How has the economy affected your entertainment spending?

Mary Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:47 AM EST

I used to buy DVDs, CDs, and go to the movies all the time. Now, I go to the library every week and check out DVDs and CDs and it has saved me a lot of money and I encourage all my friends to do the same. I still go to the occasional movie. In the past year, I've probably only bought 6/7 DVDs and CDs (combined). And, I've completely stopped buying books, too. I wish I had did this when I was in school, I would have saved so much more. I do have to admit I miss going to the record store and just scanning all the music. I guess I could still do that but I'd be too tempted to buy. Don't get me wrong, I still support bands by going to lots of concerts and getting a t-shirt. Nothing can be beat a live experience.

RP Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 08:44 AM EST

I never bought very many video games but I've stopped buying them altogether. I can't justify spending that kind of money on my budget. I also go to fewer movies.

I don't buy as much music anymore but that doesn't have anything to do with the economy. I think I was waiting for the other music labels to follow EMI in offering DRM free tracks on iTunes and just fell out of the habit of buying a song every now and again.

Eric Friedmann Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 08:37 AM EST

Em, I don't hate young people (some of my best lays before getting married were young people!). I do, however, pity you! I pity a generation of young people being raised on a culture of reality TV, superhero movie sequels and cell phones. I pity a generation whose idea of news is the latest escapades of Spears or Lohan. Do you know the guy I sit next to at work (early 20's) loved KING KONG (2005) but had absolutely no clue that there was an original black and white film in 1933. How else am I supposed to react when I keep coming across characters like this??? This is why I pity you all!

You know (just as an example), when I was a kid, my parents used to call the TV set "the idiot box". It's taken my 30 years to realize they were right!

Sarah Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:05 AM EST

The movies werent cut back as much because it helps during the tougher times to escape for a just an hour or two when you cant afford a vacation. But everything else, yes I cut back on. No more music-downloads or CDs- and I visit the library instead of buying books.

My BF and I went to go see two movies this weekend with a different set of friends- Pineapple Express and Righteous Kill- and I dont think I will be seeing another movie in theaters until after Christmas when we realized how much we wasted (time and money) on such crap.

Married Couple Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 09:31 PM EST

Yes! Of course it has! When we DO got to the movies, we make sure to sneak in snacks and try to sneak into another movie right afterward to make it worth our money. The only movie Dark Knight. Typically, we wait for DVD rentals. Buying CDs? Yeah, right! Now that just anybody can get a recording contract (see Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, etc), the music industry is just pointless at time. I won't even waste my hard drive space and download any music. Point is, I won't even take it if it's free!!!

Allison Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 01:53 PM EST

I still have my netflix, but I watch way more movies at home than I did at the theaters..something like the House Bunny would normally be a Saturday afternoon movie for me, but now I wait it out until DVD...and I joined my local library....I just can't shell out $15 for a paperback a week like I used to.

ladyli1 Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

YES DUH! I no longer by "on a whim" DVDS. I'm choosy about movies & concerts that I may want to go to. Travel distance is always a factor.

donner Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 11:06 PM EST

I've always been picky about what i will spend my money on in the theatres...I'm still just as picky now that the economy sucks...I think I spend the same amt on movies/dvds/cds/iTunes that I always did...but I always check out a variety of reviews on any purchase that I want to make, just cause if its a real stinker, I wanna be warned before I waste my money...granted, some things i will spend money on no matter what anyone else says...

Silv Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 06:38 PM EST

Winston: $11.50 to $13 to see a movie in a theater?? Yikes!

Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

This year, I have yet to go to the movies; I figure I can wait for cable, satellite or DVD to check out the film, then buy the DVD if I really enjoy it. The only CD's I bought this year are either presents for friends and family, or replacing old albums. In fact, the only items I buy regularly are books. Even in a recession, there's plenty of book sales, yard sales, and discounts around.

