I don't go half as much as I'd like, and here's why:-

http://filmsfilmsfilms.co...2-07-25-11

But to people still bother? Has the home entertainment boom (cheap large TVs, blu-ray, etc) made cinema pointless now? Is the cinema experience as good as it use to be?

A couple of years ago, I started feeling like sitting in a freezing, dark, room full of strangers after having paid $10 or more, was a waste of my time.

I already pay the cable company a fortune each month, so I just wait until they come on. I can DVR them and watch them at my leisure. I can also pause if someone calls, I miss something, or if I need to go and do something else.

Plus, I've seen a few movies that I've felt obligated to stay for because I paid for them. If I don't like a movie on cable, I just turn it.

My

I still like going to the movies and to me, there are some movies that must be seen on the big screen.

In some ways the theater experience is better and in some ways it is worse.

I like the stadium seating in newer theaters, but I'm not a big fan of the HUGE screens. I'm lucky. Our local theater upgraded to stadium seating with new theater seats that rock and there is plenty of space, but they kept the smaller screens.

The snacks are too expensive, but they always have been.

Cell phones/texting in the theater is annoying and it seems that more people talk during the show.

So, yeah, I still bother and enjoy it.

[Edited 7/25/12 12:12pm]

Oh hells yes. Going to the cinema with your mates or family is fun as hell. Even though most of us got big HDTV's with blu-ray players. There's just something about going to the movies.

Only downside is that the food is expensive as hell.

I like going when I really enjoy the movie and the people around me are enjoying it just as much, I even like the loud people, though rarely for the theatres I go to are there that many people who talk during the movie. I hate sitting next to people who don't react at all, if it's not crowded I end up moving.

The last 3 movies I went to see were whether disappointing and had me wondering why I made the effort at all.

There are definitely films that I prefer to see on the big screen - which is why I still go to the theater. Basically, anything for which the art direction or cinematography is being touted is something I will trek to the theater for. I will also make an effort to see classic films that get a showing in a theater.

I rarely go to an evening show, though. I hate buying a full-price ticket unless it's a really, really good movie.

This year, I've seen The Artist and Moonrise Kingdom in a theater - and was glad I did.

chocolate1 said:

A couple of years ago, I started feeling like sitting in a freezing, dark, room full of strangers after having paid $10 or more, was a waste of my time.

I already pay the cable company a fortune each month, so I just wait until they come on. I can DVR them and watch them at my leisure. I can also pause if someone calls, I miss something, or if I need to go and do something else.

Plus, I've seen a few movies that I've felt obligated to stay for because I paid for them. If I don't like a movie on cable, I just turn it.

My

See. I pay Comcast over $100 each month. I can't remember that last time I went to the movies. I do remember I went to a mantinee while school was still in session becasue the theatre is damn near empty and you don't have to deal with unruly teenagers. Plus, by the time you drive to the theatre, pay for your ticket and a few snacks, you've spent damn near $25.00. For that, I will wait til the movie comes out on DVD or cable. The only time I will spend good money for a movie is if it's something I can't want for later.

It's kind of like asking religious people, do want to go to a church and sit through with others or do you want to be alone in your own home or with your own little circle of people.

Also in some ways similar to a sporting event.

Sometimes the community aspect of it really enhances the movie even if everyone is silent.

ufoclub said:

It's kind of like asking religious people, do want to go to a church and sit through with others or do you want to be alone in your own home or with your own little circle of people.

Also in some ways similar to a sporting event.

Sometimes the community aspect of it really enhances the movie even if everyone is silent.

This is so true.

Several years ago, one of the "art house" theaters in my city (no longer there, unfortunately) showed a series of films to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Columbia Studios. One of the films they showed is a huge favorite of mine - It Happened One Night. Now, I had seen that film at least a dozen times - but never on the big screen. I was amazed at how much funnier it was than I thought - not just because I was seeing it bigger, but because there were people besides me laughing.

It was a real eye opener.

ufoclub said:

It's kind of like asking religious people, do want to go to a church and sit through with others or do you want to be alone in your own home or with your own little circle of people.

Also in some ways similar to a sporting event.

Sometimes the community aspect of it really enhances the movie even if everyone is silent.

But in church or at a sporting event, I want the interaction.

With a movie, no community needed. All I need is for everyone to STFU... no talking, no cell phones, no kicking my chair, no kids...

I've gotten crotchety in my old age.

Genesia said:

ufoclub said:

It's kind of like asking religious people, do want to go to a church and sit through with others or do you want to be alone in your own home or with your own little circle of people.

Also in some ways similar to a sporting event.

Sometimes the community aspect of it really enhances the movie even if everyone is silent.

This is so true.

Several years ago, one of the "art house" theaters in my city (no longer there, unfortunately) showed a series of films to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Columbia Studios. One of the films they showed is a huge favorite of mine - It Happened One Night. Now, I had seen that film at least a dozen times - but never on the big screen. I was amazed at how much funnier it was than I thought - not just because I was seeing it bigger, but because there were people besides me laughing.

