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Dutch cinema chain Pathé is hypnotizing 30 film fans to erase their memories of specific movies so they can watch them again as if for the first time. The experiment, titled Pathé REWIND, is scheduled for November 9 at the Pathé Buitenhof location in The Hague. This initiative coincides with a significant shift in the entertainment industry, where streaming revenue has overtaken traditional ticket sales in North America.
Pathé REWIND Event Details
Participants in the Pathé REWIND event will choose from a list of four films: The Matrix, Se7en, La La Land, and Interstellar. The process involves two stages of hypnosis. First, hypnotherapist Victor Kraemer, who has over 30 years of experience as a hypnosis specialist, will guide each fan through an online session. Immediately before the screening begins, the group will undergo hypnosis again to induce the forgetting state.
Pathé stated in its announcement that the goal is to test whether the “magic of a first viewing” can be relived. The chain did not mention Netflix or broader box office trends in its official communication regarding the event. Furthermore, Pathé has not disclosed the methodology it will use to verify whether participants have actually forgotten the plot of their chosen films. The event is limited to 30 people, making it a small-scale test rather than a widespread marketing campaign.
Streaming Revenue Surpasses Box Office
The timing of the hypnosis experiment aligns with a reversal in revenue between streaming services and theatrical releases in the United States and Canada. In 2019, the US and Canadian box office generated $11.36 billion, while Netflix earned $10.05 billion in the same region. By 2025, this dynamic has flipped. Netflix’s regional revenue has nearly doubled to $19.96 billion, whereas US and Canadian box office receipts have fallen to $8.66 billion.
This means Netflix now makes more than twice the amount of the region’s ticket sales. The gap between the two revenue streams has widened to approximately $11 billion. AMC Entertainment, one of the largest theater chains, has reported some recovery in its financial performance. The company posted second-quarter revenue of $1.59 billion, a 14% increase year over year. However, Netflix shares hit a 26-month low in October despite the company reporting record revenue.
AMC’s third-quarter report is scheduled for November 4, which will provide further insight into whether the theater industry’s rebound is sustainable. The chain has previously engaged with digital asset communities, adding Bitcoin payments for tickets and expanding to include Dogecoin payment options. AMC shares also saw a 15% jump in premarket trading in September amid a dispute over stock tokens. The company remains a notable name among retail traders following its prominence during the 2021 meme stock rally.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Pathé REWIND hypnosis event taking place?
The event is set for November 9 at Pathé Buitenhof in The Hague. It involves 30 participants who will be hypnotized to forget films such as The Matrix and Interstellar.
How does Netflix revenue compare to the North American box office in 2025?
In 2025, Netflix’s regional revenue reached $19.96 billion, while US and Canadian box office receipts fell to $8.66 billion. This represents a gap of approximately $11 billion in favor of the streaming platform.
