More reasons to avoid the movie theater [Archive]

robby

12-21-2005, 12:27 AM

My family and I went to see the new Narnia movie this weekend. With less than 10 minutes to go before the ending, this older couple walks into the crowded theater and decides to find a seat. First they stand directly in front of us debating the merits of the two seats on the end. Then they decide they don't like those seats (too close) so they move back to the row behind us.

The group behind us has their coats on the empty seats so the man loudly asks "Are these seats taken?" The woman behind us looks at him like he's crazy, but tells him no, and so she has to gather up her entire family's coats. Meanwhile the movie is approaching the ending resolution, which we're all missing.

Finally the idiot couple sits down, and proceeds to start talking to each other! Several people around them "shh" them and they finally shut up. Then the credits roll. Then the guy says to his wife, "What, it's over?!" As everyone files out, the couple relocates their seats again and settles down for the next showing, which they evidently were there to see. It's now 9:00 pm. The next showing is at 9:30 pm. WTF?! How can anyone walk into a theater that early with a movie on the screen and not realize that they've walked into the previous showing? And where the hell are the theater staff who let these people in in the first place?

Oh, and BTW, the whole film was just slightly out of focus. :rolleyes: Not to mention that with just one box of candy and one drink for the three of us, this movie still cost me $35, and we missed most of the ending.

And Hollywood wonders why movie attendance continues to shrink.

EddyTeddyFreddy

12-21-2005, 12:55 AM

Thanks for reminding me why I don't go to the movies any more.

Alessan

12-21-2005, 02:03 AM

I'll never understand why American movie theaters don't have reserved seats.

Rashak Mani

12-21-2005, 06:09 AM

Jonathan Chance

12-21-2005, 06:35 AM

You're not the only one to notice tha particular development.

Bowling Alone (http://www.bowlingalone.com/) by Robert Putnam.

Disconnectedness appears to be a part of american culture at the moment.

Rashak Mani

12-21-2005, 06:52 AM

You're not the only one to notice tha particular development.

Bowling Alone (http://www.bowlingalone.com/) by Robert Putnam.

Disconnectedness appears to be a part of american culture at the moment.
Very sad. No wonder there are so many more Brazilians than Americans in social networks like Orkut. We hear a lot about nice americans... but we hear few stories about making friendship with Americans that are not latino. Seems they care little for friends ... or less than we do.

Still how is this compatible with a high church attendance ? I would guess going to church is a "social" thing.

Shakes

12-21-2005, 06:56 AM

Sorry to mention this... but after reading the OP I coudn't avoid having the feeling that way too many americans are "anti-social". You go to the movies to meet friends or get the family out of the house a bit. If you only want to watch a movie with no hassles... stay at home with your DvD and couch potato food ? Not criticizing... but that wa the impression I had from reading the OP.

As for the old couple coming in late to the movie... I agree its a bitch. Yet hardly something that happens with any frequency I hope. I agree it spoiled the experience somewhat... but hardly something to blame on Cinemas in general.

Ya' know that's intresting. Just the other day I was at Taco Bell. The place was crowded. I had already sat down, but a guy who had just got his order from the counter was wondering around with his trey for a place to sit. He then turned to me and says"Do you mind?" indicating he would like to sit at my table. I of course politely told him "Sure no problem."

The whole time we were sitting there I felt so incredibly awekward. I couldn't help but think for the remainder of that day how stupid that was of me.

Kyla

12-21-2005, 07:56 AM

don't ask

12-21-2005, 07:57 AM

I went to an old cinema, on the other side of Sydney, a couple of weeks ago. I guess the place was built in the 1940s-50s. As we walked out I noticed that the back right hand corner of the cinema was closed off to make a 6 seat room with it's own speakers for late arrivals or parents with noisy kids. We need more of this.

minor7flat5

12-21-2005, 07:58 AM

Oh, and BTW, the whole film was just slightly out of focus. :rolleyes:(Former projectionist speaking)
The projectionist isn't on the ball. No big deal -- a quick word to an usher and the picture will be in focus in moments. Should you have to do this? No -- but it isn't the end of the world or anything. I did this work for years, carefully checking the framing and focus of each film immediately after starting it. Some times it slipped out of focus as the equipment heated up or the film stock changed in the transition from trailers to feature. Someone would complain, I'd get a phone call, and I'd fix it. Now, if there's a green vertical line on the screen, that's a whole different matter. I find it very difficult to sit through a scratched film, and there is nothing the projectionist can do once the damage has been done. I never scratched a film -- scratches come from either dirty equipment or improperly threaded film.

Trunk

12-21-2005, 08:50 AM

Thanks for reminding me why I don't go to the movies any more.
That's a bad attitude.

I could list 10 great experiences I've had at the movies this year alone without even trying.

Anyway, to the OP: I blame the theater for that. When that couple bought their tickets, or got them torn by the ticket taker, they should have been told when seating began for the next show. That's inexcusable to allow people to come in and find their seats during the showing.

Some of the theaters I don't go to anymore were just so poorly run. They had projection problems, too few windows open, too few employees at concession, poorly trained employees at concession, didn't hit their start time, didn't enforce their policies. All of those things are correlated. A well-run theater doesn't have any of those problems.