Em2 Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 06:46 AM EST

I started watching movies I want to see on weekday matinees or when I can use my discount movie passes from work. I also wait for reviews before purchasing movies/music/books vs loaning them from the library. I've also changed cable providers to cut corners. As far as concerts go, I am more selective. It may be a change of times but I am glad that I can do healthier things (like walk and run or relearn a hobby) other than spend money on performers and movies that think I owe them money.

Not that I'm saying that what I'm doing is right but just maybe-- if everyone subscribed to this mentality, we'd get better products on film, music, stage or books by having actors, musicians, and authors earn their keep!

Winston Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 10:47 PM EST

Lately, I have been getting my movie tickets in bulk, like at Costco or at my work where I could get them through our union. But again, I really don't mind shelling out more for event pics like THE DARK KNIGHT or WALL-E. It has made me more conscious of that stupid movies aren't worth $11.50-$13.00 like it is here in Los Angeles.

Meredith44 Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 06:52 PM EST

Instead of going to the local megaplex, I now frequent my little local cinema, where I can see a Saturday night double feature of fairly recent (before the true discount theater release but after it has gone out of first run) movies for $5. Plus the popcorn and soda are fairly cheap there as well. And even then, I only go like once a month or so. (This is from someone who less than 10 years ago went to a first run movie every week, at least during the summer "blockbuster" months.) So, yes, I think it is safe to say that my entertainment habits have definitely changed.

namar Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

with Movies like Wall-E and The Dark Knighti don't mind shelling out 10 bucks... it pretty much ends there though...

Em Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

Eric Friedmann- I'm 23 years old, and not a film student, but almost every single movie I own was made before 1960- most of them are from the 30s and 40s. Yesterday I watched a Czech movie, and a few days before that, a Polish movie. Most of my friends watch similar movies. Why do you hate on young people so much? Seriously, a lot of middle-aged people are out there watching the crap that comes into US theaters.

Los Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 05:12 PM EST

Oh! Thatt's right! College! Oh yeah.. going to college kind of raped me financially as well.

CS Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 05:08 PM EST

There was a time much earlier where I would buy CD's on a weekly basis (not an exaggeration or a figure of speech). When the Napster/download age came along, I got my music illegally for the most part, but it still hardly slowed down my trips to Tower Records (remember those guys?- I thought it'd be a nice economic tie-in), but the past few years of living in the CA bay area, gas prices and the threat of the governator imposing minimum wage on all state employees (yup, I'm one of em) in order to establish a budget, I've been buying CD's maybe once every three months (and to coincide w/ the first comment from Matt, the fact that music lately has gotten crappier hasn't helped matters eithers). So yeah, I guess you could say the economy affected my music spending to enormous lengths.

t3hdow Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 04:50 PM EST

To Eric Friedmann:
Your narrow minded presumptions never cease to amuse me. You always sound like a grumpy old man with your retorts, speaking the worst about my generation. My instructors - who are just as old as you, if not older - aren't nearly as condescending and admit to learning as much from class discussions as the students. How about you be more open minded about us '90s tykes instead of going on your porch in your rocking chair, harping about the good old days?

But for clarification, I'm NOT in film school (I'm in an HBCU) and the movie watching was from my French instructor. Technically, I didn't have to watch any of the films for required credit. It was more free will if anything.

Rick Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 04:44 PM EST

Nope, the economy isn't bothering me (except for gas). The crappy state of the entertainment industry is keeping my money in my pocket. Gone are the days when any rock cd was worth buying, and most movies are not worth the expense. I'd rather buy a sitcom season set or watch "Clean House" or "Psych" on cable. At least I can watch them without my kids hearing horrible things. Sorry, Hollywood! Get your $$$ somewhere else! I'll stick with "Dr. Horrible's Sing-along," or even WGN's Retro night!

Eric Friedmann Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

t3hdow, thank you so much for the history of your required schoolwork! I may die over how impressed you've made me!

