04/15/2026
This week in Las Vegas is the annual convention of theatre owners called Cinemacon.
We usually go each year if for no other reason to see new equipment and seating. This year we stayed home.
It can be frustrating because so much attention is paid to the large urban theatres who in my opinion are responsible for many of the problems we now face.
I am wishing now that I would have
been there....
One of the opening speeches came from the CEO of Sony pictures who for the first time in a long time addressed the three main issues we face. They are:
1. The cost going to a movie theatre is too high, especially for families. Concession prices are too high.
2. Commercials in movies.
3. The short window of time between theatrical release and streaming.
Our company effectively handles the top two issues. As for cost, we charge less than virtually every other theatre for both tickets and concessions. We would rather you came more often even if we make less profit per visit.
Regarding commercials, we will only play two, 2 1/2 minute movie previews prior to each show. This has been our policy for nearly 25 years.
As for the theatrical window our philosophy is do everything in our power to improve the shared experience of moviegoing only available in a theatre. If our industry improves our product, more patrons will choose us.
Tons of great movies coming in the next few weeks...that also helps!
Jeff Eisentraut