> > soundtrack
> > w/o extraneous noises. (Note: They'd have to be GOOD headphones, not
> > those crappy airline air-tube deals.)
> >
> > Also, I second the suggestion of having "adults only" showings, where
> > babies, kids and teenagers are barred.... unless there's some dumb-ass
> >
> > law against this kind of "age discrimination."
> >
> > [ To leave the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe ]
> > [ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]          ]
>
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- ------------------------------------------------------------
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not
so sure about the first one."
                    --Albert Einstein

"I don't kill flies but I like to mess with their minds. I hold them above
globes. They freak out and yell, 'Whoa, I'm way too high!'"
              --Bruce Baum

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2000 16:26:34 -0000
From: MARK <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

This is the same cinema - "Virgin" - which issues an 8 week multi pass.
Basically, you pay =A325 for a pass, and you can go as many times as =
you
want for an 8 week period.  Bear in mind it usually costs =A34.90 to =
go,
so as soon as you have been 5 times, any time after that works out for
free - cool huh!

MARK

> -----Original Message-----
> From:    Wade S [SMTP:[e-mail]]
> Sent:    01 March 2000 15:07
> To:    [e-mail]
> Subject:    RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
>=20
> Holy crap, that's not a multiplex, it sounds more like Nirvana!
>=20
> The price you're paying for all that is sweet, too, around 17-18
> american=20
> dollars which will get you two MATINEE tickets (two after 6pm tickets
> will=20
> run you 13-15 dollars together) two medium drinks and a medium
> popcorn. but=20
> no beer not table and no relaxing area, and certainly no damn
> waiter...
>=20
> There are a few theaters in the US where you can sit and have pizza =
or
>=20
> burgers and beverages while you watch a theater flick, I think =
there's
> one=20
> in Dallas, but I don't know if it is even still open..
>=20
> wade
>=20
>=20
> >From: MARK <[e-mail]>
> >Reply-To: [e-mail]
> >To: [e-mail]
> >Subject: RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
> >Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2000 12:13:32 -0000
> >
> >Regarding the whole "adults only" situation.  Here in Sheffield in
> the
> >UK our largest multiplex has two special screens.  The ticket price
> is
> >=A310.00 compared to the normal =A34.90, but for this you get free
> popcorn,
> >nachos etc.  a Bar, a special seated waiting area to relax in before
> the
> >film starts, you can take your beer to your seat which is absolutely
> >huge, fully reclining with its own table, you can also have a waiter
> >bring you drinks during the film.  Because they serve alcoholic
> drinks,
> >these screens (called the "Premier Screens") are only available to
> over
> >18's.  So you can pay more money, but the comfort and benefits are
> >fantastic.
> >
> >MARK
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From:    David F. Nolan [SMTP:[e-mail]]
> > > Sent:    29 February 2000 09:16
> > > To:    [e-mail]
> > > Subject:    [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
> > >
> > > This just in .........
> > >
> > > LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - The new year continued at an
> unspectacular
> > > but respectable pace as February's national boxoffice rang up
> $491.4
> > > million, up 10% on last year's $445.3 million but only the
> third-best
> > > performance for the month. Dimension's "Scream 3" was by far the
> > > frame's most popular film, scaring up $73.1 million during its
> first
> > > 21 days of release - more than doubling the take of its nearest
> > > competition, illustrating the relative lack thereof. Neither were
> > > turnstiles spinning as fast as during years past - ticket units
> > > posted a modest 2% gain on last year's 92.9 million, good enough
> only
> > > for third-best ever. This February racked up an estimated 95
> million
> > > admissions, down 14% from 1997's record-high 110.5 million and =
off
> > > nearly 12% from 1998's 107.7 million. As this year's estimated
> > > admission count was well below those of 1998 and 1997 - the only
> > > years during which February ticket units surpassed 100 million -
> the
> > > boxoffice increase can essentially be attributed to higher ticket
> > > prices.
> > >
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
> > >
> > > So there you have it folks.  Higher prices DO drive down
> attendance,
> > > especially as home viewing becomes an increasingly attractive
> option.
> > >
> > > Personally, I don't mind paying $15-$20 for two tickets plus
> > > refreshments
> > > IF ... and this is the big if ... I get a first-class experience:
> good
> > >
> > > movie, well-shown on a big, flawless screen, surround sound, no
> > > talkers,
> > > crying babies, or loud eaters.  Hey, it's still cheap compared to
> any
> > > live show!
> > >
> > > Problem is, most moviegoers today are used to watching movies at
> home,
> > >
> > > where they can chat away to their heart's content.  That, and the
> > > ubiquitous overpriced, noisy food (snap, crackle, pop....)
> > >
> > > I realize that theater owners rely on food sales to turn a =
profit,
> but
> > >
> > > maybe there are alternatives.  How 'bout a reserved-seat section,
> in
> > > the
> > > prime part of the theater, with a $2 surcharge?  Or =
decent-quality
> > > headphones you can rent for $2 that plug into a special jack on
> the
> > > armrests of some seats? This would let people hear the movie
> > > soundtrack
> > > w/o extraneous noises. (Note: They'd have to be GOOD headphones,
> not
> > > those crappy airline air-tube deals.)
> > >
> > > Also, I second the suggestion of having "adults only" showings,
> where
> > > babies, kids and teenagers are barred.... unless there's some
> dumb-ass
> > >
> > > law against this kind of "age discrimination."
> > >
> > > [ To leave the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe
> ]
> > > [ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]
> ]
> >
> >[ To leave the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe ]
> >[ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]          ]
>=20
>=20
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and
> I'm not=20
> so sure about the first one."
>                     --Albert Einstein
>=20
> "I don't kill flies but I like to mess with their minds. I hold them
> above=20
> globes. They freak out and yell, 'Whoa, I'm way too high!'"
>=20
>               --Bruce Baum
>=20
> ______________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
>=20
>=20
> [ To leave the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe ]
> [ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]          ]

