Wasn't that a good question posed by One Suave Chris? (The spelling error is his so I kept it. )

I rarely go to movie theaters anymore. What do I forfeit? A larger screen. Better sound maybe but sometimes I hear the overlapping sounds from an adjacent theater. Then there's that loss of companionship when sharing the room with up to 300 (in the larger venues) other cinema lovers. And their cell phones. Maybe their kids. Since we like aisle seats, I also lose out on the distraction of that weak-bladdered person who gets out of their seat and returns a few times during the movie. 'Scuse me, 'scuse me, 'scuse me. I miss having the bottoms of my shoes sticking on the floor. Crushing popcorn remains. Heads in my view. Viewers who talk to the screen. Then there's the getting there in time for a good seat. Finding a good parking spot. Oh so much!

What do I gain by watching at home? Comfort. Time to take a break if we want to. In the winter, a roaring fire. Lola the lab at our feet. Slippers and jammies. I can even buy my own red vines before the show. There are so many choices now. DVDs come out soon after the release of most films. Even buying a DVD is usually cheaper than two tickets at the local theaters. ($9.50 a seat)

The movie theater down the street from us -- a place where an adolescent Quentin Taratino once spent afternoons -- closed down about a year ago leaving us with one 6-screen art house theater and one 16 screen mall theater nearby.

It's hard to imagine what will recommend movie theaters as home viewing becomes increasingly sophisticated and pleasurable. I once thought high end theaters with comfie plush seats and sales of alcoholic beverages would be a good idea, but then you might have to deal with snoring audience members.

The last film I saw in a theater (not counting film festival films) was United 93. Wanted to see Borat because I almost couldn't wait. But since the times were always a little out of our convenience, we waited. And were disappointed at home instead of in the theater.

Anybody else find themselves avoiding movie theaters these days?

Susan

*waves arms wildly*

I set foot in a movie theater about once a year, and that's only if I even find one movie each year that I absolutely cannot wait until the DVD is released to see it. I became thoroughly disgusted with the whole concept of movie theaters after a showing of Star Trek: Nemesis when I was subjected to pretty much every single thing you mentioned above, Susan. Including the snoring. As well as a loud cell phone conversation being held during one of the quieter scenes in the film. And OH, the EATING. Granted, the movie wasn't exactly riveting or incredible, but hey, I paid my seven bucks to see it and I thought, heck, I deserve to view this film without the added bonus of people eating louder than I've ever heard anyone or anything ever eat in my life. AND they talked back to the screen! And to each other! Loudly! As though they were in the privacy of their own homes! Argh!

When I DO make my annual excursion to the theater, I pick the earliest showing I can get. Not only does it cost me half as much, but more often than not there is almost nobody there that early. Even opening day of the most recent Harry Potter film...there were barely ten of us there. Awesome.

I will take my home theater experience over a movie theater experience anyday. For every reason Susan cited above and more. :)

~ Amanda

"Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave..."

I'd go more often if they'd show anything other than utter shit.

I'd go more often if they'd show anything other than utter shit.

When movie theaters came into being, I imagine they took a cut out of live theater revenues.  Then there was grave concern that television would off the movie theater but it didn't.  But then along came BETA and VHS tapes and once again, there was worry about loss.  Originally only a handful of films made there way to VHS which were too costly to buy anyway. The video rental business was born. Along came the DVD and you could rent either/or.  There was generally a year's wait for the DVD release too.  Remember when there were fewer than a hundred titles available? 

I guess the next question is, what has taken the place of movie viewing if most of them aren't worth watching?  Booth, you are a case in point.  You watch a lot of movies.  Read a lot of books.  What about games?  What takes the place of films for you? YouTube? Graphic novels?  Reality?

Susan 

I guess the next question is, what has taken the place of movie viewing if most of them aren't worth watching? Booth, you are a case in point. You watch a lot of movies. Read a lot of books. What about games? What takes the place of films for you? YouTube? Graphic novels? Reality?

they talked back to the screen! And to each other! Loudly! As though they were in the privacy of their own homes! Argh!

I manage to avoid annoying people-situations like this at the theater. Not so much at restaurants. But this quoted bit of Amanda's post reminds me of my experience seeing KT Tunstall in concert. People would not stop talking. At normal, occasionally louder-than-normal volume. It was like, "Hello! KT is onstage right now! Playing music! Shut the hell up!" And though I was at the table closest to the stage, there was still a good 15 feet of space occupied by people who were all too willing to stand right in front of my view.

