If Movie companies put out DVD versions of movies the same day they

[DS1]

were released for showing in theatres, but you couldn't rent them - only buy them for 18.99...

Would you? It's the price of two tickets in some places..

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Depends on the movie

if Sam Waterston was in it, the answer would be yes.

[DS1]

2. I'd probably get the Batman

[Pale Blue Dot]

4. That would narrow your choices pretty much.

You'd only spend $19 once every couple of years.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Yep

but they'd be films I'd like to watch. Only wish more of his stage appearances were staged as well.

[mcscajun]

3. Nah, I'd never buy a movie to own, sight unseen.

There are also some movies that Demand to be seen on the big screen. I have to see them there, first.

:)

[tjdee]

6. Yes, and then re-sell the ones I don't like on eBay, or trade them.

Like baseball cards. :silly:

But I can't get out to the movies much right now, so lots of the new releases have come and gone--I imagine lots of new parents/older people/frat houses/people who hate people would like the option of seeing a new release for the price of a couple of tix anyway. Plus, they don't have to buy popcorn and bottled water that's like four bucks.

There is still lots to be said for seeing a film in the theater. I'd be kind of sad if that became a thing of the past.

[Sydnie]

7. The studios are actually considering this idea

It's call a "window" and they are toying with the idea of staggered windows as a test for some of the bigger releases. It used to be that you had to wait close to a year for a movie to leave the theater, have a run on cable and then get released on dvd. Now, they are often available to purchase before they are run on cable, or (even more often the case) at the same time that it is released on cable, to help drive sales.

What they are considering is, making the dvd available in the lobby of the theater the day it is released. It is not clear if they will consider requiring a ticket stub to purchase it or not. After the end of the theater run, the dvd would then be available for purchase from the regular channels that they are now.

Look for special offers in the next year as they test this marketing strategy. If it seems successful for both the theaters and the studios, it could be the future.

And, don't forget the time-stamped dvd marketing strategy too. It could be a big part of this new "window" structure as well.

[LSdemocrat]

8. 18.99 still a bit steep for a movie I have never seen

Especially since I rarely go to evening shows.