said by taraf:That isn't the studios deciding that, it's the theater. The price they pay for syndication/screen rights on the movies is absurd - the reason the concessions/etc. are so expensive is because that's the only place they actually stand a chance at turning a profit from your attendance, and the pre-roll ads are recognition that you may not spend any money at the concession.
When the pandemic started, studios had to choose between delay the "opening day" or release films directly on VOD/streaming platforms. Some directors and actors were very vocal against that idea, arguing the movie theater experience is unique (and it's how they make most profits), similar to the argument of listening to a vinyl album is better than a CD or MP3.
That "1st week high-profit margin" the studios imposed on movie theaters is in part what kills the experience. We can blame the VHS and DVD and the internet as the reasons why there are few remaining Drive-In cinemas (those lands now have condos or shopping malls built on them), but can we blame the Hollywood studios themselves for killing the movie theater experience?
And yes, Hollywood. Because now, you'll go only if it's a movie you want to watch. Who would want to come watch a Canadian-made (or Québec-made) movie at the movie theater, with TV ads in the beginning? Pffft.
Movie theaters also survive on other profitable business: Game room. That was also affected by the pandemic.
Let's not talk about "The Hurt Locker".
