What is Killing the Movie Going Experience?

[tripplej]

There is an interesting debate going on.

Spielberg says Netflix is killing the movie going experience. but now, per yahoo article,

"Norton tells reporter Nick Schager that “it’s the theater chains that are destroying the theatrical experience. Period, full-stop. No one else.” Norton calls on moviegoers to be vocal about ensuring movie theaters are running projection and sound at top quality because in most cases around the country they are not.

“A lot of filmmakers and cinematographers that I know that have really started to look into this say that more than 60 percent of American theaters are running their projector at almost half the luminosity that they’re required by contract to run it at,” Norton said. “They are delivering crappy sound and a dim picture, and no one is calling them on it.”"

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What do you think?

Is it home theaters (streaming, DVD/Bluray, etc.) or the actual theaters killing the movie going experience??

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I suspect with more and more home theater systems and big screens entering the home, people are getting a more favorable experience at home than they ever have before. My theater is sooooo much better than anything at a movie theater could ever be. Movie theaters are pitiful in my opinion... at least the few I've ever been to are. Admittedly it's been a while, but logic tells me that anything setup to try to accommodate dozens, if not 100's, of people, can't sound anywhere close to as good as a good home theater setup. And don't even mention putting up with the movie goers... and the nasty seats where kids have slobbered, sneezed and wiped no telling what all over the arms of the seats... YUCK! I'd have to immediately go home and take a shower.

Neflix and Amazon Prime certainly isn't what is killing the movie going experience for me... as I rarely watch anything on either of those that is a major movie release from the theaters. I typically buy those movies on 4K or rent them at a Red Box, although I rent less now than I ever have. Either way, I don't rent very many movies on Amazon Prime... and I don't see very many blockbusters being released on Netflix... or at least they don't advertise them much. Netflix seems to push more of their original shows and other TV shows than they do blockbuster movies. Amazon Prime does offer some of the more popular movies as a rental, but I still don't rent them. Maybe I should look at them more often as a source to watch vs buying them... especially now that they are offering more in UHD and Atmos. It would no doubt save me some money vs buying.

While going to the movies for the younger crowd might be a fun "get out of the house" type thing, I can also see more kids these days with nicer setups at home to watch movies on the big screen via buying or renting them, and it being just as much or more fun than the movie theaters. Especially with the "at home" convenience factor kicked in.

 

[tripplej]

I agree Sonnie. For me, the theater has poor sound and poor video. In fact, one theater, had a hole in the screen. I told the people there and they just didn't care and I figured they wouldn't fix it so I stop going to that theater.

It is too bad, it used to be an experience going out and seeing a movie.

Now, better to stay home and like you mentioned, the home experience is 10x better sound and picture.

 

[phillihp23]

I recently saw Joker at the theater. I couldn’t tell you the last time I had been to the theater, 5yrs? Anyway, they have made some comfort upgrades..larger seating that reclines. Other than that I kinda found it underwhelming. I definitely find it a more personal and drawn in experience in my home theater with my audio/video system. I didn’t find the audio at the theater that enveloping. Frankly the volume was too low...

 

[tripplej]

I must also add, it is very expensive to see a movie in the theater. Never mind the ticket price, the price for popcorn and soft drink also add up..

 

[Grayson Dere]

Growing up I found going to the movies with friends and family more a social bonding experience than anything else. Yes, it was fun seeing movies to talk about but this was before I got older and into the home theater experience. I stopped regularly going to the public cinema around when "Lord of the Rings: 2 Towers" came out...I was at a well known SF Bay Area cinema and the sound was so echo'y due to poor auditorium acoustics I just threw in the towel and decided to spend my time and money on building out a home theater. With all the money commercial cinemas rake in you would think they could at least hire an A/V industry engineer to make sure the theaters are setup properly and have staff training for upkeep. Maybe I'm totally wrong and cinemas don't actually make that much revenue?

For anyone interested I still regard the Arc Light Cinemas in Hollywood THE BEST movie-going experience I've ever had...I would give them my money any day if I needed to watch something current : )
https://www.arclightcinemas.com/

 

[tripplej]

Speaking of revenue at theaters, they are indeed going down year after year which will not help them to improve the theaters. Slippery slope going downward for sure..

From theverge,

"Movie theater attendance in the US and Canada in 2017 fell to its lowest point since at least 1992, Bloomberg reports. Box Office Mojo estimates around 1.24 billion tickets were sold, a drop off of 5.8 percent from the previous year. Even with higher ticket prices, domestic revenue also dropped 2.7 percent from last year, from $11.4 billion to $11.1 billion. "

 

[Medi0gre]

The teenager with their phone out in the row in front of me.