Those folks coming in late is just indicative of bad management and poorly trained employees.

mks57

12-21-2005, 08:56 AM

(Former projectionist speaking)
The projectionist isn't on the ball. No big deal -- a quick word to an usher and the picture will be in focus in moments.

Usher? What's an usher? :)

It's been years since I've seen an usher in a movie theater. Once you get past the concessions stand, it's an employee-free zone.

EddyTeddyFreddy

12-21-2005, 09:03 AM

That's a bad attitude.

I could list 10 great experiences I've had at the movies this year alone without even trying. Oh, that's far from the only reason. Most of what's available doesn't appeal to me. The sound is usually way too loud, to the point of hurting my ears at times. I don't have large blocks of free time very often, and besides the movie's running time there's also a half-hour or more drive time to get to a theater. When I do go to a movie I wait till the first wave of popularity has waned, go to a midweek matinee, and see something both the reviews and word of mouth suggest will be enjoyable.

All of that cuts the movie-going way down. Enduring idjits in the theater is more negative reinforcement.

Trunk

12-21-2005, 09:09 AM

When I do go to a movie I wait till the first wave of popularity has waned, go to a midweek matinee, and see something both the reviews and word of mouth suggest will be enjoyable.

That's pretty much my style too. I, however, find that well-worth the cost and hassle and so I go somewhat frequently. My drive time is short, too. I can get to about 9 screens within 10-15 minutes, none of which are owned by theater chains.

Ethilrist

12-21-2005, 09:16 AM

I'll never understand why American movie theaters don't have reserved seats.
Oh, that would have so not helped in this situation...

Old Man: What row are we in?
audience: SHHH
Old Woman: 14!
audience: SHHH
Old Man: Seats 14 and 15...
audience: SHHH
Old Man: Hey, there's somebody in our seats...
audience: SHHH
Robby: No, I've got tickets here for these seats...
Old Man: WHAT? SPEAK UP! I've got tickets right here...
audience: SHHH

minor7flat5

12-21-2005, 09:23 AM

The sound is usually way too loud, to the point of hurting my ears at times.Another place where a good projectionist would help. Just mention it to any theater employee (of course, you run the risk of the message never being passed along or the projectionist not caring)
Whenever somebody complained about the sound, I would first pop open the little window to listen (it's soundproof) and see if it's outrageously loud. If not, I would walk down into the theater to see what it really sounds like. Even if it sounds like all other movies do, I might nudge the volume down a bit anyway.

Of course, when the very last film of the night had 20 minutes of credits and I wanted to urge folks out of the building so I could go home, I would turn on the house lights and then start cranking up the volume to earsplitting levels. I remember doing this with the third Indiana Jones movie -- the credits went on forever :cool:.

EddyTeddyFreddy

12-21-2005, 09:43 AM

It's not just movie theaters where I find the sound too loud. At an ice show at the Boston Garden years ago the sound system was so overpowering that I to put my hands over my ears quite often.

I'm in my middle fifties and have always been careful to protect my hearing against excessive noise -- no headphones blasting megadecibels, car and home stereo kept in the low-to-mid single digits, clapping hands over ears in the subway when screeching around curves, and so forth. The prevalence in public entertainment venues of what to me is overly loud audio makes me wonder whether it's being pitched to the comfort level of a majority who haven't protected their hearing against all the assaults -- chosen and involuntary -- of modern life?

Evil Captor

12-21-2005, 10:14 AM

That's a bad attitude.

I could list 10 great experiences I've had at the movies this year alone without even trying.

Yeah, but we hear from your dates that the old "popcorn surprise" trick is getting really old.

Homebrew

12-21-2005, 10:17 AM

I would first pop open the little window to listen (it's soundproof) and see if it's outrageously loud.
You mean the whole audience yelling "FOCUS!!!" doesn't actually help?

Plynck

12-21-2005, 10:27 AM

Now, if there's a green vertical line on the screen, that's a whole different matter. I find it very difficult to sit through a scratched film, and there is nothing the projectionist can do once the damage has been done. I try to see a movie as soon as I can after it opens, especially if the visual effects are part of the attraction, because those scratches drive me nuts as well. So, I went to see the Narnia movie at a multiplex the Saturday after it opened. One damn day later. And sure enough, there was a green streak down the film. I'm used to this happening a few weeks into a run, but one day? The larger multiplexes are shooting themselves in the foot by doing this sort of thing; they are making it clear that they are only providing a time filler for their real customers, the ones who buy food at the snack bar. :rolleyes:

Queuing

12-21-2005, 11:27 AM

I'll never understand why American movie theaters don't have reserved seats.

I had no idea it was done any different in places outside of North America. Of course the only countries where I have actually been to a movie theatre are Canada and the Netherlands (A'dam to be specific) so my experience isn't what you would call vast.

minor7flat5

12-21-2005, 11:29 AM

You mean the whole audience yelling "FOCUS!!!" doesn't actually help?Nope. You can't hear a darned thing in the booth from the theater. Maybe you could once apon a time, but these days the windows have to be soundproof because the projection booth serves a dozen theaters. Not only would the projectionist go crazy listening to a dozen films yapping away, but the actual projectors are kind of noisy and you don't want that noise detracting from quiet parts of the film.

minor7flat5

12-21-2005, 11:41 AM

Sorry for the double-post+off topic anecdote combo...

