The movie theatre is an interesting case study. They are increasingly losing business as online streaming services increase their domination of the long form entertainment media market. There is a high level of psycho-pleasure involved in not having to go anywhere to see the latest releases. That combined with bigger and bigger consumer TVs and quality surround sound systems, one can easily decide to forgo the cinematically better movie theatre experience in exchange for the psycho-pleasure (read: ease) of staying home. However, I think once people get themselves to a good cinema with comfy chairs, the physio-pleasure derived from the superior cinematic experience may be worth the “painful” journey out; not to mention the potential socio-pleasure derived from going with a group of friends to the cinema.