 

[tripplej]

yeah, that as well as talking teenagers. lol.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yeah... I can only imagine that the kids aren't watching the movie, they are looking at their phones. Probably not near as many serious movie goers as there use to be.

When we were younger... 16 in 1977... there were movie theaters all over the place. We were at the movies almost every Friday night, but there were no cell phones, there were no home theater systems, and there were no big screen displays unless you went to the movie theater. And we actually watched the movie... 2-3 bucks to get in the movie and 4-5 bucks covered the soda and popcorn. Momma might give me 12-15 bucks for the night.

 

[tripplej]

It was a much simpler time that was for sure back then..

 

[tripplej]

Would like to see your review of that dinner theater when you go along with your coupon.

Yeah, theaters are going down due to all the advances in technology as well as the fact that most can afford a decent home theater setup now..

 

[Jack1949]

I miss the drive-in theaters of yesterday, I always thought they were a great way to see a movie on a really, really big screen!
Since my HT can duplicate just about anything a movie theater has to offer (minus outrageous admission fees), I much prefer to wait on Bluray to enjoy or criticize a flick in the absolute comfort of my own home. And too, if/when the air gets foul smelling I know it was either my wife or I to blame! For my money, I'm an HT guy all the way, I haven't been to a theater in probably 15 years now. The next one I plan on visiting though is a dinner-theater.... Never been to one before and that's going to change very soon, cause now I have a coupon :-).

I'd say it's the overall technological capabilities of today's consumer that is to blame for any downward spiral in the movie theater business/industry.

The drive-in had a really big screen but a tiny scratchy speaker (that sometimes didn't work at all).

Funny you mention the dinner-theater because one just opened in our town that also serves alcoholic beverages. We also received a coupon, but we're still not interested in going out to the movies. The only time we do go to the movies is to take the grandkids. Otherwise we'll wait for the blu-ray version to watch at home.

Jack

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I remember those heavy metal speakers at the drive-in that you hung on your door ... or rolled your window down and left it in the stand. They were pretty bad for sure.

 

[tripplej]

I wonder if drive-in theater are still around. I am sure there maybe a few in the rural area..

 

[tripplej]

Good to hear they are still available for those who want to enjoy.

 

[Jack1949]

I remember those heavy metal speakers at the drive-in that you hung on your door ... or rolled your window down and left it in the stand. They were pretty bad for sure.

In 1966 I had a 1962 MG, which had plastic sliding windows and not much room in the car. So when the top was up, we'd put the speaker on the roof.

 

[jbasch99]

For me it's a combination of things and one of the items I fear, is going to touch a nerve but it's my answer.

1: Movie Theaters going to assigned seating has caused me to go to less and less movies as it's hard to meet up with friends etc. when you can't just save the seat next to you by arriving early, you have to wait for your friend to arrive and then each find a seat together or one person has to pay for all the seats etc. This policy also encourages people to arrive late, sometimes after the show has begun as they have a seat, but then ruin my experience as they climb over me, etc. after the movie has started. I went last night. Three people in the movie, yet still had to have assigned seating, and the seats I wanted no one ever showed for. Likely one of the premiere subscribers that booked the seat just in case because they could and never showed.

2: 6+ previews lasting almost 1/2 hr before the movie even starts. Come on. seriously. Go back to the old 3 preview max plan. I don't want my time wasted that way, and I don't want 1/2 of the movie ruined before I go.

3: Yes the crappy sound and video. But not my number 1 reason.

4: Cost. I went last night and spent way more for popcorn, candy and pop than the tickets.

5: Hollywood greed: So for this one I am voting with my wallet. I go less, as I am sick of every content provider wanting to add another subscription service. I already vote by having only 1 Sorry HBO, Disney, etc. So the next place I vote is with my wallet at the Theater.

6: Hollywood Politics: Here's the one that might touch a nerve. I want Hollywood to entertain me, not drive their politics down my throat both on and off screen. Enough already. So once again I vote with my wallet. I go to less movies, I buy less DVD's, etc. I also quit watching the Oscars a few years ago when every speech had to have a political message vs. just thanking the fans, and the academy, parents and others that helped them get there. I used to go to Hollywood to escape all the negativity in the press etc. But when they started getting political etc. I found other things to do.

7: Are there no new ideas in Hollywood. I get tired of the never ending reboots, sequels etc.

