Streaming or In Theaters — How Do You Prefer to See Blockbuster Movies?

The global health crisis has affected the way we experience newly released movies this year.

We’ve seen the film industry adapt quickly by allowing audiences to view new releases on streaming platforms from the comfort of home. Warner Bros. made the decision to release Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max on the same day as theaters. The Walt Disney Company also decided to release the new Pixar film, Soul, to Disney+. The release of the two films were put to the test and begged the questions: Would audiences enjoy watching new movies from the comfort of their home? Or would they prefer to watch it in a movie theater? 

The success of the two films may determine the future of new releases. As CNN Business stated, the showdown between WW84 and Soul is “is a perfect symbol of just how much things have radically changed in Hollywood this year and how much they may continue to change as we head into 2021.” Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at Boxoffice.com, backed this idea up and stated that the two premieres will be a way to “test how to potentially navigate future releases.”

The determining factor for future releases will most likely be audience reactions and streaming participants. Although, it will be a little more difficult to judge the overall popularity of the films since the previous determinant was box office numbers. As of right now, we don’t have official data for how many viewers watched either film at home and whether they enjoyed it. Instead, we took to Facebook and asked some of our readers if they enjoyed having two major blockbusters to stream on Christmas or if they would you rather have seen them in theaters.

On one side, some people liked watching the movies from the comfort of their couch. Kelley said, “Loved it! We watched Soul cuddled up on the couch sipping hot cocoa with our two oldest daughters. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful Christmas Day.”

Some believed that action movies are best experienced in the theatres first. Audiences want to hear the rumble of an explosion and the swell of an orchestra. Christina believes that superhero movies should be seen in the theatre and Soul from home. She stated that she will “usually only go to theaters for movies with action special effects.”

Others really missed the experience and social aspects of heading to the movie theater. Ali said that “I enjoyed watching them at home… but I do miss the experience of heading to the theater with my girlfriends for a ‘girls night’ or a date night with the hubby. It’s all about the experience! Just need to be patient a little but longer… it will all come back soon!”

One of the most common opinions was that people wished to have both options. Ashley stated, “Both? I loved being able to watch two new movies. I loved curling up on the couch with loved ones and watching WW84 with my family. I do also miss the movie theater experience, though.”

Some readers liked having the option of viewing at home during this time. Matt’s opinion is that “I’d rather be in a world where I can comfortably and safely enjoy them in the theater, but thankful that WB and Disney offered the option to watch them at home for those of us who don’t feel comfortable going to a crowded theater at this time.”

The opinions varied greatly and it’s unclear how Disney or Warner Bros. will judge the success of the two films. Each company has announced they will release many of their films on their respective streaming platforms. Warner Bros. will release all of their films in theaters and on HBO Max. Disney, on the other hand, will release some with Premium access on the same day as theaters and others will only stream on Disney+.

We’ll have to wait and see how the these two releases will determine movie releases this year and beyond.

We wanna hear from YOU! Did you enjoy watching the movies from home or would you have rather seen them in the theaters? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

 

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