Monday, July 21, 2008
Dark Knight Sets Weekend Record; 13 Percent Bought Online
My friend and I were having dinner last night when we decided to see a movie. It was hot outside, we were tired and couldn't imagine wandering around in the 95 degree heat. Our decision was an impulse buy.
Fortunately, Fandango and Moviefone -- two of the leading online ticketing brokers for cinema -- have mobile sites (although I don't recommend Moviefone mobile, it's just awful). Within minutes of making our decision, I'd fired up Fandango's mobile site, found a theater near our location (by punching in a zip code) and rattled off a list of times.
The only thing missing in the transaction process: I couldn't buy the ticket, which concerned us since everyone went to see The Dark Knight this week -- to the tune of $155 million in sales.
We got a little nervous even though it was Sunday. Normally I purchase my tickets online so I'm not used to waiting in line. Fortunately, we went over an hour early to buy our tickets (the theater was packed for the 4:50 show); however, the days of sidling up to the ticket counter for on-demand tickets is quickly closing.
13 percent of the people who went to see The Dark Knight this weekend bought their tickets online, a staggering 15 tickets per second during peak times.
It would be foolish to equate a blockbuster release with a long-term trend. Even more foolish considering the $251 million in ticket sales this weekend was the largest ever in the history of the industry, smashing the previous record of $218 million.
Still the trending is relatively clear on this: Online sales are the way to go, particularly if you want to assure you have tickets and want to beat the long lines.
Posted By Brad King at 11:45 AM
Permanent Link: Dark Knight Sets Weekend Record; 13 Percent Bought Online
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