Added perks could be the key to movie theater survival, owner says

Local movie theaters braced for more competition following Warner Bros.’ announcement that all of its 2021 films will be released directly to HBO Max.

Warner Bros.’ 2021 slate includes many of the expected top movies of the year, including “Dune,” “The Suicide Squad,” “Tom & Jerry,” “The Conjuring: The Devil Make Me Do It,” “King Richard” and “Judas and the Black Messiah.”

Going forward, each movie will stream on HBO Max at the same time that they play in theaters.

In Ballard, the owner of Majestic Bay Theaters said it will be up to individual theater companies to entice customers back, especially if they want to win against streaming services.

“Time will tell, but I’m certain people are going to want to see movies on the big screen in the future,” Aaron Alhadeff told KIRO 7.

Despite a recent study that found 70% of all theaters could go out of business in 2021, Alhadeff said he is confident the big screen experience will last long after the pandemic is over.

“As long as good movies are made, people are going to consume them, and it’s my role to see how they’re gonna consume at the Majestic Bay in Ballard, Washington,” he said.

Alhadeff added that the key to survival for theaters could be added perks like serving dinner with movies, as well as specialized seating; essentially, the things that customers cannot receive through streaming services.

In Ballard, people said they missed catching a flick on a Friday night.

“It’s just kind of the date and the experience of getting out of your house, and I like seeing movies,” said Carlie Berfe.

“We’re all stuck at home now anyway, so it be nice to change that up,” added Ryan Winchell.

Despite recent developments regarding vaccines, Alhadeff said he did not expect his “curtains to rise” until at least next summer.

Cox Media Group