Prefer to Watch Movies at Home or the Theatre

[devilbat]

I voted before thinking. My vote went to theatre. I prefer watching the big screen, with the great sound and popcorn and ambience.

After thinking about it for a second, I would have to say my absolute favorite way to watch a movie is at the drive-inn. We only have one left in the city, and they threaten to close it after every season, but year after year we make the trek to the drive-inn 6-10 times a summer.

 

[Ankh-Morpork Guard]

Depends on the movie, but usually theater. I also figure that, eventually, I'll reach the point where I've got other obligations(such as family) that will keep me from seeing movies in the theater as much as I do now...so I enjoy it while I have the time.

 

[IronWolf]

After thinking about it for a second, I would have to say my absolute favorite way to watch a movie is at the drive-inn. We only have one left in the city, and they threaten to close it after every season, but year after year we make the trek to the drive-inn 6-10 times a summer.

Ah... the drive-in! A forgotten option on the poll!

 

[IronWolf]

Depends on the movie, but usually theater. I also figure that, eventually, I'll reach the point where I've got other obligations(such as family) that will keep me from seeing movies in the theater as much as I do now...so I enjoy it while I have the time.

I should have requested folks also add whether they had children when replying! *Before* I had a son we went to movies in the theatre all the time! It certainly does make a difference.

 

[Tonguez]

does noone else have a powerpoint projector

I can get a 6 foot image on my wall if need be and with 53 channels to choose from, internet, a PC and a son - who's got either time or a need to go to the theatre?

of course 10 years ago when I was a college boy with disposable income I would spend days at a time in the theatre seeing up to 5 movies per day (with midnight screenings it can be done)

 

[Steve Jung]

Theater. Generally, if I don't see it in the theater, I'm not going to see it at all. When a movie is on TV, there are too many distractions. Plus I usually catch it in the middle. I think, "Well, it'll be on some other time. I can catch it then." And I rarely do. Problem seeing it in the theater is expensive, about $9.

 

[Steel_Wind]

100" front screen projection system, Dolby Digital/DTS 6.1 surround sound that can rattle your teeth, comfy couch, cheap snacks, a pause button (and I can smoke when I want!) and $15 for a DVD I can watch again and again...

VS.

$75 for tickets, transportation, snacks, and a babysitter for a 2-3 hour experience.

Gee. How did I vote?

In the 90's, the movie theatres had to spend a lot of money building massive stadium sized screens and impressive sound systems to entice us away from just renting a VHS tape. They did so and it worked.

But then front screen DLP projectors and kick-ass surround sound systems for home use + DVD's more than equalled the score again. I spent the money on my home theatre system (e-bayed it all and I pieced it together carefully). I do it better at home.

 

[Viking Bastard]

Theatre.

It's just more of an experience.

 

[MonsterMash]

I like going to the movies

 

[Fast Learner]

For any film that has any chance of moving me, I much prefer the theater. I find that all of the other people around me laughing, crying, jumping at the scary thing, etc., really heightens the power of the film.

Though I have a nice home theater setup, I still prefer the theater for big SFX movies, too, or anything with a grand visual scope (like Kingdom of Heaven) because even 100" doesn't touch a movie screen, at least for me.

I am, however, happy to watch things at home, and certainly do. I just prefer the theater most of the time.

And on rudeness of crowds: I don't put up with it. I shush people and then go get the manager if necessary (and get a refund on my ticket). I've found that the one megaplex I tend to go to has become much better over the last few years, and have seen other people shushing and reporting people. It's now the rare film that is interrupted by someone in the audience. Just a few miles away at another megaplex, though, the problem is constant. I think it just takes social pressure combined with a manager who cares to get people back in line. People are just too afraid to confront anyone these days, it seems to me.