- When you decided to obtain a DVD for your science fiction assignment in Module 4, where did you go to find a movie based on a Philip K. Dick book? Did you rent or purchase a DVD, or did you view it digitally on your computer using Netflix or a similar vendor of video on demand?
For my choice I ended up having the movie Minority Report. However, I do have Netflix and that would have been an option as well.
- Is the current competition between DVDs and video on demand an example of increasing returns or Red Queens? Justify your response with sound reasoning and specific examples.
I believe that it is a reference to "Red Queens." As Dr. Thornburg mentioned about Lewis Caroll's story, "Run as fast as you can to stay in the same place," movie companies must continuously think of whats next. If they do not adapt, they will become obsolete. Success only lasts so long and competition is always there. I know personally that I stopped buying DVDs because I know that I can have just about any movie in my mailbox within a couple business days. However, movies that are collectibles or worth keeping, I will go out and buy. One major difference now is that I don't waste money on pointless DVDs that I wish I never bought.
- Where do you think DVDs and video on demand are on the four criteria of McLuhan’s tetrad?
DVDs enhance the ability to watch movies with great video and sound at home. However, now with HD television and extremely high quality televisions, the home experience is slowly obsoleting the movie theater industry. (Their counter attack is to offer 3D movies but that is also slowly being made obsolete with this being able to be done at home as well.)
DVDs and Video on Demand rekindle movie night for families. Many people would go to the movies or even watch a show on TV, but with the cost of movie tickets and the ability to record TV and watch at leisure, this has gone away. With more choices both in types of movies and when and where to watch, more families have the option to meet most of the families wants and needs.
With the available at any time movie as well as the ever growing technology world, movies may become more interactive. Like the old books where you can "Choose your own adventure," a movie might allow you to do the same. This will make the audience be able to be a part of the art.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI also had Minority Report in my library (I have Total Recall too). You are on target with the way the movie industry has to try and keep pace with developing technology. There are very view movies nowadays that I feel I have to see in a theater. With my surround sound and big screen TV I am much more comfortable watching at home. Quite frankly I typically have a much better experience at home with comfort and quality.
Richard,
ReplyDeleteI am a total girl when it comes to TVs...I cannot tell the difference between surrounds sound, HD, plasma and all that jazz. I am not into having the newest TV with the greatest bells and whistles. I think that even though companies have to keep abreast of their competitors, they also have to remember that some people want to have a TV that is simple, functional and affordable.
Richard:
ReplyDeleteDVD and on demand streaming video will indeed make movie theater obsolete. Hollywood is already complaining for loosing profits because of the reduction in DVD sales. I think Hollywood would have to think about something else. May be they have to develop virtual theaters, that might be a better avenue for business for the digital age. Great insights!
Soushira