It was a real eye opener.

I recently saw my favorite movie Close Encounters at an outdoor public setting in the middle of town with tons of people watching, laughing, silent in awe, etc.

And despite having it at home on blu-ray with a great sound system and a big precise tv... the movie is so much more vivid in the community setting. Some movie do work better than way, and I think the original blockbusters of the 70's and early 80's were all better in the community cinema setting.

chocolate1 said:

ufoclub said:

It's kind of like asking religious people, do want to go to a church and sit through with others or do you want to be alone in your own home or with your own little circle of people.

Also in some ways similar to a sporting event.

Sometimes the community aspect of it really enhances the movie even if everyone is silent.

But in church or at a sporting event, I want the interaction.

With a movie, no community needed. All I need is for everyone to STFU... no talking, no cell phones, no kicking my chair, no kids...

I've gotten crotchety in my old age.

Girl, please! I been crochety since I turned 40. I'm 62 now. Go figure!

ufoclub said:

Genesia said:

This is so true.

Several years ago, one of the "art house" theaters in my city (no longer there, unfortunately) showed a series of films to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Columbia Studios. One of the films they showed is a huge favorite of mine - It Happened One Night. Now, I had seen that film at least a dozen times - but never on the big screen. I was amazed at how much funnier it was than I thought - not just because I was seeing it bigger, but because there were people besides me laughing.

It was a real eye opener.

I recently saw my favorite movie Close Encounters at an outdoor public setting in the middle of town with tons of people watching, laughing, silent in awe, etc.

And despite having it at home on blu-ray with a great sound system and a big precise tv... the movie is so much more vivid in the community setting. Some movie do work better than way, and I think the original blockbusters of the 70's and early 80's were all better in the community cinema setting.

Oh, Close Encounters is definitely one that needs to be seen on the big screen and with a full audience. It loses a lot if you just watch it at home.

I haven't gone to a movie theater in decades. They come out on DVD so quickly after they leave the theater that there's no need to go to the theater. Plus, you can smoke without having to leave the room and miss the movie.

chocolate1 said:

ufoclub said:

It's kind of like asking religious people, do want to go to a church and sit through with others or do you want to be alone in your own home or with your own little circle of people.

Also in some ways similar to a sporting event.

Sometimes the community aspect of it really enhances the movie even if everyone is silent.

But in church or at a sporting event, I want the interaction.

With a movie, no community needed. All I need is for everyone to STFU... no talking, no cell phones, no kicking my chair, no kids...

I've gotten crotchety in my old age.

I'm the same way, even watching a movie or TV show at home. When I have company over, I have them over for fun and conversation. When company comes over, I turn on music, not the TV because a TV can ruin a conversation real quick because you have to pay attention to it if you want to keep up with the storyline. Also, when I watch TV or a movie, I prefer to watch alone so I can watch and give it my full attention without disturbances from other people. I love to watch music videos or anything musical with other people but when it comes to something that you have to actually pay attention to, I want to watch it alone.

.

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[Edited 7/25/12 13:29pm]

The popcorn is too addicting!

vainandy said:

chocolate1 said:

But in church or at a sporting event, I want the interaction.

With a movie, no community needed. All I need is for everyone to STFU... no talking, no cell phones, no kicking my chair, no kids...

I've gotten crotchety in my old age.

I'm the same way, even watching a movie or TV show at home. When I have company over, I have them over for fun and conversation. When company comes over, I turn on music, not the TV because a TV can ruin a conversation real quick because you have to pay attention to it if you want to keep up with the storyline. Also, when I watch TV or a movie, I prefer to watch alone so I can watch and give it my full attention without disturbances from other people. I love to watch music videos or anything musical with other people but when it comes to something that you have to actually pay attention to, I want to watch it alone.

.

.

.

[Edited 7/25/12 13:29pm]

See. I hate it when I'm trying to concentrate on a show and some asshole wants to hold a conversation.

I always considered cinema as being distinct from movies. Cinema has

auteurs. Movies have directors. Cinema seems to focus moreso on expressing

artistry that prompts the viewer into thinking whereas movies prompt you

to the concessions stand for the 78oz blue raspberry slushee and tub o' pop

corn.

With that being said, I prefer movies over cinema. I like tits n ass, shit blowing

up, gritty cop movies; I want to escape reality, not ponder it, when I'm watching

any type of film.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts folks (its why I post stuff like this on the Org...love reading the replies and the discussion is always fascinating!)

I agree with the point about the collective experience in a cinema, even if the audience are silent (like they should be). Was lucky enough to finally see my fave film Aliens on the big screen as part of a four film Alien marathon recently. Cinema was full of Alien fans and it was great to experience the films alongside like-minded people. Unfortunately, trips to our local cinema for normal viewings are far from this, thanks to inconsiderate behaviour from some audience members...