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------------------------------

Date: Wed, 01 Mar 2000 15:07:19 -0500
From: Mel Eperthener <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

At 12.13 PM 01/03/2000 -0000, MARK wrote:
>Regarding the whole "adults only" situation.  Here in Sheffield in the
>UK our largest multiplex has two special screens.  The ticket price is
>=A310.00 compared to the normal =A34.90, but for this you get free popcorn,
>nachos etc.  a Bar, a special seated waiting area to relax in before the
>film starts, you can take your beer to your seat which is absolutely
>huge, fully reclining with its own table, you can also have a waiter
>bring you drinks during the film.  Because they serve alcoholic drinks,
>these screens (called the "Premier Screens") are only available to over
>18's.  So you can pay more money, but the comfort and benefits are
>fantastic.

But how well do they work???

If life is fair, these will do great business.  Do you know if the theatres
make more money this way??

After decades of stagnation here in Pittsburgh (the newest theatre before
last year was the 15-year-old Super Savers), theatres are popping up
everywhere.  Some of them show promise (and one of these days, I will find
the time to make the hour drive to see a movie at the nearest one), with
"skybox" seating, waiter service, and oversized recliner chairs.  Yes, you
pay extra for these, but I see a market for them, and hope they do well.

Regards,

- --Mel


- --Mel Eperthener
president, Gowanna Multi-media Pty     http://www.webz.com/gowanna    =20
mailto:[e-mail]                  mailto:[e-mail]

419 Butler Street                                        =20
PO Box 95184
Pittsburgh, PA 15223-0184
[phone]                                    [phone]
1-888-45-GOWANNA -- TOLL FREE     (1-888-454-6926)
____________________________________________
"Mulder, if you had to do without a cell phone for
two minutes, you'd lapse into catatonic schizophrenia"
- --Dana Scully
______________________________________________


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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 09:04:44 -0000
From: MARK <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

They seem to be successful, they show only the major blockbusters in
these screens so people use them as an overspill when other screens are
sold out, also people use them for "special" cinema visits, just to add
that little bit more to a night out.

