Cinema is back! Movie-goers finding their way back for blockbuster films.
The power of Barbie saw many moviegoers make their long awaited return to the cinema since COVID-19. The appetite for entertaining, thought provoking and culturally relevant films is apparent, but is this spike in admissions going to set the standard for blockbusters to come?
Barbie painted the town PINK! No movie since Covid has had quite the build up like Barbie has had. It was hard to leave the house and not see the extensive brand collaborations, digital media takeovers and even hear the soundtrack pumping in shopping centres. F.O.M.O. was in full effect with many being enticed by the buzz and marketing blitz of the pink phenomenon.
In a US survey conducted by The Quorum, of over 1,800 Barbie ticket holders, 11% of admissions were customers returning to cinema for the first time post covid while “40% said the experience reminded them how much they love going to the movies, and that they would go more often”. The shared experience of watching such a blockbuster film on the big screen in an environment far away from home and distractions reminded many of how much they once loved going to the movies.
So, is it packed theatres from here on out? “Many said it would take another movie “as exciting as ‘Barbie’ to get them to return to a theatre”, which is great news for cinemas! However, a larger percentage, at “45%, [saying] they would like to go more often, but cost is an issue”.
Although prices at the box office are rising, there are various ways consumers can cut costs and still enjoy the cinema at a discounted price. The second half of the year see’s an exciting lineup of franchise and blockbuster films including The Hunger Games: Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes, The Marvels and Dune: Part Two set to release in November and Wonka, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and Wish releasing in December.
Many member based programs and subscriptions offer discount movie tickets to their customers as part of their loyalty program. Cinemas also promote discounts on certain days of the week, so instead of a busy Friday night, try a Tuesday or Wednesday and don’t forget to support your local independent cinema, who often have more affordable ticket options.
The desire to experience films on the big screen is not going anywhere and now more than ever, people are craving the cinema experience in a post-COVID-19 world.