The article discusses how movie theaters are getting creative to attract audiences back to the movies, especially during a slower period in the pre-summer movie season. Here are some key points from the article:
1. Impact of past strikes: The residual impact of 2023 strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild is still being felt, with some gaps in the release schedule due to films pushing back their release dates.
2. Strategies to attract audiences: Movie theaters are implementing various strategies such as re-releases, mini film festivals, exclusive merchandise, and expanded screenings in premium formats like IMAX to bring audiences back during quieter months.
3. Alamo Drafthouse's approach: The specialty theater chain Alamo Drafthouse is programming screenings of classics and hidden gems, pairing them with merchandise and themed menus to appeal to audiences during slower periods.
4. Major chains' initiatives: Major chains like AMC and Regal are focusing on counterprogramming, offering exclusive merchandise, and betting on re-releases to attract viewers back to theaters.
5. Focus on premium formats: Audiences are showing interest in premium formats like IMAX, with films like "Dune: Part Two" and "Oppenheimer" seeing about 20% of their sales coming from IMAX tickets.
6. Future outlook: While the first half of 2024 has seen some setbacks, the back half of the year is expected to bring potential blockbusters and sequels to familiar favorites, which could lead to healthy attendance at theaters. 2025 is also anticipated to be a significant year at the movies with the return of superheroes and releases from acclaimed directors.
Overall, movie theaters are adapting and innovating to entice audiences back to theaters during quieter periods and set the stage for a promising future in the movie industry.
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