Elijah Wood has criticized AMC Theatres for its new cinema ticket initiative, which has proved rather controversial.
Earlier this week, the entertainment company announced its new program named Sightline, which offers moviegoers a three-tiered pricing system.
AMC Theatres have described it as the 'next evolution of value pricing at the movies', although some are not convinced.
Advert
For a quick rundown, one of tickets under the new program is just dubbed 'standard' - with this being the most common in auditoriums, and available at the same cost of a traditional ticket.
While a cheaper option is the value ticket, which will position cinema-goers in the front row and select ADA seats in the venue.
The most expensive seat in AMC cinemas is known as 'preferred', and these seats are typically positioned in the middle of the auditorium, offering the best view of the action.
Advert
AMC also added that preferred seating can be reserved by AMC Stubs A-List members at 'no additional cost'.
In a statement, AMC Theatres’ EVP and CMO Eliot Hamslisch said: "Sightline at AMC more closely aligns AMC’s seat pricing approach to that of many other entertainment venues, offering experienced-based pricing and another way for moviegoers to find value at the movies.
"While every seat at AMC delivers an amazing moviegoing experience, we know there are some moviegoers who prioritise their specific seat and others who prioritise value moviegoing.
"Sightline at AMC accommodates both sentiments to help ensure that our guests have more control over their experience, so that every trip to an AMC is a great one."
Advert
Sightline will apparently roll out into select theatres in New York, Chicago and Kansas City on 10 February, according to Variety.
But one person who will likely not be heading to one of the first screenings is Elijah Wood, who has been rather critical of the new program.
Taking to Twitter, The Lord of the Rings star voiced his concern for people on a lower income, who he thinks will be penalised as a result of Sightline.
Advert
He said: "The movie theatre is and always has been a sacred democratic space for all and this new initiative @AMCTheatres would essentially penalise people for lower income and reward for higher income."
.png)
Wood is one of the more recent names to criticise Sightline, with YouTube film critic John Rocha being another.
"Look, this is some classist s**t from @AMCTheatres," Rocha wrote on Twitter.
Advert
"IMAX, 4DX, 3D, Screen X charging more makes sense since you're getting the film in a new way.
"BUT this is not the way.
"Poor people, you sit in the poor section and you rich folks please move the velvet ropes around the middle section to find your seats.
"However, this is not too big of a surprise to me.
"If you've been following me for a few years, you know that I've stated that the time is coming when tickets to a movie will be like tickets to Broadway.
"This is a big step in that direction."
UNILAD has contacted AMC Theatres for additional comment.
Topics: Film and TV
Callum Jones