Theaters re-invested $ 1.5 billion to improve film

That extended menu. That popcorn collector’s cunt. Seating. These benefits plus a large screen format are all part as the North American exhibition industry has re-invested more than $ 1.5 billion in their theaters last year.

Construction at last year’s investment basis in the amount of $ 2.2 billion, the first year of investments shows the commitment of theater chains to improve film experience in effort, continues to continue the audience in the movies.

The newest investment report in the theater owners organization Cinema United It shows how film theaters hire an audience in loyalty programs and subscriptions for creating and attracting the new type of film.

By the way, Chain Regal moved to upgrade their theaters with brand new luxury bays and digital improvements in many of their American locations.

In the report, Eduardo Acuna, CEO of Regal, Says, “We see the impact on the Community Every time We upgrade a Theater. As We Continue to Invest In Providing The Best Moviegoing Experience, Our Customers Are Enjoying In-Theater Improvements and Digital Upgrades.”

Cineplek jumped into fun experience by opening Cinemeplek Royaltount, a brand new theater in Montreal, which has praised the first location of the company REC ROOM – a wild popular concept that combines arcade games and cinema. The new Cinema Entertainment Center contains five auditory with complete accommodation, laser projectors and D-side seats available in one of the auditory.

Marcus Chase has upgraded several locations with premium auditors of large format and newly renovated social spaces.

Speak with Variety, Michael O’Leari, President and General Manager of Washington, DC Cinema United (Fomerno NATO), “You see this evolution of theater becoming these big inclusive places where family and film lovers can pass and spend hours at the end.”

Since theaters continue to expand their offer in the audience – including the attractions like a tablespoonful of Kokice – O’Leara says this year, and “Minecraft” dominates in the box office, it is necessary to make sure that there are places in terms of people.

O’Leari also spoke about the trends of the audience and how Gen-Z had an impact on either experience in the film and how investments were running.

How do you feel till today and some numbers reported with movies like “sinners”, “F1” and “Lilo and Stitch?

We feel very positive in the way this year is going. We are excited what lies in front of us between now and the end of the year. We come by the end of the year and around the holidays, take a deep breath and see where we are.

Saying that there were a lot of huge stories this year. For the first time, we get a volume of movies to the market, which is approaching and closer to what was four or five years ago. There is a wider range of different types of films, and the audience is reacting them to them. As exactly every year, there were several films that surprised people, but there are a lot of enthusiasm to go to the theater. We feel like it is part of a permanent positive trend, and 2026. will be more than that.

Is there a story about success that is stuck for you?

There were several of them. “Lilo and Stitch” was a hit for Disney and “sinners” caught the imagination of people. But I think the real story is a wide-based nature of all different things that are there. I used to talk about all different types of films that are in theaters and give people different things to go and check out. Finally, there is our strength.

You mentioned “Lilo and stitch”, and there’s a “KPOP Demon.” Hunters. ” What do you think about these success stories? Are young children interested in movies?

Absolutely. They encouraged us numbers we saw Report From the National Research Group, which speaks of Gen Z and the number of Gen Z Moviegola who saw six or more films last year. It increased 8% of 2023. years and now up to 37%. It’s a really encouraging sign. I think there is an energy of young people to get to the theater to see different things. They are loud consumers of content and are very experiential. They want something special and I think we do a good job to give it. Much of the investment is to ensure that we will continue to create unique experiences, but will say that people will say, “Something special happens in the theater and I want to be part of it. ”

I was in AMC a hundred night, and so many people had a spoon with popcorn for demons. How do you feel about the trend of Cockworms in a drawing audience in the movies?

It is another example of giving clients what they want. They want to have something special to remember film or travel to the theater. We see a very positive public response to this type of offer. It is probably an area where our industry still becomes accelerating, but there are a lot of opportunities, because people want it.

You talked about Pickuleball in theaters last year. How many are they actually offered? Are there any more fun activities in theaters you can point out?

Pickleball thing took your life. I mentioned that in Dallas there was a theater that had the key and the next thing you know, it’s in headlines everywhere. I’m sure there are other key courts. Other things like bowling streets and arcades are included in the movies. You combine it with restaurants and bars, and many theaters become places where the family can pass and spend economy four or five hours. You see this evolution of theaters and become these great inclusive places where family and film lovers can pass and spend hours at the end. It is safe, it is economical, and it is an emerging trend in our industry.

Another trend is the audience who wants to see a film in IMAX or 70 mm film. How do you see those Premium formats? Do you think the bigger return from Premium formats will compensate for any fewer screens in the future?

The market will decide how many screens there is. Large formats play a growing role in the market. People want to see it. There were 200 PLFs alone last year, and global numbers are about 6,000, but even with these numbers, it is a very small percentage offer available in the theater. One of the things we seek is to make sure that when you go to the theater, there is an experience that will satisfy what you are looking for. There are tons of option and you can choose those most suitable to you. We try to make a simple item that every experience in the theater should be premium, not just because it has the highest screens and sounds. You cannot withstand this industry exclusively on PLF; It is a small faction and we need to make sure that there are places that are exciting and experiential for people.

Read the report below.