The coronavirus pandemic has left movie theaters closed down to keep people safe and secure from spreading the virus. But will they look different when they reopen?
A new article from OneZero posits that the movie theaters of the future might look a lot like the Apple Store, or any number of big tech locations you see right now.
Here’s a brief descriptions:
“It’s not hard to imagine a merger between a theater chain and a big tech company. Picture stadium seating for original Apple movies like ‘Greyhound’ at one of the company’s ‘Town Square’ stores, right next to the iPad displays. Or an Amazon theater with a pick-up locker in the lobby and a Whole Foods-branded concession stand. When we emerge from quarantine, there’s a real possibility that the neighborhood multiplex will have a brand in common with the company that delivers your odds and ends.”
Experts told OneZero that those who believe streaming is the sole future discount the idea that people will want to leave their homes.
And Amazon could play a role. As I reported for the Deseret News, there have been rumors that Amazon is looking to buy AMC Entertainment’s theater chain, which has been flirting with bankruptcy in recent weeks.
Amazon could be in a position to revitalize the movie theater industry. As OneZero explains:
“Amazon, for example, could apply its Whole Foods model to a theater chain, turning the brick-and-mortar locations into extensions of its online business. An Amazon Prime subscription that includes trips to movie theaters — similar to AMC’s A-List subscription — could complement its streaming service.”
Doing everything might be the most important factor, per OneZero.
“The race is on to find out who will be the first to do everything: Blockbuster theatrical releases, prestige award film runs, and streaming rentals and subscriptions. And there’s good reason to believe each of these will continue to be standalone sections of the movie industry.”
But movie theaters are aware that changes could coming to their industries. Jeff Whipple, vice president of advertising, marketing and public relations for Megaplex Theaters, told me that theaters offer unique experiences. People enjoy sitting in a theater together. Despite closing over the coronavirus pandemic — and reopening (slightly) with family movie private events — the Megaplex is poised to bring people back to the theater after the pandemic ends.
“There is something wonderful when we get together to share these kinds of experiences, what that looks like going forward, and how guests interact is always changing,” Whipple said.
“The experience Megaplex offers guests is unique — big picture, big sound, a shared experience,” he added. “There is something magical about that experience that guests can experience the Megaplex. And we know we’ve already heard from our guests who are anxious for us to get back to regular business operation as quickly as possible.”