Could the time be right for $35 movie tickets
Filed under: Bargains, Shopping, Wealth, Recession
Most blogs are mocking this idea, thinking that this is just the wrong economic climate to start a business like this, and especially gloomy about the prospect that Gold Glass will be able to open 50 such deluxe locations eventually. But now might just be the right time to do something like this. The $35 entitles the ticketholder to an exclusive and relaxing escape -- there are only 40 seats in the theater and there are likely to be few children invited. While the popping of a cork of Dom Perignon champagne might be distracting, the duck tacos and blue cheese potato chips might be worth the extra price, considering mere popcorn costs a small fortune these days.
Most Expensive Food
Black watermelon | Description: 17-pound premium black Densuke watermelon | From: Japan
Cost: Most Densuke watermelons retail for $188 to $283, but this one fetched a record $6,100 at auction.
Tomoko A. Hosaka, AP
Burger | Description: Kobe beef, black truffles, foie gras, Gruyere cheese, topped with gold flakes and served with fries | From: The Wall Street Burger Shoppe in New York
Cost: $175
*Prices on this and the following items may have changed and some dishes may have been discontinued since first reported.
Brendan McDermid, Reuters
Champagne: Perrier-Jouet 2000 Belle Epoque, 750 mL | Description: Limited edition of 100 12-bottle sets, custom-flavored with the buyer's choice of liqueur | From: Pernod Ricard
Cost: $79,000; roughly $6,300 per bottle
Francois Guillot, Getty Images
Sandwich: The McDonald | Description: Wagyu beef, foie gras, truffle mayonnaise, brie, rocket, red pepper and mustard confit, and plum tomatoes on sourdough | From: Selfridges department store in London
Cost: $150
Scott Barbour, Getty Images
Cocktail: Martini on the Rock | Description: Martini with a diamond | From: Algonquin Hotel in New York
Cost: $10,000
Scott Gries, Getty Images
Liquor: Aztec Passion Limited Edition | Description: 4.4-pound gold and platinum bottle of tequila | From: Tequila Ley .925
Cost: $225,000
Sources: AP, Reuters
Susana Gonzalez, Getty Images
Cinema flourished during the Great Depression, thriving on extravagant productions that gave viewers time away from reality. It may flourish again during what most of us think is a recession. At first, only the wealthy may seem likely to flock to the Gold Class cinemas, but they may end up choosing this kind of luxury over more expensive options -- like theater or concert tickets. If even the rich start to take staycations, they'll be looking to upgrade their matinee experiences. Clearly, with only 40 seats in the audience, the target market is narrow and rich.
For the rest of us, you consider doing it at home. Blankets, pillows, slippers, a new release are easy to come by -- and you can even have the bleu cheese potato chips too.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-06-2008 @ 4:47PM
ZipWizard said...
It's a big risk to open under present conditions. But, the need for escapism is key here. If a middle class couple have recession proof type jobs (we'll find out I guess)...I could see them willing to spend an evening pampering themselves in a relaxing atmosphere. But, the key to profits is HOW MANY are willing to spend extra for a night out. If the guy is trying to impress...I can see the point, but a gal may also see merits in a date that economizes without spoiling. It just depends on the neighborhood the theater is located in, and if the trend gets enough attention.
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10-07-2008 @ 8:52AM
Brooksy said...
You know, I may have just enough after a week's paycheck and paying for gas to take me and my wife to a place like this and you bet I would do it. First of all, I love movies (who doesn't?). Second, $35 per person is not that much when you think of how much it costs to go to a nice restaurant. I think this is a brilliant idea. Before I even read the part about the Great Depression and moviegoers I was thinking the exact same thing. Sure it only cost $.50 for a movie back then but people were still willing to pay for their whole family to go because it's enjoyable for everyone. If they open one in Dallas, I will be one to go.
10-06-2008 @ 7:19PM
anniekapn said...
You do know President Bush is your hardline? I have heard of optimism like your's before, the dying screams before this last bailout. Actually, in 1991, former President Bush presented to the American public that the national debt was almost paid off. That the USA could literally see debt free in less than one decade. Also, that the cause of trillions hitting USA could be handled innovatively or alternatively or even citizen(s) involved dealt with harshly. The USA, itself, decided to go with the first bailout, 1992, of trillions, leaving President Bush to lamant that he would be in history as the USA President to arranged the first trillion(s) dollar debt. Annie
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10-07-2008 @ 7:03AM
Jill said...
This is SO not the time for a $35 movie. The economy is terrible and I have for one have lisee discretionary income. Besides, movies go from theater to DVD so quick, I rather see the movie at home, save money and use it for a great gourmet dinner (at home or out).
I am a bargain hunter and want to save on gas (for both environmental and gas reasons). I always look for places to save on money yet not giving up style.
I love TARGET. Great for fashion and funky home stuff that looks like it cost a lot more, as well as staples.
I shop online to save money on gas, use less gas and save money period. I shop at all my favorite stores through an online website that gives me the unpublished codes
at about 300 stores (including Target, The Gap, Best Buy, Old Navy, Drugstore.com, etc) as well as giving me between 5 and 50% back in cash on my purchases. The site is http://www.fatcrumbs.com I am being good to the environment and great to my wallet.
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10-07-2008 @ 8:21AM
Mary said...
The time for this concept was somewhere during 1998-2002 or so. It might've gotten off the ground then. The markets and jobs were all in a huge upswing. People had plenty of money to throw away.