When we were showing "Born on the Fourth of July" I stopped by the projector while making my rounds and peered through the window to make sure it was in focus and such. I noticed a strange rippling effect in the projected image and immediately began looking at the film path through the machine and listening for funny mechanical sounds etcetera. Then I realized what was happening:

The main speakers in a theater are behind the screen. If you were to rip the screen down, you would see a wall of speakers. If you were to sneak under the curtan and look from behind the screen, you would see that it is perforated with pretty decent sized holes. Someone had jacked the sound up pretty high, and the battle scenes were much louder than the rest of the movie. I was observing the material of the screen being buffeted this way and that by the sheer power of the sound waves coming out of the front speakers, like rings forming around stones thrown in a pond!I went down to the theater to check it out and found it was really loud, so I dropped it a bit even though no one had complained all day.

Oh, and even that noise wasn't audible through the soundproof window.

Jackmannii

12-21-2005, 12:17 PM

Sorry to mention this... but after reading the OP I coudn't avoid having the feeling that way too many americans are "anti-social"... Very sad. No wonder there are so many more Brazilians than Americans in social networks like Orkut. We hear a lot about nice americans... but we hear few stories about making friendship with Americans that are not latino. Seems they care little for friends ... or less than we do.

Still how is this compatible with a high church attendance ? I would guess going to church is a "social" thing.I guess it's just part of the vast, overweening inferiority of Americans which you feel compelled to bring up whenever possible, no matter how unrelated your xenophobia is to the subject matter of a thread. :rolleyes:

vibrotronica

12-21-2005, 12:20 PM

I saw King Kong at a preview screening and there were three people in my immediate vacinity talking on cell phones during the movie. Not taking incoming calls--initiating calls! And jesus, people, if you're going to talk to the friend during the movie (which in my opinion is perfectly OK and probably unavoidable) whisper! Do you not have the concept of the inside voice? Do you not see that there are others around you who don't care about what you have to say? And the worst part of it was, Kong was a really good movie. I didn't understand how these cretins weren't engrossed in the film. It's a fucking free preview. If you have someplace better to be, or some important phone calls to make, leave the fucking theater.

iamthewalrus(:3=

12-21-2005, 12:48 PM

I'll never understand why American movie theaters don't have reserved seats.This one (http://www.arclightcinemas.com/) does. It's also got comfortable seats each with their own armrests, a bar in the lobby, and they won't let you in the theater after they start the movie.

For those reasons, it's pretty much the only movie theater I'll go to anymore. Even though it's an hour's drive away.

Podkayne

12-21-2005, 12:50 PM

Sorry to mention this... but after reading the OP I coudn't avoid having the feeling that way too many americans are "anti-social". You go to the movies to meet friends or get the family out of the house a bit. If you only want to watch a movie with no hassles... stay at home with your DvD and couch potato food ? Not criticizing... but that wa the impression I had from reading the OP.

As for the old couple coming in late to the movie... I agree its a bitch. Yet hardly something that happens with any frequency I hope. I agree it spoiled the experience somewhat... but hardly something to blame on Cinemas in general.But the theaters are out to thwart the social aspect of going to the movies, as well with their increasingly intrusive advertising. Now in addition to the fucking Coke commercials, car commercials, computer commercials, and other ads that run at show time, plus of course the previews (which I like, but which are advertising) they now run this bullshit info-advo-tainment crap about lame movies and even lamer TV shows for 20 minutes before every show, with the volume CRANKED UP INCREDIBLY LOUD making it impossible to have any sort of a conversation beyond shouting in the ear of your direct neighbor.

For less popular movies, we usually don't even walk into the theater until five minutes after the showtime, but for popular movies you have to go in early to get seats together for your group.

Kyla

12-21-2005, 01:18 PM

You know, Alessan, it occurs to me that I've been to the movies in Israel and don't recall there being assigned seating.

Maybe y'all over in Tel Aviv just do it wacky.

clairobscur

12-21-2005, 01:25 PM

I'll never understand why American movie theaters don't have reserved seats.

There are no reserved seats in France either, and I never run in the kind of problems described all the time on this board. It must be a difference in mentality. Assuming that posters don't exagerate, I suspect that a number of unnaceptable behaviors somehow came to be perceived as normal in US movie theaters.

Yes, what the OP describes might happen here. But judging by the posts in the Pit, it seems that going to a theater in the US you must expect a nightmare, with your neighbors walking in and out, people commenting loudly the movie, or shouting when they don't like it, 4 yo with unconcerned parents brought in to watch the last horror flick and/or throwing fits preferably while banging on your seat, etc....

Now, maybe pit posts are giving us a picture darker than the reality.

Zebra

12-21-2005, 01:32 PM

Odesio

12-21-2005, 02:16 PM

Sorry to mention this... but after reading the OP I coudn't avoid having the feeling that way too many americans are "anti-social". You go to the movies to meet friends or get the family out of the house a bit. If you only want to watch a movie with no hassles... stay at home with your DvD and couch potato food ? Not criticizing... but that wa the impression I had from reading the OP.

