Movie theater chain AMC warned that it may
not survive the coronavirus pandemic, which
has shuttered its theaters and led film studios
to explore releasing more movies directly to
viewers over the internet.
It’s the latest danger sign for the theater
business in North America, which was under
pressure even before the pandemic. It has
gotten a boost by raising ticket prices and
revamping theater-going into a more luxurious
experience with drinks and meals, but
admissions have been gradually declining since
- The box office has become home mostly
to blockbuster films: Sequels, remakes and
superhero movies dominate. Meanwhile, the rise
of streaming services — Netflix and a growing
stable of rivals — is providing new competition.