• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Christopher Nolan criticizes Netflix's digital distribution model for movies

R

ReplacementPelican

Member
spyshagg said:
Cinema can exist if: - Ban eating, cellphones, allow drinking in bottles only, no straws, and add hygiene rules (you know your feet smell like shit, why you go to the movies? spend those 2 hours taking a bath instead).

Those 3 things hit me at once seeing Transformers a few weeks ago. I had to leave (and the movie didn't help either).
Click to expand...
Why ban drinking through straws? I can't think of one time I've heard someone sucking nothing through a straw to get the last drop, I assumed that was just something you see on TV or movies.

Also, had my first ever case of someone using their mobile phone a week ago, it was only annoying because we were wearing 3D glasses so it was really, really visible. Otherwise, our rows are so far apart that I don't think I'd see anything normally. Never heard a phone.

Nor smelt someone.

Wait, where the fuck do you go to the cinema where all these things happen?
 
S

SilentRob

Member
spyshagg said:
Cinema can exist if: - Ban eating, cellphones, allow drinking in bottles only, no straws, and add hygiene rules (you know your feet smell like shit, why you go to the movies? spend those 2 hours taking a bath instead).

Those 3 things hit me at once seeing Transformers a few weeks ago. I had to leave (and the movie didn't help either).
Click to expand...

Wanting to ban Popcorn from Cinemas while going there to watch fucking Transformers...

If you really want that theater experience there are several options available to you in most cities. The cinema experience including drinks & popcorn absolutely does have merit but it depends on a movie. If i watch John Wick or Atomic Blonde or whatever i will get me some Popcorn, because that's part of the viewing experience for me. If i go and watch The Handmaiden or anything along those lines, chances are those theaters won't even serve popcorn and I have no interested in eating while watching that.
 
D

Doikor

Member
KNT-Zero said:
Going to see a freshly new movie at the cinema would be cool and all, if it wasnt so goddamn expensive (UK based here)
On the other hand, Netflix sacrifices availability with convenience, by having a large catalog of easily accesible shows and movies, but not having the same content as other countries (again, I cant watch LOST or FRIENDS in the UK). That said, some movies will be missed depending on which country you are in :/

PS: Do proxies still work with Netflix?
Click to expand...

The location availability is something Netflix is trying to solve by making their own content. When it's their own content it will be available in all regions at the same time forever.
 
M

Markitron

Is currently staging a hunger strike outside Gearbox HQ while trying to hate them to death
airjoca said:
I have the 55E6 Oled. I miss the true blacks at the cinema the most now.

But come on, watching something like Interstellar on a giant screen with amazing, loud and clear sound is still awesome.

And the shared experience can be great as well. A whole theater laughing at the comedy bits in something like GoTG2 makes the experience better.
Click to expand...

See that's just it, I much prefer to watch movies with just a few friends. You can pause it, have a few beers, go to the toilet etc. Also with a decent Atmos setup, properly calibrated , I don't miss the sound at all. It's plenty loud, clear and tightly focused. There's also the absence of people talking, kicking your chair, disturbing you while they to go to the toilet every 5 seconds and all the other annoying things about the cinema. It's an easy choice for me.

Actually I told a lie earlier, I have been to the cinema since 2011 (I forgot and was just reminded while posting this). I went to see The Force Awakens, I was willing to wait for it but was certain it would be spoiled. I went to the midnight show and it was a bad experience, the film started over an hour late as the cinema were waiting for latecomers and the stranger sitting beside me was constantly tapping his foot and vibrating my seat. When it finally did start I turned around to my friend and asked 'why are all the colours completely washed out?' It was at that point I said never again, was so glad I waited to see Rogue One.
 
B

bebop242

Member
spyshagg said:
Cinema can exist if: - Ban eating, cellphones, allow drinking in bottles only, no straws, and add hygiene rules (you know your feet smell like shit, why you go to the movies? spend those 2 hours taking a bath instead).

Those 3 things hit me at once seeing Transformers a few weeks ago. I had to leave (and the movie didn't help either).
Click to expand...

Dude it was Transformers.....TRANSFORMERS.

Transformers
 
petran79

petran79

Banned
Cinemas became 100% digital. You watch everything digitized, whether it is at home or in movie theaters.

If it was about analog photographic film vs DVD, Blueray or VHS, then cinema would have a huge advantage and would be the best choice.

But the way cinemas have turned into, I dont see any difference in picture. I'd only go to special screenings to see old movies.
 
M

mdubs

Banned
excelsiorlef said:
Biggest problem with theatres these days is they are locking more and more of their showtimes behind premium price points, and unlike actual IMAX I am unconvinced these premium types provide any real enhanced viewing experience that justify the pricing.

This is my local theatre.



Look at this shit. It can go up to 24$ and 19$ on "cheap day"

And now given we're talking about Nolan let's look at Dunkirk for this opening weekend there



There is not a single showtime in a "normal" theatre. Every showtime is in a premium theatre.


So the minimum cost to see Dunkirk during opening week is $15.99 and goes all the way up to $24.99. On Tuesdays it's $10.99, all of a dollar less than a normal theatre price point on a regular price point day, to $18.99.
Click to expand...
You realize you're posting in inflated Canadian prices right?
 
B

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
I feel the same way about movie theatres as I do about arcades (which are already gone and irrelevant unless you're in Japan.. ):

It's an experience that brings a lot of fetish and nostalgia, and I would miss it when it's gone. Plus there's something about the medium that promotes certain types of content.

But at the end of the day, it's not like I'd really be deprived of the content I want if it were to go away. I'd still get blockbuster movies (just as I still get games without arcades). And the fact that I can play it in my own home is always more comfortable anyway.
 
B

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
mdubs said:
You should be qualifying since Americans are going to look at those prices and take them out of context. Would make your point more valid
Click to expand...

Man even in the time zone when Europe/Asia is up, we gotta assume all GAFfers are American, huh? :(
 
M

mdubs

Banned
BocoDragon said:
Man even in the time zone when Europe/Asia is up, we gotta assume all GAFfers are American, huh? :(
Click to expand...
I don't like it either, but the point is completely lost otherwise when we are posting in an American dominated forum about movie prices for American movies.
 
B

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
mdubs said:
I don't like it either, but the point is completely lost otherwise when we are posting in an American dominated forum about movie prices for American movies.
Click to expand...

As a Canadian.... I actually don't disagree :p I see your point :p

I wish I could say "maybe people will assume its in Australian dollars??".... but no, that would never happen.
 
B

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
biggersmaller said:
Kids need to go on first dates somewhere. Without malls, roller rinks, and arcades - where else will they go?
Click to expand...

Movies were always a shitty date idea anyway. Sit in darkness for 2 hours or kiss and miss the movie anyway? smh.
 
mocolostrocolos

mocolostrocolos

Member
The Wraith said:
People want to watch movies at home. Point blank. If I could just order a new movie for 20$ on my cable box or through an internet site and skip the theatre then so be it. Not having to share a theatre with loud ass teenage kids will be a god send. Sorry Mr. Nolan but theatres are kind of a novelty this day and age.
Click to expand...

I suscribe this.
 
A

Arthr2ShdsJcksn

Banned
Christopher Nolan is Hollywood's biggest Luddite. Hollywood WILL eventually transition away from the current distribution model and multiplexes will go the way of drive-ins. There have already been a number of experiments with release day 'on demand' for first run films. Eventually, they will hit upon a good strategy that will stick, and then it's game over. There will always be a few specialty places for the Nolan's of the world to remember the good old days, but the world will move on.
 
L

Lifeline

Member
Theaters are still the best way to experience movies, you have to remember most Americans don't have 4K 70in TVs, and watch their Netflix movies on their 4in phones.


Also Amazon is a bad example of how to do it. I like that they do a theatrical release, but they also wait way too long to put the movies on Amazon prime. They release the movie on Bluray/DVD first, and then like a month or so later it comes to prime. Which is pretty bullshit.


I like the 90 day model. Theaters for 90 days, Netflix/Prime right after.
 
P

-Pyromaniac-

Member
I see where Nolan is coming from but he's on the wrong side. Admirable but mistaken!

I used to go to the movies to watch everything. Even trash movies. Now tickets are way too expensive. So is food. I just find less and less movies worth the cash and time as time goes on. Nolan movies are one of the few I'll always pay the 15-20 per person for. Not much else.
 
B

bebop242

Member
Markitron said:
Even if it's a bad movie, if you pay money to see it you should be able to watch it in peace.
Click to expand...

It was more of a statement of the type of crowd that would go see that film more so than its quality. Its like bitching about crowdsurfing at a metal/rock concert.
 
L

LewieP

Member
EGM1966 said:
How? I mean maybe they are but without detail you're just saying "I've a feeling in my bladder that..."

Some context for discussion would be better.
Click to expand...
OK.

Movie theaters are an oligopoly, and use their industry position to exert control over the distribution of movies in order to protest their own financial interests.

Netflix disrupts this by undermining their control over distribution.

This is a good thing for consumers.

I don't see Netflix wanting to make movies available via streaming as a the problem, I see movie theaters wanting them not to as a problem.

If the only business model that is sustainable for movie theaters is to lock down distribution, I think they should probably evaluate their strategy and be more innovative. The only real alternative is walking down the road to irrelevancy.

Edit: FWIW, I love going to the movie theater. Nearest one is 4 hours away, so I don't go very often. I'd still like the option to pay to stream/download more new movies.
 
E

Earthpainting

Member
I understand Nolan's worries, but this is no different than the concerns of arcades being replaced with home consoles. There are concessions being made by consuming entertainment at home, but convenience and comfort are going to be worth it to many (including myself). If theatres can't survive without ham-fisted constraints to its competition, maybe it is the theatres that need to adapt, and not Netflix.
 
J

J Jizzle

Member
I echo what people have said here, I'd rather watch movies at home.

That's most likely though because the local theatres to me are overpriced, not very comfortable and attract a crowd I wouldn't want to share movie experiences with.
 
B

Budi

Member
I very rarely visit cinemas, maybe about once a year per average. I do it for every Scorsese film and then some other specific films like Mad Max or maybe Tarantino's stuff. Considering seeing Dunkirk too. Maybe it's the rarity of it, but the experience feels special to me. I have no problems waiting for majority of stuff to come on DVD/Bluray/Streaming services. I can see where Nolan is coming from with his statements.
 
G

Giant Panda

Member
My biggest reason for disliking "the theater experience" is that the sound is always too damn loud and it causes me great discomfort and my ears to be ringing when I leave. Sound control at home is a godsend.
 
P

ParityBit

Member
Why not give us the option for both? Release online and in the theater on day one. If enough people go to the theaters for them to survive, then they will. If no one goes, then they won't. Why not give me a choice rather than tell me what I should do?

I would almost always watch at home
 
H

HelloMeow

Member
Televisions and monitors have become much better. Watching a movie in a large room with a big screen doesn't add anything for me.
 
R

Ridley327

Member
Addi said:
Oh ok, cool, didn't know that :)
Click to expand...

It should be pointed out that the vast majority of their programming has yet to receive any kind of physical release. House of Cards and Orange is the New Black have had the benefit of being controlled by major film studios (Sony and Lionsgate, respectively), and while Daredevil did get a home release, it was a rather protracted release, coming out well after season 2 had already aired, and is thus far the only season of their Marvel series to get a physical release. I don't think that a single one of their films has ever gotten a Blu-ray release.
 
B

biggersmaller

Banned
What will remain in theaters are movies deserving of the medium. All of Nolan's movies are examples of that. Along with Torrintino. What may move away from theaters are 90 minute comedies, Katherine Hiegle-esque romance movies, and many dramas that are nearly as good streamed on a phone with headphones.

Like the stage, movie theaters will become more botique and expensive, but will never dissapear.
 
G

gutter_trash

Banned
I like both.

