Streaming and Movies: A Random Guy's Ramble · 1:17pm Dec 9th, 2020
Before I begin, yes, I realize that this is a bit of a hot-button topic for some people right now. And yes, I remember saying a while back that I would be avoiding politics from here on out unless I feel absolutely forced to address something major. But this isn't politics. This is about the move industry.
For those of you who are unaware, Warner Bros. has recently announced that, due to the currently ongoing pandemic, they will be shifting their entire 2021 film slate to a hybrid release format. That is to say that they will be doing theatrical releases, but will also be releasing their films on HBO Max on the same day.
The news has...well, let's just say it's got people talking. Some people are happy. Others are not, some emphatically so.
My take? I think it's the best thing to do as of now.
Take a look around. We're in the grip of a pandemic, and just because we're getting good news about a vaccine doesn't mean that it's going away anytime soon. December 31 isn't gonna just turn it off or anything. The people–remember them? They're the fickle little crowd that shills out the big bucks to see these movies–want to know that they can get their cinematic fix without risking catching the virus.
And no, I don't think streaming will kill movie theaters. Reduce them a bit? Perhaps. But saying that the advent of streaming will kill off movie theaters is like saying frozen foods will kill off fast food diners. It didn't and it won't. It's just another shift in the medium. We've seen it before. Live theater, radio, records, TV and movies, and now streaming. All of the former are still around. Movie theaters aren't going anywhere.
So honestly, I completely understand Warner Bros. decision.
That being said...I do acknowledge that there are problems with this whole thing. Was it irresponsible to not inform their partners, Legendary in particular, of their decision until a mere 30 minutes before the big announcement? Absolutely. Does it suck that I might have to spend money on a streaming service that I will likely use for only one upcoming movie? A little.
But on a general base principle, I get what they're doing and why they're doing it.
So Christopher Nolan can whine about this all he wants*. I'd rather not get sick to satisfy my theater needs, thank you very much**.
*I find it ironic that Nolan of all people is complaining, seeing how it was Tenet that apparently told Warner Bros. that people weren't yet willing to risk their lives to see movies in theaters.
**And now that I've said that I'll go back to planning out all the safety precautions I'll need to take to see Godzilla vs. Kong on the big screen whenever it comes out.
This sort of thing is what the film industry needs to survive amid the pandemic.
Yes, the sheer volume of streaming services is anti-consumer, but in this day and age, its just business.
No criticisms from me here.