Do you still go "out" to the movies?

[AudioGuy2007]

I thought Jerry said he saw the original Jackass in a theater (2002). That would be 3 years after Deuce Bigalow.

[Fred333]

I like going out the movies when the movie looks like a "epic" movie. An example would the Lord of the rings trilogy. Different experience at home on the TV.

[deacongreg]

Originally Posted by Fred333

I like going out the movies when the movie looks like a "epic" movie. An example would the Lord of the rings trilogy. Different experience at home on the TV.

I agree, some movies are meant for the big screen. Unless you have one, it can not be beat. In fact, I saw Batman Begins in imax, after that, i`ve been spoiled every since.

[Robinson_A]

I rarely go to the theaters anymore. It has to be a BIG movie for me to go and brave the hordes of texting teenagers and kids running up and down the aisles. I went to see National Treasure 2 this past weekend and despite going at a early hour I was reminded of why I don't go to theaters anymore. It was terrible (not the movie) but people constantly getting up around me, kids running up and down the stairs, cell phones etc etc. I missed half of the film's subtler moments due to the constant barrage of distractions happening around me. I love movies and love the idea of going to a theater minus the public going to the same theater with me. People used to be respectful in theaters but now...I dunno. It's become a cheap babysitter and not a place where enough people are actually engaged in what they are watching.

[narcoticprayer]

Saw "Sweeny Todd" in a theater on Wednesday night. It was packed and prior to the start the crowd was loud. Once the movie started it was super quiet with laughs and gasps in the right places. Except for the crappy sound system in the theater and a pizza stain on the screen it was my best experience at the movies in years. No people talking to the screen. No phones. No crying babies. Heaven. Plus the movie was double d dyn-o-mite!

[Lotus]

I don't believe that HT is killing the theater experience. Even a 10 foot screen can't match a really nice theater experience.

I think Theater Chains are killing the experience.

In College we had a guy on our dorm floor who was an Assistant Manager for the local Regal Superplex. His stories were absolutely frightening to me. It totally changed my view of the industry.

When I was a kid there were these scary people called "Ushers," and they had a flash light and you didn't want to be the kid caught in that beam. Getting kicked out of a movie was the worst. So you behaved because you were scared.

Today the Multiplexes are run out of fear. Instead of Ushers, they have HS kids who tear off your ticket and poorly help clean the theater after the film plays. The managers have to really be enticed to even try and quiet someone. They are scared of the bad attendees.

Why?

Just about half of the people they kick out or make a scene in front of end up calling the chain and complaining about them. That complaint goes on their record and ends up ruining their chances of a bonus. The times that the kid on our floor would tell us about him getting reemed for doing the right thing (kicking bad kids out) was to me very disheartening.

On the other hand...

There are some privately run theaters in Texas that are extremely popular. One chain the Alamo Drafthouse is somewhat famous and it's for more than the beer you buy there. They actually police their showings. Every film is started with a trailer that pretty much tells you to shut up or they will take your ____ out. I could only find a few of the trailers online but they're humorous:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUqLWTQCeHM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IDS_aOa5Vw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjkqwhsrMBE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b-QK8TxeXk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-bcHA06zw0

There is a privately owned theater near me that is extremely nice. Leg room for people around 6'6. Great sound and great picture. Plus the owner is generally there and he will kick you out for talking. I saw a movie there this past summer where he stopped the film, came in kicked the people out (about 9 people) and then restarted the movie. He apoligized to everyone and said he would have something for us after.

He was waiting for everyone when we exited with free raincheck passes that he said could be used anytime for any movie. He also handed us $5 Gift Cards that could be used at the concession.

So there are still some shining lights out there doing it right. I still prefer IMAX over any other way of seeing a film. The last Harry Potter was really good there as was Beowulf.