Box Office Slump Poised to Break [All Time] Record

CBC Arts and Entertainment ^ | 6/20/05

[gopwinsin04]

So what is the culprit: bad films, gas prices, DVD's or all of the above?

[cvq3842]

I'll vote for bad films, high ticket prices and DVD rentals.

Although if there's a big heat wave, will people go to a movie theatre for the air conditioning?

[poobear]

Don't they make as much or more on DVD sales or is it the studios don't want to share with the distributors? Anyway, good!

[Zenith]

My life is a Movie.

I don't have to see the Hollywood Junk !!

[Rummyfan]

You make bad movies and people stay away. What was the name of Ridley Scott's Crusade pic? I have already forgotten it! Of course they have always made bad movies and people came anyway, but nowadays people have better alternatives. Here's a prediction for another couple of flops: BEWITCHED and WAR OF THE WORLDS.

[camle]

put out something decent and folks will come see it. sequels, remakes and rehashings don't cut it. too much competition for people's time these days for them to go out and indulge in the garbage that fills theaters these days.

[gopwinsin04]

High ticket prices and concessions are also a factor. Why go see Herbie and pay $20 for the whole fmaily when you can buy the DVD in 5 months?

[sharktrager]

My theory is they spend so much on a handful of films that there are fewer good films to see. In fact, I think statistics show they are making fewer movies.

Damned If I Know

[gopwinsin04]

The early reviews for War of the Worlds have been shaky, one said it was more like 'Signs' than 'Independence Day.'

[Rummyfan]

Tom C has been acting so loco of late I think he may be alienating his fan base (no pun intended wrt WOTW!).

[sassbox]

probably a combination of bad movies and the ever-improving quality of DVDs and home entertainment systems. Strangely, although fewer people have gone to the theater this year, I've been to the movies more times this year than I have in previous years for as long as I can remember. However, I've only seen one movie that I really liked Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy at the theater. So far there isn't another movie I'd like to see this year til Narnia comes out at Christmas.

[CO Gal]

Herbie, Bewitched, Batman - not an original thought in the group. No thanks, I'll read a book instead.

[cvq3842]

True.

There are very few movies I can't wait to see. If it's a "Titanic" type film - big production, good film - then it's good for the big screen. But even at that I feel I've seen my share of "epics."

[gopwinsin04]

Without Star Wars, this year would have been a disaster!

[bigsigh]

all time record. Of course prices are higher. Any discussion of box office must include actual tickets sold.

[cvq3842]

True. They slap the name of a '60s sitcom on the average lame script and get enough people in the door the first weekend to make enough dough.

At least that used to work . . .

[tfecw]

5 months ;) It's 3 months and it cost me 20 bucks just to get myself and a date in last time i went to the movies.

It's just not worth it, I can have a better time watching a movie at home. 27+ inch tv's aren't rarities anymore and don't forget your "out of the box" theater sound system with all the bells and whistles of the local theater. Plus you can make out on your couch and not get the weird looks (from anyone else but her)

[dennisw]

So what is the culprit: bad films, gas prices, DVD's or all of the above?

Speaking just for myself, I can no longer get sucked into the Hollywood stories and fantasies. The stories make no sense, coherent plot lines are not required and actors are phony, they look plastic, are not credible, I’ve seen it all done before and much better. Maybe I’m just getting older

[gopwinsin04]

By actual tickets sold, I believe movie attendance peaked in the 1940's or 50's...

[Leg Olam]

I vote for 'all of the above' plus a general distaste for Hollywood.