question of the day: Would you pay $30 for an on-demand rental of a new theatrical film release?

Hollywood studios have been looking for ways to generate additional sales from movies as DVD purchases continue to decline. A so-called “premium” service would let consumers see movies on TV without waiting the typical three or four months for DVDs or cable companies’ $4 or so on-demand showings.

...

Disney is likely to test consumer interest in the first quarter using a single film, said one of the people, who requested anonymity because the decisions are pending. The company hasn’t decided on pricing or how long to wait after theatrical release, the person said. Jonathan Friedland, a Disney spokesman, wouldn’t comment on the plan.

For this to truly work as a genuine alternative to going to the multiplex, the debut has to be the same day as a film is released to theaters. Multiplex owners won’t like this, of course. But buggy-whip manufacturers didn’t like automobiles, either.

Would you pay $30 for an on-demand rental of a new theatrical film release?

This seems like a reasonable price to me... especially since it would capture the audience that is not going to the movies much these days: grownups. It means no babysitter has to be paid for the evening; no paying for gas and, in some places, parking; no paying for disgusting overpriced snacks. Yes, the communal aspect of watching a movie would be lost... but that’s already being lost for those who simply wait for DVD.

What do you think?

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