Granted, I coulda stood up and forced my way nearer to the front. But the rudeness of the audience really shocked me. Then again, it was a smallish "pub" filled with teens and twentysomethings. On the flip side, the Clapton concert was full of people who obviously genuinely enjoy music, and no one seated near me gabbed on about their personal life when the artists were on stage.

And yes, Virginia (aka Booth), there is a lot of subpar cinematic fare in the multiplexes. But every now and then, something really good slips in, unnoticed. Okay, I can't think of anything specific right now, but...

I don't even remember what was the last film I saw in theaters, probably PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 2 but I'm not sure... I prefer my house...

However, I'm already planning my next trip to the theater: July 27th, Simpsons film; I want to see that in a big screen...

Well, Chris, are you getting an answer to your question?  Looks like you are in the minority at least so far.

Susan 

And yes, Virginia (aka Booth), there is a lot of subpar cinematic fare in the multiplexes. But every now and then, something really good slips in, unnoticed. Okay, I can't think of anything specific right now, but...

Good guess, Becky. That Tim Allen, he sure knows how to make a heartwarming picture that's fun for the whole family. Also, he grunts a lot, which appeals to my caveman instincts.

Can anyone guess a film that I'm going to be sure to see in a movie theater? I've been so quiet about it, this may be a challenge.

Probably a guy movie with massive media hype and a $100 million+ budget?

Susan 

But it's got a really good dir-- except that you don't care for him, I forgot.

Don't knock a blockbuster 'till you've seen it, that's what I say-- hypocritically, because I don't want to see Fantastic Four, have no desire to watch Shrek 3, and think I'll stick with DVDs of old Simpsons seasons. I'll see Pirates and Harry Potter because my mother/friends will drag me to them, but I'll probably enjoy them anyway.

Also, what is a "guy movie"? Women and teen girls will make up most of the Pirates 3 audience, and females around the world love the Harry Potter series. Is your definition of a "girl movie" one that is low-budget and unsung?

EDIT- Oh, and to add another angle to the discussion: what about the effect of watching an exciting film with a responsive audience? I watch DVDs by myself all the time, but watching a film with action and laughs when you're in the middle of a captive audience increases the effect tenfold. The Sin City special ed DVD featured an audio track, recorded during the film's premiere in Texas, of audience reaction to what was going on onscreen, synched with the film on your DVD. It records the laughter, the oohs and ahs, and gives you the sensation of being at a real great show. Of course, if more DVDs did this, the theater experience would be even further degraded.

But it's got a really good dir-- except that you don't care for him, I forgot.

Don't knock a blockbuster 'till you've seen it, that's what I say-- hypocritically, because I don't want to see Fantastic Four, have no desire to watch Shrek 3, and think I'll stick with DVDs of old Simpsons seasons. I'll see Pirates and Harry Potter because my mother/friends will drag me to them, but I'll probably enjoy them anyway.

Also, what is a "guy movie"? Women and teen girls will make up most of the Pirates 3 audience, and females around the world love the Harry Potter series. Is your definition of a "girl movie" one that is low-budget and unsung?

I have seen a blockbuster or two. Maybe more. I even saw the first Batman. DARK. And I don't mean in atmosphere but in actual color tone.

Yeah, I definitely avoid the two page ad films even on DVD. I've seen a gazquillion movies in my life and can narrow down the focus of what I think I'll like by now. The universal appeal of the global film meant for the worldwide audience is unlikely to entice me.

And I do like Christopher Nolan, Logic! It's just that I like him less with each film of his I've seen. Remember, I loved The Following or Following, whichever the title of that early B&W film.

Are you sure about girls making up the majority of the Pirates' audiences? I've never seen anything but clips from them. I wouldn't know.

Well you know there are boy movies and girl movies. A boy movie = The Fast and the Furious. A girl movie = The Notebook. Fer example. Low budget and unsung in no way equals girl movie though it could if it were titled "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." That budget was a little too high for super low budget. And of course it was sung.

Let me think of another. I can't off hand. But you know what I mean.

Batman is a male-themed comic book, tv show and series of films even if some women see it. Deadwood was a male-themed HBO series even though there may have been one or two women who watched it and liked it.

Then there are the crossover films with appeal for both male and female audiences. Like The Big Lebowski. Or Barton Fink. Or Mulholland Drive.