MARK

> -----Original Message-----
> From:    Mel Eperthener [SMTP:[e-mail]]
> Sent:    01 March 2000 20:07
> To:    [e-mail]
> Subject:    RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics
>=20
> At 12.13 PM 01/03/2000 -0000, MARK wrote:
> >Regarding the whole "adults only" situation.  Here in Sheffield in
> the
> >UK our largest multiplex has two special screens.  The ticket price
> is
> >=A310.00 compared to the normal =A34.90, but for this you get free
> popcorn,
> >nachos etc.  a Bar, a special seated waiting area to relax in before
> the
> >film starts, you can take your beer to your seat which is absolutely
> >huge, fully reclining with its own table, you can also have a waiter
> >bring you drinks during the film.  Because they serve alcoholic
> drinks,
> >these screens (called the "Premier Screens") are only available to
> over
> >18's.  So you can pay more money, but the comfort and benefits are
> >fantastic.
>=20
> But how well do they work???
>=20
> If life is fair, these will do great business.  Do you know if the
> theatres
> make more money this way??
>=20
> After decades of stagnation here in Pittsburgh (the newest theatre
> before
> last year was the 15-year-old Super Savers), theatres are popping up
> everywhere.  Some of them show promise (and one of these days, I will
> find
> the time to make the hour drive to see a movie at the nearest one),
> with
> "skybox" seating, waiter service, and oversized recliner chairs.  =
Yes,
> you
> pay extra for these, but I see a market for them, and hope they do
> well.
>=20
> Regards,
>=20
> --Mel
>=20
>=20
> --Mel Eperthener
> president, Gowanna Multi-media Pty     http://www.webz.com/gowanna
>=20
> mailto:[e-mail]
> mailto:[e-mail]
>=20
> 419 Butler Street                                        =20
> PO Box 95184
> Pittsburgh, PA 15223-0184
> [phone]                                    [phone]
> 1-888-45-GOWANNA -- TOLL FREE     (1-888-454-6926)
> ____________________________________________
> "Mulder, if you had to do without a cell phone for
> two minutes, you'd lapse into catatonic schizophrenia"
> --Dana Scully
> ______________________________________________
>=20
>=20
> [ To leave the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe ]
> [ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]          ]

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 13:52:00 -0600
From: [e-mail]
Subject: [MV] movie question

Does anyone know of movies that deal with Mexican immigrant border
crossings?
The only one I know of is El Norte.
Thanks

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 13:07:00 -0700
From: ("Paul D  Richardson") <[e-mail]>
Subject: [MV] re: movie question

> Does anyone know of movies that deal with Mexican immigrant border
> crossings?

The only two movies I can think of off the top of my head are

BORN IN EAST LA
BOWFINGER

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2000 14:41:17 -0500
From: Mel Eperthener <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [MV] Re: Theatre Economics

At 09.04 AM 02/03/2000 -0000, you wrote:
>They seem to be successful, they show only the major blockbusters in
>these screens so people use them as an overspill when other screens are
>sold out, also people use them for "special" cinema visits, just to add
>that little bit more to a night out.

What I would really like to see is them trying a few "art" films there.  Of
course, I live in a city where Run Lola Run played the arthouses for two
weeks, then was gone.  Come to think of it, so did Boys Don't Cry.  And
American Beauty hasn't exactly been overexposed in this market:-)

Maybe a midnight showing of Blade Runner or Rocky Horror, to see what kind
of crowd they can attract.  Make the theatre-going experience a real treat.

Regards,

- --Mel


- --Mel Eperthener
president, Gowanna Multi-media Pty     http://www.webz.com/gowanna
mailto:[e-mail]                  mailto:[e-mail]

419 Butler Street
PO Box 95184
Pittsburgh, PA 15223-0184
[phone]                                    [phone]
1-888-45-GOWANNA -- TOLL FREE     (1-888-454-6926)
____________________________________________
"Mulder, if you had to do without a cell phone for
two minutes, you'd lapse into catatonic schizophrenia"
- --Dana Scully
______________________________________________


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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2000 15:43:20 CST
From: "Wade S" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: movie question

If Bowfinger is okay, then why not Men In Black.


Two movies I can think of:

The Border - 1980-83 flick with Jack Nicholson as a corrupt border patrolman
with a conscience, or something like that...

El Norte - early 80s film I think about a groups of Mayan Indians who
attempt to cross into the US.

Wade


>From: ("Paul D  Richardson") <[e-mail]>
>Reply-To: [e-mail]
>To: [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]
>Subject: [MV] re: movie question
>Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 13:07:00 -0700
>
> > Does anyone know of movies that deal with Mexican immigrant border
> > crossings?
>
>The only two movies I can think of off the top of my head are
>
>BORN IN EAST LA
>BOWFINGER
>
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 15:02:00 -0700
From: ("Paul D  Richardson") <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: movie question

> If Bowfinger is okay, then why not Men In Black.

