For example, one of the best films of the year -- Margin Call -- was released on a variety of streaming services the same day it was available in theaters
I agree. Sometimes I feel I could pay $3-$5 if I could watch the movie from home on opening day.
They are experimenting with that and pricing it more as a PPV event, $30-$50. Not a bad price if you consider a family of 4 or if you have a good spot to gather some friends together.
My own personal reaction is that $50 to see a movie is not "not bad" unless it's spread out across quite a few people as you mention, then of course collect each person's share, say have 30 people over, charge $5 each, that's $150, $100 profit after expenses, plus the proceeds from popcorn sales. This could be a nice home business, OK, I'm convinced.
I agree. Sometimes I feel I could pay $3-$5 if I could watch the movie from home on opening day.