Apr 10 AMC Theatres®: Company Statement Regarding Premium Video-On-Demand
We've talked about the movie industry's desire to enter the premium VOD market (p-VoD) on shows past. In fact we've run a survery to see if any of you would be interested in such an offering. Here is what you all said:
- Pay $60 to watch via VOD in home at the same time as in theaters 5%
- Pay $20 to $25 to watch via VOD in home 60 days after theatrical run ends 4%
- Wait for Blu Ray 25%
- Wait the additional 28 days for Netflix or Redbox 58%
So with such a lack of interest in the idea why is AMC so scared about the idea? Please chime in with your thoughts.
AMC Statement
We at AMC feel movie theatres are a critically important business to many parties: the 200+ million guests we host year after year who choose to view films on the large screen; the communities of which our theatres are an integral part; the artists who create the movies we show; and ultimately the entertainment industry for which our theatres generate the highest quality source of revenue.
We believe the theatrical experience has a bright future, and we are aggressively investing to prepare for it. We are in the midst of a multi-year, multi-million dollar rollout of digital projection and 3D, IMAX and our own proprietary ETX format. We are also introducing a new guest rewards program, better-for-you items, enhanced food and beverage offerings, dine-in theatre options and alternative, engaging programming for our guests to enjoy in our comfortable, state-of-the-art auditoriums. All activities we are currently engaged in have common goals - to increase attendance at our theatres and maintain the health of our industry.
The p-VoD world as currently defined threatens that health. As such, we have notified studios of our expectations regarding economic arrangements on movies that go p-VoD. It is not wise to discuss details in the press, and Company policy precludes it, but as these windows shrink and threaten our industry's future, it is only logical to expect AMC to adapt its economic model.
The future is bright, even as it promises to be different, and we look forward to the success that lies ahead for all parties.
About AMC Entertainment Inc.
AMC Entertainment Inc. delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 361 theatres with 5,203 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 24 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content. www.AMCTheatres.com.
Reader Comments (1)
There is really only one reason why I avoid going to movie theaters: rude patrons! People who put their feet up on the backs of the seats in front of them, people who talk throughout the movie, people who open their cell phones to text, people who throw things at the screen, etc.
As long as movie theaters refuse to remove and ban these people, I will opt to watch movies at home. AMC has every right to feel threatened. They SHOULD feel threatened. I will take any opportunity to avoid going to an actual theater so long as it remains an unpleasant environment in which to view movies!
AMC can talk all they want about upgrading to digital/3D projectors; they can go on and on about better food, more comfortable seats; heck, they could even slash prices! But all I want are ushers. Actual workers in the theater who can warn rude patrons once and then remove them if they cause a distraction a second time during any movie. Spend money on ushers and security personnel, not in-movie food service that only attracts more rude patrons! Until the experience at the movie theater is more pleasant than the experience at home, I don't care what the windows are or what the price differential is, I'll opt to watch at home and welcome any new option that allows me to do so!