The universal truth, often unspoken, about moviegoing is this: movies rarely start precisely at their advertised showtime. Expect an average delay of 15-20 minutes for previews, advertisements, and theater promotions before the main feature begins.
Unveiling the Pre-Show Ritual: Delays Demystified
We’ve all been there. You diligently arrive at the theater five minutes before the scheduled start time, only to be bombarded by a seemingly endless stream of commercials and movie trailers. This “pre-show” ritual, as it’s become known, is a carefully orchestrated marketing strategy designed to maximize revenue for both the theaters and the studios. Understanding its components is key to predicting when the actual movie will begin.
The Components of the Pre-Show Experience
The pre-show typically consists of three distinct segments:
- Advertisements: These are the bread and butter of the pre-show, featuring local and national commercials from a variety of sponsors. They generate significant revenue for the theater.
- Movie Trailers: Trailers are designed to entice audiences to see upcoming releases. They are carefully curated to appeal to the demographic most likely to be in attendance.
- Theater Promotions: This segment often includes announcements about concessions, upcoming events, and loyalty programs offered by the theater chain.
Why the Delay? The Business of Show Business
The delay isn’t accidental; it’s deliberate. Theaters strategically pad the advertised showtime to accommodate latecomers, sell more concessions, and, most importantly, generate revenue through advertisements. This practice, while sometimes frustrating for punctuality-obsessed moviegoers, is a crucial aspect of the theater’s business model. It’s about optimizing the viewing experience, but also and primarily about increasing profits. Delayed starts allow for higher concession sales and the effective delivery of marketing messages, both vital to the theater’s bottom line.
Managing Your Time: Strategies for the Savvy Moviegoer
Knowing that movies rarely start on time, you can adjust your arrival strategy to minimize wasted time. Consider arriving 10-15 minutes after the advertised showtime. This should give you enough time to find your seat without having to endure the entire pre-show. However, consider arriving earlier if you want to purchase snacks or drinks, or if you have assigned seating.
The Art of Seat Selection: Arrive Early (or Not?)
For prime seating locations, arriving closer to the advertised showtime remains crucial. Reserved seating has somewhat mitigated this, but for those theaters still operating on a first-come, first-served basis, a little pre-show patience is a small price to pay for the perfect viewing spot.
Embrace the App: Leverage Technology for Punctuality
Many movie theater chains offer mobile apps that provide real-time information on showtimes and trailers. Some even indicate the actual start time, factoring in the pre-show. Utilizing these apps can significantly improve your moviegoing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Movie Start Times
These FAQs provide further insight into the nuances of movie theater schedules.
FAQ 1: Is the delay consistent across all theaters?
No. The length of the pre-show can vary depending on the theater chain, location, and even the specific movie. Larger chains tend to have longer pre-shows due to more advertising contracts. Independent theaters may have shorter or no pre-show.
FAQ 2: Do IMAX and other premium formats start on time?
Generally, IMAX and other premium formats adhere more closely to the advertised showtime. This is partly due to the higher ticket prices and the expectation of a more refined viewing experience. Expect a delay, but usually shorter.
FAQ 3: Are weekend showtimes more delayed than weekday showtimes?
Potentially. Weekends are peak times for movie theaters, so they may extend the pre-show to maximize advertising revenue. However, this isn’t always the case and can vary significantly.
FAQ 4: Does the genre of the movie affect the delay?
While not a hard and fast rule, family-friendly movies may have shorter pre-shows to cater to younger audiences with shorter attention spans. Action or blockbuster films might have longer trailers to build anticipation.
FAQ 5: How can I find out the actual start time before going to the theater?
Check online forums or social media groups related to movies in your area. Moviegoers often share information about the actual start times of specific films at different theaters. Some apps also provide this crowdsourced information.
FAQ 6: Can I complain to the theater about the length of the pre-show?
You can certainly express your dissatisfaction to the theater management. While they are unlikely to drastically alter their practices based on a single complaint, consistent feedback can sometimes lead to adjustments.
FAQ 7: Is there a legal requirement for theaters to start movies on time?
No, there is no legal requirement. The advertised showtime is considered an approximation, not a guaranteed start time for the main feature.
FAQ 8: Why don’t theaters just advertise the actual start time?
While some might argue for this for transparency, doing so would likely reduce revenue. The current system allows them to generate income through advertisements and concessions during the pre-show. It’s a balance between customer experience and profitability.
FAQ 9: Are movie trailers the same length at every theater?
Movie trailers themselves are generally standardized lengths dictated by the studios. However, the number of trailers shown can vary, influencing the overall pre-show duration.
FAQ 10: Do special events, like premieres, start on time?
Special events, such as premieres and Q&A sessions, rarely adhere to the advertised showtime. These events often include introductions, speeches, and other pre-screening activities.
FAQ 11: Are there any theaters that always start movies on time?
While rare, some smaller, independent theaters may prioritize punctuality. Look for theaters that explicitly advertise a commitment to starting movies on time or have a reputation for doing so.
FAQ 12: Will streaming services eventually eliminate the movie theater delay?
Streaming services offer instant, on-demand access to movies without any pre-show delays. This is undoubtedly a factor contributing to the evolving landscape of movie consumption and may eventually influence theatrical practices.
Conclusion: Navigating the Cinematic Timewarp
The “delay” before a movie officially starts has become a cultural norm. Understanding the reasons behind this practice empowers you to manage your time effectively and optimize your moviegoing experience. By arriving strategically, leveraging technology, and accepting the pre-show as part of the package, you can enjoy the magic of the movies without unnecessary frustration. Embrace the pre-show or avoid it – the choice is yours, now you are informed.