During the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat amid mass closures. Movie theaters are just one of many industries that have been forced to shut their doors to mitigate the spread of the virus. At the same time, major films, including Disney-Pixar’s “Onward” and Universal Picture’s “The Invisible Man,” scheduled for theatrical release have been switched to video-on-demand releases through Amazon Prime Video or other services.

On the surface, these releases are exciting considering the boredom so many of us are struggling with while isolating at home. However, it begs the question of whether the convenience of these releases will alter the future success of movie theaters once the pandemic subsides.

This issue is not a new debate, but the COVID-19 closures heighten the stakes: with the resulting profit loss, movie theaters are under more pressure than ever to perform well. While at-home viewing is the only choice right now, it is no secret that Netflix and other streaming platforms have become a strong competitor for theatrical releases. 

There has been a prominent debate surrounding the theatrical window for film releases by studios and movie theaters. Generally, this window is at least 90 days, meaning that the films will stay in theaters exclusively for this length of time before becoming available for digital viewing. This window is a massive part of the driving force for viewers to actually go to the cinemas rather than watching at home.

Netflix made headlines regarding their Oscar-nominated original film “The Irishman,” as they pushed theater companies to reduce the theatrical window for the film. The film ultimately played for just 26 days in a limited number of theaters before it was released for streaming. The decision represented something of a stand-off between Netflix and theater chains and indicated that streaming services and movie theaters may not be able to co-exist peacefully.

Interestingly, Netflix came to the rescue in an unexpected move in November 2019 when they settled a deal to extend the lease of Manhattan’s famed Paris Theatre, which is the city’s last single-screen theater.

In the wake of these decisions, the COVID-19 crisis could reasonably sound alarm bells regarding the state of movie theaters in the country. With so much streaming being done during this quarantine, will the magic of the movie theater be lost in preference for convenience? 

While there is ample cause to worry about small theaters, it is unlikely that this pandemic will spell the end of traditional movie-going as we know it. There is an undeniable excitement that comes with a trip to the cinema, a mix of nostalgia and the smell of fresh popcorn. Though streaming services may certainly cut into the profits of these businesses, they are not a true replacement.

Some movies are merely meant to be seen on screen. It cannot be denied that seeing films in the dark, on a large screen, with roaring sound playing all around you is the best way to view a film. Think about how you watch movies at home: the lights are often turned down, the sound is all the way up with popcorn in hand. We are — whether we realize it or not — recreating the atmosphere of the movies.

Thankfully, the country has not turned its back on the movie theater industry. In a nostalgia-fueled move, drive-in movie theaters have experienced something of revitalization during this crisis. With an opportunity to enjoy communal movie watching while adhering to social distancing practices, it is a welcome opportunity for movie viewers to regain a sense of excitement and normalcy during these trying times. 

Some theaters are offering to-go popcorn for patrons to enjoy during at-home movie viewing. While, of course, this is far from a replacement for the profit loss, it is a small sign that people still truly love the experience of the theater.

The Criterion Collection has set up a short-term relief fund to help independent movie theaters across the country survive during the closure. In addition to lobbying Congress for financial assistance, the National Association of Theatre Owners and the Pioneers Assistance Fund have created a $2.4 million fund for theater employees during the pandemic. 

Prolific director Christopher Nolan, in an essay for The Washington Post, reminded readers of the importance of movie theaters to the country as a whole. He writes, “These are places of joyful mingling where workers serve up stories and treat to the crowds that come to enjoy an evening out with friends and family.” As we continue to practice social distancing, I hope that we can all cherish these unique joys when we are able to return to the cinema. 

Once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted — whenever that may be — I encourage you to visit a theater you have never been to before. New York City is filled with a multitude of unique theaters including Film Forum, IFC Center, Cinema Village and the Film Society of Lincoln Center (just a Ram Van ride away!). I encourage you to remember the movies as an escape from our own chaotic lives. The theaters will need your support once this is over, and we will need the magic of the movies perhaps more than ever.

Kelly Christ, FCRH ’21, is an English and psychology major from Long Island, N.Y.