Fix Theaters in 2010 Part 1
January, 1. Typically the day evokes a sense of new beginning, and resilience that can only be explained as inspiring. Winter is nearly over, we are a year older and hopefully wiser. Personally, it means that we leave the cineplexes for the joys of our couch for mid-season television is upon us. What? Can I be that fickle to leave theaters so easily? Yes. Aside from a few bright shinning cinematic starts there has been not only less and less to see, but even less to appreciate. Oh, dear! Whatever can be done? Pull up a chair.
1. Experience
Give me the experience of a lifetime! I loved the lights dimming, and the hush that falls over the crowd who have congregated together to worship at our sacred screen. Idolizing the gods, and goddesses that grace us with their presence! Now…not so much. Now…I have television, HBO, Showtime, Netflix, XBOX, Warcraft, and tons of other things to vie for my heart. The only way I will come back is if you give me the butterfly’s again. We want to rekindle the romance! Every time there is a mega blockbuster and we the freaks and geeks come out of the woodwork I shudder. Give me the escapism.
2. Projection Technology
Sadly, a majority of theaters are still utilizing the same film projection technology for the past twenty years, and are now paying the price. Digital Projection is finally finding its way in, thanks to a few giants like Lucas and Spielberg insisting, and putting their money where their mouths are. Even Marc Cuban is joining in. He claims his recently equipped 3-D theater chain will be “LSD for 2009.” I’ve met Mark. I like him. I’ll do LSD in 3-D with him.
3. Viewing Formats
New formats are currently a craze in Hollywood. May it be television scouting for a new animation, puppetry, and even these new formats are the the equivalent of comedic sitcoms of the early 90′s. Theaters are now upgrading to accommodate 3-D, and even a few films are coming out. Several years ago Robert Rodrigez tested the waters with “Spy Kids 3-D,” and on valentines you can treat your significant other to a “Bloody Valentine.” IMAX is now in the public eye due to “Dark Knight” incorporating IMAX format into the film. I still want to see it on that huge screen.
4. Feature Presentation
I remember watching “Honey I Shrunk The Kids,” and a short cartoon, “Tummy Trouble,” played beforehand featuring Roger Rabbit. I loved it, and was instantly curious to watch the other movie forget Rick Morranis. I had never seen Roger Rabbit, but just right then my little adolescent mind cried out for more of Bugs Bunny brain dead. Pixar delivers memorable shorts time and time again before their feature presentation which are always excellent. I even bought the Pixar Collection of all the shorts. Feel free to fill out my theater experience by giving me some more content.
5. Double Features
Ask anyone what was their favorite part of drive-in theaters? A close second to “scoring” you will find is the golden double feature. The films have already made their money, so why not secure a rather inexpensive viewing licenses, and see if you can make some money. If you were shrewd you would pair up a few of the storyline base movies. For example, I always make it a point to watch the preceding movie in a story, but never get a chance to. However if you charge me a couple bucks more, but I get to see Transformers I, before I watch the premiere of Transformers two I would be in heaven. Better yet, why not play a few episodes of the classic G.I. Joe, before I watch the huge blockbuster. I’d pay you a few dollars more.
6. Preview Trailers
Hollywood is gradually understanding that we all love our trailers. They are bombarding us well over a year before the movie even comes out, and if they do it right we all run home and blog it up. They are now giving us exclusive trailers to drool over before the movie begins, and even a few give us an extended version. Comic-Con has risen to meteoric heights in nerdom for Hollywood giving us a few exclusive scraps. Give me more. I’ll remember you.Give me 5 minutes of your great film, and it may compel me to actually go and see it. Don’t be stingy. I gave you almost $10. The least you can do is give me some great visual foreplay before getting down to the main event.
7. Unlock the Vault
Theaters will play some oldies but goodies at times, and I love it. Rather then just giving me Terminator 1 on the big screen, give me the entire trilogy, and ask me to pay $15. In today’s depressing economy and job market you will be surprised how much we will pay for some escapism. During the Great Depression moving pictures, and eventually the talkies established our current Hollywood hierarchy due to the mountains of monies their were able to grab. Unlock the vault, and some me some great classics. I never got to see Jaws on the big screen.