We all love cinemas - nothing seems better than sitting and relaxing in front of the big screen. However, according to recent statistics, cinema ticket sales are down 34.5% of what they were between 2017 to 2019. But what’s the cause for this sudden decrease?
Firstly, the cost. I don’t know about you, but if I ever go to the cinema I am appalled at the cost. It can easily cost ten to fifteen pounds for just one ticket, and that doesn’t count those snacks that jump out like a spot of dirt on a freshly painted wall and cost an arm and a leg. In a time where economic problems are at its worst and millions of pensioners are losing out on the winter fuel payments, it’s no wonder fewer and fewer people can afford a trip to the cinema.
Furthermore, more people are using streaming platforms which has led to a decrease in those going to the cinema. They can use Netflix, Disney plus and FireSticks to watch newly released films - you can watch in the cinema, in the comfort of your own home. With more people buying big televisions with surround sound, it feels more obvious how the cinema is being attended less and less as people make their cinema in their homes.
Many people argue that not only are cinemas expensive but are very time consuming -you must travel there and back, watch the endless trailers, finally watch the film you came to see which feels so much longer than it is meant to. By the time you are home, the day is over. So, because of this, many people decide to watch the film on a streaming platform whenever they want to, and still get the rest of their day to do whatever they want.
However, cinemas can be fun: student Tilly loves a cinema trip, “as it is fun experience and I get to be out of the house and do something different.” This shows how maybe cinemas still have their relevance in society; it is much nicer watching a new film you cannot wait to watch on the big screen with other people who are just as excited, as it establishes a sense of unity. Despite the obscene prices of cinema tickets and length it takes to go there, many ‘do still enjoy going to the cinema,’ whereas others prefer watching films in the comfort of their own homes. The choice is yours. So, what do you think? Are cinemas dying out?
