The movie industry has taken some big hits over the past two and a half years. Many fans find it much more relaxing to view films in the comfort of their own space minus strangers. In addition, you bypass the hassle of getting to a theater. 

But I still love the ambiance of a movie theater. There is something intimate and unique about it. From the widescreen making characters larger than life, vivid color techniques, and surround sound--who could beat the atmosphere experienced in this sanctuary of escapism?

Despite my fondness for the movie theater environment, I do all my viewing now at home. There are no more distractions from cell phones ringing or pinging, people stepping on my feet or banging into me as they edge by to get to a seat, loud voices, coughing, sneezing, and other annoyances. Often at the theater, I changed my seat rather than get into a possible confrontation addressing someone's bad behavior. Kanopy, Netflix, Tubi, and Amazon have played a part. I have more films than ever to choose from like-new releases, documentaries, and foreign films. 

Movie theaters continue to face financial challenges. To draw in more patrons, over 3,000 cinemas in the U.S. will offer tickets next Saturday, September 3, for no more than $3. Business Insider said that theaters screening films are in a 'drought.' The industry hopes National Cinema Day will attract crowds over the Labor Day Weekend when viewership is traditionally low. At least 30,000 movie screens will offer discounted shows. 

But the planning should have been better because there is no new release this Labor Day Weekend. A revised edition of "Spider-Man: No Way Home" will be shown-- but that is just a re-release. 

The U.K. will honor National Cinema Day on September 3 as well. According to Variety, 500 movie theaters across the pond will offer tickets for 3 pounds, which translates to $3.50 U.S. Britain's movie theater box offices have returned to 80 percent sales of their pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2018 and 2019. But here in the U.S., the story is not so encouraging. Ticket sales have steadily declined, causing the movie theater industry to lose billions. Americans have become homebodies more often than Brits when it comes to movie viewing. 

What could have been done to prevent this? For openers, a ticket should have been more affordably priced, especially when the pandemic hit. People were understandably afraid to be in close quarters with strangers in spaces where it's hard to socially distance. With so many options around, including widescreen home theaters, it would have behooved ticket sellers to drop prices early on. When going to a movie can cost up to $40 per person if you have a soda and popcorn, you might think twice. Perhaps making every day National Theater Day with $3 tickets would help an industry that is lagging. And movie theater venues will have to partner more with streamers to thrive.