The Rising Cost of the Cinema

According to “Intelligence Report” in Parade Magazine (July 6, 2008), until recently, adjusted for inflation, movie ticket prices at the cinema cost less than they did in 1977 when the initial Star Wars, Annie Hall, and Airport 77 hit theaters. Ticket prices have been subsidized by concession stand sales, which keep the cost of admission under control.

The article quotes economist Ricard Gil of the University of California as saying that now the high price of corn is eating into those profits, and theaters likely will increase prices to make up the difference. At the same time that ticket prices are rising, theater attendance is dropping. Factors may include high prices at the theater, the increasing cost of gasoline, easy availability of DVD rentals and purchases, and high-tech home theater systems.

Actually, snuggling together at home with some hot chocolate and fresh microwave popcorn while watching romantic dramas and romantic comedies on DVD might be the perfect prescription for rekindling an ailing romance.

On the other hand, some movies must be watched on the big screen…with a crowd…and with some movie theater munchies. Comedies just aren’t as funny without a crowd laughing. Thrillers don’t carry the same weight unless the audience gasps in unison. And children’s movies? Sometimes you need to experience an auditorium filled with the screams of other people’s children to fully appreciate your own.

I’m in favor of saving money through DVD rentals and purchases (of pre-viewed recent films or discounted older films) whenever possible until the prices become more reasonable at the cinema. And when it comes to romantic films, watching at home might be the best solution even in a thriving economy.