Movie Theaters Request Stimulus from Trump, Congress Due to Coronavirus

[IsailedawayfromFR]

Faced with a lengthy shutdown due the coronavirus pandemic, movie theaters are requesting relief from the U.S. government.

The National Association of Theater Owners (NATO), the trade group that represents most of the industry’s cinemas, said Wednesday that it’s asking for immediate federal help for its chains and its 150,000 employees. The theaters are requesting loan guarantees for exhibitors, tax benefits for employees and funds to compensate for lost ticket sales and concessions.
https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2020/03/19/movie-theaters-request-stimulus-from-trump-congress-due-to-coronavirus/

You gotta be kidding me.  Anything connected to entertainment deserves zero handouts.

This is a time for essentials and people who work in entertainment need to find a job in that area.

Same thing with amusement parks, cruise ships, etc.

[Hoodat]

The last time I went to a regular movie with my son, the tab came to $67.  Sorry, not having any economic sympathy for anyone charging $26 for popcorn and drinks.

[XenaLee]

You gotta be kidding me.  Anything connected to entertainment deserves zero handouts.

This is a time for essentials and people who work in entertainment need to find a job in that area.

Same thing with amusement parks, cruise ships, etc.

Movie theaters need to downsize and reduce their prices.   Few can even afford to go to the theaters these days because it costs too damned much.   Consider this a reality check for them.   And hell no to federal dollar bailouts for movie theaters.

[XenaLee]

The last time I went to a regular movie with my son, the tab came to $67.  Sorry, not having any economic sympathy for anyone charging $26 for popcorn and drinks.

Exactly.

[mountaineer]

Why don't they ask Hollywood's millionaire actors, producers and directors for a stimulus? Not the taxpayers' problem.

[roamer_1]

The last time I went to a regular movie with my son, the tab came to $67.  Sorry, not having any economic sympathy for anyone charging $26 for popcorn and drinks.

Buddy of mine put white plywood on the gable end of his barn... All the rednecks know where to go, so it is pickups, backwards, everyone in the back of the trucks as they do... drive-in style.

Still ain't figured out the crappy speakers for sound, or maybe the tune-the-radio to AM xxx... But he has big-ass speakers goin on...

Best thing ever. Never know what's playing till you get there. BYOB...

But, he's gonna have a concession stand this year.

[Hoodat]

Buddy of mine put white plywood on the gable end of his barn... All the rednecks know where to go, so it is pickups, backwards, everyone in the back of the trucks as they do... drive-in style.

Still ain't figured out the crappy speakers for sound, or maybe the tune-the-radio to AM xxx... But he has big-ass speakers goin on...

Best thing ever. Never know what's playing till you get there. BYOB...

But, he's gonna have a concession stand this year.

That is awesome.

[Idiot]

You gotta be kidding me.  Anything connected to entertainment deserves zero handouts.

This is a time for essentials and people who work in entertainment need to find a job in that area.

Same thing with amusement parks, cruise ships, etc.

[roamer_1]

That is awesome.

Yes it is... Back to what it was made to do.

[LMAO]

The last time I went to a regular movie with my son, the tab came to $67.  Sorry, not having any economic sympathy for anyone charging $26 for popcorn and drinks.

Throw a dinner out with that movie out and you’re spending a lot of money

[Fishrrman]

I'm not concerned about the theater industry.
The last time I was in a movie theater was 1992.

[DB]

Theaters are Hollywood's distribution system. Hollywood can pay to keep their distribution channels viable.

[txradioguy]

Movie Theaters Request Stimulus from Trump, Congress Due to Coronavirus

Movie patrons request better product and lower prices from movie theaters.

[GtHawk]

They aren't hurting so bad from the lost the money from ticket sales, it's the lost snack bar concession sales that are killing them. And that's just one more reason I don't go to the movies virus or not.

[txradioguy]

They aren't hurting so bad from the lost the money from ticket sales, it's the lost snack bar concession sales that are killing them. And that's just one more reason I don't go to the movies virus or not.

