Slog - Comments on Would You Pay $35 to See a Movie? http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie How about if the theater offered reclining seats, valet parking, a cocktail lounge, and concierge service? Some investors think it's a good idea, and they're opening one of their first luxury theaters in Redmond. No word on how the investors plan on dealing with the biggest problem of the exhibition business -- inconsiderate assholes who talk/show up late/check text messages on their phones/generally treat the theater like it's their own goddamn living room. "Upscale and affluent" moviegoers can be douchebags too.... Copyright 2008 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:12:05 -0800 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:00:05 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by Mr. Poe Hell no.

]]> Mr. Poe http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979117 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979117 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:22:51 -0800 Comment by Fnarf How about if they showed good movies? That would be nice. Oh, wait -- there aren't any.

]]> Fnarf http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979119 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979119 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:24:58 -0800 Comment by arduous Dude, the Arclight in LA is pretty "luxury" and A) it doesn't keep the a**holes out and B) it's still not $35!! $35 is insane.

]]> arduous http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979123 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979123 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:26:21 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle If they had light rail to it.

Oh, wait, Bellevue - suuuure.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979127 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979127 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:28:39 -0800 Comment by spencer Not unless that $35 ticket includes a cocktail lounge with an open bar. Doesn't look like it does. "Moviegoers will have to pay extra for any food they order, however."

]]> spencer http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979133 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979133 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:31:50 -0800 Comment by Mushroom I foresee people with the "as a matter of fact, YES, I do own the road" attitude showing up. For $35, you should be able to take a dump off the balcony.

]]> Mushroom http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979139 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979139 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:33:59 -0800 Comment by JC I want only the finest of service and amenities when I watch Drillbit Taylor.

]]> JC http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979142 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979142 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:35:08 -0800 Comment by UNPAID BLOGGER The fatal flaw:

Anyone who can afford to go to a theatre like this on a regular basis can afford to have a theatre in their mansion.

]]> UNPAID BLOGGER http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979144 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979144 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:35:42 -0800 Comment by Reverse Polarity I'd pay $35 to watch that theater burned to the ground.

]]> Reverse Polarity http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979149 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979149 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:38:07 -0800 Comment by Peter F This seems like the only likely future for theater-going, in an age when most movies are available online well before release to the big screen. The trend toward gimmickry like IMAX or Cinerama size screens, digital projection and 3D effects to make going to see a movie an even-more ridiculously priced "event" will continue as well.

]]> Peter F http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979151 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979151 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:39:05 -0800 Comment by Ziggity Only if it was by that Canadian couple behind "Who Needs a Movie?"

]]> Ziggity http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979152 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979152 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:39:26 -0800 Comment by sam There already are theaters with cocktail lounges, upscale food, stadium seating with wonderfully comfortable seats and, at two in Dallas, even valet parking (at least the developments they are in have valet but it comes to the same thing). And they charge $10.

]]> sam http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979160 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979160 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:44:37 -0800 Comment by ahava No way. Never, never, never. I have a full bar and spacious seating right here at home. The price is right too. I also can't imagine having servers coming in throughout the movie. I honestly don't know anyone who would spend that kind of money on a movie --and I live on the east side.

]]> ahava http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979163 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979163 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:46:37 -0800 Comment by Chris B Let's see: $35 to see a movie that I may like in a comfortable theater or $20 to buy that same movie on DVD to watch in the comfort of my own home without dealing with the usual asshats. Or $10 if I wait for it to appear in the used bins. Or renting it somewhere.

I'll stay home thanks.

]]> Chris B http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979164 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979164 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:47:26 -0800 Comment by Baxter I have reclining seats and cocktails in my home for free. Also, I have a parking spot. Also, it's not in fucking Redmond.

]]> Baxter http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979178 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979178 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:54:45 -0800 Comment by ironymaiden um, i already go to The Big Picture (in Seattle, although i hear the Redmond branch is nice). why would i pay three times as much for almost the same experience?

]]> ironymaiden http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979189 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979189 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:07:43 -0800 Comment by Giffy I would probably go once in while if it were someplace less hellish then Redmond.

]]> Giffy http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979192 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979192 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:09:39 -0800 Comment by Julie They are talking about putting one in a Chicago suburbs too. The thing that's crazy is that everything is extra - valet, concierge, food, drink. So, what are you getting, other than a comfier seat? Maybe the theory is that if you're going to a $35 movie, you won't have to mix with the riff-raff.

There's already at least one movie theatre in my area that I know of that has a bar/lounge in the complex. And the price is not higher than other theatres...

]]> Julie http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979198 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979198 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:11:15 -0800 Comment by Carollani Fuuuuck that shit. $35 should come with a screening, a DVD to take home, a photo of you enjoying the film, a ticket to Universal Studios, and a hand job.

