Evolution of Cinemas: A Video Journey Through History
The history of cinemas spans over a century, reflecting the technological and social changes that have shaped our entertainment culture. From the grand standalone theaters to the modern multiplexes tucked inside shopping malls, the evolution of cinemas has been a fascinating journey through time. Let’s delve into the intricate tapestry of cinematic evolution, exploring how it has transformed from its humble beginnings to the diverse landscape we see today.
Origin Story of Cinemas
The first public cinema in the world was the Nickelodeon, established in 1905 in Pittsburgh, USA. Founded by Harry Davis and John Harris, the Nickelodeon exclusively screened silent short films lasting 15-20 minutes. These films were projected onto a simple screen using white sheets. Despite the rudimentary technology of the time, audiences were captivated by this new form of entertainment.
By the 1920s, advancements in projector technology allowed for the synchronization of sound and image, marking the end of the silent film era. A decade later, color projection became possible, revolutionizing the movie-watching experience in theaters.
The Rise of Singleplex Cinemas
Singleplex cinemas, characterized by a single large auditorium with a large screen and many seats, initially dominated the cinema landscape. In America, cinema workers were predominantly immigrants, making cinemas a melting pot of cultures.
However, as time passed, audiences sought a more relaxed and flexible viewing experience. In 1933, the concept of drive-in cinemas emerged in the USA. Drive-in cinemas allowed viewers to watch movies from the comfort of their cars on a vast outdoor screen.
The Golden Era of Drive-In Cinemas
During the 1950s and 1960s, drive-in cinemas reached the peak of their popularity, with approximately 4000 drive-ins across the USA. Audiences enjoyed the freedom to converse and dine while watching movies, creating a unique and laid-back viewing experience.
Despite their popularity, drive-in cinemas could only screen one film at a time, posing a challenge as the number of films produced increased. Thus, in the 1980s, the concept of multiplex cinemas was born.
The Birth and Dominance of Multiplex Cinemas
Multiplex cinemas, also known as cineplexes, are cinema complexes with multiple screening rooms in one location. This concept allowed for the simultaneous screening of several films, providing more choices for viewers and boosting profits for cinema operators and the film industry.
At the same time, the USA saw a boom in mall construction in the 1980s. These new suburban malls became ideal locations for multiplex cinemas. The collaboration between mall operators and cinemas created a mutually beneficial synergy. Moviegoers had to pass through various mall stores before reaching the cinema, supporting the concept of co-opetition or competition through cooperation.
The Evolution of Cinemas in Indonesia
The history of cinemas in Indonesia follows a similar pattern to the USA. The Royal Bioscope, established in 1905, was Indonesia’s first independent cinema. The first luxury cinema after independence was the Metropole in Jakarta, opened in 1951.
From the 1970s to the late 1990s, independent cinemas flourished in almost every city in Indonesia. The first drive-in cinema in Indonesia emerged in 1970 in Ancol, Jakarta, becoming the largest in Southeast Asia at the time.
The Era of Multiplex Cinemas in Indonesia
The concept of multiplex cinemas made its way to Indonesia in 1986 with the establishment of Cineplex 21. Working in collaboration with the Golden Truly shopping center, Cineplex 21 ushered in a new era for the cinema industry in Indonesia. With multiple screens in various locations, Cineplex 21 offered a wider range of films, including foreign movies, to Indonesian audiences.
However, the dominance of Cineplex 21 also had negative repercussions. Many independent cinemas closed down due to the inability to compete, leading to a reduction in screening space. From 1990 to 1998, the Indonesian film industry suffered setbacks as local films struggled to secure screening slots in cinemas.
The Impact of the Pandemic and the Rise of Alternative Cinemas
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dealt a severe blow to the mall-centered cinema industry. Social restrictions and mall closures prevented cinemas from operating, affecting revenue and the sustainability of the film industry.
In the midst of this challenging situation, a wave of alternative cinemas emerged, such as Kineforum, Cine Space, and Radiant Cinema. These cinemas regularly screen independent films and movies that do not find space in mainstream cinemas, breathing new life into the Indonesian film industry.
The Future of Cinemas
While the concept of cinemas has evolved over time, the public’s need for film viewing remains constant. The question remains: what will the future of cinemas look like to meet the audience’s needs while remaining profitable for service providers? Perhaps the answer lies in striking a balance between entertainment and business, as well as adapting to technological and social changes.
