OUR TV Movie Theaters - WHY?
 

A relatively minor irritant, but now increasing since we became MoviePass members...

It seems that a larger % of good 'adult' films have been/are shown only at Rialto. Example - today. The Darkest Hour, Shape of Water, Greatest Showman, Wonder Wheel, Crooked House are ONLY at Rialto.

We went today to see Shape of Water... at Rialto. The theaters are small, the narrow screens are mounted high, and no "theater seating" with the angled floor (thus the need for the high screen). And the small washrooms only out front. The ticket lines to seat the very popular 'The Darkest Hour' were out the door.

The theaters in Lake Sumter and Brownwood are much larger and have the latest amenities. It's a pleasure to spend a few hours there...

WHY??? does management seem to place the good adult-like films only at Rialto? I know, I know Star Wars and the like go to BW and LSL. Just seems with our sprawling North<>South population across TV it would warrant a better spread across our theaters of good popular movies.

This is not new, it's been going on as long as I lived here, 2011. It depends on the size market they deem that film will draw. What gets really bad is when they estimate low numbers and put the wrong film at SS. A couple of years ago Gone Girl was playing only at SS, we waited a week after opening, then went to the 1pm show and the line for that movie was out to the door. I counted I think, 143 seats in that theater and everyone was full.

I have all the premium movie channels in HD on Directv, about 45 and all commercial free. So I've refused going to SS anymore, the last time was to see Nebraska back in 2014. I figured it defeats the purpose to pay for all those channels if I don't watch them, now I can look forward to seeing the film in six months or more at home.

Don't quite understand. There are 3 "R" rated movies at LSL and only 1 at SS. I understand what you meant by "adult" but technically there are more "adult" movies at LSL. Just not the ones you want to see. :D

I thought all the theaters had stadium seating. I guess the oldest one (SS) doesn't. I'll have to note that. Back up north even the newest theaters had smaller screens than our TV set has which is why I'd never pay $16 to see a movie there! Went to our first movie since we moved in here a year ago on Christmas day at LSL and really liked the theater. Huge screen, stadium seating, great sound and great food! Sorry, Don't mean to rub it in! :D

What is MoviePass?

I can’t tell if you are just ranting, or are actually looking for an answer. If ranting, that’s cool. If you are looking for an answer, I doubt anyone here can do more but speculate. For example, it was the first theater built many years ago, which at that time this may have been considered a very nice theater?or that they flip a coin to determine which movies to show at the Rialto vs LSL or Brownwood? Don’t know.

I would like to see at all (or any) of the theaters offer premium seating, where the seats are essentially love seat recliners with a drink tray in the middle. Have seating for maybe 30 people. Make the cost of this seating twice the cost of regular admission. They will still sellout!

What I really meant by 'adult' was topic interesting to an adult audience, not simply the rating due to language etc.

Movie Pass - check it out at their site. And/or search on ToTV --- it is a GREAT deal if one has time to see movies...

And re my OP post - not simply a rant, but if someone has an answer or perhaps the ear of the owner/scheduler...

I have to agree with the OP,its a shame "quality" movies are only shown @ the Rialto--while the "pop" movies IMHO in most instances are nothing but glorified big screen video games fill Brownwood and LSL

We still have not gone to barnstormer theater, due to what movies are showing. Op right seems SS has better choices for movies

Read the entire story and it makes sense why they do this.

3 Answers - How do theater owners decide whether to show a movie? - Quora

The Rialto was the only theater open when we moved here in June of 2005. The seats were very uncomfortable and noisy. Thankfully, the Old Mill Playhouse opened around November of 2005 and offered stadium seating, leg room, and quiet and comfortable seating.

The Rialto seems to get the art house movies and those geared to an adult viewer.

I've been to all 3 theaters and quite enjoy seeing movies at the Rialto. I've had people sit down directly in front of me and it did not block my view one bit.
I've never heard anybody gripe about a screen being mounted too high, so I have no idea what that's about.
I supposed if they put half those movies at sumter or brownwood, you'd have people bitching about it, too.
You just cannot please 150k nitpicking seniors.

I agree. I suspect it is because the Rialto is such a crappy movie theater, the only way they can get decent audiences to frequent it, is to have the best movies. And I have to add, that even at Barnwood and Old Mill Run, the soundproofing doesn't seem really great. Depending on what's playing next door, you can hear booming and other sound effects that can be distracting. And why do they play the opening trailers so loud? I bring earplugs, it is way too loud for me. On the plus side, I do like the stadium seating at Barnwood and Old Mill Run, and they keep the theaters clean. You never seem to find sticky floors, or popcorn all over the floor.

Just got our MoviePass subscriptions as a Christmas present and can't wait to start using them at all 3 theaters. As more people catch on to this great deal, my fear is the smaller theaters will be more and more overcrowded.

The big brash blockbuster musical, “La La Land” was booked only in The Rialto in SS. I could not understand why this huge musical was booked on such a small screen in The Villages so I contacted the man responsible for booking the movies in the theaters.

