Cinema vs Streaming

Ever since the first movie screening in Paris on December 28^th 1895, film lovers have been flocking to local cinemas to see the latest releases. The industry has seen many highs and lows over the years, but few challenges have threatened the cinema experience more than the emergence of streaming. 

Of course, cinema isn't the only industry under threat. These days, you can do pretty much anything online, from shopping at Amazon on the train, to playing roulette on the Mariacasino App during your coffee break. 

But how do these virtual experiences compare to the real thing, and can the online experience ever truly replace the original? Do services like Netflix mean the end of the traditional 'Saturday night at the movies', or will we always want to see the blockbusters on the big screen? 

Is the big screen cinema experience on its way out? 

Changing tastes

Gloomy predictions about the death of cinema are nothing new. We heard the same when grainy home video first appeared in the 70s and 80s, and again when DVD and Blue Ray vastly improved the viewing experience. However, the arrival of huge high-definition screens in the home, complete with state-of-the-art Dolby surround sound, has significantly closed the gap on the cinema experience. 

Add in the convenience of streaming the latest releases at the touch of a button, and it's easy to see why fewer people are bothering to head out to the local multi-plex. In fact, one study in American last year found that just 14% of adults strongly preferred to see a film for the first time at the cinema, while 36% said they strongly preferred watching at home.

Fighting back

The cinema industry is not taking the streaming threat lying down. Last year, AMC threatened to boycott all Universal releases in the US, Europe, and the Middle East when the production company said it would send its new releases straight to streaming. 

In a landmark agreement, a compromise was made which significantly shortened the exclusive release window from around 90-days to just 17. 

This still gives the cinemas three weekends of exclusive showings, while also giving viewers the option of how they want to watch the film. Even then, the releases will be streamed on Premium Video One Demand (PVOD) services, with a ticket price of around $20, which is higher than most cinema seats. 

The shared experience

For all the quality of its pictures and sound, one thing home viewing can never replicate is the shared experience of seeing a film at the cinema. Some love the packed house of superhero fans, crazy costumes and all. 

Others love a select audience of indie film fans nodding knowingly at each other on the way out. Either way, this communal experience is part and parcel of their movie-going, and for these film fans, home viewing just isn't the same. 

Some streaming services have tried to replicate the cinema experience, with varying degrees of success. Netflix now offers Netflix Party, where groups of friends can watch a film at the same time, with one synchronised controller. 

In the UK, Our Screen offers a programme of Virtual Cinema, where films are shown at a set time, with no pauses or rewinds, just like the cinema. Both services have chat functions to share your thoughts with fellow audience members, with Our Screen including production crew and cast members on the chat to answer questions.

Is cinema here to stay?

As the AMC/Universal deal proves, the traditional cinema model has gone for good. But that doesn't mean cinemas are dying out. As new viewing technology evolves, we will inevitably move towards a simultaneous release model. 

Big screen, small screen and physical Blue Ray releases will all occur on the same day, giving viewers the choice of how they want to see the film. Cinemas may not be as big, or as full, in this brave new world, but there will always be cinephiles who want to see their movies as intended – in a dark room, with a big bucket of popcorn and a huge cinema screen.

Marvin Fry

Update 28 February 2021