popcorn costs

[ccb]

In 1929, The Great Depression popularized popcorn as a movie time treat since it was cheap, easy, tasty and somewhat filling. Back then, a bag cost you 5 cents. Now, a (small) bag costs you $4.75. Sure, our new bag is probably a bit bigger, but it's vastly more expensive.

[J.M. Vargas]

Theater profits have to come from somewhere now that studios and first-week box office takes are so out-of-whack in the latter's favor.

[mkiker2089]

Theater profits have to come from somewhere now that studios and first-week box office takes are so out-of-whack in the latter's favor.

That doesn't completely wash though. They need profits but they don't need to gouge us.

I put the blame on the American consumer though. I used to work in a theatre and there was zero incentive to lower the concession prices. Every customer would make the same old jokes and the same complaints about the prices while handing money over to us. Lowering the prices would give you marginal increases in volume only and less profit overall, so raise the price until people realize they are being cheated, then drop it a quarter and start all over next week.

[BrettCullum]

I still think it's a huge rip-off. I noticed if I go with somebody to the movies, and I buy the tickets and they buy the popcorn and Cokes we come out completely even. A total trip for two people comes out to about $40. That's insane! So I really try not to give in, and I eat before I go in.

[tucco]

I haven't bought a thing for myself besides movie tickets at the theater in so many years, maybe the late '80s or so.
If I'm with a date I'll buy the girl what she wants because I'm not a cheapskate, but will not purchase anything for myself....that's my delusional way of thinking I have not fallen for their jaw-dropping price gouging. Plus I honestly don't need their stinking soda or popcorn. I don't want to have to get up during the showing to use the rest room, plus I stay away from big unhealthy loaded crap like theater popcorn as a general rule, (the vast majority of the time anyway) so why would I eat it at the theater?
Stupid chivalry!

[Jon Mercer]

I go to the theater so rarely these days (its usually reserved as a summer thing for me unless its something I must see, ie; new James Bond movie) that I don't mind splurging a bit and buying a treat for myself and the missus (usually frozen yogurt, or if I'm feeling froggy, a couple tacos), I rarely go for popcorn as it tastes like I'm eating a bucket of salt.

[Dunnyman]

With the local average ticket being 10.00, I have said enough. Last flick I went to, I had a Sobe LifeWater in my sweatshirt pouch and my best friend smuggled in two bags of candy that we bought at the grocery store on the way. Tickets=20.00, Snacks=5.31, much better bargain, and it's kind of fun to eat Smarties in a US theater....