On Sunday I usually reflect on the shifts of this business and I am in. Occasionally I share my thoughts with you. Not that I have any magic crystal ball or my opinion caries more weight than anyone else. I was out of State this weekend and was wondering what the heck I was going to write about when some publicity regarding the new Star Wars film came across my phone. I think its some news that has considerable impact for theatres and some thinking should go into on how to address the challenge I think it represents.

Here is what I read, “The biggest news for the biggest screen in the State! We’re excited to announce that The IMAX Theater at the ********** will be one of only a few IMAX theaters in the WORLD tovshow the very special IMAX 15/70 film presentation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in 2D. And we’re showing it 24 hours a days for opening weekend! Keep an eye on our page – tickets will go on sale following the launch of the trailer tomorrow. The Force is going to be REALLY strong with this one!”

Now in my mind here is what is significant.

This is the first time this theatre which is State funded and State controlled is showing a major release feature film. Never before has this theatre screened any film in commercial release. The theatre primarily shows educational short form content and also opens itself for specialty screening on a private basis. This is a deep paradigm shift courtesy of Disney and is being mirror in various other cities.

Another aspect which is puzzling is that this theatre is less than a mile away from a mall based Regal multiplex. What happened to some level of area exclusivity for a release of a major feature film. When I was booking for a group of hard tops I had to confine my booking to allow theatres within 4 miles of each other to have a unique ability to screen a movie. I once was able to do a weeks booking of a Weinstein picture for a theatre that was within 3 miles, but that was after some considerable screaming and yelling.

George Lucas, creator of Star Wars in Empire Magazine made the following comments on the future of the theatres.”Yeah, it’s like Broadway or a football game; it’s going to be an expensive thing. Movies will be these big ticket items because people will still take their chances [with them]. “

It looks like Mr. Lucas’s forecast maybe be coming true, less theatres and bigger venues. The rules are shifting, the players as well and it’s not good.