What has happened to the movie theater industry?


A few years ago, I could go to the movies for $13 and get popcorn and a drink for around $5. I also stepped into a cinema with fine tuned sound and a cristal clear image.


Now, its $16-$21 for tickets, $18 for a drink and some popcorn and lackluster sound.


Last night i went to Hoyts Northlands (in Christchurch) to see the new Transformers, not for the story, but for the audio and visual experience. Instead I found myself wondering if they'd turned on the sub/s.

What good is Transformers if I don't hear/feel the rumble when a huge spacecraft crashes to the ground? Am I not suppose to feel immersed in the movie?

I have had this happen to me time and time again in Christchurch where unfortunitly we have very poor choice.  

I don't know about anyone else here, but i go to the Cinemars for the audio/visual experience, isnt that what they are for after all?

Has anyone else noticed this downwards trend?
 

Time to build a new home theater system i think......