Does anyone go to the movies anymore?

[kevin m]

A couple of things lead me to ask this question. First, the sad lack of distribution for any film remotely outside the mainstream. Here in the U.S., if you don't live in a major metropolitan center, there is nowhere to go and see a foreign, or otherwise unusual movie. Second, our Sony TV died before the holidays and we used holiday cash to buy a new 'bigscreen' TV. (We replaced our 26" Sony with a 42" Panasonic Plasma.) I'm shocked at how good the picture is and how much it's like sitting in your own small theater. We watched Lina Wertmueller's "Swept Away" which, I believe, was shot in Technicolor, and it was visually stunning. We followed that up with Terrence Mallick's "The New World" and my wife and I both had the same reaction: We may never go to the theater again.

I have to say that the realization saddened me. We've always gone out of our way to see good films, driving to Providence or Hartford when we could. But the good stuff doesn't even come to those cities anymore, and the movies that they do show often suffer from indifferent projection.

Is anyone else in the same boat, or am I just getting old? 😕 😀

 

[sienarot]

I very rarely go to the theatres anymore. Movie studios just aren't putting in the effort to release good, interesting films. This is evident by the abundance of hashing out remakes of old movies and shows, or making sequels of hits from 10-15+ years ago. It won't be long until we start seeing 2 hour long game show recordings in the theatres.

On average, I probably only go to the theatres 3 times a year IF even that.

Even television shows just aren't interesting anymore.

 

[Pherdinand]

of course i am going.
So i guess i am lucky here having a small cinema (at least one) in every city that plays non-mainstream movies.
I'd like to go more often, though.

I also go once in 6 months or such to see a hollywood movie, usually being persuaded by some friends, but i mostly regret it afterwards 🙂 A ticket costs in average 8 euro... way too much for most of those movies.

I still have not seen a TV set that could possibly replace a small movie theater. In addition, it is a social thing to do as well. These nice little cinemas are not popcorn-and-coke selling, but they all have a small (or bigger) bar where you can sit after the movie, and have a heated discussion about it, moderated by chilled alcoholic beverages 😉

 

[Pherdinand]

Movie studios just aren't putting in the effort to release good, interesting films.

sorry sienarot, you might be mistaken by what the theaters think they can sell most (and probably economically they are very right).
There ARE very good movies made nowadays MANY.

 

[kevin m]

I still have not seen a TV set that could possibly replace a small movie theater.

Have you checked recently? The technology is improving at a stunning rate. I agree that a home screen can't match a well-projected 35mm print, but it's tough to find a well-projected 35mm print in this country, anyway. We went to see the "fully restored, director's cut" of Peckinpah's "The Wild Bunch" when it was re-released in the late 90's, and the projection was absolute crap. I could easily better that with a home theater.

In addition, it is a social thing to do as well. These nice little cinemas are not popcorn-and-coke selling, but they all have a small (or bigger) bar where you can sit after the movie, and have a heated discussion about it, moderated by chilled alcoholic beverages

Yes, that's the part I miss. I don't think technology will fix that, though, we might have to emmigrate. 😱

 

[bobkonos]

We are all getting old but I agree completely. Add to your excellent arguments that the food of choice at a theater is noisy popcorn (it should be pudding) and the rudeness of most people with their running commentary during a film, and I see no reason to go to a theater anymore. And it is a sad thing, because the cool old buildings that existed for viewing "films" will vanish in this mall-oriented world. We watch films on our I-Mac and it is great for us, a TV-less couple.

I have not seen Swept Away in 20 years...thanks for the mention of it.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Local open air cinema free at weekends in summer.

It's in an ancient castle on top of a hill overlooking the city.

They have a bar also.

 

[vdonovan]

Tickets for 2 at San Francisco Center theatre: $24.00
Parking: $8.00
Coke and popcorn: $12.00


Sprawling on the couch in our living room watching a movie of OUR choice on our big projector with our friends and delicious, healthy snacks that we made: PRICELESS.

 

[kevin m]

I have not seen Swept Away in 20 years...thanks for the mention of it.

It's as good as I remembered, and I DID see it in a theater the first time. The DVD on a Plasma screen was simply stunning, visually.

 

[rogue_designer]

I don't prefer to watch movies at home... but mostly I do. I love the theater experience, personally. But i find it very hard to justify.

Especially since my fiancee doesn't really do well in dark crowded theaters, clausterphobia and annoying crowds are a big minus. That added to a very few movies that even warrant the cost ($12 each in Chicago unless you go to a matinee) and hassle means we don't do it often.

 

[Al Patterson]

I very rarely go to the theatres anymore. Movie studios just aren't putting in the effort to release good, interesting films. This is evident by the abundance of hashing out remakes of old movies and shows, or making sequels of hits from 10-15+ years ago. It won't be long until we start seeing 2 hour long game show recordings in the theatres.

On average, I probably only go to the theatres 3 times a year IF even that.

Even television shows just aren't interesting anymore.

Hey, I like "Lost" and "Battlestar Gallactica", but in general TV is mostly just mind numbing tedium.

And regarding Hollywood, I had a co-worker ask me if I wanted to see "I Am Legend", and I told her I had a) read the book, and b) seen the LAST two versions of the movie. Now, if you LIKE Will Smith, go see it. I'll pass. Or maybe I'll catch it on DVD at some point after I buy a new TV.

 

[kevin m]

Even television shows just aren't interesting anymore.

Depends on what you have available to you. There are some series available on cable TV here in the U.S. that are far better than any mainstream movie.

"The Wire" is starting its last season this week. If you haven't seen that, I strongly suggest you rent seasons 1-4 on DVD.

 

[Tuolumne]

Kevin,
You have just discovered digital images! Keep going...🙂

/T

 

[kevin m]

You have just discovered digital images! Keep going...

Don't get me started on the differences between LCD and Plasma screens. Both are digital. One looks digital. 😀

(BTW, I bought a Canon 20D the first week they came out, along with a 24/1.4 L lens. Kept it for 3 months. Haven't had a DSLR since.)

 

[Al Patterson]

Depends on what you have available to you. There are some series available on cable TV here in the U.S. that are far better than any mainstream movie.

"The Wire" is starting its last season this week. If you haven't seen that, I strongly suggest you rent seasons 1-4 on DVD.

I'm sorry I missed that, as I've been watching the old show "Homicide: Life on the Street". Probably the best cop show ever, IMHO.

 

[BillP]

Odd question, strange choices.

It must be very different in the US.

Regards,

Bill

 

[Tuolumne]

BTW, do you have a really good sound system with a honkin' subwoofer? That is half the home movie experience. Time for an audiophile GAS attack?

/T

 

[Tuolumne]

BTW, do you have a really good sound system with a honkin' subwoofer? That is half the home movie experience. Time for an audiophile GAS attack?

/T

 

[kevin m]

I'm sorry I missed that, as I've been watching the old show "Homicide: Life on the Street". Probably the best cop show ever, IMHO.

I liked that one, too. Both set in Bawlmer, but "Homicide" looks like "The Brady Bunch" in comparison. "The Wire" is just.....devastating to watch.

 

[kevin m]

Who added the fourth question to my poll? 😕 😕