digg

Join DiggAbout

Donkeys and Elephants and Delegates,oh my!
Check out the most popular Elections 2008 content on Digg.

Movie Theaters Suck, and We All Know It

bruceshankle.blogspot.com — When you start to weigh the value of the movie experience with the cost and the hassle of being a participant in the teen-run circus that is a modern movie theater you start to realize why you have an HDTV home-theater system in your comfortable living room.

Bury
show profanity settings
expand all
  • Jeebugorn, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4so true. we bought a 60-in widescreen hdtv right before the superbowl (really, that is THE BEST time to buy a tv). love it. had a star wars marathon, will do a LOTR marathon eventually (gotta really plan ahead for that because it is SO LONG)
  • phpirate, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7Technology changes things. When airplanes and cars came, trains lost their popularity. What do you think the people involved with trains did? Did they blame someone? Did they raise the prices? Did they fill there train with stupid advertisements? No. They adapted.

    The movie theater owners seem to forget that nothing stays the same forever.
    • harmlessinc, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7"Did they fill there train with stupid advertisements? No. They adapted."

      Adapted? You mean nearly went bankrupt several times and were bailed out by the government (assumed talking about the US system).
    • phpirate, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5No, I actually wasn't talking about the US system. I actually didn't know what happened with the train networks down there :P
    • greenbox, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4well in case you haven't noticed but many trains today just carry supplies and cargo that can't be shipped by trucks for certain circumstances, just saying.
    • sert, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Except in this case all these things are under the theater's control. Clean up your theaters so they are not filthy stinkholes, lower the prices for snacks and drinks, make sure that your picture quality is good, and hire ushers to ensure that no one talks in the theatre.

      These things are very small improvements that could completely turn around the experience for people. Of course, there will still be plenty of people who enjoy watching in the comfort of their own homes, but this would at least make the theater experience somewhat bearable.

      But then again, its much easier for the theaters to just keep supporting the MPAA in taking their customers to court and blame pirates on bad business than to admit there is a genuine problem.
  • quamb, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3No, actually we don't all know it.

    Some of the theatres around here are great. Love going to the movies.

    Sure if people are talking or whatever, it can be annoying, but you know, 99% of the population actually don't have gigantic plasma screens with delux surround sound at home.
  • Willis, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I can't imagine what seeing a movie must be like without an Alamo drafthouse. I mean a movie without beer and good food is no movie I'd care to see! Long live the Alamo! www.alamodrafthouse.com
    • dpchi, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1and I can't imagine seeing a good comment with an advertisement in it... come on man
    • vincent404, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3have to agree. Went to Austin for SXSW one year and one of the movies was in one of the Draft Houses. Was one of the best movie experiences ever. Food and a movie. Great concept.
  • Frinkahedron, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Hmm, I should start looking at HDTVs, the World Cup is coming up soon :D
  • fishnchips, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Dugg - I used to like to go to the movies but like this guy, find them dirty, crowded and smelly. The last LOTR I saw some kid threw up half way through - not nice..... Plus, we can pause (and set the levels) at home! (ps I'm in the UK so this is a UK centric view)
  • Linuxrocks, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2My movie going experience has never been this bad.
  • Overdose, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2But sometimes, its nice to go to the movies. If you can find one that is not infested with the chatter box movie goer.

    I am a 18 year old college student, where is the money for a nice HDTV?
    • SniperGX1, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3um...get a job?
    • Overdose, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I have a job and their are other things I have to pay for before something like an HDTV, which is a nice chunk of money.
  • aerofan897, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I don't have a fantastic home theater setup, only a 30" HDTV with a mid-level home theater audio setup, but I definately enjoy going to movies in theaters still. You just can't recreate the same feelings you get from the collective emotions of everyone in the theater; the laughter, the gasps, even some of the clever remarks.
  • GreatBambino, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I went and saw Mission Impossible 3 last night and I thought it was great. I don't go to the movie theatres alot but I think it was worth it.
  • bergur1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I love going to the movies because I have a tiny TV so other than my media downloads the movies are the best place to be.