EDIT answer to LogicHat's EDIT... There may be something to recommend the audience response as a plus over watching at home but even still... I can easily do without it.  I sometimes find myself laughing at a line that no one else laughs at in a theater or have heard giggles where I didn't think there was humor.  

But I do find the audience response at any Lynch Film night at the Twin Peaks Festival to be invigorating.  That's definitely a worthwhile group activity. 

I've seen a gazquillion movies in my life and can narrow down the focus of what I think I'll like by now. The universal appeal of the global film meant for the worldwide audience is unlikely to entice me.

I can say the same thing ('cept for the zillions part). I don't see every comic book movie that comes out, or fantasy movie, or 3D animated Disney (or Dreamworks) movie. But I make exceptions. Likewise, even if it's a dramatic character piece, it better have some real interesting angle to it for me to get on board. Like a director whose previous work I enjoy (I'd still see the next Batfilm even if someone unknown was at the helm, Nolan's involvement is just icing on the cake).

Are you sure about girls making up the majority of the Pirates' audiences? I've never seen anything but clips from them. I wouldn't know.

Johnny Depp is having a career renaissance (like he ever really went away) with his Jack Sparrow character, who has many members of both sexes all in a tizzy. But mostly, I've found, women.

Well you know there are boy movies and girl movies. A boy movie = The Fast and the Furious. A girl movie = The Notebook.

Neither of which I have the slightest interest in watching, even if I were trapped on a plane for several hours. I commented on the (perceived) notion that I only go gaga over movies with big guns, fast cars, and jiggling ladyparts. I wanted to see The Science of Sleep in theaters, is that a film for girls (romance), guys (absurd male preoccupations), or both? But I never did, 'cause you don't find those kindsa' movies 'round here.

I guess this post serves no other purpose than to paint a picture of my own personal movie habits.
(PS- I was browsing the website of my new Uni, and they apparently have a campus "movie theater" [which I assume is an empty classroom with a digital projector hooked up to a MacBook]. Looks like they only show one flick at a time, but the kicker is that the film is chosen by a group of student volunteers, basically. I'd join, except that I just know I'd be overruled when I chose something potentially interesting over Nacho Libre, Part Two. But then they actually have to make a profit, now don't they?)

First, the "tp" "misspelling" was a tribute to my fave TV show!!! Second, not surprised at the response, as hardly anyone ever discusses current releases. Just feel like I'm in some weird time warp, when folks start raving about some "new" DVD that I recommended months before. Third, I anticipated all the usual objections, & I empathize. They're all the same reasons I quit going to church (plus the whole lack of faith thing)... It's just sad that so many supposed cinephiles have become cinephobes, due to some negative circumstances. I'm the matinee master myself & attend quite a few free previews. I tend to avoid the times when the less considerate viewers will be in attendance (weekend nights).   I guess it's time for me to  appreciate that I live in the best film town in the world: Seattle.  If you think that's just an opinion, consider the upcoming SIFF, a 3 plus week International Film Fest that inspires much film lover jeans cream( www.seattlefilm.org).   We always have oodles of stuff to enjoy, year round, from the big standards to documentaries, indies, art film, retrospective & archival stuff...   Just in my neighborhood there's at least 16 screens running everything you could imagine (okay, no porn houses).  Wednesday I caught a 12:30 p.m. showing of Paul Verhoeven's Black Book & I was the ONLY ONE in the house.  And I loved this movie. If it doesn't make some major Oscar waves, there is no justice. The lead Catrice Van Houten is flat out phenomenal (not to mention gorgeous. She reminds me of my daughter's mother).  Go see this now. You won't be sorry.   I just feel that movies should be a communal experience & I love seeing them on a big screen, with a receptive audience. I see plenty of DVDs in my lone- I mean, cozy bedroom, oh yeah. I understand the whole comfort & convenience rationale. But I'm a humble laborer (& struggling artist), so it's doubtful I'll ever have the space or thousands of dollars to obtain that deluxe home theater so many of you seem to favor.   If you care to venture out of the house, I'd also give nods to Waitress, Hot Fuzz, The Namesake & Year of The Dog, to cite but a few.    Pirates will be solidly mixed genderwise, I believe.  But I'm going mainly to see my hero Keith Richards as Jack's  big daddy!!!   The Simpsons Movie opens during the TP Fest. We should organize a group view!! Maybe we can go right after they play the Lynch documentary!!!

