movies, movie theaters will find their way,” says
Mann. “Movie theater chains might be wise to
come out of this with a whole new way of, ‘Hey,
look at all we have to offer. We can make this
experience really special.’”
As the pandemic continues, a larger streaming
ecosystem is growing, too. Viewership is soaring.
Viewing parties, a digital facsimile of communal
moviegoing, are increasing. Some theaters
have even themselves embraced streaming as a
band-aid and set up virtual screenings online.
But none of those options — all of which come
with a “pause” button — provide what many
right now could use most: an escape.