You know how it’s almost impossible to ever see one of those big blockbuster films showing at the little movie theater down the street? That issue is largely the result of exclusive agreements between large theater chains and film studios that effectively prevent independent rivals from showing certain films. While these deals might be great for the bigger companies, they aren’t so awesome for consumers. And so, 10 state attorneys general are looking into whether or not the contracts used by Regal Cinemas, AMC Entertainment, and Cinemark constitute antitrust violations. [More]
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AMC, Regal Theater Chains Targeted In Antitrust Inquiry
By 6.2.15
Exclusive agreements between large movie theater chains and film studios that are effectively used to prevent independent rivals from showing certain films have caught the watchful eye of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, with investigators now requesting information about the increasingly popular tactic from two of the nation’s largest cinema operators, AMC Entertainment and Regal Entertainment. [More]
Alamo Drafthouse Won’t Join Theater Chain Boycott Of Netflix Movie
By 3.4.15
Yesterday, Netflix announced that it would be releasing a new movie, Beasts of No Nation, later this year simultaneously on its streaming service and in theaters, leading the nation’s biggest exhibitors to cry boycott and say they will refuse to show the film. But not Alamo Drafthouse, which doesn’t seem fazed by having to compete for consumers who can just stay home and see the movie. [More]
Theaters Tell “Fifty Shades Of Grey” Fans To Leave Their Props At Home
By 2.5.15
Every once in a while when movie with a built-in fan base opens, superfans show their excitement by donning costumes of their favorite characters and carrying props related to story. Some Harry Potter fans waved wands, Hulk fan encased their hands in giant green foam fists, and Star Wars lovers engaged in light saber duels, but fans of the soon-to-be released Fifty Shades of Grey movie have been instructed to leave their toys at home. [More]
Sony Pictures Entertainment Cancels Release Of ‘The Interview’
By 12.17.14
Throughout today, more movie theater chains have announced that they would prefer not to screen the comedy “The Interview” in the wake of vague terrorist threats against theaters screening the film. Sony Pictures Entertainment, had already canceled the scheduled premiere in New York City tomorrow and told theater operators that they were welcome to not screen the movie if they don’t want to. All of the major theater chains took Sony up on this offer, and now the planned Christmas Day release has been canceled. [More]
Cinemark Will Bribe You Not To Text For An Entire Movie
By 11.15.12
People are rude. They just won’t put down their phones in movie theaters. Some movie houses have taken to throwing texters out, but Cinemark is trying a different tactic. The chain’s smartphone apps now have a module that will reward moviegoers for the arduous experience of watching an entire movie without texting. [More]
