Johanna Ericson
Reporter
For about a year, COVID-19 has impacted our day-to-day lives in so many different ways. From having to wear a mask, socially distancing from one another, and even the way we have to view new movie releases, everything seems different. Although streaming services have been around for quite some time, they have become a new alternative to going to the cinema.
We saw a few examples of this when Disney and Pixar released “Soul” on Disney+ and when Warner Bros. Studios released “Wonder Woman 1984” on HBO Max Christmas Day. With the pandemic still going on, it looks like several other feature length films will be premiering in theatres as well HBO Max such as “Tom & Jerry,” “Godzilla vs. Kong,” and “Mortal Kombat.”
“I think that in the age of COVID-19 that HBO Max is a great alternative to going to public building with a bunch of other people in close proximity. It is fairly inexpensive and definitely is a smart move in today’s age of streaming being the sought-after method of entertainment,” said Tyler Newell, a senior Communication major at Mississippi University for Women. “It offers more for students to do while in their dorms, apartments or homes practicing safe COVID-19 steps and quarantining properly.”
While there is hope surrounding the COVID vaccine, the fate of U.S. theaters continues to remain unknown. Many companies across the nation have closed their doors — either temporarily or permanently — because of the impact of the pandemic. If people choose to stay home to watch a movie, they would not have to worry about catching the virus, especially if they have a compromised immune system.
With the average price of a basic movie ticket before the pandemic being almost $10, it would also be more cost efficient for many just to pay monthly instead of paying for a new ticket each time they visit the theatre. Streaming at home just might be the new frontier of watching new releases.
“Theatres were already facing some negative pressure before the pandemic,” said Dr. Barry Smith, chair of The W’s Communication Department. “With better TVs and greater reliance on streaming, some potential audience members weren’t going to the movies as often.”
Some students appreciate both the cost and the convenience of watching movies at home.
“I used to really like going into the theatre, but I can honestly be a homebody sometimes, so I do really enjoy having these new movies uploaded directly to a streaming service for me to enjoy as soon as possible and in the comfort of my own home,” said Parker Phillips, a senior Communication major at The W.
Smith said he thinks that movie theatres will eventually come back.
“Some of the smaller chains might go under, but most of the larger chains will probably be OK. At some point, people will want to have communal activities again, and movies are a communal activity,” he said.