As a result of the pandemic, Hollywood had to take a different approach to how they released movies. Studios pushed back release dates multiple times, but with the pandemic’s projected end date getting further and further away and most theaters in the country being closed, many have turned to streaming services.
Many were happy with this change. According to a survey by CivicScience, 71% of adults would rather watch movies at home instead of going out.
Some are still worried about the possibility of catching COVID-19; 36% of adults surveyed reported that they don’t feel comfortable returning to a theater this year. Others were not happy with the movie theater model in the first place and had issues with things like concession prices.
“I prefer streaming,” said Karvin Huynh, a sophomore digital information design major. “It’s just much more expensive to go to the movies.”
Many studios have opted to release their films on streaming and in theaters simultaneously. Major releases such as “Godzilla vs. Kong,” “Dune,” “The Suicide Squad” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” opted to release this way.
However, this has led to some issues among filmmakers and actors. “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve disagreed with the placement of the film on streaming.
“The way it happened, I’m still not happy,” Villeneuve said in an interview with Total Film. “Frankly, to watch ‘Dune’ on a television, the best way I can compare it is to drive a speedboat in your bathtub.
“For me, it’s ridiculous. It’s a movie that has been made as a tribute to the big-screen experience.”
It is clear that many disagree with Villeneuve, however, as the film has been viewed on HBO Max in over 1.9 million households since its release, showing that people don’t mind missing out on the theater experience.
“Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail shared his disagreement with Villeneuve, tweeting, “LOVE Denis & think he’s one of the best directors out there, but disagree here. Saw 2001 on VHS & it changed my life. Most ppl will not have the luxury to see films in theaters, esp the classics. Doesn’t mean u shouldn’t see them & it doesn’t mean they’re not as powerful.”
Despite “Dune” being on streaming, the film still made $40.1 million in its opening weekend — enough for the studio to greenlight a sequel. And enough to be a bright spot for people hoping that the theaters will go back to their old form to keep the theaters open for those who still enjoy it.
“I’d still rather go out to the movies,” said Devin Cherry, a junior mass communication major. “It’s nice to have it on streaming, but I like the movie theater experience.”
As we start to move from the pandemic and people feel more comfortable going to the movies, some are confident that profits will go back up. Big releases like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “The Batman” are expected to do huge numbers and will probably make many people remember what they loved about going to the movies.