It would be so interesting to know if today's youth who DON'T attend film school have any interest whatsoever in films NOT in color, released, say, before 1970, and perhaps in a foreign language. My experience has told me...NO!

Silv Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 02:40 PM EST

Our big splurge this summer was to see "The Dark Knight." No other movie warranted the $10 ticket price. We saw other movies at the discount theater - $4 even after 6 pm, in a beautiful, old-time classic theater, well worth the wait.
We get videos from the library - $1/video, including a whole season's dvd set, vs. $5 at Blockbuster? Hah! Needless to say, Blockbuster closed in our small town. Between the library and the Red Box at the grocery store, not to mention good old cable, we're satisfied.
The two teenagers in the house still see first-run movies at the local cineplex, but they can get a student discount for $1-$2 off.

Winona Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

I'd like to add: being a librarian, I'm quite jazzed at all the library shout-outs posted so far! :-)

Deb Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 01:42 PM EST

If there is a movie I really want to see, I'll go see it in the theater. Sat/Sun morning $5 deals are good. The movies I can't wait to see are few and far between. Otherwise, they can wait for video and then I get them at the library. I really can't see paying to rent movies. I got rid of the premium channels, too, a few months ago and saved alot. I don't think I'm missing too much on HBO right now from the looks of it. Vampires again? Yawn.

Tom Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

I love reading but have cut back on buying any best sellers. Instead I rent from BookSwim.com. It's just like Netflix and I get as many books as I want and have time to read.

Kai- Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

I hardly go to the movies. In fact the only movies I've seen this year has been Iron Man and Wall-E. The local Blockbuster is far from my house, plus whenever you do go, the movies you want are never in stock. The only thing I haven't curbed my spending in is books. I order from Amazon or buy from Borders or Costco on an almost weekly basis.

t3hdow Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

The economy? Try college sucking away your expenses, which is inevitable, no matter how great our economy's doing. Besides, I prefer TV viewing over movies, as well as other hobbies I delve into (video gaming, drawing, writing, and reading through the occasional novel). Viewing Dexter season 2 on DVD was overall more satisfying than most films I caught (excepting The Dark Knight). Besides, since the TV season's coming back, I'll be more satisfied with that than whatever theaters have to offer in the fall.
To Eric Friedmann:
Ah, my morning wouldn't be complete without you lambasting my entire generation at a whim (i.e., '90s kids). Last semester alone, I watched four French films my instructor provided, and enjoyed each one. Some more than others, I admit, but it was a refreshing change from US films. One of them was even in black and white. So tell me about these uninterested young viewers with foreign films again, if you don't mind?

SadReality Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 12:02 PM EST

When it comes to a night out at the movies, a family of four can spend about $60 to enjoy a two hour outing or they can purchase a movie for $20-$30 and enjoy it several times (plus bonus features). It doesn't take a genius to figure out what most people would choose. Theater going has become something people save for "event" films like Dark Knight, Star Wars or films that are a different experience (Journey in 3-D etc). Maybe if stars didn't need a $20 Million paycheck or studios didn't need to turn a 300 percent profit, theater owners could afford to pass those savings on to moviegoers.

Roon Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 12:00 PM EST

I can't remember the last time I paid full price to see a first run movie. And it's probably been even longer since we rented a movie (not counting VOD). We get most of our movies at the library.

Finances also forced us to cut back on our cable service. So now I'm forced to scour the Internet for a lot shows I don't get anymore.

Kate Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:54 AM EST

Considering I just got laid off last week, I would say the economy is hitting me really hard! So no movies for me. I will have to wait and see them on cable (my one entertainment expense + TIVO).

Melinda65 Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

It's not the economy, it's the fact that there are never many movies that I want to see badly enough to go to the theater. My husband wanted to go to a movie last weekend, but out of 5 theaters, there were maybe 4 or 5 movies that I wanted to see at all, and none that were worth the drive and the ticket price.

