Glen Reynolds points to a Zogby poll of movie goers, well technically I suppose it's a poll of people who don't go to movies. At any rate, the poll says most people think the cost is too high, and the material stinks; without ever mentioning comfort or audiovisual quality. IMO, the entire survey is missing the boat.

I'd be willing to bet, if polled correctly, the vast majority of people would tell you that both image and sound quality are better at home than at a movie theater; and for a fraction of the cost! Not to mention the fact that I don't have to get gouged at the snack counter, or that I can drink a beer or two if I want, or that reclining on my couch is immensely more comfortable than one of those folding theater chairs, or that I can pause and rewind if I feel the need.

And the theaters can't figure out why people aren't buying seven to ten dollar tickets for an obviously lower quality product than the one they can get at home?