Report: 77% think 3D movie tickets cost too much

The added premium price of 3D movie tickets is too much for most movie watchers, even though 3D content has been popular at the box office.

Recently released Despicable Me from Universal Pictures generated $60.1 million last weekend -- but only 45 percent of that cut was from 3D screenings of the movie -- a disappointing figure for a movie release with 3D.

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Furthermore, some movie theaters have tossed around the idea of charging even more for 3D movies, believing consumers won't mind paying more for the ticket.

"It is pretty clear from the [respondent] comments that they are not happy with the movie exhibition industry and are clearly differentiating between paying ‘up’ for movies like Avatar  vs. less exciting, lower quality movies,” said Richard Greenfield, BTIG Research analyst, in a statement.

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As part of his research, Greenfeld discovered 77 percent of the 2,600 people asked said the $4 added price tag for 3D movies is too much.  Around 37 percent of people surveyed said they don’t have interest in paying more to see a movie.  Despite cost concerns, about 80 percent said they've seen at least one 3D movie.

RealD has helped movie theaters convert to 3D by offering digital projector upgrades for free, while licensing fees go up between 40 and 50 cents per theater attendee.

I still believe we'll see the cost of 3D movie tickets increase further, as more people try seeing a 3D movie.

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The rise in popularity of 3D in movie theaters also has led RealD and other companies to develop custom 3D glasses for movie goers.  RealD, which manufacturers the cheap, plastic 3D glasses you've probably worn before, also has child-size 3D glasses.  The new glasses are ideal for children who are 8 years old or younger, and will be available in addition to adult glasses.

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