Bingo!

[GtHawk]

Movie theaters need to downsize and reduce their prices.   Few can even afford to go to the theaters these days because it costs too damned much.   Consider this a reality check for them.   And hell no to federal dollar bailouts for movie theaters.

What they've done around us is started reducing the number of seats and replacing them with recliners, but now you can't just buy a ticket and sit where you want. You have to by a ticket and choose a place to sit from a chart so that if you are not early enough and fast enough you may not be able to get three or four seats together or maybe only seats in the very front  of the theater. One more reason why I don't go to the movies anymore.

[Hoodat]

What they've done around us is started reducing the number of seats and replacing them with recliners, but now you can't just buy a ticket and sit where you want. You have to by a ticket and choose a place to sit from a chart so that if you are not early enough and fast enough you may not be able to get three or four seats together or maybe only seats in the very front  of the theater. One more reason why I don't go to the movies anymore.

Not to mention that some of those seats are so close to the screen that it makes seeing the movie impossible.

[GtHawk]

Not to mention that some of those seats are so close to the screen that it makes seeing the movie impossible.

Really impossible for me, I've had four cervical disks replaced and fused so not only can't I look up without bending backwards left and right are limited too! They always said it sucks to get old, but they never told me I would get a head start!

[Smokin Joe]

Buddy of mine put white plywood on the gable end of his barn... All the rednecks know where to go, so it is pickups, backwards, everyone in the back of the trucks as they do... drive-in style.

Still ain't figured out the crappy speakers for sound, or maybe the tune-the-radio to AM xxx... But he has big-ass speakers goin on...

Best thing ever. Never know what's playing till you get there. BYOB...

But, he's gonna have a concession stand this year.

That sounds like fun. I miss our old Drive-in theater (closed with the last boom because the real estate was too valuable to keep it going on a seasonal basis).

[Applewood]

This is a big problem with government bailouts and stimulus.  If the feds give a pile off money to one industry, before long everyone shows up with their hands out.  Where does it end?  Where do you draw the line?

One of the many reasons why I didn't like all the bailouts/stimulus during Obama's rule and I don't like them now.  I don't care that today's circumstances are different from 2008 or that this is an election year, so both parties "have to" throw taxpayer money around.  These giveaways are wrong. 

[Smokin Joe]

This is a big problem with government bailouts and stimulus.  If the feds give a pile off money to one industry, before long everyone shows up with their hands out.  Where does it end?  Where do you draw the line?

One of the many reasons why I didn't like all the bailouts/stimulus during Obama's rule and I don't like them now.  I don't care that today's circumstances are different from 2008 or that this is an election year, so both parties "have to" throw taxpayer money around.  These giveaways are wrong.

There is no Constitutional authority to drive the nation into debt to hand out money, and at some point that distribution will be totally inequitable for the relatively few who will have to pay it back.
The creation of three trillion dollars out of thin air is going to have an inflationary effect, further eroding the value of whatever surviving savings or investments people have, while in a depressed economy, their real assets will be worth less. (back to underwater on homes, etc. )

[cato potatoe]

Most professions can be deemed "frivolous" in a service-based economy.  Now theater workers will not be able to pay their landlords, their barbers, their auto lenders, etc.  There's no end to it.  The shutdown needs to be called off before the whole system collapses.

[Gefn]

This is why I miss the drive in movies from my childhood

Btw, I’m seeing Hollywood is closing both movies and tv shows in production.

[Sighlass]

Most professions can be deemed "frivolous" in a service-based economy.  Now theater workers will not be able to pay their landlords, their barbers, their auto lenders, etc.  There's no end to it.  The shutdown needs to be called off before the whole system collapses.

Not sure how calling off the shutdown would generate movie seekers willing to sit in a petri-dish that smells like buttered popcorn.

But I understand where you are coming from... not sure I agree.. Firmly against all the bailouts though...

