The Movie going experience

[hopjohn]

Friday night the wife and I were trying to decide what to do for the evening. I suggested that we go to the movies. Our eventual choice was the new Pixar film, "The Incredibles". This was the first time I'd seen a movie outside my home theater since getting my recliners back in mid-October. About 1/4 way through the film I noticed myself rustling around in the chair feeling a little uncomfortable, and wanting to strecth my legs. About 20 minutes later I was getting really thirsty as the bottle of water we were sharing had run dry. Then there was the lady about six rows down who had that really shrill kind of laugh that makes your eyebrows come together in pain. A little later I needed to relieve myself, but I didn't want to leave my seat at the climax of the film.

The movie itself was even better than I expected it to be, and the younger portion of the audience was noticeably enjoying it. I'd like to say that I'd recommend going out to see it, but watching movies publicly just doesn't do much for me anymore. When my wife commented afterward how much she missed our pause button and bathroom breaks. I told her I missed our recliners most, and she laughed and said, that too.

 

[rgriffin25]

I too prefer the home theater, it is easier to deal with distracting noises when they come from your own family. I agree the pause button is all too important when watching a movie.
I have only been to one theater that has even come close to the comfort I experience at home on my plush leather reclining sofa.

Also, you can rent several movies for the price of a couple of tickets. Or for that matter buy the movie the first week on DVD for less than two tickets

 

[Mr.T]

But then, don't you get sick of staying home too much?



South Africa Picture, doesn't make you feel you want to take a deep breath?
________________________________________________________________

 

[rgriffin25]

Well between work, school, and teaching lessons it is nice to sit back and relax at home.

 

[Leprkon]

it's also kind of nice to not reek of nachos when the movie is over

 

[Rob Babcock]

I much prefer watching movies at home, too. I go see things though, too. We have a theater in town where matinees are $2 & other tickets are $3, and they play movies just before they hit DVD (2nd run maybe?). Not a SOTA movie experience, by any means. But a good way good way to check out a flick you think might be a good DVD purchase without spending too much. We have a very very nice Century Theater in town, too. I pretty much only watch things there at times when there are very few people; that way I always get a superb seat.

While serious movie watching is more enjoyable in my home theater, it's nice to get out of the house to see a flick occasionally.

 

[BMXTRIX]

There's two sides for me... While I love the 10 foot screen and the better sound I am able to get at home. Plus the recliners, pause button, concessions at Safeway prices, and pottie breaks, the getting out thing... Well, I have a 10 month old and watching movies at home has suddenly become much louder and much more difficult.

I finally got out to an actual movie at a theater this past Friday as well. Got the grandparents to watch the kid and my wife and I got to see National Treasure. We ended up paying about 20 bucks for the seats and 15 bucks on food. The seats were decent, but not nearly as comfortable. But, I watched a movie from beginning to end without interruptions. The sound was LOUD - which the wife didn't like that much, but I'm a guy, so it was as it is supposed to be.

It was a fun date night and one of the reasons we got together in the first place... we both are movie theater people, not bar people. So the date night is great and dinner and a movie is just fun when you are ready for the problems that go along with them.

 

[gdm]

amen to all of the replies!!!!! 'nuf said!! I'll keep my HT, beer fridge, pause button, beer fridge, pause button.....ya' get the point. Yes, I do squirm a lot!

The theaters are too loud, cell phones, KIDS, (mine are grown), expensive treats, bad Tex-Mex food shared by the guy next to you, etc. Oh, forgot the horrible manners of some people who act like they are at home in front of their idiot tube, talk, talk, talk,.....!

Instead of a movie, how about a nice dinner, a concert, play or opera, etc. You can always buy the DVD when it comes out! (beer fridge, pause button....!!)

 

[Shinerman]

I also enjoy movies at home more and more. The whole hassle of the Theater is getting ridiculous. People just don't shut up. And then there's the cell phones and even worse, the people who actually have the balls to talk on their cell phones during the movie.

The one exception is a theater nearby where you can enjoy a good dinner and a movie and a cold beer while at the movie. Every other row is taken out and long bars are put in so you can eat, drink and watch a movie. It's pretty fun and the food is actually really good. Best burgers in town, hands down. Kindof a cool change of pace. I am sure they have these in other cities.

Shinerman

 

[WmAx]

I don't care for theaters either. The last few times I want to the theater, I found myself needing food products that are not carried in the theatre in order to enjoy the movies. I started getting foot long subs and taping them in side of a jacket in order to sneak into the theater. I'll just stick to home viewing from now on.

-Chris

Friday night the wife and I were trying to decide what to do for the evening. I suggested that we go to the movies. Our eventual choice was the new Pixar film, "The Incredibles". This was the first time I'd seen a movie outside my home theater since getting my recliners back in mid-October. About 1/4 way through the film I noticed myself rustling around in the chair feeling a little uncomfortable, and wanting to strecth my legs. About 20 minutes later I was getting really thirsty as the bottle of water we were sharing had run dry. Then there was the lady about six rows down who had that really shrill kind of laugh that makes your eyebrows come together in pain. A little later I needed to relieve myself, but I didn't want to leave my seat at the climax of the film.

The movie itself was even better than I expected it to be, and the younger portion of the audience was noticeably enjoying it. I'd like to say that I'd recommend going out to see it, but watching movies publicly just doesn't do much for me anymore. When my wife commented afterward how much she missed our pause button and bathroom breaks. I told her I missed our recliners most, and she laughed and said, that too.