What a great way to "socialize." We all go to another location and spend a few hours in the dark paying attention to what's on the screen rather then one another. I don't know how they do things in Brazil but I don't consider that to be socializing any more then sitting around at home watching television. Well, at least at home I can talk to the guy next to me during commercials without disturbing everyone.

I go to the movies because they have a much larger screen then I have at home as well as a much better sound system. I rarely go to the motion picture shows these days because I don't like the crowds, my home is much more comfortable, and it cost a lot less if I happen to want a snack.

Marc

Alessan

12-21-2005, 03:11 PM

You know, Alessan, it occurs to me that I've been to the movies in Israel and don't recall there being assigned seating.

Maybe y'all over in Tel Aviv just do it wacky.

Well, Haifa has them too, so it isn't just the Big TA. Maybe Jerusalem doesn't - wouldn't put it past them.

Nowadays you can even reserve specific seats online.

interface2x

12-21-2005, 03:26 PM

Now, maybe pit posts are giving us a picture darker than the reality.

If all I knew about American movie theaters was what I read in this thread, I'd never go to movies, either! As it stands, I go to movies pretty frequently and it's been years since I've seen cell phone conversations or anything quite as rude as what's described here. I even saw the new Harry Potter on opening day in a sold out show (7:30 pm, no less), packed with kids, and it was dead quiet and still during the vast majority of the movie. The rest of it was made up of reactions to the screen (i.e. laughs, cheers, etc). It was the same when I saw "King Kong" on Saturday afternoon.

Rashak Mani

12-22-2005, 05:42 AM

One thing is for certain... American movie theaters have too good a sound system ! Except for the loudest battle scenes I've never seen anyone complain about the loud sound over here. US theatres are saving by having too few employees to check out the volume levels ?

Rashak Mani

12-22-2005, 05:50 AM

What a great way to "socialize." We all go to another location and spend a few hours in the dark paying attention to what's on the screen rather then one another. I don't know how they do things in Brazil but I don't consider that to be socializing any more then sitting around at home watching television. Well, at least at home I can talk to the guy next to me during commercials without disturbing everyone.

I go to the movies because they have a much larger screen then I have at home as well as a much better sound system. I rarely go to the motion picture shows these days because I don't like the crowds, my home is much more comfortable, and it cost a lot less if I happen to want a snack.

Marc
Naturally not everyone has the same idea of fun... and its your right to slouch in your comfy sofa at home watching DVDs. How often do you call your friends over to watch stuff with you ? If the answer is rarely I guess my comment wasn't off. Its certainly much more common over here to go to the movies with friends and talk to them after the movie naturally. Its a good excuse to see friends and hang around people.

I have a brother that thinks just like you. He'd rather stay home... so its not exclusively an american phenomena. My brother still does it because he admits he is lazy... he likes going to the movies though when his wife allows it. Personally I like the big screen for action and adventure movies. Some movies weren't made to be seen in TV screens. The socializing part is great too.

But the OP certainly struck me as being anti-social somewhat and I made a honest comment. (I'm not xenophobic thanks) My american friends and family seem to have this great enjoyment of having a nice house and a dog. They always talk about and send fotos of their dogs ! So it kind of made sense that they are disconnected somehow.

Ferret Herder

12-22-2005, 06:37 AM

But the OP certainly struck me as being anti-social somewhat and I made a honest comment.
In the OP, he talks about how an older couple came into the showing of a new movie 10 minutes before the end, stood in the way, talked loudly, and pretty much screwed up the climax of the film for the people around them. If not liking that is anti-social, then I'll gladly bear that label.

lee

12-22-2005, 06:40 AM

Very sad. No wonder there are so many more Brazilians than Americans in social networks like Orkut. We hear a lot about nice americans... but we hear few stories about making friendship with Americans that are not latino. Seems they care little for friends ... or less than we do.

Still how is this compatible with a high church attendance ? I would guess going to church is a "social" thing.
When I first took my daughter to a park, and saw her walking up to other kids, I had to stop myself from telling her not to bother them. I had to remind myself that children are in the park to play with each other and not just use the park facilities. I had a strong impulse to tell her not to bother others in the park, as I would tell her not to bother them in a store or a restaurant. There is a very strong social pressure not to needlessly socialize in public with strangers.

Equipoise

12-22-2005, 06:42 AM

I'll never understand why American movie theaters don't have reserved seats.

What's the advantage to reserved seating at a movie theater? The concept is alien to me. We saw a movie in London once and had to sit way in the back because someone else bought our tickets and they were reserved. We hated it but being polite, didn't say anything (and didn't let our annoyance show).

We like sitting right near the front, center, 3-4 rows back depending on how close the screen is, though some theaters are front row theaters. Except in a sellout, no one ever sits where we sit normally, but if the seats were reserved, someone might be forced to sit where we sit by choice, and we'd have to sit elsewhere. I don't see how reserved seats for a normal film would be a good thing. IMAX reserves seating, but we only go there for something special, and we get tickets in advance. Regular moviegoing is very often a spur of the moment decision. No, I don't think I'd like that at all.

I feel sorry for people who have bad experiences at movie theaters. It really is a shame. We have a fantastic home theater system with a 4'x7' screen and hanging video projector, with a great sound system, yet we still go out to the movies all the time (we've seen close to 20 films so far this month in the theater, with more to come in the next few days). We just prefer seeing movies in the theater, and we don't like to wait for the DVD for movies we want to see.