Because BOWFINGER deals specifically with Mexican immigrants, which is what
the original poster asked for.

Two movies I can think of:

> The Border - 1980-83 flick with Jack Nicholson as a corrupt border patrolman
> with a conscience, or something like that...

I've never heard of this, but it sounds good.  IMDB voters only give it a 5.9.
 Any good?

While I was on the IMDB I did a search on keywords "illegal immigrants" and
"mexico."  It turned up LONE STAR.  That's a great, great movie.  Highly
recommended, although I forget how it dealt with illegal immigrants.  Probably
as a subplot...

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 13:52:00 -0600
From: [e-mail]
Subject: [MV] movie question

Does anyone know of movies that deal with Mexican immigrant border
crossings?
The only one I know of is El Norte.
Thanks
- -
Turn off HTML mail features. Keep quoted material short. Use accurate
subject lines. http://www.leben.com/lists for list instructions.

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 02 Mar 2000 18:25:08 -0500
From: Mel Eperthener <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: movie question

At 01.07 PM 02/03/2000 -0700, Paul D  Richardson wrote:
>> Does anyone know of movies that deal with Mexican immigrant border
>> crossings?
>
>The only two movies I can think of off the top of my head are
>
>BORN IN EAST LA
>BOWFINGER

Where was this is Bowfinger??  Must've missed that, gotta watch it again.

How much detail are we talking about??  A movie that centres on border
crossings, or just a few scenes??

Both of these delt with border crossings:

From Dusk till Dawn
Blue Streak

I also believe it was The Chase (with Charlie Sheen) that ended at the
border crossing.  And on that note, one of the 80s teen comedys (Porkeys,
Fast Times, Last American Virgin) had the kids going to Tiajuana to do
whatever it is that they were doing.

And in this vein, I am sure there are heaps more.

Regards,

- --Mel


- --Mel Eperthener
president, Gowanna Multi-media Pty     http://www.webz.com/gowanna
mailto:[e-mail]                  mailto:[e-mail]

419 Butler Street
PO Box 95184
Pittsburgh, PA 15223-0184
[phone]                                    [phone]
1-888-45-GOWANNA -- TOLL FREE     (1-888-454-6926)
____________________________________________
"Mulder, if you had to do without a cell phone for
two minutes, you'd lapse into catatonic schizophrenia"
- --Dana Scully
______________________________________________


[ To leave the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe ]
[ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]          ]

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 16:53:00 -0700
From: ("Paul D  Richardson") <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: movie question

> Where was this is Bowfinger??  Must've missed that, gotta watch it again.

Bowfinger grabs some illegal immigrants at the border to work as his crew.  By
the end of the movie they become hip Hollywood types, complete with cell
phones.  It was a background subplot that slowly developed...one of the
funniest parts of the movie.

> I also believe it was The Chase (with Charlie Sheen) that ended at the
> border crossing.  And on that note, one of the 80s teen comedys (Porkeys,
> Fast Times, Last American Virgin) had the kids going to Tiajuana to do
> whatever it is that they were doing.

The original question was asking specifically about Mexican immigrants, not
just any border crossing.

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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2000 20:36:24 -0800 (PST)
From: Patrick KRAUS <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: [MV] re: movie question

I am thinking of Men In Black. It is the only thing
coming into my mind.
But we couled add The Game and T2, but I am not sure.
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------------------------------

Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2000 09:07:03 -0000
From: MARK <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [MV] movie question

Men In Black

LOL
MARK

> -----Original Message-----
> From:    [e-mail] [SMTP:[e-mail]]
> Sent:    02 March 2000 19:52
> To:    [e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail]
> Subject:    [MV] movie question
>
> Does anyone know of movies that deal with Mexican immigrant border
> crossings?
> The only one I know of is El Norte.
> Thanks
> -
> Turn off HTML mail features. Keep quoted material short. Use accurate
> subject lines. http://www.leben.com/lists for list instructions.
>
> [ To leave the movies mailing list, send the message "unsubscribe ]
> [ movies" (without the quotes) to [e-mail]          ]

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------------------------------

End of movies-digest V2 #261
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