    I mean its the perfect place to take your GF for a good time or to just hang with friends and possibly meet new ones. This is also where the movie industry makes most of their money and the world would be in havoc (at least everyone in the movie industry) since they don't get enough money,

    maybe just restrict renting movies for profit and selling them there,

    then again most people don't have huge TVs
  • stumpadoodle, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1The movies can be loads of fun! Last summer, my friend Zach, my brother and I went to see War of the Worlds in the theaters, and we were the only 3 people so I took my pants off and put my feet up. Oh wait...we were the only 3 people...screw the theaters...
    • aerofan897, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I'm not sure what's worse, seeing War of the Worlds or seeing War of the Worlds with your pants off.
  • FullMetalMonkey, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2[Crazy Rambling]
    The last time I went to see a movie was last year during King Kong. It was quite possibly the WORST MOVIE EXPIRENCE I'VE EVER HAD! The film was off center, the audio was offsync, Food was everywhere, and to top it off I had to SHOUT at the person next to me to get them to turn off their GodDamn Cell phones and stop talking so I could atleast hear the ***** movie! Needless to say, I've yet to see another movie in the theater ever since that incident.
    [/Crazy Rambling]
  • Christophercles, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I love going to the movies, sitting down with a big coke and popcorn and watching even a "just good" movie is a great way to waste a night, but as a 20yo student living out of home, it just isnt worth the money you're paying for the whole thing. I'll always see premiers at the cinemas, (EPIII was the best cinema experiance I ever had), but it'll take a special movie to take me back to the cinemas... Enders Game when it comes out probably.
  • digga34, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Lol that is so true, a bit exaggerated, i don't think the movies are out of focus, and at least there's a huge screen, but hey, i agree with this guy. nice blog
  • cliffzdude, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Funny how the studios complain year after year that box office receipts are down, receipts are down, oh my gosh, the sky is falling!!!

    Do the studio execs never step foot into a theater outside their internal screening rooms, or cleaned up perfectly up to date theaters where the premiers are held? Really???!!!

    Dirty, smelly, loud, and just plain too fuggin expensive as the author in the article suggestes.

    Then, I go home...

    Big flat screen HDTV. Powerful yet sweet sounding Dolby Digital, DTS, 5.1 receiver, upconverting to HDMI input dvd player, really, really big subwoofer that goes below 20hz (I've tested it).

    Now.... The studio STILL thinks I will be compelled to pay 30 bucks for a crappy experience to see it on the big screen. Why? They are deluding themselves because why? ***** if I know. Really, why the hell do they think I'm in such a hurry to see Mission Impossible III that I can't wait a few months?

    We rent on average two new releases a week. Two movies a week. If I didn't have a nice big huge home theatre I'd see two flicks a week still. For the wifey and myself that's $60 a week. That math is why I invested in a nice home theatre. It's just about paid for itself, the rest will be gravy...
  • BitCrusher, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I only have a 20" non-HD TV and a good surround sound setup and I'd rather wait for the movie to come out on DVD and watch it in comfort for less money.
  • noelsusman, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You know what, this is just some whiner who had a bad day. Yes, his movie theater sounds like a pretty crappy theatre, and I can definitely see most of that happening. With that said, listen to this:

    "No towels. Only that stupid hair dryer thing on the wall. I leave with wet hands."

    You have got to be kidding me. Oh no! I have to dry my hands with a ***** drier! Oh my god I might pass out!!!! The horrors!! I can't believe I have to use a drier to dry my hands!!!

    I work at a movie theatre, and we aren't even allowed to have cell phones on us at work. We only have 2 or 3 workers under 18. There is never any trash on the floor. I could go on and on and on for almost every complaint he has. Also, if you have time to get up and go to the bathroom, you have time to go over and get a manager to kick out the annoying people in your theatre. They'll do it for you, all you have to do is ask.

    Another thing, not everybody is wealthy enough to have some huge ass home theatre system in their own home.

    So please, stfu and go watch your mom's hdtv.
    • nahdan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1haha, thats some typical movie theatre employee manners.
  • nahdan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1i was actually thinking about buying a nice hdtv soon. but the question is:
    how big is too big and how small is too small?
    i don't want a gratuitously large screen that makes me look like a techno-dweeb but i also think that my current 29" tv looks a little small nowadays.
  • ModernTenshi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Totally agree with this article. I've been to the movies this weekend and the weekend before, and both were absolutley horrible experiences. One lady behind me who always states the obvious just before it happens. Another lady behind me complaining, of all things, that the movie is too loud (get the ***** out of the theater then). Worst of all are the damn teens running up and down the stairs to go in and out of the theater, likely to talk on their cell phones. First of all, I might not have cared so much, if it werent' for the fact that they were RUNNING down the stairs, with loud thuds for each step. Secondly, if you do this several times durring a movie, just ***** leave! If answering your cell phone 10 times durring a movie is more important than seeing the movie itself, either leave or don't see another movie. People behind me kicking my chair, even after I stare at them for several seconds hoping they'll get the message and stop.