We do try to go at odd times though, and avoid movies/showtimes that bring out the idiots, and we try not to go to theaters that give us problems, though sometimes we forget. Last night we went to see The Squid and the Whale and The White Countess at a theater (in Chicago proper) we hadn't been to for a long time. I remembered why we hadn't been there for a long time. In the smaller theater, the seats were uncomfortable, and in the larger theater, an exit sign (red lettering on white) right by the screen shone like a beacon and ruined the ambience. Luckily the movie, The White Countess, was good enough to overcome the distraction. We won't be going there again unless we have to though. Our favorite theater (in Evanston) has red lettering on black exit signs, and they're perfect. Very visible but not at all distracting. It's crazy I know. We're seriously starting to take into account Exit signs when deciding on a theater. We realize how lucky we are that we have a wide choice of theaters. So many people in the country don't, that's why I feel bad for people who have trouble.

Since this is the pit I'll get this off my chest: FUCK YOU theaters that have glaring white exit signs shining on the audience, washing out blacks and distracting me from the movie. Even if it's a city ordinance (I don't know that it is) does the white bulb really have to be THAT bright? It's terribly distracting.

lee

12-22-2005, 06:49 AM

Churches are social places. I was taught in Sunday school that one should look for their spouse to be at church. Think about God during the service, but afterward stick around and chat and attend church socials. Where else are you going to fins someone who shares your beliefs?

Many of us value our friends very much, we just have difficulty making new ones. I have my friends I met in school, but I don't have that many new ones since college. I have no idea how to go about meeting new people to be friends with as an adult. Not everyone is that way, but many are.

When we moved to Germany, we were warned that in restaurants sometimes strangers shared tables. That does not happen here as a rule.

Equipoise

12-22-2005, 07:04 AM

When we moved to Germany, we were warned that in restaurants sometimes strangers shared tables. That does not happen here as a rule.

*shudder* That would creep me out. They do that in the Amtrak dining cars too. I understand why they do it. For those who like it it is a nice way to meet people I suppose, but personally I hate it. I don't like to socialize while I'm getting ready to eat, eating or having just eaten. I just like to bury my head in a book and eat and digest in peace (my husband and I both like to read while we're eating so it's not usually a problem). It's one thing when someone sits with you when there are no other options, but Amtrak does this even when the whole dining car is empty. It makes me not want to eat in the dining car.

The King of Soup

12-22-2005, 08:07 AM

We saw a movie in London once and had to sit way in the back because someone else bought our tickets and they were reserved. We hated it but being polite, didn't say anything (and didn't let our annoyance show).
So, you were reserved too? That is Equipoise.

We like sitting right near the front, center, 3-4 rows back depending on how close the screen is, though some theaters are front row theaters. Except in a sellout, no one ever sits where we sit normally (...)
I do, but that's because I'm rapidly going deaf, and I need not only volume but clear direction of sound as well, which means sitting near one set of speakers and concentrating on them. My family hates this, but tolerates it because they like me, or full-screen movies, enough to tolerate it. Also, sometimes they sit far away from me.

but if the seats were reserved (...) I don't think I'd like that at all.

Me either. It's antispontaneous, undemocratic and disgusticulous.

We have a fantastic home theater system with a 4'x7' screen and hanging video projector, with a great sound system, yet we still go out to the movies all the time (we've seen close to 20 films so far this month in the theater, with more to come in the next few days). We just prefer seeing movies in the theater, and we don't like to wait for the DVD for movies we want to see.

Well, you go to the movies in London and Ebertville, so the choices are chercer, as Spencer Tracy didn't say. I have nothing resembling a home theater system, but mostly I watch any movie I think I'll like at home because that's the only place background noise won't destroy my ability to hear the dialogue. Even then I find that DVD recordings often suppress voices in favor of music and sound effects. I've regretted the rental of many DVDs and tapes. On the other hand, I've been surprised at how little dialogue is really necessary to get through many modern films.

We do try to go at odd times though, and avoid movies/showtimes that bring out the idiots (...)
That's good advice, but outside Chicago there are fewer showings at odd times, and these would be less attractive anyhow because of the (absolutely silent during shows, they squeeze a hand if they can't postpone a trip to the bathroom, bless them) still-young kids.

...exit sign(s)...

Often are, as you guess, products of municipal fiat.

...FUCK YOU theaters that have glaring white exit signs shining on the audience, washing out blacks and distracting me from the movie. Even if it's a city ordinance (I don't know that it is) does the white bulb really have to be THAT bright? It's terribly distracting.
You may be a victim not of the city nor of an exit sign but of a bad habit of many theater projectionists (note: the following is based on information given me by my wife, who sold theater equipment and brokered technical assistance for theaters for many years) of cutting the power to the projector bulb (which aren't even that expensive) in the hopes of extending its life. It doesn't: it just ruins the film by drowning it in darkness. Roger Ebert complains about this at nauseating length and my wife asserts that it happens everywhere there are theaters. Me, I'm just waiting until they bring back silent movies, or radio theater so I can plug in two earphones and forget the world and be by the world forgot.