[cato potatoe]

Not sure how calling off the shutdown would generate movie seekers willing to sit in a petri-dish that smells like buttered popcorn.

But I understand where you are coming from... not sure I agree.. Firmly against all the bailouts though...

I don't know why anybody subjects themselves to movie theaters under normal circumstances ... however, many still would if they were able or had not been shamed into a boycott.  I have great respect for doctors but we should not give them total control over public policy.  Once their hours increase and patient fees dry up, you might see them do a 180.

[Applewood]

This is why I miss the drive in movies from my childhood

Btw, I’m seeing Hollywood is closing both movies and tv shows in production.

Just as well in my opinion.  Most movies and tv shows nowadays are garbage.

[roamer_1]

That sounds like fun. I miss our old Drive-in theater (closed with the last boom because the real estate was too valuable to keep it going on a seasonal basis).

It is fun... both nostalgic and yet different from the chunked-and-formed entertainment venues available today.

[Smokin Joe]

It is fun... both nostalgic and yet different from the chunked-and-formed entertainment venues available today.

All that is missing are good 'rubber suit monster' movies...I wonder if y'all could put up shows in 3-D?

[roamer_1]

All that is missing are good 'rubber suit monster' movies...I wonder if y'all could put up shows in 3-D?

I don't know... But I get where you're going... One of the first movies there was Creature from the Black Lagoon...

[Smokin Joe]

I don't know... But I get where you're going... One of the first movies there was Creature from the Black Lagoon...

I saw that in 3-d in college. Sat in the balcony, (of course!). There was a bunch down in the front rows likely tripping because in the opening scene about the big bang, where the rocks looked like they were landing just shy of the balcony, they were screaming and crawling under the seats...

Sometimes the crowd is as entertaining as the movie...

[roamer_1]

I saw that in 3-d in college. Sat in the balcony, (of course!). There was a bunch down in the front rows likely tripping because in the opening scene about the big bang, where the rocks looked like they were landing just shy of the balcony, they were screaming and crawling under the seats...

Sometimes the crowd is as entertaining as the movie...

 

[DCPatriot]

IMO, the movie theater should go the way of the drive-in theater.

They're today's '1-hour Photo Stop' or Conestoga Wagon.

[libertybele]

Our local AMC theater is always packed.  They show first run movies and tickets are $4.99 -- every day, all day.  Popcorn and drinks are reasonable.  We bring in our own candy if we want more.

I'm hoping that they get a piece of the pie.  As for the other theaters around here, they should be ashamed, they charge at least twice as much and the cost of their drinks and snacks is outrageous.

[roamer_1]

IMO, the movie theater should go the way of the drive-in theater.

They're today's '1-hour Photo Stop' or Conestoga Wagon.

That's mostly true @DCPatriot ... Since I have a big screen at home, I would much rather ensconce myself in my familiar chair and enjoy the ability to pause for re-snackification and bathroom breaks..

The movie house is nostalgic, but not worth the cost, except as a pilgrimage now and then. I will never again make the movie house a part of my weekend agenda.

[DCPatriot]

That's mostly true @DCPatriot ... Since I have a big screen at home, I would much rather ensconce myself in my familiar chair and enjoy the ability to pause for re-snackification and bathroom breaks..

The movie house is nostalgic, but not worth the cost, except as a pilgrimage now and then. I will never again make the movie house a part of my weekend agenda.

  @roamer_1

Exactly...the 'Big Screen' Home experience also killed the NFL and MLB attendance.   

[skeeter]

I saw that in 3-d in college. Sat in the balcony, (of course!). There was a bunch down in the front rows likely tripping because in the opening scene about the big bang, where the rocks looked like they were landing just shy of the balcony, they were screaming and crawling under the seats...

Sometimes the crowd is as entertaining as the movie...

Years ago a fist fist broke out in the row directly in front of my friends and I, apparently over who could use the elbow rest.

Better than the picture, which I can't remember.