]]> Carollani http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979205 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979205 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:14:08 -0800 Comment by Gomez No, I wouldn't, for the same reason I don't pay for first class plane tickets. Peripheral luxuries or not, all you're doing is watching a movie. I can do that at home for the cost of Netflix or any other video rental, and whatever food items I elect to buy (at a much lower cost) at the supermarket.

]]> Gomez http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979216 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979216 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:22:39 -0800 Comment by madamecrow I'd much rather go to Central Cinema.

]]> madamecrow http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979232 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979232 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:29:34 -0800 Comment by Jim Demetre Will they have a suitable climate control system? Every time I see a movie I have to dress like I'm going camping so that I don't freeze to death.

]]> Jim Demetre http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979253 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979253 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:35:06 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle @12 wins.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979391 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979391 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:00:15 -0800 Comment by ellarosa didn't anyone tell these geniuses that we are quickly heading into a recession? the first thing to go, let alone be adopted in the first place, is a $35 per movie ticket. and as someone else mentioned, any robber-baron types who are living large in the coming economic winter already have a private movie theater in their own sprawling mansion.

]]> ellarosa http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979580 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979580 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:28:27 -0800 Comment by Gitai This will not work. Someone tried a first run movie theater with inexpensive seats and super pricey food, and it failed quickly. The Central Cinema succeeds thanks to good food at a good price and a quirky lineup.

]]> Gitai http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979581 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979581 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:29:06 -0800 Comment by Big Sven Let me be the first self-identified Eastsider to say "Blerghghghghghghghfuckno" while spontaneously combusting.

Please dear Jebus, don't let them build anything so transparently Republican in Issaquah. Ever.

]]> Big Sven http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979599 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979599 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:32:24 -0800 Comment by Todd With the ever growing affordability of flat screen High Dev tv's why not invest in one of those and sit in your damn comfy chair?

]]> Todd http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979600 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979600 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:32:34 -0800 Comment by Hernandez I have all those amenities in my living room already. So I'll stay home, enjoy my cocktails in a reclining seat while watching a film, and spend the $35 on weed instead. It's a win-win.

]]> Hernandez http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979655 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979655 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:48:11 -0800 Comment by Andy Niable What #21 said.

]]> Andy Niable http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979683 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979683 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:58:08 -0800 Comment by TJ Plus at home I can get baked.

]]> TJ http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979696 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c979696 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:59:53 -0800 Comment by Johnny For $35 you can get a ticket to The Legitimate Theatre, i.e. a live play.

]]> Johnny http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c980173 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c980173 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:08:33 -0800 Comment by Jeremy The Bear's Tooth in AK has two restaurant's, a full food serving counter, fresh local brewed beer on tap and they took out every other row to facilitate tables. They show second run movies and its friggin genius. General tix are $3, reserved seating for $5.

Hello.

]]> Jeremy http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c980486 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c980486 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:09:12 -0800 Comment by COMTE I MIGHT pay $35 if my deeply padded Corinthian-leather Lazy-Boy recliner seat comes with multiple massage settings, and a control-panel that allows me to taser any asshole who talks up during the movie.

And it has to come with a "trucker's friend" so I don't have to get up and go pee after downing that $20 128-ounce Diet Coke.

]]> COMTE http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c980514 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c980514 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:14:23 -0800 Comment by Jessica Hmmm.
Home: my liquor, my toilet, no kids, no strangers, no need to hide my liquor from ushers (and no ushers). Fully stocked kitchen, Netflix, my bong, ability to pause the movie to use my bathroom.

Yeah, home wins again. Why didn't they just put this in downtown Bellevue? I'm sure Kemper Freeman would endorse it-- it's made for keeping the poors out.

]]> Jessica http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c981123 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c981123 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:57:08 -0800 Comment by tomcat98109 Asking a bunch of low-income, crappy-apartment-dwelling Seattlites if they would patronize a tony overpriced movie theater in the suburbs? Yeah, that's not going to get any predictable results?

]]> tomcat98109 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c981968 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c981968 Film Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:07:38 -0800 Comment by Gindy I have all that stuff at home AND I can stop the movie to get more popcorn or hit the bathroom without missing a second of the action. Plus if the movie sucks I am only out the rental fee.

]]> Gindy http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c982358 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c982358 Film Thu, 27 Mar 2008 04:32:17 -0800 Comment by Dawgson I understand the desire to go to movie with people who actually want to watch the film, but paying $35 to do it?!?

I prefer Central Cinema here or the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin.

]]> Dawgson http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c982588 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/03/would_you_pay_35_to_see_a_movie#c982588 Film Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:00:05 -0800