The Many Ways of Film Distribution

Technology has come a long way, and there are many ways films are distributed to the public. As technology advances so does the way movies are distributed. Films and television programs are distributed through movie theaters, DVD sales and rentals, websites, television, video game systems, and Internet. In the beginning movies were distributed in 2D, and on VHS. Now you can watch a movie in 3D and watch it anywhere, and on almost every electronic device made. 

The aforementioned advances have allowed for the distribution of movies to expand.  It allows for movies to be distributed electronically.  Movie can be electronically downloaded to Blu-Ray players, laptops, MP3 players, and a host of other devices.  This allows people to purchase movies in an eco-friendly nature.   Movies are also distributed in combination packs that include standard DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital Copy.  This prevents companies from having to package three different copies.

A trend I see in film distribution is Hollywood studios and cable operators are in discussions to send movies to people’s living room just a few weeks after the films release at the box office (Anonymous, 2011). Executives from Time Warner Cable at a cable industry convention pitched the proposal in 2011. Warner Bros., The Disney Co., Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures and other Hollywood studios, is taking this proposal into consideration. This will allow people to watch new movies in the privacy of their home 30 days after the release for the price of $20 - $30 a movie. Although people go to the movies to socialize, I believe movie theaters will become obsolete in the future if a deal like this happens because it will be cheaper for a person to watch the movies at home, instead of paying $12-15 to get into the movies, pay $5.50-$7.00 for popcorn, and $5.00 for a soda.

I hope movie theaters do not become obsolete because movie theaters have served as an integral part of the social development of society.  Movie theaters are places where teenagers go to hang out with friends, where first dates take place, and family members go to watch a good movie together.  

Anonymous (2010) Trends in Independent Film Distribution: Retrieved on June 14, 2011 from http://showbizmanagementadvisors.com/Trends%20In%20Independent%20Film%20Distribution.htm