[Smokin Joe]

  @roamer_1

Exactly...the 'Big Screen' Home experience also killed the NFL and MLB attendance.   

Ticket prices may have ha a hand in that, too.

[Formerly Once-Ler]

I experienced the Matrix, Batman the Dark Knight, Spider-man 1 and 2, Blade, and the Watchmen in the theaters.  I also experienced Iron Man, Avengers, Captain America - Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America - Civil War, Thor - Ragnarok, Avengers - Infinity Wars, and Avengers Endgame with my family at the theaters.

I was really looking forward to sharing the Marvel produced story of the Fantastic Four, Hulk vs Wolverine, and the Phoenix Saga done right with my children.

Good news is the Inhumans are streaming now on DisneyPlus
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sYF1SXcWqQ

[Polly Ticks]

Ticket prices may have ha a hand in that, too.

A BIG hand, I think.  I practically have to take out a loan to take my family of 8 to see a major league game, and that's BEFORE concessions.  It's crazy.

[roamer_1]

A BIG hand, I think.  I practically have to take out a loan to take my family of 8 to see a major league game, and that's BEFORE concessions.  It's crazy.

I just won't do that...
Simple things. And the best things in life are free.

[Polly Ticks]

I just won't do that...
Simple things. And the best things in life are free.

It's a once a year treat, if we can swing it.  Probably isn't going to happen this year.

But yes, the Sunday family dinners at home are a much more simple event and will also make lasting memories of everyone laughing around the table together.

[roamer_1]

It's a once a year treat, if we can swing it.  Probably isn't going to happen this year.

But yes, the Sunday family dinners at home are a much more simple event and will also make lasting memories of everyone laughing around the table together.

Yep. We do family night every Saturday... BBQ or pizza, and a movie, or something. Sometimes we will show up out in the sticks at a lake or something...

[Fishrrman]

Folks, who needs movie theaters any more?

All you need:
- A good computer display, 27" or larger (I have 27" 1080p)
- A good pair of speakers or headphones
- torrent software (on the Mac, I use "Transmission")

then...
- Decide what film you want to find
- Open a secure browser (I like the "Epic Privacy Browser")
- Enter "torrent xxx 1080p" (with xxx being the name of the film)*
- Start checking your search hits one-by-one (I suggest you right-click and open each link "in a new window" so you don't lose your original search page)
- When you see a good possibility, look for the "magnet download" icon (safest and best choice -- DO NOT use the "download" or "watch online" options!)
- That should attempt to open the magnet file with your torrent app
- Choose where you want to save it. How fast it comes in depends on your connection and the number of "seeds" out there.

Pay attention to HOW OLD the torrent file is. Old ones can "go dead" -- useless.

I'll often start downloading several torrents of the same film, to see which of them come in the fastest (or at all). If you choose to save two, open each and pick the one that has the best quality to watch.

Once you have it, open with the movie-playing app of your choice.
On the Mac, I recommend VLC or IINA.

*The "1080p" gets you an HD torrent, IF one is available. But... they're not always available, and you might have to settle for "less resolution", such as "720p". Experimentation is needed to find what you want.

Aside:
Over the past several months, I've been trying to collect as many "anti-communist" films as I could find. I've built up a very nice collection of them!

[Smokin Joe]

A BIG hand, I think.  I practically have to take out a loan to take my family of 8 to see a major league game, and that's BEFORE concessions.  It's crazy.

Last Major league game I saw I was a Cub Scout (Washington Senators vs Baltimore Orioles).

[Hoodat]

Last Major league game I saw I was a Cub Scout (Washington Senators vs Baltimore Orioles).

The Minnesota Twins Senators, or the Texas Rangers Senators?

[Smokin Joe]

The Minnesota Twins Senators, or the Texas Rangers Senators?

I haven't followed since (I liked the Orioles better, they were a MD team, and the Senators belonged to DC). But the year was roughly '65 or '66. With a little digging, they moved to Texas afterwards.