DaveT said:

Thanks for sharing your thoughts folks (its why I post stuff like this on the Org...love reading the replies and the discussion is always fascinating!)

I agree with the point about the collective experience in a cinema, even if the audience are silent (like they should be). Was lucky enough to finally see my fave film Aliens on the big screen as part of a four film Alien marathon recently. Cinema was full of Alien fans and it was great to experience the films alongside like-minded people. Unfortunately, trips to our local cinema for normal viewings are far from this, thanks to inconsiderate behaviour from some audience members...

I think a lot depends on what kind of movies you like to see at the theater. I almost never go to big studio releases - I prefer independent and niche films. Those audiences tend to be older and more polite.

I also like to go to the Sundance Theatre in the city where I live. Their ticket prices are higher (which I don't particularly care for), but there's a snob appeal to that venue that seems to keep the more obnoxious element away.

Nothinbutjoy said:

I still like going to the movies and to me, there are some movies that must be seen on the big screen.

In some ways the theater experience is better and in some ways it is worse.

I like the stadium seating in newer theaters, but I'm not a big fan of the HUGE screens. I'm lucky. Our local theater upgraded to stadium seating with new theater seats that rock and there is plenty of space, but they kept the smaller screens.

The snacks are too expensive, but they always have been.

Cell phones/texting in the theater is annoying and it seems that more people talk during the show.

So, yeah, I still bother and enjoy it.

[Edited 7/25/12 12:12pm]

And I got a card where I can get points towards a 'free' movie and all concessions merch is 10% off.

About snacks......... back in the day we would make homemade popcorn and put it in a paper grocery bag and take it with us to munch on rather than buy it.

I will say, the very best movie snack tip I ever got came right here from the .org.

Buy a small bag of popcorn and add milk duds and/or m&m's to it.

That's been my movie snack ever since. Unless I want Red Vines or Twizzlers.

Nothinbutjoy said:

I will say, the very best movie snack tip I ever got came right here from the .org.

Buy a small bag of popcorn and add milk duds and/or m&m's to it.

That's been my movie snack ever since. Unless I want Red Vines or Twizzlers.

Dayum!! I will definately try that next time.

I like black licorice twizzlers !!!

I HATE rude loud people and their noisy kids....

I stopped going. I rather just buy the movie and watch it in my own space with my own popcorn that doesn't smell like piss like the movie theater popcorn butter does.

For me, there is just something fun about the atmosphere of going to the cinema, with those you love or alone.

The tacky buttery air, the overpriced food, the dark hallways and loudness of it all--back in the day when people actually saved money, these outings were special....and I still feel that when I go.

Watching Prometheus in your Mcmansion just doesn't feel the same to me.

There's a lot of REALLY nice movie theaters in Bangkok, but there's one "old style" one that

I absolutely love. You still get escorted to your seat by a concierge, the atmosphere feels

stuck in time, and the theater is still lined with the old style curtains...It's just....really special.

I am in love with cinema as an art form, and that means light permeating a piece of celluloid projected onto a giant screen in the dark. I almost never watch movies in other contexts. I don't own a TV. My favorite is watching silent movies in a movie palace with a live orchestra, which happens regularly where I live. I have a home movie theater in my loft -- a video projector which produces a very large image on a wall. But even then, I rarely use it because I prefer the theater experience.

Movies have gotten really expensive, but I don't mind paying because I'd rather support them than watch them continue to disappear.

heartbeatocean said:

I am in love with cinema as an art form, and that means light permeating a piece of celluloid projected onto a giant screen in the dark. I almost never watch movies in other contexts. I don't own a TV. My favorite is watching silent movies in a movie palace with a live orchestra, which happens regularly where I live. I have a home movie theater in my loft -- a video projector which produces a very large image on a wall. But even then, I rarely use it because I prefer the theater experience.

Movies have gotten really expensive, but I don't mind paying because I'd rather support them than watch them continue to disappear.

I miss the old days when some of the 70's blockbusters were kept by their creators away from any other venue but a movie theater.

1977's "Star Wars" one the biggest game changers and and was held from home video until 5 years after it's theatrical release. "E.T." took about 6 years. Those movies held onto a high value in the minds of fans despite the chance to make even more money through alternative forms of watching them being available (like network tv). They wanted them to be special. Only on the big screen.

Arguably, now with surround sound and big HD tv's, we are getting cinematic quality, but there is also a lot of value to the act of going to a venue, joining a crowd of strangers, getting the popcorn, etc.

For those blockbusters, the actof waiting in line was part of the fun, just like a music concert.

I like going to the theatre.
It gives me a reason to go out.
I spend too much time inside, masturbating to internet porn.
Going to my local cinema provides a nice break in the day for my penis.