So is there any hope for the survival of theatrical films? Maybe.
As the home television/computer/videophone becomes an ever more important part of people's lives, they may seek opportunities to escape from the confines of their homes. The cinema could be one of their destinations.
Indeed, people who are dating may be reluctant to invite people into their homes on the first few dates. Teenagers in particular may want to date without the supervision of their parents. The cinema offers a nice, neutral meeting place. And we may find that people, being innately lazy, will sometimes prefer passive entertainment to the interactive variety, so even the narrative form of film may survive.
But if the cinema does survive, it may not look very much like those of today. To see a glimpse of the cinema of tomorrow, go ride the Back to the Future ride at Universal Studios. Or go to the Luxor casino in Las Vegas and see any of the rides featured there. These rides combine short narrative films made with state-of-the-art equipment with motion simulators to give the feeling of actually being in the film.
If this sort of technology is combined with strong, sustained storylines, it could prove the savior of film. Indeed, Sony, through its Loew's theater chain, is taking some tentative steps in that direction. It is building a handful of showcase multiplex cinemas where at least one screen will be devoted to Imax-type films. In addition, Sony's TriStar Pictures and Imax Corporation have just announced that they will be producing a 35-minute feature, Wings of Courage, that will be distributed to Imax theaters worldwide. And Daily Variety reports that at least three more Imax projects are in development at TriStar.
One day, not too far from now, it may be possible not just to see a big thriller like Jurassic Park, but to be in one.
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