    And theaters wonder why most of us would rather download and watch a movie at home rather than pay a ton of money for a misserable experience. Seriously, I equate going to the movies as a sort of 2 hour preview of the movie, before I buy it on DVD and can really enjoy it without all the distractions.

    Supposedly there's a theater in central Ohio, where I live, that hands you a list of rules before you enter the theater, and has ushers watch the theater for any violations. If you violate a rule, you're out of there. I think they cost a tad bit more, but dammit I would pay it if it means I can enjoy a movie with less assholes around me.
  • zeldafan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1It all depends on where you go, but in the end movie theaters are on the decline.

    I've had good times, I've had bad times, I personally don't like movies when I can torrent them (just kidding RIAA) and loop the movie to my tv via s-video.
  • monkeyballsoup, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I too, just saw a movie at the theatre this weekend. I had to say that this was probably the best theatre experience I've had in a long time. First, the people sitting behind my wife and I only kicked our chairs about 5 or 6 times and coughed on our heads twice.
  • OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Theaters vary by neighborhood. Here in NY, there are independent theaters opening up that you can hardly call theaters anymore. They're more like lounges and restaurants that also show movies. Going to the theater is a SOCIAL experience. That's what Hollywood should keep in mind.
  • uptown, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Here's an MP3 recording, from an old O&A show, with the funniest description I've ever heard describing why movie theatres suck.

    http://www.bigupload.com/code.php?code=CC5B12F7
  • danimal84, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1From what I see this article represents the majority of moviegoers views. Modern theaters are a dying breed but the HDTV wont completely end them all because although HDTV is great, once the lights go down and a truly good film (I haven't seen MI 3 but am pretty sure that I would not consider it a "good" film, sorry Cruise) starts, the silver screen sucks me in like no HDTV can and there will always be a market.

    There is totally a market right now that the theaters are out of touch with. So while it definitely blows most of the time to go see a movie, its gonna change. Its a few years out but an alternative is in the works that will change the whole theater business, if only the theaters knew whats coming. Its gonna be great. So you might have to wait a little bit but it will be worth it
  • JhAgA, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Dugg. Recently I've considered the movies versus DVDs and the advantages of the later are obvious:
    - you can pause the movie;
    - you can smoke if you want;
    - you can eat whatever you want, whenever you want;
    - you can laugh, cry, shout, whatever, without bothering anyone;
    - for the same price, you can watch the same movie over and over again, plus the extras;
    - you can rewind the movie and see the best parts again (or lost plots moments..);
    - you can comfortably lay down on the sofa;
    - no bumps from the idiot behind you that decided to cross his legs;
    - no acephalus teens shouting out the beginning of their puberty;
    - no one crossing your view every 10 minutes to go to the bathroom;
    - no lines;
    - no starting time;
    - no parking fees;
    - no bad seats;
    - no 20 minutes of advertising;
    - you can watch the movie naked if you want ...
    - ... and your girlfriend can be naked too :-) ;
    - you can go to the bathroom and let the hell loose for how long you need it;
    - sound and video will all be the way you want it;
    - you can answer the phone in the middle of the movie;
    - you don't need to schedule when are you going to watch it;
    - it is much more satisfying to be able to trash a bad DVD movie than to walk out the cinema feeling cheated;

    I'm a big fan of watching movies, but lately, I prefer to just wait for the DVD releases than to go to the cinema.

    Cheers.
  • noelsusman, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You guys must live around a bunch of assholes. I never have any problems with people down here (in Georgia) disrupting any movie. I honestly can't think of a single time where I've been annoyed by people around me, and I go to the movies about once a month. I guess southern people just aren't assholes.

    I agree, watching movies on a truly great home theatre is a thousand times better. However, you have to admit that there is nothing like sitting in a movie theatre with a 50 foot screen and 20 different speakers surrounding you. Like I said, it's really all about the area you live in.
  • standup8, on 12/01/2007, -0/+0I enjoy a going to the movies at the local movie theater.
    http://www.trianglesource.com/movies/
  •  

    Login or register to add a comment

    Create a new account or login to join in the conversation on Digg. You'll also be able to Digg stories to help promote things you like.


© Digg Inc. 2008 — Content posted by Digg users is dedicated to the public domain.
DIGG, DIGG IT, DUGG, DIGG THIS, Digg graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, scripts, and other service names are the trademarks of Digg Inc.