As we can see, they are showing a total of 20 screenings across 7 films. Based on our assumptions of running times, no more than 4 screens are in use at any time. At any time, 75% of the screens are switched off with empty theaters.

This complex was built in a day where we went to the movies more. It was time when a summer blockbuster like the Ninja Turtles would screen every 30 minutes to a near capacity audience. Times are changing, and cinemas are losing their appeal.

Then and Now

In the 1990's we used to get excited about the prospect of seeing a film on 'the big screen'. The cinema offered a superior audio visual experience which gave the film an added element of enjoyment.

The cinema experience today is fairly similar to what it was 20 years ago. This is not a bad thing, it's still the best way to see a film, but the 'big screen' advantage is not what it used to be. Advances in home entertainment systems has meant that we can now have a big screen, hi definition, surround sound experience from the comfort of our own couches.

In the past if we liked a film, we'd recommend it to our friends as 'worth seeing at the movies'. This was when the alternate was to wait almost a year and see it on VHS. Today the film is simply 'worth seeing'. There is no urgency to see it at the cinema because it will be on Blu Ray soon.

An Unofficial Recommendation

A night in with a movie is replacing a night out to the movies. We believe that a major reason, is the cost. Adult tickets are $20 each, while a new release Blu Ray is $30. Our trip to Lucy cost us $40. If we waited a couple of months, we'd save $10 and have our own copy to watch over and over again.

Having people over for a home movie is way cheaper than going out. The more people you invite, the better it gets, as shown below: