This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/business/movie-theaters-coronavirus.html

The article has changed 17 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 15 Version 16
Movie Theaters Are on the Brink. Can Wine and Cheese Save Them? Movie Theaters Are on the Brink. Can Wine and Cheese Save Them?
(8 days later)
When the Spanish-Revival-style Roxy opened on Broadway in 1927, the 5,900-seat movie theater boasted an enormous pipe organ with three keyboards and its own 110-member symphony orchestra. A mechanical orchestra pit rose and receded before screenings. The theater employed a male chorus, a ballet company and a chorus line called the Roxyettes.When the Spanish-Revival-style Roxy opened on Broadway in 1927, the 5,900-seat movie theater boasted an enormous pipe organ with three keyboards and its own 110-member symphony orchestra. A mechanical orchestra pit rose and receded before screenings. The theater employed a male chorus, a ballet company and a chorus line called the Roxyettes.
The all-male ushers, drilled and dressed to military precision, were memorialized by Cole Porter in a lyric from “You’re the Top”: “You’re the pants on a Roxy usher.”The all-male ushers, drilled and dressed to military precision, were memorialized by Cole Porter in a lyric from “You’re the Top”: “You’re the pants on a Roxy usher.”
Movie theaters have pretty much been in decline ever since, buffeted by a sequence of near-mortal blows: The Great Depression. The automobile. World War II. Radio and television. Affordable high-definition TVs and surround-sound systems. Home video. Netflix.Movie theaters have pretty much been in decline ever since, buffeted by a sequence of near-mortal blows: The Great Depression. The automobile. World War II. Radio and television. Affordable high-definition TVs and surround-sound systems. Home video. Netflix.
And now: “Trolls World Tour.”And now: “Trolls World Tour.”
With movie theaters closed because of the pandemic, many Hollywood producers have delayed the release of potential blockbusters. But on April 10, Universal Pictures made the animated sequel to its 2016 hit “Trolls” — based on the popular toys with their neon, upcombed hair — available as a digital rental on streaming platforms for $19.95.With movie theaters closed because of the pandemic, many Hollywood producers have delayed the release of potential blockbusters. But on April 10, Universal Pictures made the animated sequel to its 2016 hit “Trolls” — based on the popular toys with their neon, upcombed hair — available as a digital rental on streaming platforms for $19.95.
A month later, “Trolls World Tour” has brought in well over $100 million, a record for streaming. None of that has to be shared with theater operators, which typically take half the box office when they show a film. (About 20 percent does have to be shared with whatever streaming service that customers rent it from.) Universal said that when movie theaters reopened, it planned to release its films simultaneously in theaters and online, eliminating the theaters’ traditional window of exclusivity.A month later, “Trolls World Tour” has brought in well over $100 million, a record for streaming. None of that has to be shared with theater operators, which typically take half the box office when they show a film. (About 20 percent does have to be shared with whatever streaming service that customers rent it from.) Universal said that when movie theaters reopened, it planned to release its films simultaneously in theaters and online, eliminating the theaters’ traditional window of exclusivity.
Is this, finally, the death knell for the theater? The furious responses from movie-theater companies reflect the severity of the threat. Cineworld Group’s Regal chain said it wouldn’t show any films that didn’t grant theaters the usual 90-day period of exclusive distribution. AMC Theaters, the nation’s largest movie chain, went even further, saying that “effective immediately,” it would bar all Universal films — even next summer’s expected blockbuster, “Jurassic World: Dominion.”Is this, finally, the death knell for the theater? The furious responses from movie-theater companies reflect the severity of the threat. Cineworld Group’s Regal chain said it wouldn’t show any films that didn’t grant theaters the usual 90-day period of exclusive distribution. AMC Theaters, the nation’s largest movie chain, went even further, saying that “effective immediately,” it would bar all Universal films — even next summer’s expected blockbuster, “Jurassic World: Dominion.”
If theaters are no longer the only places to watch hot new movies upon release, what is left to attract crowds? Sure, big screens are nice, and there’s the debatable proposition that movies are more fun when watched with a crowd and the aroma of popcorn, but that’s not much of a business model.If theaters are no longer the only places to watch hot new movies upon release, what is left to attract crowds? Sure, big screens are nice, and there’s the debatable proposition that movies are more fun when watched with a crowd and the aroma of popcorn, but that’s not much of a business model.
Shares in the three large publicly traded theater chains — AMC, Cineworld and Cinemark — are trading as if they may not survive, down as much as 80 percent over the past year.Shares in the three large publicly traded theater chains — AMC, Cineworld and Cinemark — are trading as if they may not survive, down as much as 80 percent over the past year.
Even before the coronavirus and “Trolls,” resistance to the theaters’ exclusivity window had been building. Netflix has been releasing films directly to consumers for years, even while giving a few theaters a brief period of exclusivity to qualify for Academy Awards consideration for films like “Roma” and “The Irishman.” The major theater chains have all refused to exhibit Netflix films, a boycott that seems to have had a negligible impact on the streaming service.Even before the coronavirus and “Trolls,” resistance to the theaters’ exclusivity window had been building. Netflix has been releasing films directly to consumers for years, even while giving a few theaters a brief period of exclusivity to qualify for Academy Awards consideration for films like “Roma” and “The Irishman.” The major theater chains have all refused to exhibit Netflix films, a boycott that seems to have had a negligible impact on the streaming service.
