Even after Corona, cinema films end up with streaming providers in an ever shorter time window. Our author has now gotten used to streaming blockbusters from the sofa.
Whether it’s “Doctor Strange 2”, “Lightyear” or the new “Jurassic World” film – all of these films can be seen on Disney+ and Co. just a few weeks after their theatrical release. What reasons are there to go to the cinema if streaming providers now offer the better overall package? None, at least that’s the opinion of TECHBOOK author Marlene Polywka.
Corona changed the relationship between cinema and streaming
The corona pandemic has hit many industries hard, including the film industry. Not only that numerous productions were postponed or dragged on. Many starts simply failed during particularly heavy waves due to the closed cinemas. As a result, big blockbusters such as the live-action adaptation of “Mulan” were no longer shown in cinemas at all. Instead, they launched straight onto streaming platforms.
Initially, this model ran a bit bumpy, sometimes the services demanded a decent surcharge for a single title. In the meantime, however, they also seem to see the long-term opportunities of this approach. And for the makers of the films, too, a new perspective arose, initially in most cases out of necessity. In any case, without the streaming services, the pandemic would have done far more damage to the industry.
This win-win situation brought about by Corona is now continuing even though the cinemas have reopened. And as far as I’m concerned, it can stay that way.
Also interesting: These cinema films started with streaming services because of Corona
Streaming is varied and flexible…
First of all: I have nothing against cinemas, on the contrary. Personally, I like going to the cinema, and I used to do it very regularly. There was a very nice little movie theater in the part of town where I grew up that had amazing popcorn and these big rubber Smurfs. The largest hall could probably hold a maximum of 100 people, while the smallest had just two rows of eight seats. I still have very clear and beautiful memories of many visits to the cinema. It’s been at least three years since my last trip to the cinema.
Of course, this also has something to do with Corona – but definitely not only. Even before the pandemic, and mind you as a real film junkie, I very rarely went to the cinema. On the one hand, this is due to the cinema itself, and on the other hand, of course, to the diverse selection on the streaming platforms. I no longer associate a cozy Netflix evening with just watching mediocre series. Rather, the entertainment offered there has become really diverse thanks to good series, films and documentaries. At some point I realized that I didn’t miss the cinema at all. This realization makes me sad and if you had told me that two years ago, I would not have thought it possible.
For me, streaming stands for diversity and individuality. The large offer can be overwhelming but also very inspiring. I can always decide to cancel a film if I don’t like it. It is always possible to pause for a visit to the toilet or a culinary second helping. I can lounge on my sofa and theories aloud with my co-streamers about what happens next.
… the cinema is expensive and rigid
Cinema, on the other hand, is one thing above all else for me: expensive. There are no longer even real tickets, but scraps of paper that, in the worst case, look like a receipt. A brief breakdown of costs: If I watch a film with five other people, I either pay the price of the streaming service, which is ten euros on average. The price applies once for all viewers. There is also a jointly cooked dish and snacks, which is another five euros per head. In the cinema, however, also go nine to ten euros on top of that for entry – but this price is per ticket. At this point I don’t want to get upset about the prices of popcorn and co. in the cinemas, many have already done so. For ONE snack and ONE drink another eight or nine euros per person are due. In this calculation, streaming providers and my cozy sofa definitely do better. Quite apart from the fact that I can watch as many films as I want (or have time) for ten euros a month with the streaming service.
Long live the home cinema
Even if I don’t have the latest huge flat screen with a great sound system and certainly not the most comfortable sofa, the film and series experience on my own couch is really extremely satisfying. In addition, many now have just that: a large TV with a comfortable couch. What could be better than enjoying a good movie in my own home and with people who are not strangers. I love being a good hostess and inviting people over to watch movies with me. And no one in the row behind me goes “Psssssst” in annoyance when I’m upset about obvious plot holes, poorly written dialogue, or clumsily placed clues.
The fact is that nowadays you can produce films at home, although they are not quite as big, but they can be very all-encompassing. So why should I go to the cinema and spend 20 euros upwards for a night out that leaves me with a sore mouth and a sore neck. Sometimes I miss the little cinema around the corner from before. But I haven’t had this experience in the cinema for a long time, even independently of streaming services. Then rather cultivate new traditions and also stage the next blockbuster in a large group at home.