This was not the first time The Rialto had a movie which would be enjoyed so much more on a large screen with a great sound system. I was told by the man responsible for booking the movies that he puts those type of movies in The Rialto because if he didn’t no one would ever go to that theater. He said The Rialto has to make money too so he puts the popular movies there even if they would be enjoyed more on a large screen.

The man who is responsible for booking the movies in The Villages theaters is Craig Franco. He can be reached at 352-750-5411. Voice your concerns to him. Maybe he will get the message.

I've got one too. It certainly will be busy in the winter with the seasonal residents, but come April or May, it should be fine.

The Rialto is almost 20 years old isn’t it? Of course it’s not going to have the big, more modern amenities as the Barnstorm, but for a smaller theater, I’ve always had an enjoyable experience. The place is still maintained well, and I believe the seats have been replaced in the last couple of years. I actually appreciate that the screen is mounted higher as no matter how tall someone is, they don’t block your view. Sure some call it small, I’d say it’s intimate.

As far as the type of movies booked there, it seems to be TV’s boutique theater, often playing the more high-minded and independent films, with a couple of normal flicks here and there.

OP, I tend to agree with your post. I too have often wondered why almost alway the better movies were shown at the older SS theatre. The Rialto definitely needs an upgrade.

Lately we seem to find it difficult to find any movie at any TV theater that appear worth seeing. Anybody else have this problem? Maybe our age (LOL) but they just don’t make good movies anymore.

CB, Thanks much for your response and the contact name. We will certainly contact him and comment on this issue.

As for: 'I was told by the man responsible for booking the movies that he puts those type of movies in The Rialto because if he didn’t no one would ever go to that theater.'

I was assuming this was the true reason, but hoping not. It's a shallow reason as he may be depriving some TVrs from going to see a particular movie in that venue- and perhaps losing revenue as well. We will think twice to see a movie there...

Honestly, it aggravates me the movies that would be much more enjoyable on larger screens are booked in the theater that does not have a large screen.

Before the movie even arrived in The Villages, I would have bet money “The Greatest Showman” would be shown in The Rialto. That is perfectly ridiculous to me. I don’t have a problem with the layout of The Rialto theater or the lack of stadium seating. That is not it at all. My concern is the fact that these movies that should be shown on large screens are not getting that treatment. I just shake my head at the stupidity of it.

OUR TV Movie Theaters - WHY?

They are not "OUR" movie theaters, The Morse family owns them. Pretty sure they book the movies in a way that is most profitable for them.

I would like to see at all (or any) of the theaters offer premium seating, where the seats are essentially love seat recliners with a drink tray in the middle. Have seating for maybe 30 people. Make the cost of this seating twice the cost of regular admission. They will still sellout!

Invest in a 4k TV and a nice couch. Your scenario of a 30 seat theater would probably require ticket prices of $150 each due to economics, reduced popcorn revenue etc. Or you could build such a theater yourself and see how it works out financially.

Read the entire story and it makes sense why they do this.

3 Answers - How do theater owners decide whether to show a movie? - Quora

Obviously nobody bothered to read your link, which explains why a capitalist would book films in a particular way at different theaters

Basically the longer the "run" of a movie at a theater, the higher the profit margin goes up for the owner. So putting your movies with longer staying power at smallest theater makes cents.

Honestly, it aggravates me the movies that would be much more enjoyable on larger screens are booked in the theater that does not have a large screen.

Bigger screens do not equal better quality. As long as projection equipment is similar, a 30 foot screen in a 150 seat venue is the same as 90 foot screen in 450 seat venue.

Lately we seem to find it difficult to find any movie at any TV theater that appear worth seeing. Anybody else have this problem? Maybe our age (LOL) but they just don’t make good movies anymore.

I am with you there, they don't make them like they used to. Compare a movie like Pride and Prejudice with todays crap. Its like night and day.

Anyway, movie theaters are going the way of the dinosaurs. Overpriced tickets and caloric bomb popcorn with butter flavored soybean oil just doesn't compute with HD streaming or renting a blueray at Redbox, all in the comfort of home with no driving, parking, waiting in line etc etc. Time from theater release to streaming or DVD rental gets shorter all the time. 3-4 months for blockbusters and even faster for less commercial films. I can wait for new releases a few months, if it's a poor attempt at cinema I've only wasted a couple bucks.

All movies these days are digital. The quality of the picture is not the issue. The larger screen gives a much more "immersive" feeling. Those squatty screens in The Rialto are not why I pay money to go to the movies. I would prefer to wait for the movies to be on cable and watch on my big screen TV in my own home. But.....that is just how I feel about having to pay money to view a movie in a theater on a small screen.

Regarding the movie theaters with the upgraded recliner seats.......

Our local movie theaters in New Jersey upgraded their theaters with those awesome recliner seats with the drink holders in the middle of two seats. Yes....the seat capacity is much less but.....the theater closest to our home still offered $5 ticket price for movies before 10am, every day even on their largest screens. All of their movies had a showing which began before 10am. That is the best movie theater deal we will ever see. To have a deal like that in those super comfortable recliner seats with adjustable foot rests was amazing.