Sally in Chicago Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

I agree with Geemoney....movies come out so quick now. Plus you can download them (free) for about 99c-3.99c.
Plus, let's not forget Hollywood is still making crappy movies. For every good one there are about 10 bad ones.

Sally in Chicago Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

I bought one CD last year (Prince) and will buy one this year only (Jennifer Hudson)...that's about it for me.

Emoney Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

Like Winona, our entertainment spending is curbed more by our 18-month old than by the economy. Much, much easier to rent a movie than pay for a sitter. We went to see Dark Knight in the theater, but that's probably the first time we've actually gone to a movie in months and months. I can't even remember the last time. Movies at home, with wine and homemade dessert are just as satisfying.

Sally in Chicago Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:39 AM EST

Yes, it has. I now try & get free passes to movies, or download them from the internet for 99c-3.99c vs. paying $8 to see a movie.
I haven't been to a play or concert in years. Too expensive and it's hard to get tickets.
I take "mini-vacations" 2-3 days, that's the most I can afford.

arg Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST

The public library is amazing! I can request anything to be sent to my local branch and they'll send me an email when it's there to pick up. But I still spend money on going to the movies.

Eric Friedmann Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:28 AM EST

Working in Manhattan affords me the opportunity to attend revival screenings whenever I can. They're worth my time and money a lot more than today's crap! I saw a one day only screening of Clouzot's WAGES OF FEAR last week. What an experience! For those of you who are too young to know what the hell I'm talking about, I'll just say that it's old, it's black and white, and it's in French - which means you probably wouldn't be interested!

Liddy Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:18 AM EST

I can't afford to go to the movies anymore, I have to wait for it on Netflix. I have a list of CDs that I'll put on my xmas list. Money's not that tight right now, but you never know what's just around the corner. Yeah, I could buy My Morning Jacket's new CD, but if I lose my job today, I'd rather have the money I'dve spent in my checking account.

strickens_girl Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:12 AM EST

I only saw three movies this summer and I only paid full price for one to see at a midnight show. The other two I saw as matinees. I usually take my son to see several movies over the summer but I just got several through Netflix instead. Plus I haven't bought a book since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I been borrowing once recommended from friends and I haven't read anything I've had to have.

Vicky Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 10:53 AM EST

I still go to movies whenever the movie is worth seeing in the theaters. Sometimes I'll go on Sunday mornings and save a few bucks. I call it Sunday Brunch. I also save money on snacks cause who wants popcorn and candy at 11 in the morning???
I'm over renting movies. I don't rent enough movies to sign up for Netflix or Blockbuster.com, but I refuse to pay 4/5 bucks to rent a movie. Sometimes Blockbuster will have "buy 4 for $20" and I'll just buy pre-viewed movies instead.
I don't buy music. And the most money I spend is on DVD sets, but a lot of times people get me those for Christmas or birthdays or something.
I borrow books from people when I can. My sister's collection is my own personal library.

renee Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

Our cinema has a 5 buck club where a handful of movies at any given time is only five dollars. That makes it easier.

Lauren Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:58 AM EST

The last two CD's I bought were the result of a 40% off sale at Borders. Otherwise, I use iTunes or get stuff from my roommate's extensive music collection.
I got a Chicago Public Library card and luckily, there's a branch four blocks from work and one in my neighborhood. When I do buy books, I rarely do so without a coupon.
I am extremely fortunate to work at a film and media organization, so I can borrow DVDs for free. Also, I get into two Chicago movie theatres (with indie films, the kind I like best) for free. Therefore, I only go to mainstream stuff that I really really really want to see in theatres (e.g. The Dark Knight).

Lili Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

I've just tweaked my entertainemnt habits. I try to go on Cheapy Tuesday (1/2 price) and Matinees. The only major difference is I buy a lot less movies. I just can't jusify paying 26$ to 30$ (here in Canada anyways) for a movie I may only watch 2 or 3 times.

