Glad I'm on A-List.

I usually sit on the end seat of whatever row I pick. Not sure if I should expect to see a ticket price increase for such a seat.

Head Ninja In Charge said:

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A tiered pricing structure for a dying industry segment is bold AF.

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We're still doing this *dying" industry thing? When three of the top five highest grossing movies of all time have come out in the last thirteen months? Yes, overall, theater-going was down 30% in 2022, from 2019. You know what else was down exactly 30% in 2022? The amount of movies released to theaters, due to a global pandemic. In other words, the demand met the supply. And the supply is increasing by leaps and bounds in 2023, already showing major signs of closing that 30% gap this year, box-office-wise. For comparison, in March 2022 there were only two movies that made over $10M at the box office in their respective opening weekends. In March 2023, there will likely be seven. Sure, relatively speaking, theaters are struggling, though I'd say even that's a strong word at this point. Regardless, they're certainly not "dying."

TCTTS said:

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Head Ninja In Charge said:

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A tiered pricing structure for a dying industry segment is bold AF.

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We're still doing this *dying" industry thing? When three of the top five highest grossing movies of all time have come out in the last thirteen months? Yes, overall, theater-going was down 30% in 2022, from 2019. You know what else was down exactly 30% in 2022? The amount of movies released to theaters, due to a global pandemic. In other words, the demand met the supply. And the supply is increasing by leaps and bounds in 2023, already showing major signs of closing that 30% gap this year, box-office-wise. For comparison, in March 2022 there were only two movies that made over $10M at the box office in their respective opening weekends. In March 2023, there will likely be seven. Sure, relatively speaking, theaters are struggling, though I'd say even that's a strong word at this point. Regardless, they're certainly not "dying."

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Do you think this is a good move?

I don't think it's a move that will last. I'll put it that way.

I'll say it another way. If they increase the prices for the last row, middle-ish seats - me and my old lady gonna be big mad.

Head Ninja In Charge said:

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TCTTS said:

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Head Ninja In Charge said:

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A tiered pricing structure for a dying industry segment is bold AF.

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We're still doing this *dying" industry thing? When three of the top five highest grossing movies of all time have come out in the last thirteen months? Yes, overall, theater-going was down 30% in 2022, from 2019. You know what else was down exactly 30% in 2022? The amount of movies released to theaters, due to a global pandemic. In other words, the demand met the supply. And the supply is increasing by leaps and bounds in 2023, already showing major signs of closing that 30% gap this year, box-office-wise. For comparison, in March 2022 there were only two movies that made over $10M at the box office in their respective opening weekends. In March 2023, there will likely be seven. Sure, relatively speaking, theaters are struggling, though I'd say even that's a strong word at this point. Regardless, they're certainly not "dying."

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I didn't say industry. I said segment. Releasing new movies will always be profitable, but AMC - one operator in one segment (movie theaters) - using a pricing approach like this on the heels of the worst few years for segment performance is hilarious to me. If studio production and audience attendance are expected to increase soon over the past few years? Cool. If they're expected to meet or exceed pre-pandemic levels? Great. I love going to the movies. Half my posts these days are on the Entertainment board about new movies.

However, I don't think either of those are happening. AMC operates in what, like two or three other countries outside of the US? A lot of the high-gross movies you're likely referencing are probably from Asian countries where attendance pricing doesn't move at all. If this model was introduced over there, I guarantee you my Asian brothers/sisters would increase our bootleg output because GTFOH AMC.

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Huh?

First of all, I'm talking about Spider-Man: No Way Home, Top Gun: Maverick, and Avatar: The Way of Water. Not Asian movies or even American movies in Asian markets.

Also, the number of movies released in theaters this year is ABSOLUTELY increasing. By quite a bit, actually. That's not a guess or something that's debatable as to whether it's going to happen or not. That is a fact. So it's safe to assume that box office totals will likely increase as well, given past numbers/trends.

Otherwise, I agree that this is probably a dumb time for AMC to introduce the pricing tier thing. I would at least wait until the fall, after the spring/summer, when the box office has been closer to 2019 levels for a few months in a row. Granted, I personally don't have a problem with a pricing tier strategy, though. Seeing as it's the exact same strategy used for sporting events, concerts, etc, where certain seats are better than others. It makes sense, and I don't mind paying a couple or even a few bucks more. That said, I get how it will turn off a number of customers. But again, I don't think this sticks. People will complain, or not show up at all, other theaters won't follow, etc, and AMC will likely revert back to a traditional approach, if they even launch this strategy in the first place.

Back row usually has the best seats in the house.

Quick to the bathroom or more snacks, quick to leave when you're ready, you get the full view of the screen, and if the movie audience has any life to it then you get to enjoy that as well…

Uh, production is down because Hollywood shut down for over a year. Did you hear about that pesky pandemic?

So are they gonna start charging more for "premium" movies too? Or more for opening weekend? Cuz that seems like something they'd try. Maybe they already do.

Exactly my response when I read his post. I swear, pretzel logic runs rampant on this site, always bending the facts to meet a desired narrative.

Some chains already do, and most people don't even notice. Never mind charging more at night than in the afternoon, or more for IMAX than regular theaters, etc. I honestly don't see what the fuss is in this particular instance, when so much of the experience has already been tiered for years if not decades now.

taxpreparer said:

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Brian Earl Spilner said:

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Uh, production is down because Hollywood shut down for over a year. Did you hear about that pesky pandemic?

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Yes, and it is time for a new excuse. Maybe the Russian/Ukraine War, Chinese spy balloons, or plain crappy movies.

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The movies that came out in 2022 were shot in 2021/the second half of 2020, during the heart of the pandemic, when studios were actively spending/making far less due to COVID protocols, budgetary restraints, etc. Thus, fewer movies were released in 2022. That's not an "excuse," that's an economical fact. Now that production essentially returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, more movies will release in 2023. Again, another fact that can be confirmed just by consulting a calendar. I'm sorry this flies in the face of the narrative you have in your head, that you clearly/desperately want to be true.

Technically we've always paid more for evening showings. Matinee prices have been around for decades.

taxpreparer said:

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Brian Earl Spilner said:

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Uh, production is down because Hollywood shut down for over a year. Did you hear about that pesky pandemic?

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Yes, and it is time for a new excuse. Maybe the Russian/Ukraine War, Chinese spy balloons, or plain crappy movies.

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What are you even talking about? 2022 had less movies out because of most of 2020 being wiped off the calendar. 2023 will be the first year that will be anywhere near back to pre-covid levels.

You can't ask for a new excuse when you're still smack dab in the middle of the effects of what the root cause was.

Beat me to it. This.

I get that there is a market for this but outside of Muppets 3D at Hollywood Studios, I legitimately can't remember the last movie I saw in a theater.

Lol, AMC sucks ***

You're letting facts get in the way of a pre-established narrative again.

TCTTS said:

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I don't think it's a move that will last. I'll put it that way.

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That wasnt a gotcha question either, I just feel like it is a very short sighted move that you see in a lot of industries.
The short term gain is more money from the people who want to sit in good seats, and they are likely the people that go often. However, they will definitely lose people who were on the fence on seeing a movie in theater already.
They must have some internal research that says it will be a net gain, but I think it generally doesnt work out that way.
I know it's going to result in my seeing less movies in theater. That or doing what someone else mentioned, buying the cheaper tickets and just moving. It sucks, because I'm a big proponent of seeing movies in theaters, and I've just found myself going less often.