Why you have to buy 3D glasses separately at the movies

Why aren’t 3D glasses included in the price of a 3D movie ticket and why don’t I receive a pair automatically when going to watch a 3D movie?

Nu Metro and Ster-Kinekor were asked these questions by MyBroadband, following a staff member raising the issue in the office.

Nu Metro Operations Executive Andries Basson told MyBroadband that due to royalty calculations, Nu Metro cannot include 3D glasses in the ticket price of a 3D movie.

“Film studios/distributors (who supply film content to Nu Metro for exhibition) calculate royalties and film rental costs on movie ticket prices/sales,” said Basson.

“3D glasses are not considered a movie product-item and can therefore not be included in the main 3D movie ticket pricing.”

Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro customers are also able to reuse 3D glasses from previous movies, and the purchase of 3D glasses is therefore listed as optional.

Ster-Kinekor encourages the reusing of 3D glasses as a way to save, it said.

Collecting 3D glasses

Another issue raised was the need to stand in the concession stand queue to collect 3D glasses, often waiting behind many people buying popcorn and drinks.

Nu Metro customers can choose to purchase 3D glasses from either the box office or a self-service terminal, and can collect their glasses from either door control or the catering counter, said the company.

“When selecting to include 3D glasses in their purchase, customers receive a slip/voucher printout along with their ticket, which can be handed to door control at the cinema where they will receive their 3D glasses,” said Basson.

Ster-Kinekor customers can collect their 3D glasses from the catering counter or the box office at certain cinemas.

“Customers booking online and including their 3D glasses purchase can collect their glasses at the catering counter,” said Ster-Kinekor.

“Ster-Kinekor has established that this is the most efficient process to hand out 3D glasses to customers due to the various ways of purchasing a movie ticket.”

This article first appeared on MyBroadband and is republished with permission.

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