Movie previews, those tantalizing glimpses into upcoming cinematic experiences, typically last between 15 and 25 minutes, though this can vary depending on the theatre chain, the popularity of the movie, and the number of trailers the studio wants to showcase. This range represents the average experience, but factors like pre-show content and local advertising can impact the total time before the feature film begins.
Understanding the Preview Block: More Than Just Trailers
Beyond just showing trailers, the “preview block” – the time between the scheduled showtime and the actual start of the movie – is a carefully orchestrated sequence of advertising, theatrical branding, and of course, those coveted movie trailers. Understanding the composition of this block is crucial for managing expectations and planning your theatre experience.
The Anatomy of a Preview Block
A typical preview block might consist of the following elements:
- Theatre Chain Branding: Animated logos, welcome messages, and information about amenities (3-5 minutes). Think of the Regal or AMC logo sequence, often accompanied by upbeat music.
- Local Advertising: Commercials for local businesses and services (2-3 minutes).
- National Advertising: Commercials for national brands, often tied to entertainment or food and beverage (3-5 minutes).
- Movie Previews (Trailers): The main draw, showcasing upcoming films (15-25 minutes).
- Studio Logos & Rating Information: Brief messages about the studio and film’s rating (less than 1 minute).
The exact duration of each segment can fluctuate. During peak moviegoing seasons like summer and the holiday season, theatre chains often extend the advertising and trailer blocks to maximize revenue. Conversely, a less popular film shown during a slow period might have a shorter preview block.
The Psychology of Previews
Previews aren’t just about selling tickets to future movies. They are designed to enhance the entire cinematic experience. Studies have shown that moviegoers enjoy previews because they create anticipation and excitement. Seeing glimpses of upcoming films allows audiences to plan future outings and remain engaged with the world of cinema. They also serve as a subtle reminder of the theatrical experience’s superior visual and audio quality compared to home viewing.
Decoding the Trailer Content
Movie trailers are meticulously crafted marketing tools, often more intricate and expensive to produce than short films. They aim to capture the essence of the movie in a compressed format, highlighting key characters, plot points, and visual spectacles. The order and content of these trailers are not random.
Types of Trailers and Their Purpose
Trailers are often strategically sequenced to build audience excitement. A typical sequence might include:
- Teaser Trailers: Short, often cryptic trailers designed to generate initial buzz well in advance of the film’s release.
- Theatrical Trailers: Full-length trailers that offer a more comprehensive overview of the film’s plot and characters.
- International Trailers: Trailers tailored for different markets, featuring different scenes or voiceovers.
- TV Spots: Short trailers designed for television broadcast, focusing on specific action sequences or comedic moments.
Trailer Length: A Balancing Act
The length of a trailer is a critical consideration. Generally, trailers range from 1 to 3 minutes. Longer trailers risk losing audience attention, while shorter trailers might not effectively convey the film’s appeal. Studios carefully analyze audience reactions to trailer length and content to optimize their marketing strategies. Shorter trailers (around 1 minute) are becoming more prevalent, often accompanied by a QR code that viewers can scan to watch the full trailer on their mobile devices.
Managing Your Time at the Theatre
Knowing the average length of movie previews allows you to optimize your moviegoing experience. This helps avoid arriving too early (and getting bored) or too late (and missing crucial plot points).
Tips for Arriving on Time (But Not Too Early)
- Check the Theatre’s Website or App: Some theatre chains list the expected length of the preview block.
- Use Online Forums and Reviews: Check online reviews of the movie at your specific theatre. Users often comment on the length of the previews.
- Consider the Movie’s Popularity: Blockbusters tend to have longer preview blocks than smaller, independent films.
- Aim for 15-20 Minutes After the Scheduled Showtime: This is a safe buffer for most situations.
The Future of Movie Previews
The landscape of movie trailers is evolving. With the rise of streaming services and digital marketing, studios are experimenting with new ways to engage audiences. Interactive trailers, virtual reality experiences, and personalized trailer recommendations are becoming increasingly common. While the traditional theatrical trailer remains a staple, its format and distribution are likely to continue to adapt to the changing media environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do previews last longer for popular movies?
Yes, generally. High-demand films often have longer preview blocks to maximize advertising revenue and build excitement for upcoming blockbusters. Theatre chains know more people are likely to arrive on time for highly anticipated films, creating a larger captive audience for trailers and commercials.
2. Is there a standard length for movie trailers?
There’s no strict standard, but most theatrical trailers range from 1 to 3 minutes. Teaser trailers are typically shorter, often under a minute. TV spots are even briefer, usually 30 seconds or less.
3. Do different movie theaters show different previews?
Yes, to some extent. Theatres can customize their preview selection based on the film’s target audience and local preferences. However, most trailers are distributed widely by the studios to maximize reach. Local advertising will also differ.
4. Are the previews the same online as in the theater?
Not always. While many trailers are available online, theatres often show exclusive trailers or extended versions. The theatrical experience provides a captive audience and a larger screen, making it an ideal platform for showcasing new releases.
5. Do independent films have shorter preview blocks?
Generally, yes. Independent films often have shorter preview blocks due to lower demand and limited advertising budgets. This allows theatres to allocate more screen time to the actual movie.
6. Can I skip the previews and arrive later?
Yes, but be mindful of the start time of the actual movie. Aim to arrive 15-20 minutes after the scheduled showtime to avoid missing the beginning of the film. Check online forums or call the theatre for more specific information.
7. Are there any apps that tell you when the movie actually starts?
While no app can guarantee perfect accuracy, some apps like RunPee provide estimates based on user reports. These apps rely on crowd-sourced data and can be helpful, but should not be considered definitive.
8. Do 3D movies have longer preview blocks?
There’s no definitive evidence that 3D movies inherently have longer preview blocks. The length of the preview block is determined more by the film’s popularity and the theatre chain’s strategy.
9. Why are there so many commercials before the movie?
Advertising revenue is a crucial source of income for movie theaters. Commercials help offset operating costs and allow theaters to offer lower ticket prices. This is a business model that has been in place for decades.
10. Do previews change over time?
Yes, the content of previews changes weekly as new trailers are released and old ones are retired. This keeps the viewing experience fresh and promotes upcoming releases.
11. Are there fewer previews during matinee showings?
There’s no guarantee of fewer previews during matinee showings, but it’s possible. The decision to shorten the preview block often depends on theatre management and the target audience for the film.
12. Can I complain about too many previews?
Yes, you can. Contacting the theatre’s management or customer service is the best way to express your concerns. While there’s no guarantee of a change, feedback from moviegoers can influence future decisions about preview length.