 

[gdm]

Hey! Hope you aren't the guy who ate Tex-Mex who sat next to me!

 

[Cygnus]

Well....for now, I prefer the theatre..why?
1. Popcorn is ALWAYS good!
2. SOUND is great compared to my crap-tastic system (wait till i get my Denon 1705 or 1505 though! )

 

[mcwilson]

Home, no doubt

Home Theatre.

Recliners, pause, rewind, wet bar, better sound, no crowds, no cel phones, no talkers, no inflated snack prices.

 

[Takeereasy]

I know the thread is kind of old for the most part but I'm going to chime in anyway. I really like going to the movies provided that it's the right theater. Not too long ago I went and watched The Incredibles at the Silver City Imax screen. It was to quote Peter Griffin, "Friggin Sweet". That said is it just me or are kids getting dumber, bigger, uglier and louder while loosing all concept of manners. (not you Cygnus) The local theaters are all using low ticket prices to attract crowds. I haven't gone to a movie aside from The Incredibles in 6 months where some moronic 13 year old didn't sit either directly behind or in front of me and talk through the whole movie. We actually had a kid answer his cell phone two rows up from us one night....and then start talking on it. I'm a little timid but my friend doesn't suffer the same affliction and with a few choice words the phone was hung up and the kid was sitting with his head tucked down, afraid for his life. When my girlfriend and I went to see the new Exorcist movie they were refusing to sell tickets to 3 teenage girls directly in line in front of us. With about a minute till start time all three teenage girls filed into the nearly empty theater and sat directly behind us. They were so loud and I've never heard the term, "Like, oh my God" used so much since I was 13 and visiting relatives in the Valley in California.

 

[Audioholics]

We have a 2-year-old and go to the theater about 3 times a year, usually when visiting relatives in Florida or when movies like Star Wars or LOTR come out. Without a doubt the picture and sound quality are better in my home, though I don't consider my current seating to be superior (yet).

 

[ducker]

I'm starting to feel the change over... since I finally have my HT system setup I'm really enjoying watching movies, and when I reflect back on my actual theater trips, I'm wishing I waited to watch it at home. The most recent horrible experience was at the last Harry Potter film. Some "mom" left her cell phone on. Actually it was a Nextel, and whoever was calling the mom kept "beeping" her. She ignored it for 5 minutes. Finally I said (loudly) "answer your frickin' phone". Phone rings, she ignores it again... and again... and again... finally She fished out her phone from her purse, and I thanked her.. I guess she figured that if she ignored it it would eventually stop, which it didn't. She was probably a good 10' away from me but no one else wanted to say anything... The most aggravating thing, is now that whole movie was pretty much tainted by this annoying person.


I plan on seeing movies in a theater only when it's a social thing and/or a major blockbuster style movie.

 

[Shinerman]

Wow, back from the dead thread!

I have really reduced my Theater visits in the last year or so. I can get better sound and picture at home without all the annoying people with cell phones, screaming kids, talkers, etc. I can buy the DVD for a couple more dollars than the price of two tickets. Or rent for $1 if I don't want to buy it. About the only theater I go to now is the one near me that serves food and alcohol. You can see a movie, eat, and enjoy a brewsky all at the same time. One thing I have noticed, at least here in Houston, is that theater crowds have really dropped.

Shinerman

 

[cmusic]

I live in a rural town that has an old 5 screen theater. I only go to the theater if I really want to see a certain movie. Ticket prices were $2.99 until they were raised to $5.99 last fall. The closest new megaplex theater is a good 50-60 miles away. The local theater has not had new screens or sound systems since it opened about 25 years ago. I would say the projectors are that old too. Two of the screen rooms can only handle 25 people each. Only 2 of the 5 screens still have working Dolby surround sound systems. Don't get me started about the concession stand and the restrooms. Teenagers are hired to run the place. The owner says that he can't upgrade without raising prices.

Mostly mega hit movies that will draw large crowds are shown, but every once in a while a good movie gets shown for a few days. I remember Robert Redford's Quiz Show getting shown only for one night, and I was the only one in the theater for that showing. Million Dollar Baby was shown for a few nights last month, and on the night I watched it I was again the only one in the theater. And for MDB the picture was pulled vertically so all the actors looked 8' tall and 2' wide. The manager said the projectionist that knew how to adjust the projector was off that night.

Now I pretty much wait until movies are out on DVD before I watch them on my home theater. I find it amusing that friends and family that watch movies at my home like it better than going out to local theater.

 

[claudermilk]

I quess I'm now weird in that I still enjoy the theater. I like the huge screen & volume that I cannot get at home (at least for the forseeable future). I am picky about the theaters I go to--one of the advantages of where I live--and the preferred one is relatively new with state-of-the art projector, sound system, and comfy seating.

 

[sjdgpt]

The one thing that everybody has forgotten to mention about the benefit of a HT ....... being alone with the W or signficiant other.



Come on, remember the good ole days of being in the balcony of the local theater with Mary Sue Nice-Sweater? Or may be in your town it was the local drive-in with Sally Ann Hot-Lips.

Well, with the HT we can play those same games at home, and there is no worry about a nosy usher coming by with a flashlight, or having to shoo away the kid trying to steal a peak through your steamed up windows.

Besides, I love brownies, warm from the oven with a big scoop of ice cream, while I watch a movie. Try getting that at cinema.