Interesting Strategy For Movie Theatres. I Don’t Like It…Do You?
I was reading an article last week and I didn’t realize that the number of adults who attend movie theatres is way down. Usually when I am at the movies they tend to be very crowded and I am focusing on bodies in seats not the age.
This article mentioned that a growing number of movie theatres are trying to woo more adults. They are banning youngsters who aren’t with their parents or excluding them from late-night showings.
Here is what a few theatres are doing:
Kerasotes Theatres is testing "adult-friendly" movies at 13 of its 95 locations, spokeswoman Clair Malo says.
Two theatres in suburban Chicago require patrons 17 and younger to attend a short "code of conduct" class on decorum before they can see movies at 8:30 p.m. or later without parents.
I understand the need for additional strategy to increase revenue for a company, but to put on restrictions for other age groups? Not sure that really makes sense to me. Isn’t it very short sighted for these theatres to say:
- Sorry you can’t come in!
- Go do something else!
- How does bowling sound?
For one reason, teens grow up to be adults. Are they really going to a business that didn’t allow them admittance in the past? I realize the theatres are probably testing this but I hope they don’t move forward.
I can’t believe they are doing this — aren’t there any other creative options?
They are saying we don’t want your business because you aren’t old enough to conduct yourself in a mature fashion! What does that say about teens? About their generation?
Yes I have been to the movie theatre recently and heard a teen talking a little loud — so what! It didn’t ruin the movie enough to kick them out — or allow them not to enter after a certain time.
What will happen when I am 20 years older and go to a theatre and start to snore! Will they kick me out. What will happen to my kids when they are 16 and want to bring a date to a movie — nope can’t come in. UNBELIEVABLE!
Do you think this is a good idea?
- Do teens ruin movies for you?
-
How would you handle the situation?
I look forward to your comments.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:24 am
My position is this. I pay good money to have a movie night out with the family. It ruins the whole experience if you are in a theatre with a bunch of teenagers who are there to socialize instead of watch the movie. Does everyone realize how easy it is for 12 and 13 year olds to get into an “R” movie these days? In todays movie mega theatres you buy a ticket to a PG movie and just walk into whatever R movie you want to. And while I don’t think it’s the healthiest environment for young kids to see R movies that’s not my point. My point is that they sneak into the theatre where I’m trying to enjoy a movie. So I have no problem with a movie theatre trying this out, if they get enough business then they will continue doing this. In a world where more and more people are staying home and renting DVDs instead of going to the movies I don’t blame them for trying something new. And final point…yes Merrill, I will ask that you be kicked out of the movie theatre if you start snoring in a movie I payed good money to see.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:25 am
I whole-heartedly agree…this is one of the most absurd things of 2007.
I do a lot of reading about the movie industry and have not heard this….totally ridiculous!!!
In addition to the things you mention…I don’t want anyone teaching my kids “code of conduct” about going to the movies…I’ll take care of that myself, thank you!
Also, I’m a frequent movie-goer and I have not EVER had a problem with kids and teens.
At the rate the movie industry is going, this “perceived” problem may take care of itself. With prices now at the $10 level after 5:00 p.m., the teens may find something cheaper to do anyway…like waiting for the DVD.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:34 am
Did the theatres do research on why adult patrons aren’t attending? Is it the teenagers or is it the ticket prices?
November 14th, 2007 at 9:45 am
I’ve had several occasions where I have had teenagers sitting behind me talking loudly at several points through a movie. I tend to try to go to the movies later in the evening to avoid as many kids as possible but that doesn’t always work with teenagers going out later.
To be fair the irritation I suffer at some movies isn’t necessarily because of kids or teenagers - adults can be very rude too. I know some theatres have attempted jamming of cell phones and I would be all for that. I have no idea why people feel the need to leave their cell phones on at loud volume then taking the call in the theatre without even attempting to leave.
When the big blockbusters come out I typically just avoid the movie theatre and wait a few months until it comes out on DVD because it’s cheaper and much less frustrating.
November 14th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Stephenie,
The article didn’t mention if they did any research before making this decision. It did say they are testing it out so I am sure that means reviewing box office sale before and after.
Thanks for your comments.
Merrill
November 15th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Though I have experienced some younger people being noisy, my experience has been that many of the loud talkers and inconsiderate people are indeed adults. It’s like picking the wrong line at the grocery store… I seem to end up next to the couple or people who want to talk during the entire movie. For what it costs and the inconvenience involved, there should be a better way. I’d love to see them install speaker jacks where you could plug in or rent noise cancelling headphones. Then it becomes a non-issue.
November 15th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Funny the teens are being picked on at the movies, when I go it’s the crying babies or the older people that are the noisiest. Think about it ! It’s just a movie, don’t get me wrong I live for movies but my teens and every ones teens are very special people, so just say “Shhhhhh” and enjoy the movie. I say leave them alone! Have a great day!
November 16th, 2007 at 11:03 am
This is absurd. I would not go to any movie theater that put such a rule in place. I don’t think anyone needs any educating by a movie theater. I have a hard time with anyone making this blanket statement. What about children or adults who talk, leave their cell phones on, etc. I have experienced way more of that than teen issues. I agree with BJ. Just say “please be quiet” to anyone who is disruptive and leave them
alone.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Lorri,
Thanks for your comments. I happen to agree with you. I think there are other ways this could be handled than the way they are approaching this. I hope they test it and find out that people aren’t in favor of this.
Merrill
November 20th, 2007 at 7:27 am
High prices and rude patrons OF ALL AGES have always been an irritation to me. Like many others, after I got more of a theater experience at home (high-def TV, surround sound and DVD’s by mail) I have totally stopped going to the theater.
November 20th, 2007 at 8:55 am
I like the adults only vacation spots. that way I don’t have to “behave” on vacation for fear of damaging the subtle sensibilities of our youth. But I like rowdy kids at movies. It gives me something to laugh at, and it adds to the experience.
For me, seeing those young, dumb, and full of….energy kids makes me think of my younger days. I was stupid. I mean, stoooooooooooooopid. And to me, it isn’t fair for an establishment to deprive me of the enjoyment of watching stupid kids act the same way I did.
Exclusivity is an interesting idea, but ultimately doomed to fail in a movie theater environment. Maybe if they applied for a liquor license, and served cold adult beverages they could accomplish their goal of excluding kids without being so blatant…
November 20th, 2007 at 10:32 am
We have two cinemas in our small town, both owned by the same family. One is a historic, single screen venue and one is a more “modern” (circa 1970) twin and drive-in (circa 1950) combo. The historic cinema is over 16 unless you are with a parent or guardian. When kid films are playing, kids can come unaccompanied to the 4:30 show (there are only two shows a day). The other cinema is all ages all the time and often shows the same film in one of the theaters. — This works for three reasons: 1) adults get the uninterrupted experience they expected; 2) kids have their own shows where they can be themselves or parents with them to help them behave; and 3) they serve beer and wine, which makes adult supervision appropriate for the venue.