I paid $18.50 to see Avatar. Of course, that was mainly an accumulation of smaller charges: a bit for 3-D, some for IMAX, and a few bucks for the homeless man who held my spot in line. Still, that’s a hefty price tag for a couple hours of recession-escaping diversion, and ticket costs were jacked up again only two weeks ago. Reuters is reporting that a recent survey shows that the average price of admission to a standard 2-D film rose over four percent from March 24 to March 26, while the price for 3-D screenings increased by more than double that.
But that isn’t keeping Americans’ butts out of those plush, popcorn-encrusted seats. With the help of a massive $61.2 million take by Clash of the Titans, the box office reached a new North American high for a weekend in April: $182 million. It’s possible that the effects of the increase may be delayed, as people internalize the fact that movie-going is becoming a costlier and costlier activity. But as of now, it looks like the extra dollar or two isn’t stopping anyone.
Are your $10-$15 bucks part of last weekend’s $182 million, or did you decide to stay home? Is the third dimension really worth all that? And when will theaters start charging for the fourth?
no i paid $6.00 for cott in marvelous 2-d
Matinees here are $6.25 with $2.75 3D surcharge.
It’s getting to be too expensive for me, someone who doesn’t have a lot of money to blow. I saw Avatar in 3D and probably won’t see another 3D movie until Avatar 2, if it gets made.
Even worse, the dollar theater and the cheaper theater by me recently closed. Sigh
I pay $12 per month for my Netflix subscription. I’ll wait for the DVD of a film since it is only a 3-4 month gap between theatrical release & DVD release. Plus some films like the newly announced Wolfman – June 1 release after a Feb. 12 theatrical release – are unrated directors’ cuts.
It’s nice that the dvd comes out so soon. When I was a kid it seemed like a year before it would come out on VHS.
I only go to the movies on Tuesdays when movies are only $6 (including Imax here in R.I.). I won’t spend a dime more.
Actually, the teaters *aren’t* full – just the big action, big screen movies that are mostly in 3D. People aren’t paying full price unless there is a reason to see it on the big screen or in a special way, like 3D or IMAX.
I used to go to the movies at least once a week…but that was when tickets were $5. Sadly, now I only go several times a year, and really only to movies that you need to see on the big screen (like Star Trek). It’s just too much between the ticket price and drink, food etc… Even if you sneak food in, then you have to deal with talking people, cell phones, kids. It’s just not a fun experience anymore.
I work for a movie theatre.. guess i am lucky
My local AMC has 5 dollar 2D movies Monday-Thursday all showtimes. I saw Titans that way. Heard the crappy 3D reviews, so I went in 2D last night
For a night out, what cheaper alternatives would you suggest? A $100 musical or concert? A $10 dollar round of putt-putt? Even at $20 a pop, movie-going would still be the cheaper alternative to most forms of pay-entertainment. I don’t think that a 4 percent increase will deter most people from the movieplex.
I haven’t been to the movies since December, so I’m scared to see how high the prices will be when I finally go.
And the movie industries are worried about pirated material…
I bet the whole system by having a friend that works at a theatre on the side and we get in for free
its too expensive i watch on line for free
Prefer to watch only the best films at the cinema because these deserve the best viewing experience which is on the big screen.
Only AVATAR has struck me as a film worth viewing in 3D so far for the seriously improved 3D experience and extra cost.
Also prefer smaller independent cinemas to the factory multiplexes.
All in all, this maximises the value for entertainment from cinemas and keeps it fresh and exciting. Anything else can be watched on DVD anytime.