Now, people are scared. Money is tight and jobs are being cut at nearly every level. You might find a few willing to pay $35 for a movie, but definitely NOT enough to run a viable, profit-making business. This concept theater is going to tank.
For free, I can stay home, watch nearly whatever I want to. I have the robe and slippers. Even if I wanted to make duck tacos for my film experience, I know I could make some good ones.
This idea stinks worse than the blue cheese potato chips it mentions.
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10-07-2008 @ 7:40AM
jbjg24m said...
anybody can rent a damn movie for 99cents a night at Movie Starz and enjoy the luxury of your own home and fridge!!
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10-07-2008 @ 8:25AM
kevin said...
Where I live the local movie theatre already offers this. The large comfortable seats make even a bad movie enjoyable and no one under the age of 21 is permitted in the balcony. I personally think the extra charge is worth it and every time we go to the movies now, this is the way we go.
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10-07-2008 @ 8:42AM
Kitty said...
I can remeber when it was 10 cents during the week and 15 cents on the weekends, I know that was a long time ago. when my children was young I use to take them the drive in movies. they would have their PJ'S on. We would take fried chicken and soda and snacks with us, we really could'nt afford to buy at he consession stand. We would watch the movie and they would go to sleep with their blankets, and we all had a great outing. I know that the prices on everything have gone up. How can any one afford the admission o the movies today. I would rather stay at home and watch the movies on televison.
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10-07-2008 @ 8:41AM
Don said...
Why not? A bag of popcorn costs seven bucks and a small drink costs three - plus whatever other snacks you want. Add that to 7.50 or 8.00 admission and double it and you're already at more than 35.00 bucks. I've seen lots of folks spend 25.00 at the snack bar.
Those who don't mind spending that kind of money for snacks won't balk at 35.00 admissions that include snacks.
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10-07-2008 @ 8:44AM
Angiebaby said...
Why not save up all those $35 ticket fees and buy a big, honkin' flat screen tv for my cozy den or bedroom, put on my lounge pants and slippers, prepare a simple plate of fresh fruit, cheese and an assortment of crackers, pop open a nice bottle of vino... and enjoy a movie? Or Friday Night Fights (boxing)? Or a PPV concert? I might even order room service! (Pizza Hut delivery).
I think $35 is a bit steep to sit in a dark room with fewer strangers than usual, all swaddled in used blankets and slippers, and interrupting the damn movie non-stop! For that ticket price, I don't want to hear anything but the movie... no crunching of duck tacos; no comment on how piquant the blue cheese chips are; no champagne or wine corks popping; no crying kids and parents asking about a kids' menu; no usher handing out extra blankets.
In a good economy, this might do well initially, as many new trends do, but this is not a good long-term investment, and it would have a VERY small market. When consumer curiosity rapidly wanes, so will this business concept. But not to fear... you, too, can get a government bail out! It's the hottest trend going!
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10-07-2008 @ 9:28AM
BIG D said...
being that it's only need 40 people to fill the seat's, go head it will make money. even in bad times people still want to feel good, if it catches on with the rich then the poor will follow even if they can't afford it. the poor always follow the rich
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10-07-2008 @ 8:59AM
Barry said...
What an awesome idea. One of my biggest pet peeves with going to movies now is breeders who cannot afford a baby sitter and dump their spawn off while they go shopping. I think $35 per ticket is a bargain for a pleasant cinematic experience!
Once a few years back I went to see a movie which was highly popular and a definently "must see." I can't tell you the number of times hormone crazed teen-agers had to be taken out by the management. Finally I had enough and left. On my way out I stopped by the managers office and lodged my complaint. His response was basically to get over it. The following Monday I called the owner and his response was pretty much the same but he did add a twist...."rent the theatre for a Private Screening." So I did. Just me and my better half....it was well worth the expense.
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10-07-2008 @ 9:05AM
Tammy said...
Have we forgotten about our local Library. You can check out a movie for FREE! It's wonderful and they have so many!
I have to admit though, for an intimate night out with the hubbie, for an anniversary or something similar, or even just once out of curiosity, I think I would try this movie theatre.
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10-07-2008 @ 9:16AM
LeeAnn said...
Considering the alternatives in the price of entertainment prices these days, $35.00 a person seems highly reasonable for a "pampered" evening out. I know in the area I live, tickets to see a Movie are between $10.00-12.50 in the evening and on weekends and Matinees during the week are between $7-9. Theater tickets to see a Play are much higher often $75.00 or more. Even to see Smuckers Stars On Ice our tickets were $115.00 and that was not VIP seating. So when you look at those comparisons to spend a night out with your spouse or loved one alone and away from the children, $35.00 a person seems very reasonable.
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10-07-2008 @ 9:26AM
Teresa said...
Some of you need to read this article again. DINNER IS NOT INCLUDED! I can park my own car. I won't need a blanket if the a/c is properly set. And my own shoes are comfortable enough. $35 is outrageous.
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10-07-2008 @ 9:32AM
dodo said...
If you can't imagine paying $35 to see a movie then this product isn't marketed to you. They're selling luxury and exclusivity much like people who pay $$$ to sit in first class away from the rest of us.
I think it's a good idea and a great time for it because everyone who was living way above their means during the housing bubble are now facing harsh realities and blaming everyone else for their own mess. Who wants to sit next to bitter broke posers while watching a flick?
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10-07-2008 @ 9:34AM
Justin said...
There is a sucker born every day. And we Americans are some of the stupidest people on earth. The unfortunate thing is that there will be idiots to pay this, just so that they can boast that they've paid $35.00 for a movie ticket!!!!!!!
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