Best regards and wishes.

minor7flat5

12-22-2005, 12:44 PM

You may be a victim not of the city nor of an exit sign but of a bad habit of many theater projectionists . . . of cutting the power to the projector bulb (which aren't even that expensive) in the hopes of extending its life. It doesn't: it just ruins the film by drowning it in darkness. Roger Ebert complains about this at nauseating length and my wife asserts that it happens everywhere there are theaters. Me, I'm just waiting until they bring back silent movies, or radio theater so I can plug in two earphones and forget the world and be by the world forgot.I'm sure that must happen somewhere, but I never heard of it. I worked for one of the big chain theaters, so whenever I needed to change a projector bulb (a very scary process that involves heavy protective gear -- they contain high pressure and explode like grenades), I just grabbed a fresh one from the stack in the corner and did the job. In the scheme of things, they aren't expensive, but if you see the price ($700+) it does give you pause. I could imagine an independent theater owner seeing that price and cutting corners to stretch the life a few hundred hours.

In most cases, projection light quality problems come from either the natural wear on the bulb or improper focussing of the bulb. Here's a page that shows the bulb in situ (http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-projector4.htm). The bulb is about a foot and a half long, and the center part is the size of a small orange. Xenon bulbs blacken over life, and horizontally-mounted bulbs, like the one in the picture, must be rotated occasionally to distribute the blackening. In addition, the bulb must be focused by positioning it carefully in the bowl-shaped reflector you see on that page. Either of these factors can contribute to a poorly-lit film.
But the OP certainly struck me as being anti-social somewhat and I made a honest comment. (I'm not xenophobic thanks) My american friends and family seem to have this great enjoyment of having a nice house and a dog. They always talk about and send fotos of their dogs ! So it kind of made sense that they are disconnected somehow.This appears to be a common Brazilian stereotype of Americans. You will clearly be able to find Americans that reenforce this image of us, but there are 300 million to choose from, so you will also find many who are completely contrary to what you expect.

When I am in Brazil, virtually every Brazilian I speak with for more than five minutes comments on how I am not "cold" like a typical American. This amuses me since I was raised in a very traditional American fashion. But there is a grain of truth to this stereotype: as is typical of New Jersey, I don't know my neighbor's names, and we rarely interact. Even so, you can find American neighborhoods that are every way as close knit and friendly as a neighborhood in the suburbs of Rio.
(BTW: don't get me wrong here -- meu sangue é americano, mas meu coração é brasileiro.)

Rashak Mani

12-23-2005, 12:37 PM

MinorFlat... there is a difference between friendly... and being more social and outgoing. It seems americans are headed the same way europeans are. Very respectful of others to the point of excluding them.

Overall americans... especially those willing to travel abroad are very nice... but they aren't always "open". Standoffish or reserved might be a better description.

Why ? I don't know... maybe its overly competive way of life... ? Still I don't think my Carioca brethen with their over the top gregariousness and friendliness that is rarely truthful are better. Its a differente style. Brazilians certainly can be two faced... but they will be nice about it.

EvilHamsterOnCrack

12-24-2005, 09:27 AM

Just to add to the Israeli reserved seating discussion: I've only ever been to movies in Israel in Jerusalem (forget which theater), and those didn't have assigned seating either.

Now, about high merch prices, in addition to high ticket prices: From what I've been told (a friend of mine is manager at a local Regal 24), almost none of the ticket price even goes to the theater. It's split between the Actors Guild, Directors Guild, This guild, that guild, the MPAA, etc. Most of the money they make is at concessions, and that's supposed to finance the entire theater complex.

Maybe someone can tell me otherwise, but was that person right?

Stranger On A Train

12-24-2005, 11:06 AM

Oh, and BTW, the whole film was just slightly out of focus. :rolleyes: I'll never understand why American movie theaters don't have reserved seats.Usher? What's an usher? :)

It's been years since I've seen an usher in a movie theater. Once you get past the concessions stand, it's an employee-free zone.I thank whatever deity, be it an unshaven boomingly voiced old man or a flying pasta monster, for Arclight Hollywood (http://www.arclightcinemas.com) (which, amazingly enough, is run by the otherwise excreable Pacific Cinemas). They check focus and sound quality (and warn you if they're off--at the showing of Serenity I went to they offered refunds or a different showing for a sound problem so slight most theater managers would have rolled their eyes at the complaint), they have big reserved seats with arm rests large enough for two arms, and they have ushers that will seat you...and prevent people from entering the theater once the actual film starts. They even introduce the film and ask patrons to turn off cell phones and pagers and to refrain from talking. They also host some great film festivals and revival showings. I saw Lawrence of Arabia there on their 70mm screen...a truely awesome experience, as was seeing films in their Cinerama Dome. If you're ever in LA, you should take in a film here. On preview, I see that iamthewalrus(:3= posts the same link.

Now, about high merch prices, in addition to high ticket prices: From what I've been told (a friend of mine is manager at a local Regal 24), almost none of the ticket price even goes to the theater. It's split between the Actors Guild, Directors Guild, This guild, that guild, the MPAA, etc. Most of the money they make is at concessions, and that's supposed to finance the entire theater complex.

