Is cinema dead?

British film is not what it used to be, as American films are taking over the industry (with their high budgets to advertise films), making British films less common than they used to be. The film industry has been declining in recent years as there are now so many choices on how to view new films. For example, there is Blu Ray, DVD's, illegal downloading, and even illegal piracy, which has led to cinemas having a huge decrease in takings as people find it easier and cheaper to download and watch a film in the comfort of their own home. Nowadays, films do not only make money through screening the films in the cinema; they offer DVD's, merchandise, Franchise deals with fast food resturants, video games and many more.

Pro's

• As technology has developed, the use of 3D/IMAX and special effects has become more popular in big films. It offers the audience a chance to experience something they couldn't get at home.
• Film reviews from film critics and other movie-goers may influence a viewers choice on whether to watch a film or not.
• American films can afford to put a lot of their money into advertising, which means it has a better chance of attracting an audience to watch it at the cinema.
• Orange Wednesdays have brought audiences back into the cinema as it offers a two for one deal.
• Sainsburys Nectar points and Tesco Club Card points can be used to buy cinema tickets (this deal would bring in a big audience because lots of people shop here).
• There are so many internet virals of trailers and movie clips that it makes people want to go and see the film.
• Cinemas offer an experience you can't get anywhere else, for example; Vue in Eastleigh offer a variety of different seating styles like bean bags, arm chairs, and standard seats.
• See Films First offer exclusive access to members who are signed up to see a film before it premieres to the public in cinemas.
• ODEON also offer a Premiere card to people, the system works by awarding points for every £1 that is spent at ODEON. This makes people more likely to go to the cinema more often as they are getting extras.

Con's

• Love Film offer a DVD rental service which allows films to be rented online and sent to you, then once you have finished you send them back. There is only a small monthly subscribtion fee of around £4, and it allows viewers to watch films in the comfort of their own home.
• The sales of Blu Ray and DVD's etc have increased a lot, meaning cinemas are losing money as people would rather wait for ther DVD to come out.
• Being able to download illegal/pirated movies via torrents has "killed" the cinema, as these sites are widely available and mean that audiences do not have to wait for the cinema release. However, the quality of these films are often very poor and some internet providers, such as Virgin, are clamping down on illegal downloads.
• Sky movies allows people to watch films in their own home for as little as £5 (cheaper than a cinema ticket) ans as many people can watch it for no extra cost.