The pandemic is likely to hasten the trend. Disney, whose action-hero and science-fiction blockbusters have been huge moneymakers for theater chains, announced this week that its film of the wildly popular Broadway hit musical “Hamilton,” scheduled for theatrical release in the fall, would instead bypass theaters and appear on the Disney Plus streaming service on July 3. Disney had already moved its animated hit “Frozen 2” to the streaming platform far ahead of schedule.The pandemic is likely to hasten the trend. Disney, whose action-hero and science-fiction blockbusters have been huge moneymakers for theater chains, announced this week that its film of the wildly popular Broadway hit musical “Hamilton,” scheduled for theatrical release in the fall, would instead bypass theaters and appear on the Disney Plus streaming service on July 3. Disney had already moved its animated hit “Frozen 2” to the streaming platform far ahead of schedule.
On Friday, Warner Bros. will release its Scooby-Doo movie, “Scoob!,” straight to streaming services, where it will be sold for $24.99.On Friday, Warner Bros. will release its Scooby-Doo movie, “Scoob!,” straight to streaming services, where it will be sold for $24.99.
As a result of virus-induced theater closings, even the motion picture academy has dropped the requirement that films have a theatrical release to be eligible for Oscars.As a result of virus-induced theater closings, even the motion picture academy has dropped the requirement that films have a theatrical release to be eligible for Oscars.
Now that we’ve gotten a taste of first-run movies at home, where this month the entire family could watch “Trolls” for little more than the cost of a single ticket at big-city theaters, it seems inevitable that the trend will continue even when theaters open.Now that we’ve gotten a taste of first-run movies at home, where this month the entire family could watch “Trolls” for little more than the cost of a single ticket at big-city theaters, it seems inevitable that the trend will continue even when theaters open.
“People are going to ask, ‘Why am I spending $30 to go to a movie theater with sticky floors when I can watch at home?’” said Doug Creutz, managing director and media and entertainment analyst at the brokerage firm Cowen.“People are going to ask, ‘Why am I spending $30 to go to a movie theater with sticky floors when I can watch at home?’” said Doug Creutz, managing director and media and entertainment analyst at the brokerage firm Cowen.
This might be a win for those stuck-at-home hungry for new content, but it will be a loss for American culture. Unlike watching a movie in the basement while wearing pajamas, going to a theater is an event and a social experience, and at its best a memorable one. I still remember driving with my parents over 100 miles to attend the St. Louis premiere of “The Sound of Music” at the Fox Theater, which is now a performing-arts center, and the excitement of seeing “Apocalypse Now” at the cavernous Ziegfeld in New York, which managed to hang on until 2016.This might be a win for those stuck-at-home hungry for new content, but it will be a loss for American culture. Unlike watching a movie in the basement while wearing pajamas, going to a theater is an event and a social experience, and at its best a memorable one. I still remember driving with my parents over 100 miles to attend the St. Louis premiere of “The Sound of Music” at the Fox Theater, which is now a performing-arts center, and the excitement of seeing “Apocalypse Now” at the cavernous Ziegfeld in New York, which managed to hang on until 2016.
“There has always been a social aspect of the theatrical experience that appeals to people,” said Kevin J. Corbett, a professor of cinema at Central Michigan University and the author of “The Big Picture,” a history of moviegoing. “I point not only to the massive box-office successes of things like the Marvel movies, but also to the number of film festivals that have proliferated in the 21st century.”“There has always been a social aspect of the theatrical experience that appeals to people,” said Kevin J. Corbett, a professor of cinema at Central Michigan University and the author of “The Big Picture,” a history of moviegoing. “I point not only to the massive box-office successes of things like the Marvel movies, but also to the number of film festivals that have proliferated in the 21st century.”
Confronted with a flight to the suburbs, the decline of inner cities and a lack of free parking, the Roxy closed in 1960, long after most movie palaces had been torn down, converted to parking garages or, in a few cases, salvaged for community centers or concert halls. But its concept — that the theater could be an experience beyond the movie itself that would lure people out of their homes — may offer a path forward.Confronted with a flight to the suburbs, the decline of inner cities and a lack of free parking, the Roxy closed in 1960, long after most movie palaces had been torn down, converted to parking garages or, in a few cases, salvaged for community centers or concert halls. But its concept — that the theater could be an experience beyond the movie itself that would lure people out of their homes — may offer a path forward.
Faced with previous threats to their existence, movie theaters have proved resilient, much like independent bookstores, threatened first by chains like Barnes & Noble and then the rise of Amazon. They adapted with personalized service, reading groups and author appearances.Faced with previous threats to their existence, movie theaters have proved resilient, much like independent bookstores, threatened first by chains like Barnes & Noble and then the rise of Amazon. They adapted with personalized service, reading groups and author appearances.