Maybe someone can tell me otherwise, but was that person right?Er, no, at least not regarding the distribution of funds. The various Guilds make their money from fees charged to their members (and those fees can be large). None of them get a dime directly from cinema chains. The studios partially fund and support the MPAA as an alternative to government regulation, but again cinema chains have nothing to do with that. You can think of the chains as being grocery markets; they get the end product and decide which and how much they want to show, but essentially have no control over how films are made, budgeted, produced, or promoted. And like grocery stores, they see the smallest part of the profits while bearing the brunt of public opinion and backlash. Running theater chains has been a losing proposition of late (several chains are on or near bankruptcy on a semi-permenant basis) and after distribution and show fees the money they make on tickets is marginal, so it's true that their main source of revenue is concessions, but the only film people they pay out to is the studio distributor, not the guilds, the performers, or the MPAA.

This is something of a hijack, but recently serveral studios have been chomping at the bit to release DVDs sooner after theatrical release. Traditionally there's been a minimum of a sixth month lag, but some producers and directors (like Steven Soderbergh) have been agitating for concurrent release on both screens and DVD. This may well devistate mainstream theater chains, of course, which rely on big opening numbers to make their profits, but would be a boon for many consumers who can't afford, don't have access, or would just prefer not to, go out to see a film. It would be kind of a shame insofar as many films are definitely best seen on a big screen--even a large HDTV setup isn't comperable for some movies--but given the state of projection quality and the impertinence of some members of the viewing public it might qualify as a plus, especially if it keeps the cell phone users and the screen talkers at home where they belong.

Stranger

Odesio

12-24-2005, 11:18 AM

Naturally not everyone has the same idea of fun... and its your right to slouch in your comfy sofa at home watching DVDs. How often do you call your friends over to watch stuff with you ? If the answer is rarely I guess my comment wasn't off.

I rarely call my friends over to watch something with me and they rarely call me over to watch something. When we get together we typically play board games or do something that everyone can participate in. Now when I lived in the big city we typically got together every Sunday to watch the Cowboys play but that had a lot more socializing than

Marc

MsRobyn

12-24-2005, 11:46 AM

This is something of a hijack, but recently serveral studios have been chomping at the bit to release DVDs sooner after theatrical release. Traditionally there's been a minimum of a sixth month lag, but some producers and directors (like Steven Soderbergh) have been agitating for concurrent release on both screens and DVD. This may well devistate mainstream theater chains, of course, which rely on big opening numbers to make their profits, but would be a boon for many consumers who can't afford, don't have access, or would just prefer not to, go out to see a film. It would be kind of a shame insofar as many films are definitely best seen on a big screen--even a large HDTV setup isn't comperable for some movies--but given the state of projection quality and the impertinence of some members of the viewing public it might qualify as a plus, especially if it keeps the cell phone users and the screen talkers at home where they belong.

Stranger

One of the arguments I've heard in favor of concurrent release is to eliminate piracy -- it's supposed to knock some of the wind out of the sails of pirates.

Robin

Stranger On A Train

12-24-2005, 04:51 PM

One of the arguments I've heard in favor of concurrent release is to eliminate piracy -- it's supposed to knock some of the wind out of the sails of pirates.Well, that's the advantage that the studios claim, although the claim that they're losing all their profits to piracy is a kind of bullshit cover for the fact that they make and release so many unprofitable films. I scarcely see how simultaneous release on DVD is going to prevent piracy; many prominent recent cases have involved work prints or video data taken (stolen) from the production house by an employee, or distributed to critcs and Academy members as pre-release screeners. And with many films, especially family-oriented films or films with a big cult following (like Donnie Darko) they'll lose money on initial release but the advertising and/or word of mouth virtually guarantees profit on DVD release, which has significantly less distribution costs than cinematic release anyway. With many films now, the cinematic run can be just chalked up as a marketing expense for the DVD campaign.

But, for cinephiles, there's something special about seeing a great film on a big screen. I've got Master and Commander on DVD with all the extras, but it just doesn't compare to the 10:30p screening (I had the theater completely to myself) with the ships crashing throught the POV and into each other, or Lawrence riding out of a monotonous, sun-drenched desert, starting from an invisibly small dark point to a huge, looming camel carrying two riders.

Provided, of course, that some asshat isn't on the phone talking to his "dawg" about what a boring movie this is.

Stranger

Patty O'Furniture

12-25-2005, 11:34 AM

...recently serveral studios have been chomping at the bit to release DVDs sooner after theatrical release. Traditionally there's been a minimum of a sixth month lag, but some producers and directors (like Steven Soderbergh) have been agitating for concurrent release on both screens and DVD.

That will be great if it ever happens. My 55" Sony Grand Wega has all but eliminated whatever was left of my desire to go get my feet sticky at the local tunnel-plex. Given that we're sitting about six feet away from the screen, I am fully satisfied that I am having the "big screen" experience. Many of my friends agree, so we have movie nights from time to time and I am developing quite a large library of cinema on dvd.

And the drinks, popcorn & pizza are dirt cheap at my place. :cool:

Stranger On A Train

12-25-2005, 01:56 PM

That will be great if it ever happens. My 55" Sony Grand Wega has all but eliminated whatever was left of my desire to go get my feet sticky at the local tunnel-plex. Given that we're sitting about six feet away from the screen, I am fully satisfied that I am having the "big screen" experience. Many of my friends agree, so we have movie nights from time to time and I am developing quite a large library of cinema on dvd.I give it another 18 months, tops, before major studios start doing near simultaneous cinematic and DVD releases; this could actually work to the advantage of cinemas, insofar as they could offer the DVDs for sale of the film people just watched--a major impulse buy opportunity (if they film was any good).