I go to the theatre to be dazzled by a theatrical experience but I also like to watch movies that I missed at him and I can't really watch them all a the theatre because they are available for a limited time and then poof they are gone. Home is the only option when you miss them at the theatre
 
M

Markitron

Is currently staging a hunger strike outside Gearbox HQ while trying to hate them to death
ParityBit said:
Why not give us the option for both? Release online and in the theater on day one. If enough people go to the theaters for them to survive, then they will. If no one goes, then they won't. Why not give me a choice rather than tell me what I should do?

I would almost always watch at home
Click to expand...

I'd be quite happy to pay 50 quid for a bare bones Blu-ray if it was day and date with the cinema. Then they could release it later for the standard price with extra features.
 
L

LegendofDragoonLives

Member
spyshagg said:
Cinema can exist if: - Ban eating, cellphones, allow drinking in bottles only, no straws, and add hygiene rules (you know your feet smell like shit, why you go to the movies? spend those 2 hours taking a bath instead).

Those 3 things hit me at once seeing Transformers a few weeks ago. I had to leave (and the movie didn't help either).
Click to expand...
Where the fuck are you people going that you are experiencing these wannabe horrific experiences? I generally go on Tuesdays when it's cheap and busy, and I don't have issues with people talking, cellphones, food, smell or people drinking. I have minor annoyances like once out of 30 or so viewings, being minimal.
 
B

BattleMonkey

Member
I don't go to the Amazon movies in theater because I know they will be "free" streaming quickly.

Netflix isn't out to kill the cinema, they are protecting their investment, and it's focus is to get people to subscribe to their service. They by the rights and make these movies, they do what they want with them. If you want your movie to go to theater, then don't sell it to Netflix

LegendofDragoonLives said:
Where the fuck are you people going that you are experiencing these wannabe horrific experiences? I generally go on Tuesdays when it's cheap and busy, and I don't have issues with people talking, cellphones, food, smell or people drinking. I have minor annoyances like once out of 30 or so viewings, being minimal.
Click to expand...

We try to go early matinees during weekdays now to avoid assholes, but we still get them, and with empty theaters it sometimes can be worse as people think it's ok as the theater is all to there selves so they talk freely. I would say about 1/3rd of our movie going experiences in past couple years have been miserable.
 
B

Bobo Dakes

Member
biggersmaller said:
What will remain in theaters are movies deserving of the medium. All of Nolan's movies are examples of that. Along with Torrintino. What may move away from theaters are 90 minute comedies, Katherine Hiegle-esque romance movies, and many dramas that are nearly as good streamed on a phone with headphones.

Like the stage, movie theaters will become more botique and expensive, but will never dissapear.
Click to expand...

So ... art house theaters full of hipsters and snobs.

That sentence bothers me so much.
 
H

HStallion

Now what's the next step in your master plan?
I can't believe people are comparing home theater set ups to stuff like IMAX. IMAX would be about 18K to give you an idea of the stark difference between the best home theater set up with an awesome 4K TV or projector.
 
D

DMczaf

Member
SCULLIBUNDO said:
This is either free of expected DM sarcasm, over my head or I'm incredibly slow today.
Click to expand...

Just means youve only seen 2 new Cameron films in the theatre in the last 2 decades !!

Just joshing you. After blockbusters have really turned into studio boardroom directed and written projects the last few years, I'm kinda excited for Avatar sequels even though I don't give a damn about the franchise.

At least I know it's all one man's vision
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

[IndieWire] As Francis Ford Coppola Seeks ‘Megalopolis’ Distribution, ‘Everything Is on the Table’
18
1K
near replied
WB has refused offers from Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount for 'Coyote vs ACME' and now may delete the movie entirely
30
2K
BlackTron replied
Christopher Nolan recreated the Trinity nuclear bomb test without CG for Oppenheimer
2 3
118
8K
EviLore replied
Why Christopher Nolan’s $100 Million WWII Drama ‘Oppenheimer’ Could Be the Last of Its Kind
Opinion
20
2K
dr_octagon replied
Denis Villeneuve Says ‘Cut and Paste’ Marvel Movies Have ‘Turned Us Into Zombies’
2 3 4 5
216
13K
sol_bad replied
Top Bottom