Going to a movie and ending up with the entire theater to yourself is always a fun perk. Now, as cinemas struggle with the complexities of reopening during the pandemic, it almost seems like a necessity for moviegoers to feel comfortable — so that’s exactly what one chain is doing.
Alamo Drafthouse, the first name in dine-in movie theaters, launched the new “Your Own Private Alamo” program this week, which offers people the option of renting out an entire theater for up to 30 people. Could you always rent out a theater? Sure, but now it’s much easier and more affordable, with prices as low as $10 a person. As Variety reported, renting a screening room costs $150 but there’s a required food-and-drink minimum of $150 as well.
Analysis:
The idea of renting out the entire theater is good way to cope with the decrease in customers because of the pandemic. Due to the nature of airborne disease, people are unwilling to visit movie theaters because they have to spend hours in an enclosed space with strangers. However, by charging a slightly higher price and offering people private space for movie with professional equipment, movie theaters could attract attention from customers who miss the theatrical effects that they otherwise cannot enjoy on Netflix.