I suppose what movies are shown where has to do with projected income from each movie based on the local population (including outside TV).

AMC theater at Lake Square Mall in Leesburg has recliner seating. It’s a nice experience. That mall is re-inventing itself as an entertainment venue. You can browse the great inventory at Books-A-Million while you wait for your movie to start. I recommend checking it out.

I believe they do the same thing with the nightly entertainment in the squares (also very subjective based on ones taste of course). Like the movies most of the more popular groups are in SS more times than anywhere else. SS is the tiniest square for seating & dancing (like the theaters). Obviously they are trying to get more of a certain age group down there since (sorry Nucky :) ) the "further north" you are in TV the older the demographic. I got that info from a number of real estate agents so take it with a grain of Villages Turf but after living a month on the historic side befroe we bought our home I can see where they get that from. The older the area the older the average age of the residents are which does make sense since that area has been around longer.

I hear that mall has recently been resold. I think the 2 places you listed are 2 of about 6 stores remaining in the place. The first and last time we were there (about 7 months ago) it was Movies, T-Mobile, book store and pin ball palace and a couple other stragglers. Probably 10 "customers" in the place including us. A smart group of peole could make it a "Villages Destination" and maybe get some REAL stores in there. Generally speaking though, indoor malls are on their death throes so probably nothing will help.

Yep you heard right. The average age of Villagers north of 466 is 97 years old, we never die and sell our homes to the whippersnappers who congregate down south. We have a secret contract we made with Harold and his young son Gary that all the best movies and music groups will forever play in Spanish Springs. This is a secret clause in closing contracts that you would never know about unless you bought up here which you couldn't unless you were at least 90. :22yikes:

See, they were right! ;)

Yes, new owners. Of course, they have an optimistic outlook. Link to newspaper article: New mall owners share ambitious improvement plans - News - Daily Commercial - Leesburg, FL

They are still missing out on their biggest market just a few miles down the road. Their plans don't look too promising other than the "covered entrance" to keep all the customers dry. :) :)

That $22 million bucks invested . Good luck to them. Maybe the 3rd try will be the winner.

Paddock indoor mall in Ocala is decent but the last time we were there there were 5 places in the food court and you couldn't even get a slice of pizza. There is a nice newer outdoor mall a mile or so away.




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In this past week we have seen a movie at Brownwood and one at Spanish Springs. Yes Brownwood has all the new wonderful amenities but why do they continue to put out the worst popcorn with that unnatural yellow/orange coating and they dump loads of salt on it?? The Popcorn at Spanish is much lighter, fresher and has just the right amount of salt. Great job Rialto!!

Except theaters make most of their money at the snack counters. Smaller audience, smaller profits.

Not only is the theater old and outdated but it doesn't have a "Family Restroom" like the others. My wife is disabled and can't use the one that is there. We are boycotting the Rialto until they remodel and add one. The theater management seems to be balancing the use by booking certain film at the Rialto only. Why else would you go to that theater unless it was the only one playing the movie you want to see.

Sorry to hear that.

Can she use the restroom to the south of the Rialto? It is near the wall of the Rialto movie theater.

I have traded emails back and forth with the man that schedules movies at theaters and got nowhere. He said to me "no one else complains". My problem is the seats in the Rialto that kill my back. I tried that theater 3 times...first time with back pain that began 15 minutes into the movie. Second time I took a bolster pillow...third time I took two pillows. Nothing helped and now I am stuck with whatever comical, scifi, weird, or stupid movie is shown at one of the other two theaters. The man is Craig Franco and his email address is craig.franco@thevillages.com. Write to him and let him know that many more people would be attending these nicer adult themed movies if they could sit comfortably. The most comfortable seats are at Brownwood where they usually put movies made for the younger crowd. Doesn't make sense. I have become frustrated in not getting satisfaction from Mr. Franco, but if those of you reading this post will all write to him maybe things will change around here.

It’s to draw more people if course. The theater is smaller, older & more uncomfortable. It’s been like this for five years. It really bothers me as Rialto is the longest drive for us from south of 466A. It’s another “political” move by the powers that be in TV.

Thanks so much for his contact info. And his phone # from another poster here. I am the OP of this Thread - and could not determine who to talk to in order to escalate our feelings on this topic. We had joined MoviePass a month ago and now see a few movies per week. TV theaters get full price ticket $$$ from MP even though our cost is $9.95/month. So now TV theaters are making $$$ from us - but we plan to not attend movies at Rialto if he continues to not schedule the offerings better across all 3 theaters. If, in fact, his reasoning is that people would not go to Rialto unless he force-fits films there...that's ridiculous.

The theaters definitely got better with each new one built. Don't know what it would take to replace the uncomfortable seats at SS but if you wait a few weeks there is always Red Box or On Demand by most carriers.