Last week the multi-screen cinema in Streator announced it is closing. Coincidentally, a day or two later I read that national movie theater chains announced major upgrades in 2026.
I suspect streaming has a lot to do with this, but maybe in this inflation-stressed economy, a night at the movies is a luxury that can be cut.
Any thoughts?
- Just a Random Guy - Thursday, Jan 15, 26 @ 1:19 pm:
=Any thoughts?=
I think inflation has little to do with it. I think streaming is the biggest reason, similiar to how online shopping caused malls to stuggle.
About pricing, they charge so much for a bowl of popcorn that costs very little to make. Same with the fountain drinks. It’s too costly for the minimal return.
Lastly, the quality of product. I remember in the 90s and early 2000s, we’d see a preview and think “we gotta go see that”. I can probably count on two hands the number of actually good movies I’ve seen the last 20 years. It’s all remakes or just boring junk imo.
- Streator Curmudgeon - Thursday, Jan 15, 26 @ 10:58 am:
Last week the multi-screen cinema in Streator announced it is closing. Coincidentally, a day or two later I read that national movie theater chains announced major upgrades in 2026.
I suspect streaming has a lot to do with this, but maybe in this inflation-stressed economy, a night at the movies is a luxury that can be cut.
Any thoughts?
- Just a Random Guy - Thursday, Jan 15, 26 @ 1:19 pm:
=Any thoughts?=
I think inflation has little to do with it. I think streaming is the biggest reason, similiar to how online shopping caused malls to stuggle.
About pricing, they charge so much for a bowl of popcorn that costs very little to make. Same with the fountain drinks. It’s too costly for the minimal return.
Lastly, the quality of product. I remember in the 90s and early 2000s, we’d see a preview and think “we gotta go see that”. I can probably count on two hands the number of actually good movies I’ve seen the last 20 years. It’s all remakes or just boring junk imo.
- Lurker - Thursday, Jan 15, 26 @ 1:45 pm:
I agree random. I took a group of my great-nieces and nephews and spent over $100 at the snack bar. It mildly irked me enough that I haven’t been back