And just like that, no more going to the movies, at least where I live. All cinemas are closed until further notice. Like many other familiar cultural entertainment mainstays, one day everything was fine, and then next, just up and gone. A few months ago, a friend at work and I were having a conversation about what a possible catalyst would be for films to get released directly to people's homes. Perhaps not totally bypassing cinemas, but at least in tandem, with shared release dates in all formats. Cinema would join streaming and physical media as just another option, instead of a guaranteed precursor.
Well, here we are. Looks like a global pandemic was the catalyst. Already, films with a recent release are getting pushed through for electronic sell-through. Obviously this new Vin Diesel vehicle isn't a massive tent pole event, a far cry from the next great (or not-so-great) Marvel joint, but the studios have to be at least considering contingency plans for the bigger films at this point in time. Even if the virus magically disappears in 3 months, which it won't, a gun shy public will be slow in rushing out to sit in a room full of coughing strangers sitting shoulder to shoulder.
I am already seeing many talking heads talking about sweeping changes to society as a whole - what will the face of cinema look like in the future?
Well, here we are. Looks like a global pandemic was the catalyst. Already, films with a recent release are getting pushed through for electronic sell-through. Obviously this new Vin Diesel vehicle isn't a massive tent pole event, a far cry from the next great (or not-so-great) Marvel joint, but the studios have to be at least considering contingency plans for the bigger films at this point in time. Even if the virus magically disappears in 3 months, which it won't, a gun shy public will be slow in rushing out to sit in a room full of coughing strangers sitting shoulder to shoulder.
I am already seeing many talking heads talking about sweeping changes to society as a whole - what will the face of cinema look like in the future?
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“It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.” ― Thomas Sowell