Jen Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:53 AM EST

Because of the economy I always recommend the first movie showing because it is usually discounted by up to 3 dollars. Also, we have a discount cinema for 1.75 you can see movies that just left the regular theaters. You may not see it when it first comes out but you get to see at on the big screen and for less than a movie rental. I use Blockbuster rewards to rent movies, rent a new release between Mon and Wednesday and you get an older movie for free. When we go to the movies, no popcorn or soda which is so expensive. Mostly we stay at home and watch movies on demand. It is free with our service, so we save a lot that way also and we have movie nights at home with the kids. We go to the dollar tree and get popcorn, soda and snacks. Much cheaper, easier commute and fun.

Ep Sato Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

The economy? Man, I wish it was the economy. I haven't been to a movie in more than a month, have had to significantly cut back on DVD and video game purchases and haven't downloaded a song in a while. The cause? A newborn baby. You want to see something that can wreak havoc and end your social life as you know it? Have a kid and watch the disposable income and free time just float away...

Rahul Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

I've definitely started going to the theater less with the higher tickets prices and less money in my pocket. My summer movie count was at an all-time low of five. I'm willing to wait for the other movies I kind of wanted to see to come out on video or run on HBO.

Jay Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:18 AM EST

I use netflix more, I enter contests for free advance screening of movies. Today will be the first time since Batman's opening weekend that I'll be paying for a movie. Before that, I believe it was Rambo 4. As for music, I listen to more radio. I love NKOTB so much I broke down and bought that cd but before that, Madonna's last cd was the only one I had purchased this year.

Ziggy Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:10 AM EST

Matt: I'd bet it's because of crappy new music. :)

GeeMoney Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:58 AM EST

Not to mention, what's the point of going to the theater when the movie you want to see comes out on DVD 3 months later? That's not a long time to wait.

GeeMoney Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:56 AM EST

I stopped going to the theater in 2005, after I got dismayed from paying to see films that truly sucked. That's when I got Netflix. I see maybe 5 movies a year now, compared to before Netflix when I went every other weekend.

I guess I'm saying that it was a combo of the econony and crappy films that stopped me from going to see movies. I pay $15 a month to watch 8 films from Netflix (2 a week), which only equates to about 1.5 films at the movie theater for that price.

Eric Friedmann Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:44 AM EST

More than economic factors, it has been the quality of films (or lack-there-of) and my total intolerance for other people in the theater that has cut down my moviegoing.

snarky Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:43 AM EST

I stopped buying books - can get them at library whenever I want them. I have not rented a DVD in a while - nothing intriguing. Watching alot more TV/DVR. If I do go to the movies, it is a matinee with no snacks - just not worth the $25-$30 bucks to go at night, with food.

Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:42 AM EST

this has nothing to do with your question, but there's something wrong with that Metallica gallery.
the pictures don't match the text, it's like photo 7 matches text 6. you guys should check that.

Dana Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:37 AM EST

I stopped going to the theater to see movies years ago but it wasn't due to teh economy. I would much rather watch them in the comfort of my own home in peace and quiet then in a theater where I have to hear idiots on their cell phones or people talking through the film or kids kicking my chair from behind me. Not to mention the poeple who come in late and walk infront of me to get to an open seta blocking my view.

Winona Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:28 AM EST

For my household, it's one part the-economy and three parts we-have-a-two-year-old. It's a LOT easier to wait for a movie to come out on DVD and watch it at home after Megan's gone to bed than to arrange for a babysitter (and that's $30+) and then have the going-out costs on top of that. We've only seen two movies in the theaters in 2008, and since HPHBP got moved to '09, it's likely we won't go out to see any more movies this year.

Carol Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:22 AM EST

It has defintely effected my spending habits. I only go to the movies that I want to see and have also rec'd good reviews. I bring in snacks. I cancelled my netflix and get my dvd's and cd's and books through the public library. They can get anything I need through interlibrary loan and there is no charge.

Matt Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:18 AM EST

I don't buy as much music any more... but I don't know if that is the economy or just crappy new music.