Independent cinema operators say they are seeing a revival in enthusiasm for the big screen after COVID 19 halted trade, with research indicating a comeback.
Movie theatres across the country struggled to survive at the height of the epidemic as social distancing measures limited sales and long lockdowns plunged the businesses further into the red.
Bob Brainwood, from Roxy Cinema in Nowra on the New South Wales South Coast, said that the recent increase in sales at the box office was due to a renewed appreciation for outings.
Brainwood said that people are just enjoying going out.
Brainwood said that the release of blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis and Jurassic World Dominion had also helped to coax customers back.
He said that Top Gun was one of the best movies that have ever come out.
We're seeing these titles that come out every fortnight and they're still holding out. In the Southern Highlands, Gerard Aitkin of Empire Cinema said he had noticed a shift in the demographic returning to the movies and the unusual times sessions were booking out.
He said that the age group is surprised by the fact that there are a lot of young people in there as well.
Aitkin said that the state government's discovery vouchers, due to expire on Thursday, had given his business a leg-up.
He said that this week is bigger than pre-pandemic levels.
It's good to see people using vouchers to get back on our feet, because they have been an integral part of getting us back on our feet. Both operators said that the novelty of streaming services was wearing off because of the recent enthusiasm for the big screen experience.
Everything has its day, Mr Brainwood said.
It's coming under control now, and it's good in some things. According to Roy Morgan, cinema attendance in the country has soared in recent months, as people come in to see these films are obviously wanting to have that theatrical experience.
The market researcher found that 2022 will be a bumper year for the cinema industry as audiences are expected to grow in the months ahead.
The average cinemagoer attended the cinema over 1.4 times in the March quarter of 2022, a rate comparable to before the pandemic two years ago.