Whadda hippie!  Did you used to live on a commune, Chris? 

Susan 

If you care to venture out of the house, I'd also give nods to Waitress, Hot Fuzz, The Namesake & Year of The Dog, to cite but a few.

If you care to venture out of the house, I'd also give nods to Waitress, Hot Fuzz, The Namesake & Year of The Dog, to cite but a few.

I rarely go to the cinema these days.  Now, that's either because the films have got worse, or I've become more discerning.  It's probably a little bit of both.  I used to love the whole experience of going to the cinema but lately it has become more of an ordeal... having the back of your chair kicked incessantly, listening to people chew with their mouths open.  I began to wonder if it was really worth it.  My nearest cinema used to be a Warner Bros, now it is a Vue I think, so it mainly caters to the teen crowd and their programme reflects this. 

The price also makes me think twice now.  A ticket for an evening performance can be close to 8 quid (maybe 15 dollars...?) which is a lot for a crappy experience.  And then you add on train/bus fare.  Overall I think DVD rentals are a better option.

Wednesday I caught a 12:30 p.m. showing of Paul Verhoeven's Black Book & I was the ONLY ONE in the house. 

 About 10 years ago, also in Seattle strangely, I watched Akira in an art cinema and I was the only one.  I'd have to put it up there as one of my favourite memories.  A big screen, no other people, and me happily smoking cigarettes and watching the smoke run through the projection light.  Brilliant.

I go to a cinema perhaps once a year now.  The Weasel and I went to watch Hot Fuzz a couple of months ago.  The Weasel was ready to kill the rest of the paying punters before the on-screen advertisements finished. 

In summation: Hell is other people, when it comes to watching films in the cinema.

Wednesday I caught a 12:30 p.m. showing of Paul Verhoeven's Black Book & I was the ONLY ONE in the house. 

 About 10 years ago, also in Seattle strangely, I watched Akira in an art cinema and I was the only one.  I'd have to put it up there as one of my favourite memories.  A big screen, no other people, and me happily smoking cigarettes and watching the smoke run through the projection light.  Brilliant.

I go to a cinema perhaps once a year now.  The Weasel and I went to watch Hot Fuzz a couple of months ago.  The Weasel was ready to kill the rest of the paying punters before the on-screen advertisements finished. 

In summation: Hell is other people, when it comes to watching films in the cinema.

But I am as guilty. The last movie I saw in a theatre was "Inland Empire", and before that, "Aviator", when it was new.

I think the biggest disappointment about living in a DVD/Home Theatre world is the sound quality. Properly aligned theatre sound systems blow the doors off almost (notice I said 'alMOST'!) all home sound systems, except the extreme high end (read-$80k plus). Particularly those pathetic little satellite speakers and subwoofer systems. The only sound those tiny speakers emanate is midrange and treble, no bass. So we mix all this wonderful low frequency information into the sound track, with a hum coming from behind you, a motorcycle racing across the screen, a planet blowing up all around you, and when you don't see it it the theatre, you get a large MONO plum bass pudding sitting somewhere in your room and all this tinny little noise from the L,C,R,Ls,Rs channels.

Advice - if you don't see films in theatres, get five FULL RANGE speakers and a sub, tune your sub so that the corner frequency is 80Hz, not 120 (you can localize that), balance your system, and enjoy the movie the way it was meant to be experienced.

And have ten drinks and enjoy your dog, have pizza delivered, mess around, and have a real Home Theatre! Well, that was fun, back to my cave...

Hi there John! I have queried this in another thread relating specifically to INLAND EMPIRE but there's not much traffic there so I thought i'd jump in and rudely ask you about this. It does relate to sound though, probably very much.

Did you find the start of INLAND EMPIRE absolutely unnerving and tension-inducing? As I REALLY did and this was the second time I saw it. It may have been due to bad sound and being in a tiny cinema that seats about 20 people max (in Nottingham, UK) - but did Lynch perhaps use subliminal noises that shit you up or was I just terrified by Grace Zabriskie's totally insane performance as that woman who basically seemed like Sarah Palmer but even more bizarre and unreal. But then I suppose Laura Dern's reaction to her was just as bizarre. The whole thing I found just almost unwatchable in its unnerving and insane qualities, but at the same time I loved it.

How did you find this 'nerve problem' aspect please Mr Neff?