Six of the seven biggest Hollywood film studios want to release first-run movies for home viewing much sooner. You would pay rental fee of $30-to-$50, but you could see the new movie just 2 ½ weeks after its release.
Doug Harris with the Houston Film Critics Society sees a market for this among those who have lost the love for going to the theater.
“There are so many things about the theater experience,” Harris says, “that are not like what they were for me at the Bellaire Theater back in the 50s and 60s in the triple horror shows for 50 cents on Wednesday.”
Harris doesn't think this will put theaters out of business. Many people still love the popcorn, the huge screen, the darkened room and surround sound. It’s just that others don’t.
“There's a growing legion of people who just say, you know what, I'm going to put on my yoga britches and watch this movie at home,” Harris says, “and I think that's who this movie (deal) will appeal to.”