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As economy dives, Hollywood thrives
posted by
Michael Zoldessy
on
March 13, 2008 at 9:44 am
An Associated Press piece suggests that there’s a correlation with a poor economy and high moviegoing numbers.
It was true during the Depression, when Americans managed to scrape together nickels and dimes for an escape to the movies. And as the prospect of another recession looms, studio executives say this time is no different.
Even as evidence mounts that people are tightening up on other expenses, movie attendance this year has been running ahead of 2007 numbers — welcome news at ShoWest, the annual convention of theater owners, which opens here Tuesday.
Domestic box-office revenues went up in five of the past seven recession years dating back to the 1960s, according to research compiled by the National Association of Theatre Owners.
Comments (5)
I am not one of those people. In 2007, I went to only ten (10) movies. This year, I’ve only been to one.
I’ve given my reasons many times over.
I for one reason went to like 15 or so movies, mostly during the summer season when most people go to the movies. THat was last year. This year, I’ve seen around 5 or so, and for the summer there will be fewer threequels as Indiana Jones comes back. I’ll probably see that, as well as The Dark Knight in IMAX, and Iron Man. I’m a busy worker at a CVS, so I try to go the movies during days when attendance is slow, such as a sunday afternoon when everyone else is watching sports on their HDTVs. Unlike sports, movies are commercial free and don’t have intermissions like they used to anymore, which can be a pain but if you go with someone and have to go to the bathroom, when you come back, the person will tell you what you’ve been missing.
I would say I got to about 75 movies a year.There is a WONDERFUL Movie theatre 15 minutes from my house, The Lafayette in Suffern NY. They still know what showmanship is! Built in 1924 with over 1000 seats and classic movies in the fall and spring on Sat morn.
I also attend the Drive In’s 4 of them within an hour or so driving distance.
Plus even tho I dislike the multi-plex’s I can get in for free on Tue at any of Clearview’s Theatres (including the Ziegfield) any other day it is $6.00. Discount tix to AMC can be had for &7.50
“It was true during the Depression, when Americans managed to scrape together nickels and dimes for an escape to the movies. And as the prospect of another recession looms, studio executives say this time is no different.”
NO DIFFERENT!!! Further from the truth. Back in the Depression days there was no Game Boy, no cable, satellite or over-the-air TV, no DVD rentals or none the many other entertainment choices that we have today so it was only natural back in the early 30’s that people would go to the movies to get away from the real depressed world if only for a few hours. I myself rent DVD movies which is sent to my address in the mail. Not only does it cost a fraction of the cost of a movie theatre ticket I don’t have to put up with rude moviegoers as well.
Love movies hate going???? How can you comment on so many forums when you only see 1 pic a year>>>>