Over the past year and a half, streaming services have gained a lot of popularity due to Covid-19. The reasons are simple: streaming is cheaper than a movie theater, it’s comfortable and convenient and there is a lot of media available to users.
The Covid-19 pandemic has allowed for streaming services to make newly-released movies easily accessible to their viewers. For example, 2021’s “Space Jam: A New Legacy” was released concurrently in theaters and on HBO Max. These simultaneous releases allow subscribers to stay home where they can feel safer than being in public.
Although streaming services are especially popular during a pandemic, some people genuinely miss the idea of going to the theater to see a movie. For some people it is a very memorable experience.
Movie theaters are known to be a good time for a group of people. The big screen can be a lot more impactful than a phone or TV screen. An action-packed scene will be more visually stimulating on a larger screen. The large theater can evoke more emotions in people because it holds their attention.
However theaters have their downsides as well. It can feel like a waste of money. The food at theaters can be very overpriced; families tend to spend a lot of money just on food and drinks.
Theaters are often very crowded, especially for a newly released movie. The large groups of people in the theater can be very anxiety-inducing. Lots of people don’t clean up after themselves, so on top of a crowded theater there is food and trash on the floor.
Another downside to movie theaters is that people can only see that movie for a limited time before it is gone. When “Cruella” was released on Disney+, there was a $30 fee to view it. A family or group of four would spend about the same to see the movie once. However, once the movie is bought on Disney+ it is kept in the movie library.
Disney+ offers movies for all ages. The service gives access to Disney movies along with movies from companies owned by Disney like Pixar, Marvel Studios, National Geographic and more. On Disney+, the monthly cost is about eight dollars. There are shows and movies that can be rewatched at no extra cost.
The movie “Luca” was released exclusively on Disney+ in June of 2021 and the movie received lots of positive feedback. As of July 2021, “Luca” received about 16.7 million streams and was rated 91% by Rotten Tomatoes.
The price for subscribing to a streaming service is a great deal for all of the entertainment they offer. Streaming services have a very wide range of movies, shows and documentaries to choose from.
In addition, services like Netflix and Hulu have movies, shows and documentaries of all genres including sci-fi, comedy, romance, anime and more. On top of that, they have more than just new movies. Lots of shows that are done making episodes are available too.
Netflix, Hulu and other services have made their own original shows and movies for viewers, expanding the available entertainment even further. Netflix movies are surprisingly good, too. They are often some of the top rated shows and movies.
Of course everyone enjoys theaters every once in a while; they provide an opportunity for friends or family to spend time together.
The past year has been hard on movie theaters. Covid-19 has caused hesitation for customers since they may be putting themselves at risk. Watching a movie or show on a phone may be less engaging at times but it is much safer than being in a theater.
Many people are more comfortable with staying home to watch a movie where they don’t have to worry about the people around them. That way, they can save money, stay safe and be comfortable while having entertainment.
Going to a movie theater can be a pleasant experience, but if it has to be one or the other, streaming services definitely have a big advantage over the theater, especially in the middle of a pandemic.