8: There are way more options for things to do than in the past, and rather than keep up or adjust to the times, the Theaters did nothing and are paying the price. Trying to equate a movie to a concert, or major sports event was not the answer. See item 1 above.

So as I said a combination of things.

 

[tripplej]

Great reply, I also agree with what you say but I don't mind assigned seating.. It put a stop to teenagers theater jumping from screen to screen..

To me, cost is the main thing. Tickets, food, drinks, transportation costs and of course time to go there and back..

 

[phillihp23]

For me it's a combination of things and one of the items I fear, is going to touch a nerve but it's my answer.

1: Movie Theaters going to assigned seating has caused me to go to less and less movies as it's hard to meet up with friends etc. when you can't just save the seat next to you by arriving early, you have to wait for your friend to arrive and then each find a seat together or one person has to pay for all the seats etc. This policy also encourages people to arrive late, sometimes after the show has begun as they have a seat, but then ruin my experience as they climb over me, etc. after the movie has started. I went last night. Three people in the movie, yet still had to have assigned seating, and the seats I wanted no one ever showed for. Likely one of the premiere subscribers that booked the seat just in case because they could and never showed.

2: 6+ previews lasting almost 1/2 hr before the movie even starts. Come on. seriously. Go back to the old 3 preview max plan. I don't want my time wasted that way, and I don't want 1/2 of the movie ruined before I go.

3: Yes the crappy sound and video. But not my number 1 reason.

4: Cost. I went last night and spent way more for popcorn, candy and pop than the tickets.

5: Hollywood greed: So for this one I am voting with my wallet. I go less, as I am sick of every content provider wanting to add another subscription service. I already vote by having only 1 Sorry HBO, Disney, etc. So the next place I vote is with my wallet at the Theater.

6: Hollywood Politics: Here's the one that might touch a nerve. I want Hollywood to entertain me, not drive their politics down my throat both on and off screen. Enough already. So once again I vote with my wallet. I go to less movies, I buy less DVD's, etc. I also quit watching the Oscars a few years ago when every speech had to have a political message vs. just thanking the fans, and the academy, parents and others that helped them get there. I used to go to Hollywood to escape all the negativity in the press etc. But when they started getting political etc. I found other things to do.

7: Are there no new ideas in Hollywood. I get tired of the never ending reboots, sequels etc.

8: There are way more options for things to do than in the past, and rather than keep up or adjust to the times, the Theaters did nothing and are paying the price. Trying to equate a movie to a concert, or major sports event was not the answer. See item 1 above.

So as I said a combination of things.

Solid response to the question.

 

[NBPK402]

I believe the movie theaters are destroying themselves with their high prices. You go to a theater by yourself, and it costs more than buying the media, and watching at home. Even though most people have a flat panel...it is more economical to watch at home. If you go as a family or on a date it is very expensive for a lot of people in these times.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I think one thing unmentioned here so far is that the movies are killing the movie-going experience.

Repetitive, rebooting, unoriginal movies don't inspire me to leave the house and pay extra. I have a really nice setup, because I have really high standards. Others don't have standards as high as mine, so their big tv and sound bar are plenty exciting for them.

I personally weigh the quality of the content. It's absolutely a better experience to watch a movie at home in my theater than going out to see it in a commercial theater, not to mention the savings (not calculating the cost of the home theater itself, I know). Fewer and fewer titles are exciting me enough that I "have to see it now" compared to waiting until it's available at home.

If the studios want to stop taking risks, there are going to be fewer and fewer people willing to pay the prices theaters are asking for tickets and concessions. Give us something original. Stop worrying about billion dollar budgets and big name actors. Spend less per film, and more per script. Pay the writers for originality. If a producer comes in and pitches a film based on what 3 movies it's a mash-up of, throw them out of your office. Take the time and harness the vision to see potential in something new.

That's how classics get made.

The Avengers movies were fun, but they are not in any sense of the word "classics".

Give us better movies and maybe we'll come see them.

 

[NBPK402]

Some other issues I have with theaters that might stop the high end people from going to commercial theaters...
1: improper framing of movies
2: blaring audio
3: electric recliners, and food delivered to your chair

I was told the reason they no longer frame the movies properly is it is too expensive to maintain the motors for the curtains, so their solution is to fill the room with electric recliners? Talk about a maintenance nightmare, not to mention you pay for an assigned seat. So you go to a sold out movie, and your seat doesn't work. In addition who wants to be enjoying a movie, and have a waiter delivering food to the person in front of them or flash lights beefing shined to locate the person's seat?