It's funny, but since I moved to my current location, we have several neighbourhood theatres along the highway. In town, we have a 7 year-old twin theatre with stadium seating and digital sound, The nearest multiplex is a 10 screener with digital projection on about half the screens 20 mins away. The local theatre keeps its prices competitive and the average run for a movie is 2-3 weeks. 15 mins away is another neighbourhood theatre of considerably older vintage that has been twinned. Another pair of 4-screen neighbourhood theatres are 20 and 40 minutes away respectively, both with at least one screen digital. How do these theatres stay competitive? They don't charge as much as the larger multiplexes and the one in my town keeps costs low by running a cash-only business. Neighbourhood theatres can be viable, but only if we support them. I would also note that my local theatre does not run commercials before the show.