When will it filter down to the little guy? #1 these big guys are the ones who killed off many a little guy. #2 this does not mean all Edwards theatres will close but will be reorganized which means some sanity will be enforced on management. #3 Whats triggering this is a weak summer slate being followed by the Olympics and a weak Fall slate as well.
As a little guy I very much notice when a weak August presents itself. I just don't have a 5 million mortage to crack.
I just read that in my state of Maine there's a small chain who built a 12 plex 5 miles from a Hoyts 8. So Hoyts has dropped their prices from 7.50 to 6.00 and gives away FREE popcorn. Sounds great if you like going to the movies!
After a couple years of that foolishness I think someone is going to get tired. I'm not in business for the fun of it (I mean outside of the FUN! of it I happen to really like my work) I need to make a living too. If I had to give away popcorn and drop tik sales 25% I'd be in trouble. Not to mention losing half my customers! Yikes.
Well........ that type of brinksmanship attack cinema death star damm the torpedoes we can do no wrong.... it may get you into trouble and I think it's good and healthy dose of reality for those massive ego's who think/thought every market is attackable even if there's already a nice theatre there.
The sub title in Variety was "Exhibs in financial rut in wake of plex glut" In the Aug. 14th issue Edwards execs denied bankrupt rumours... while Silver, Mann Regal, and United Artists are all showing the same signs. This isn't over yet.
Is this a bad time to bring up digital cinema?
Mike Hurley
www.bigscreenbiz.com 
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