Another summer has gone and yet again the film industry sees steady losses. Why? Has the internet and video games industry taken more of the summer blockbuster pie? Are the movies that are being released less appealing than the previous years? While some of this is true its not the true underlining cause. The reason for these losses is simple. Movies are coming out on DVD way too soon.

When I was a kid I remember that if you didn't see a film while it was in the theater. You had to wait a long time for it to be shown on regularTV. Sometimes it took 4 whole years or more. So there was a more need to rush and see a film before it was gone. Newspaper ads used to announce a films final weeks in the theater. There was more of an urgency to see a film before it was too late. Seeing a film on TV paled in comparison. With censorship, commercial and a small screen using standard mono sound.

Flash forward to now and you have only to wait 6 to 4 months (or less if the film didn't fare well in theaters) for movies. I'm sure we have all heard the phrase "I'll wait for the video" And why not, its cheaper and with HDTV and 7.1 surond sound its actually better. The coming of the Cell Phone has made the occasional chatter into a constant stream and those cell phone lights pull you away from the movie. I remember discount theater that would show a film 6 months later at a $2 rate for a double feature. Now if you wait that amount of time you can rent or buy the film. So the question comes to mind is: Why pay full price if I can wait and see it at home on my HDTV with 7.1 True HD Sound. Why pay for overpriced candy and popcorn when I can see it at home to a full cooked meal? Hollywood has yet to address this cause they still make money in the end. Many films that make subpar box office in theaters can make a killing on DVD/Blu Ray Disc release.

No, its the Theaters that suffer. The old projection screen is lacking next to HDTV. While THX is a great sound system. Many 7.1 system can provide superior sound at home. Seeing a film one time for $10 to $14 doesn't compare to renting it for $3.99 or buying it for 14.99 to $29.99 and getting special features. Many movies I would have seen years ago in the theater, I have elected to see at home via netflix or cable tv. The urgency is gone and with it the need to see a movie anytime soon. With video on demand I can wait months before seeing a film. Video game consoles like Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 offer movie rentals now. Ipod, PSP, Zune and many mp3 players makes it possible to watch a major release films only months later during my lunch hour.

Seeing a film in the theater for full price to only see it being watched by someone on the bus can be a humbling experience. So much that the next must see film might get a "I'll wait for the video"