Unpopular Geek Media Opinions

[Thourne]

I just don't see cinema ever recovering fully.
Everything from studios pivoting from multiple mid to low budget flicks with a couple big budget spectaculars to everything being a big budget spectacular(yes I'm exaggerating), comfort and quality of home viewing, cost of going out, etc
So, I guess I am hoping streamers figure the movie thing out.

 

[payn]

Whether you agree with him or disagree with him, Scorsese has been consistent about the need for the theatrical release (and the value of cinema qua cinema). He and Nolan continue to beat that drum.

I agree with the artistic aspect of cinema, not necessarily that it has to be in a theater. A lot of the cultural examination that went on in film seems to be happening in the prestige television setting. The film seems to be suffering.

As for Netflix, that switch has been going on regardless of Scorsese. Unfortunately, they have pivoted to giving the customer what they want. And most people want (rhymes with map). It's also the same reason that they cancel shows so early- the vast majority of shows lose audience with time, and cost more over time. So as much as it sucks, it's also a sound business strategy (unfortunately).

Its true, I cant recall the last time anybody talked about a good made for stream movie. Its often, "saw this over the weekend it was good" then you never hear about it again. Nobody goes back for a second viewing. Has prestige television killed the film and taken its stuff?

I don't think so. I think that one thing that streamers are struggling with is this- movies that do well in theaters (or even are shown in theaters) do better on streaming because they have a built-in marketing advantage. People have heard of it and they want to see it. It's a lot harder to generate that demand just by having it on streaming; I know that the feeling that I have is probably similar to that of a lot of other people- when I see a movie on streaming, I view it similarly to the old "straight to DVD" - that it is of lesser quality.

I didnt consider that, but it makes a lot of sense. Other than spamming the homepage of the streamer, how do you get attention for the upcoming release? I think with stream there is a lot of watercooler effect. Though, its hard to make happen since a small percentage of media makes that kind of impact. A good prestige series has weekly releases, or a dump that takes time to consume. It isn't a single helping.

That's why the other streamers are pivoting to releasing their movies in theaters first. Unfortunately, that business is also ... struggling.

I just assumed that was for awards buzz and qualification more than any profit driven motive.

 

[Thourne]

I just assumed that was for awards buzz and qualification more than any profit driven motive.

Most of what I recall hearing about the strategy was to qualify for awards as well.

 

[Bedrockgames]

I agree with the artistic aspect of cinema, not necessarily that it has to be in a theater. A lot of the cultural examination that went on in film seems to be happening in the prestige television setting. The film seems to be suffering.

One of my issues with this though is it doesn't really work for me in a show format. Series are too long form. One of the things I love about movies is telling a story in that shorter time frame in a visual and audio medium. With shows, it is like they have too much room to breathe. Don't get me wrong, there are quality shows I like. I am just more into movies than series and there is a different feel between them.

Its true, I cant recall the last time anybody talked about a good made for stream movie. Its often, "saw this over the weekend it was good" then you never hear about it again. Nobody goes back for a second viewing. Has prestige television killed the film and taken its stuff?

In general everything feels very made for the moment and disposable these days to me. Part of that is probably that I am an old man, but I think the other part of it is that to get attention shows have to speak to the week they come out loudly. And there is so much competing for peoples attention that even if the movie or show is quality the memory probably gets drowned out the moment the viewer finishes and hops onto youtube for some shark videos.

I didnt consider that, but it makes a lot of sense. Other than spamming the homepage of the streamer, how do you get attention for the upcoming release? I think with stream there is a lot of watercooler effect. Though, its hard to make happen since a small percentage of media makes that kind of impact. A good prestige series has weekly releases, or a dump that takes time to consume. It isn't a single helping.

I just assumed that was for awards buzz and qualification more than any profit driven motive.

One thing streaming has done is make movies and shows very single serve. I don't talk about movies with my friends and family, let alone people at the water cooler anymore. It seems like most people are in their own little media bubble

Where I have found enjoyment is moving away from steaming and not watching as many new films (still watch some things, but I am selective). Instead I focus on older movies or established classics, and doing that has just led to a better viewing experience for me

 

[MGibster]

So, like watching John Carter with people who never read Burrough's and listening to them talk about how the flick rips off Lucas?

The number of times I've introduced an element into a campaign only to have a player chime in with, "You got that from Warhammer!" is amazing. One time I looked at a player with great indignation and proudly declared, "Certainly not! I stole that from the same place the folks at Games Workshop stole it from, Dune!"

 

[MGibster]

Writing a play ain't hard. Guys in my high school used to do it all the time. Riddle me this- when did ol' Billy ever write a good MCU movie? NEVER!

He wrote The Punisher. Oh, wait. That was Titus Andronicus.

 

[Bedrockgames]

Whether you agree with him or disagree with him, Scorsese has been consistent about the need for the theatrical release (and the value of cinema qua cinema). He and Nolan continue to beat that drum.

I've seen a number of directors make this point. There is something to be said for the theatrical experience. And certain movies are really different when you see them on the big screen

I am even a little on the fence with digital. I like seen actual film on the projector when I am at the theater and the last time I went I remember being disappointed that it was not actual film

 

[Thourne]

I've seen a number of directors make this point. There is something to be said for the theatrical experience. And certain movies are really different when you see them on the big screen

I am even a little on the fence with digital. I like seen actual film on the projector when I am at the theater and the last time I went I remember being disappointed that it was not actual film

Serious question, you have cinema in your area that isn't showing everything on digital projectors?
I think the only chance I have of that around here is 1 small community single screen cinema wedged into the old downtown of a neighboring city.

 

[Staffan]

Its true, I cant recall the last time anybody talked about a good made for stream movie.

Wasn't Knives Out made for streaming?

 

[Thourne]

Wasn't Knives Out made for streaming?

2nd one was