As streaming video becomes more and more popular, it seems like movie theaters are slowly going the way of the dinosaur. But will they actually ever go extinct? Where will we go to see movies in the future? Well, according to some experts, the future of cinema might actually be online! So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular video streaming platforms on the market today and what they have in store for us in the future.
Why Watch Movies in Theaters
There are many people that enjoy watching movies in theaters. Whether it is because they want to feel like they are part of a special event or see an exclusive trailer, most people know how much fun it can be to watch a movie in theaters. If you’re looking for a night out, then one way to ensure you have a good time is by heading out to your local theater. There are many benefits to seeing movies in theaters such as these: Full-Screen Viewing, No Ads, and Surround Sound.
Is Watching Movies at Home Better Than In Theater
The future of cinema may be in jeopardy. The decline in Reelcraze movie theater attendance is a sign that people are turning to other sources for their entertainment, namely Netflix and other streaming services. Studies show that when given an option between watching a movie at home or in a theater, many people will opt for a smaller screen. Some even claim that theaters won’t exist as we know them by 2025.
What are video streaming platforms (VSP)
Before you decide if video streaming platforms are a threat to the cinema, you need to know what they are. A VSP is an online service (sometimes free) that allows users to view streaming videos. Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime are all examples of video streaming platforms. Most VSPs allows users to watch unlimited content on any device with an internet connection; however, not all platforms offer their content for free. Users may pay a small fee every month or be limited by how many movies they can stream in a given month before it costs extra money.
Movie Pass and MoviePass Ventures
MoviePass, which also launched MoviePass Ventures in 2017, aims to become a disruptive force in both moviegoing and Hollywood itself. The idea behind MoviePass is simple enough: It’s an $10 per month subscription
that allows users to see one Reel Craze movie per day (including 3D and IMAX screenings). But there’s a catch—there are always catches.
Netflix vs. AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.
The cinema industry has been struggling in recent years, and AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. (AMC) is no exception to that. The company’s shares have lost more than 70% since 2013. One of AMC’s main problems is that it is being outcompeted
by Netflix Inc., which had 125 million subscribers at its last count
and also makes original films. Although Netflix costs $8 per month, whereas a movie ticket on average is $9,
Netflix users are paying less overall for movies because they watch more on other devices instead of going to a theater.
Hulu LLC
Hulu is an American subscription video-on-demand service owned by Hulu LLC, a joint venture
with The Walt Disney Company (owners of ABC and ESPN), NBCUniversal (owners of NBC and Universal Pictures), and Providence Equity Partners.
The service is available in two tiers; ad-supported with limited commercials or ad-free for $7.99/month with limited commercials. Hulu is currently working to develop original content and re-air programming from local broadcast stations, cable channels, and news networks. As an ad-supported platform, it serves as a competitor to multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) such as cable television providers and satellite television services.
Amazon Prime
While Amazon hasn’t yet made a concerted effort to move into video streaming, it is interesting to note that they do have several ventures that lend themselves to video. Amazon Prime is one example of an initiative with great potential for video streaming. The eCommerce giant has already invested billions in its Prime membership program, which offers free shipping and access to videos, music, books, and more. If a wider variety of entertainment were included in Prime’s offerings (such as an entire catalog for streaming), it would likely be worth every penny to many people—and might even potentially serve as an effective Netflix competitor in some cases.