Popcorn Prices Puff Up

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Falcon01

May 31, 2008 - CDT 11:19 AM

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The increasing use of corn to produce ethanol for cars has sent prices of the staple soaring -- not only in the supermarket, but also at the concessions counters at theaters. The AMC theater chain increased the price of its popcorn 25 cents last weekend. Larry Etter, chairman of the National Association of Concessionaires, told ABC News Tuesday that theaters are also having to deal with higher paper pulp prices, which boosts the costs of the paper bags and tubs for the popcorn as well as the cups for sodas. Moreover, higher fuel prices drive up delivery costs. The price rise at the concessions counter comes at a time when many theaters are also raising ticket prices -- in some cities to more than $10 each. Since the beginning of the year, the average ticket price has risen 3 percent -- on top of last year's 5 percent rise.

http://www.imdb.com/news/ns0000003/

There is a new AMC theatre that opened up in downtown Toronto about 2 months ago. I went to see Irom Man with my 6 year old and we had a coupon for free popcorn...score! So naturally I purchased a drink which was a medium iced tea. The drink came up to almost $5!! I asked the cashier if that price was just for the drink (in case she mistakenly charged me for the popcorn as well) and she told me that yes it was just for the drink. I was floored. There is no excuse for that kind of price.

I realize that theatres make most of their money from concesssions but come on. That is just ridiculous pricing.

If theatres really want to bring more people into theatres, combat piracy, etc...they need to make it more attractive for people to go and see a movie ina theatre. The prices for the movies alone are upwards of $12 alone per ticket. You combine that witht he crazy concession prices and you don't exactly have a winning combination for family entertainment.

That's my rant of the day.

JJ79

May 31, 2008 - CDT 12:33 PM

says... Also known as The Movie Rambler

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Do I have to teach you guys everything?

My mom ALWAYS brought an oversize purse with her when we went to the movies. Snacks, gum, juice boxes...you name it, we had it.

And don't be giving me any lip about being a guy and not a girl! I have a messenger bag which goes with me EVERYWHERE. I have a constant supply of gum, water and whatever else I decide to put in there. Not once at the local AMC have they wanted to look inside.

(Really...don't eat for 2 hours!

)

Jason, full

John J. Puccio

May 31, 2008 - CDT 12:36 PM

says... "It's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide." --A.E. Neuman

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Does this mean that the price of a popcorn movie will go up, too?

(One of the luxuries of being retired is being able to go to late morning or early afternoon shows at bargain prices, although "bargain" still means $5.00-$6.00 dollars. Then, a Kid's Fun Pack with popcorn, drink, and candy, costs another $4.50, but ten bucks is still a better deal than an evening show with full-price popcorn and drink for $25 or more.)

John

JJ79

May 31, 2008 - CDT 12:57 PM

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John,

Dude, I had NO idea you were retired. That little nugget of information explains an awful lot for me now!

And yep, we ALWAYS do morning movies on Saturday. Less people, less money and you have the rest of the day to do with what you want.

Jason, enlightened

bladerunner1

May 31, 2008 - CDT 2:27 PM

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You just NOW figured it out that you were being ripped off at the concession stand?

This is why I love home theater. I will sacrifice the large screen for the creature comforts of home. I hardly ever go to the movies anymore. Maybe twice a year. Why go spend that kind of money when you can eat,drink,pause,smoke,rewind,have sex,lie down,yell,etc...at home?

And my audio system puts theirs to shame as well. I just wait for the movie to come out on disc, pay my 15-30 bucks to OWN it...and i'm good.

Tim Raynor

May 31, 2008 - CDT 3:33 PM

says... It puts the lotion in the basket . . .

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Quote:
And yep, we ALWAYS do morning movies on Saturday. Less people, less money and you have the rest of the day to do with what you want.

I used to do that, and it was like you say for quite a while. However, it seems people out there have Timmy radar and have figured out the early moring thing! Now its a mad house no matter what time I go. Early mornings where I live are just as bad as mid afternoon -- boat load of people everywhere and all equiped to drive you nutts with their f-ing cell phones!

I find the theatre experience is not what it used to be. People have no respect for their surroundings or others around them. Only one of the theatres I go to has cell phone blocking, but of course it's a new theatre and everyone wants to go there! Then there's the occasional seat kicking by unattended children, people that can't eat with their mouth closed, people that can't keep quite during the movie, etc., etc., ect.! For what you have to pay to go see a damn movie, it's just not worth all the drawbacks to bother!

posters5

May 31, 2008 - CDT 4:40 PM

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i usually buy out an entire theatre if i want to see a movie on the big screen without being disturbed.

bladerunner1

May 31, 2008 - CDT 5:26 PM

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John J. Puccio

May 31, 2008 - CDT 6:33 PM

says... "It's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide." --A.E. Neuman

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Eddie,

If my movie buddy and I wait for a week or two after a film opens, and then we see it during a weekday morning at a big sixteen-theater multiplex, we often do have the place to ourselves.

John

JJ79

May 31, 2008 - CDT 6:45 PM

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Quote:
If my movie buddy and I wait for a week or two after a film opens, and then we see it during a weekday morning at a big sixteen-theater multiplex, we often do have the place to ourselves.

The other option to waiting a week is seeing a really REALLY horrible movie. It's happened to us twice in the last year or so. Sad, but true.

Jason, picks the "winners"