Have Netflix and co taken over cinema?

Summary

The article contemplates the impact of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime on traditional cinemas, particularly in light of the temporary closure of Cineworld and the shift of some movies to streaming platforms.

Abstract

The article reflects on the changing landscape of movie consumption, with a nostalgic look back at the role cinemas played in social events like birthday parties. It notes the rise of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+, which have not only altered viewing habits but also begun producing their own films. This trend has led to speculation about the future of cinemas, especially after major chains like Cineworld were forced to close due to delayed film releases. The author expresses a personal preference for experiencing blockbuster movies like Marvel and DC films on the big screen, citing the example of "Tenet." However, the author also acknowledges that smaller-budget films might be more suited for streaming platforms and could potentially transition to cinemas if successful. The upcoming release of Zack Snyder's "Justice League" cut on HBO Max is highlighted as a significant event that could influence the future of comic book films and the cinema industry as a whole.

Opinions

The author has fond memories of watching movies in cinemas as a child and believes that the excitement of the big screen is unparalleled for certain films.
There is a concern that streaming services producing movies could signal the decline of cinemas, especially with the temporary closure of places like Cineworld.
The author maintains that big-budget, highly anticipated films, especially in the superhero genre like "Endgame" and "The Batman," are best enjoyed in cinemas.
Smaller films with less financial backing, such as "Mulan" and "Artermius Fowl," may find greater success and a more suitable release on streaming platforms.
The release of Zack Snyder's "Justice League" on HBO Max is seen as a pivotal moment that could set a precedent for the distribution of future comic book films.
The author is curious about the audience's perspective and invites readers to share their views on how streaming services will shape the future of cinema.

Have Netflix and co taken over cinema?

Do you remember going to the cinemas for birthday parties and family events? I do. As a kid whenever it was one of my classmates birthday it would typically be a trip to the cinema followed by a meal out! The level of excitement I felt on those days was incomparable, and the next day at school it would definitely be a talking point during lunch!

Fast forward ten years, Netflix arrived on the scene and so did the likes of Amazon Prime, Hulu and Disney +. Of recent Netflix and Amazon Prime have started producing movies, which raises the question…

Has it marked the beginning of the end for cinemas…

If you're from the United Kingdom and the US then you must know that Cineworld had recently closed all its cinemas on a temporary basis due to films such as James Bond and WonderWoman 1984 having its release dates pushed back to 2021. Although this is terrible news for those who make a living in the industry, is this how things could be from now on?

Here is what I think…

Potentially! I am a huge Marvel and DC fan, so I couldn’t even begin to imagine watching the likes of Endgame and ‘The batman” on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. These are the type of movies which I think you can only enjoy properly for the first time on the big screen! Recently, I saw Tenet in my local cinema which although was overdone in terms of complexity the experience was pretty amazing and any film directed by Christopher Nolan deserves the respect of being seen in the cinema.

However,

Smaller movies such as Mulan and Artermius fowl I believe will be heading towards streaming platforms. I feel that it will be the case of if the movie has a smaller budget then it could potentially be better off going to platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime or even Disney +. If these smaller films do really well and sequels are in the pipeline then they could transition to the big screen (provided that the above streaming platforms mentioned above let them do so).

What will be interesting to see in 2021, is how the highly anticipated release of the Zack Snyder’s Justice league cut on the streaming platform HBO Max fares? If it does really well, what does it mean for the future of comic book films in particular?

How do you see the future of cinema with the arrival of these streaming giants? Comment down below!