That is true.

The "big crowds" were generally at the $5 movie days where they hoped the people would buy popcorn and drinks to cover the expenses or when MoviePass was big.

The "big crowds" were generally for the first couple days or weeks of the "blockbusters" then for the next month or so it was empty. The movie companies require a movie to play for "xx" days even if 1 person shows up. Not many folks were happy paying $9-$11 for a ticket and of course wanted their Villages discount. I'm surprised 1 theater survived which was probably why they added the Mexican fast food to the LSL theater.

They can't make money with $5 movies when in order to get someone to sell popcorn when they have to pay them $14/hr plus all the patrons hiding their outside food under their coats to avoid the ridiculous cost of candy didn't help either. Covid only hastened what was bound to happen sooner rather than later.

The developers sponsor the movie theaters. They are not like the restaurants nearby that survive or fail based on their bottom line.

Another factor is the quality of movies today. Hollywood is creating garbage movies for the most part !!!

AMC at the mall in Leesburg is where a lot of true movie fans go. Much better, up to date, technology, leather recliner seating. And, there are lots of good movies out, and there have been all during the pandemic, contrary to what sone later replies on this thread say. Also, a great place to get out of the house and go walking during bad weather.

AMC at the mall in Leesburg is where a lot of true movie fans go. Much better, up to date, technology, leather recliner seating. And, there are lots of good movies out, and there have been all during the pandemic, contrary to what some later replies on this thread say. Also, a great place to get out of the house and go walking during bad weather.

Back when I was a kid in the big city we were given a very small amount of change on movie night and were told to walk down the street to the candy store and pick up what we wanted for the show. All those candy stores and movie palaces are gone now. Covid, greed, and the internet are a deadly combination for the multiplexes.

I agree. Whatever happened to wanting to go out for an evening? Hopefully the pandemic is coming under control so maybe you are comfortable at home, it gets tiresome to stay there every night. When the TV was invented it was thought nobody would go to movies but nothing beat going out and seeing movies on the big screen!

The Developer owns the movie theaters, but they do not do anything unless it makes a profit. Remember Katie Belle's?

The Villages needs to turn that theatre into a nice sports bar. That would bring in some good revenue.

Agreed. If they felt they needed the theaters to sell homes they would be open as a loss leader. Since it is not necessary why anyone expect them to lose money.

If you owned them would you run them without a profit?? No.

Nationally, due to Covid casualties, theater corporations are going out of business. Because of Covid, less or no movies were being made and the demand changed. I recently went to a movie at the theater. When I got home after the movie, it was being shown on tv. This was a first released movie! Times are changing!

Theater
 

For most action oriented movies the big screen is best, so AMC is our choice and a trip to Leesburg. The Villages loss, is Leesburg's gain.

Have they seen the lines at Sumter?