Summer Movie Slate Sparks Hope for Theaters
As the summer season approaches, movie theaters are gearing up for a potential surge in ticket sales, with titles like "Lilo and Stitch" and "Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning" set to draw crowds. Yet, some viewers may still opt for the comfort of their couches over a trip to the cinema.
On a dreary day at AMC's Rosedale 14, patrons found refuge in the darkened auditoriums. Ian Tuma from Saint Paul shared, "I'm mainly just going because it's a rainy day and I have the AMC A-list pass," while another visitor, Matt Cook, seized a break from business meetings to catch "Thunderbolts."
While these midweek matinees offered a quiet experience, the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend promises to change that dynamic significantly.
Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, expressed enthusiasm for the summer lineup. "It's a hit parade from now all through Labor Day weekend for movie theaters," he stated, highlighting anticipated blockbusters like "Superman," "Fantastic Four," and "Karate Kid: Legends."
Dergarabedian predicts that the box office could exceed $4 billion this summer, reminiscent of pre-pandemic figures. "The frequency of these films is going to create so much momentum," he added, emphasizing the industry's recovery.
Despite the allure of streaming services, which often offer films for rental or free viewing, Dergarabedian believes that theater-going and streaming coexist harmoniously. "Movie going in theater and streaming are additive and complimentary," he remarked.
Supporting this view, a survey by Roku and the National Research Group revealed that streaming users typically watch about eight movies in theaters annually. Notably, 61% of respondents indicated a preference for theater viewing when films are released simultaneously on streaming platforms.
For Tuma, the appeal lies in the immersive experience. "Definitely the big screen, the good sound," he noted, explaining that the theater environment helps him concentrate without distractions. Cook echoed this sentiment, appreciating the powerful sound that enhances the cinematic experience.
Dergarabedian pointed out that the tradition of going to the movies is ingrained in our culture from childhood. "It's the experiential part, it's the communal part of it, it's the prestige factor," he explained.
However, ticket prices and snack costs often deter potential moviegoers. Still, premium formats like IMAX and Dolby Vision continue to attract audiences willing to pay more for an enhanced experience. "That's a part of the industry that's growing," Dergarabedian noted.
Yet not all surveys paint a rosy picture for theaters. An IndieWire report indicated that only 34% of U.S. adults prefer watching movies in theaters, suggesting that nearly two-thirds favor streaming services instead.
Jeff Wagner has been with WCCO-TV since November 2016 as a general assignment reporter and now anchors Saturday evening newscasts. Although new to Minnesota, he has spent his entire life in the Midwest.