Updated July 7, 2020
The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
“Movie theaters have always come back, and when they do, they’ve been better,” said Maggie Valentine, author of “The Show Starts on the Sidewalk,” a history of movie theaters. She noted that the movie palaces of the 1920s were a response to the 1918 flu pandemic, and a drab, run-of-the-mill experience wouldn’t do the trick. “They had to give people a reason to leave their homes.”“Movie theaters have always come back, and when they do, they’ve been better,” said Maggie Valentine, author of “The Show Starts on the Sidewalk,” a history of movie theaters. She noted that the movie palaces of the 1920s were a response to the 1918 flu pandemic, and a drab, run-of-the-mill experience wouldn’t do the trick. “They had to give people a reason to leave their homes.”
Later, theater owners reacted to television by introducing bigger and more innovative screens, including Cinerama, the short-lived curved-screen projection system introduced on Broadway in 1952, and sound systems like Sensurround in the 1970s.Later, theater owners reacted to television by introducing bigger and more innovative screens, including Cinerama, the short-lived curved-screen projection system introduced on Broadway in 1952, and sound systems like Sensurround in the 1970s.
They provided air-conditioning when it was still a novelty. They followed the automobile to the suburbs, building modest theaters with ample parking. They followed their teenage audiences to the shopping malls of the 1960s and ’70s. And then came the megaplex, with bigger screens, stadium seating and reserved seating.They provided air-conditioning when it was still a novelty. They followed the automobile to the suburbs, building modest theaters with ample parking. They followed their teenage audiences to the shopping malls of the 1960s and ’70s. And then came the megaplex, with bigger screens, stadium seating and reserved seating.
After the virus, that is unlikely to be enough.After the virus, that is unlikely to be enough.
Small theaters are already experimenting, much as independent bookstores have innovated back to relevance. Some historic theaters, for example, have been restored and reopened as architectural attractions in their own right.Small theaters are already experimenting, much as independent bookstores have innovated back to relevance. Some historic theaters, for example, have been restored and reopened as architectural attractions in their own right.
“Our primary reason to exist was to support independent films and show them in an upscale venue,” Ted Mundorff, a former chief executive of Landmark Theaters, which has operated historic theaters as well as the Landmark in Manhattan. That theater offers live appearances by filmmakers, and craft beer and cocktails that can be taken into the auditorium.“Our primary reason to exist was to support independent films and show them in an upscale venue,” Ted Mundorff, a former chief executive of Landmark Theaters, which has operated historic theaters as well as the Landmark in Manhattan. That theater offers live appearances by filmmakers, and craft beer and cocktails that can be taken into the auditorium.
“We weren’t aiming for the ‘Star Wars’ crowd,” said Mr. Mundorff, now the president of ArcLight Cinemas. “We were trying to enhance the experience and make our theaters a preferred destination no matter what was playing.”“We weren’t aiming for the ‘Star Wars’ crowd,” said Mr. Mundorff, now the president of ArcLight Cinemas. “We were trying to enhance the experience and make our theaters a preferred destination no matter what was playing.”
Landmark was emerging from bankruptcy when Mr. Mundorff arrived; after a successful turnaround it was sold to the billionaire real estate developer Charles S. Cohen in 2018. (Netflix was among the rumored bidders.)Landmark was emerging from bankruptcy when Mr. Mundorff arrived; after a successful turnaround it was sold to the billionaire real estate developer Charles S. Cohen in 2018. (Netflix was among the rumored bidders.)
Mr. Corbett, the theater historian, said that besides architectural upgrades, theaters were likely to introduce more event programming “that allows audiences to interact with not just the film but each other,” such as “wine-and-cheese pairings with French New Wave films” or interactive technologies “that allowed the audience to vote on the direction or outcome of a story.”Mr. Corbett, the theater historian, said that besides architectural upgrades, theaters were likely to introduce more event programming “that allows audiences to interact with not just the film but each other,” such as “wine-and-cheese pairings with French New Wave films” or interactive technologies “that allowed the audience to vote on the direction or outcome of a story.”
As a movie watcher, I’m all for streaming. I watched “Roma” and “The Irishman” at home and didn’t miss the big screen or stadium seats. Why should I have to wait weeks or months for the opportunity? I doubt that wine and cheese would lure me into a theater, but an opportunity to share drinks or a meal with friends before or after a movie, or a discussion with the filmmaker, might, especially if the theater itself were an attraction.As a movie watcher, I’m all for streaming. I watched “Roma” and “The Irishman” at home and didn’t miss the big screen or stadium seats. Why should I have to wait weeks or months for the opportunity? I doubt that wine and cheese would lure me into a theater, but an opportunity to share drinks or a meal with friends before or after a movie, or a discussion with the filmmaker, might, especially if the theater itself were an attraction.
But I’m hardly the target audience. Mr. Creutz, the entertainment analyst, isn’t optimistic about the future of movie theaters. “They’ve have been fighting an uphill and losing battle for 30 to 40 years.”But I’m hardly the target audience. Mr. Creutz, the entertainment analyst, isn’t optimistic about the future of movie theaters. “They’ve have been fighting an uphill and losing battle for 30 to 40 years.”