Studios Smarten Up with ‘WORLD WAR Z’ Mega Ticket

While I love going to the theater to see a film, as I think it is the best way to see a film, I know many people who wait until it is released on Blu-Ray or DVD. Let’s look at it from their angle. Say a film gets released this month, the Blu-Ray & DVD will, more than likely, be released 3 months later meaning they can watch the film in the comfort of their own home in September or October at the latest. Why keep pumping money into a theater to only chance a film being ruined by other attendees and pay $10 or more per ticket. Then, if you like the film and you want to own it, you get no discount since you saw the film in the theater, you pay the same price as someone who just waited. Plus, if said person didn’t see the film theatrically, it’s ok because they paid the same price you probably did (unless you go to the movies alone and don’t get concessions) and now they can watch it at anytime they want and however many times they want. This is why piracy has thrived, in these tight financial times, there is no benefit – other than seeing it on a big screen & loud – to go out and see a film. While the studios get their cut of the box office which can determine the future of the talent involved, your purchase of a ticket has no say so of a repeat viewing in your home.

Paramount is trying to launch something to help out. Granted, the price is a bit high, but at least it is an effort in trying to give you some of that home entertainment initiative. Paramount is launching something they call the “Mega Ticket”. The Hollywood Reporter just wrote up an article on it so I will quote it below.

For $50, fans in five U.S. cities will screen the film two days prior to its official release and receive an HD digital copy of the film when it becomes available. The package also includes one small popcorn, a pair of custom RealD 3D glasses and one official full-size, limited-edition movie poster.

“Regal is pleased to offer this ultimate fan event at five locations in conjunction with our partners at Paramount Pictures,” said Ken Thewes, chief marking officer for Regal Entertainment Group. “The interest and anticipation for Brad Pitt’s latest thriller is at a fever pitch and this World War Z mega ticket offers a unique experience for our patrons.”

World War Z enthusiasts willing to pay up for the VIP experience can find more information and buy their tickets here. For all those regular moviegoers, World War Z opens nationwide on June 21.

A complete list of participating theaters is below.

Orange County: Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 Imax & RPX
Houston: Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Stadium 24 & RPX
San Diego: Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 Imax & RPX
Atlanta: Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16 Imax & RPX
Philadelphia: UA King of Prussia Stadium 16 Imax

The fact that you get an HD digital copy of the film when it comes available is a smart one. It is something that I’m surprised hasn’t been thought of sooner. I always thought a good idea would be something like reverse Movie Cash (those $10 off tickets you get when you buy a Blu-Ray or DVD) where if you see the film in the theater you get a discount of the Blu-Ray or DVD. If you think about it, the access to a Digital Copy is pretty much a no brainer as it won’t make such a financial impact on actual home entertainment sales.

What do you think? Do you see films in the theater or do you wait until the home video release? Leave your comment below.