That assumes, of course, that theaters have something to offer that home viewing doesn't. But consider this; parents with small children, the crowd-adverse, those far away from a cinema, and the like who can't afford or don't have ready access to a night at the movies don't make up a significant revenue stream for cinemas anyway. If theater chains stop doing what they're doing now--trying to squeeze every last bit of profit out of customers by spending as little as possible on amenities and unskilled labor--and turn to the model of making the viewing of a film a full night out, they can justify higher margins even with reduced ticket sales.

Or maybe I'm just dreaming. But I'd love to see a few Brewvies (http://www.brewvies.com/), a Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse (http://www.rosebudcinemadrafthouse.com/home.htm), and an Arclight Cinemas (http://arclightcinemas) in every city.

Stranger

SmartAleq

12-25-2005, 05:07 PM

For those disenchanted with the average American moviegoing experience, may I present Cinetopia (http://www.cinetopiatheaters.com/index.htm) ? I haven't been there yet, but I bet King Kong would be stellar in an environment like this. I wonder what wine goes well with giant gorilla?

Rashak Mani

12-29-2005, 03:24 PM

Lets try and understand better the problem.

What kind of people are crowding US cinemas ? Teens ? Poor people ? Slobbery couples ? Whose spoiling the experience ?

As for the major studios... if they worried more about good storytelling and quality scripts... they wouldn't have to worry about piracy. Silly people.

Lute Skywatcher

12-29-2005, 03:57 PM

Or maybe I'm just dreaming. But I'd love to see a few Brewvies (http://www.brewvies.com/), a Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse (http://www.rosebudcinemadrafthouse.com/home.htm), and an Arclight Cinemas (http://arclightcinemas) in every city. The DC area has the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (http://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/).

Along the same lines, at least one New Orleans-area theater tried replacing their candy counter with a daquiri bar. Didn't help them stay in business, though.

Odesio

12-29-2005, 04:36 PM

What kind of people are crowding US cinemas ? Teens ? Poor people ? Slobbery couples ? Whose spoiling the experience ?

For the most part I've found that most people in the theater aren't so bad. However I have noticed a lot of people bring their children to see movies that simply aren't age appropriate for them and sometimes they get frightened or speak out of boredom. I don't mind hearing kids talk when I see something like The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, or Chicken Little but maybe parents should keep them away from Dawn of the Dead. Yeah, I sat in front of a bunch of kids under the age of 10 when I went to see Dawn of the Dead.

I don't know how things are in Brazil but movie theaters in the United States are facing some pretty stuff competetion because of the wide availaibility of DVD, stereos, and even larger television screens at home. Think about it, what does a movie theater really have to offer me that I can't get at home? A larger screen and a better sound system.

In my opinion the negative aspects of going to the theater outweigh the positive. I have to drive to the theater, I have to sit through a lot of advertisements, I may not get the seat I want, if I want a snack I'm going to pay through the nose to get it, and there's always the possibility of sitting near someone who is annoying.

Marc

Mama Tiger

12-29-2005, 04:42 PM

Along the same lines, at least one New Orleans-area theater tried replacing their candy counter with a daquiri bar. Didn't help them stay in business, though.

Every movie theater I went to when I lived in New Orleans had a daiquiri bar as well as a candy counter. Heck, there was a daiquiri stand in the local shopping mall food court. They're totally ubiquitous there. I never heard of one replacing the candy counter with a daiquiri bar, but I'd be surprised since as far as I could tell they all had the daiquiri bar anyway.

Cat Whisperer

12-29-2005, 05:12 PM

Our movie-going experiences are usually pretty good here - certainly not bad enough to be the deciding vote that we will never go see a movie again. I see the future of movie theatres as something of a niche market. Jim and I actually have three levels of movies - one, we wait to rent, two, we wait to see at the cheap theatres, and three, we go and see for full price because we're that keen on it, and we want to experience it with big screen and great sound system.

gotpasswords

12-29-2005, 06:51 PM

This region has some of the most demanding movie audiences, and for the most part, the theaters recognize this and don't screw up too badly on the technical aspects. The image will be bright and sharply focused, and the sound will be generally rather loud, but clear and understandable. No promises that a spring won't jab you in the butt or that the place will be any cleaner than someone raking up the cups now and then.

They have to be good - Dolby is about five blocks from my office, Lucasfilm is just a couple miles north, and Pixar is right across the bay.

But... that doesn't stop some theaters from being crummy. On Monday, our schedules finally lined up so we could go see Harry Potter.

Once we bought our ticket, we just walked into the building. Nobody took, tore or even looked at our tickets. The snack bar had six registers, but only two were open. We look at our tickets. Theater 14. Hmmm... Where's that? Guess it's down this hall. At the other end. I think my living room is bigger than this theater. The floor is certainly a mess. One foot finds sticky and the other finds slippery.

Apparently this theater does that dim the projector lamp trick as the movie is dark. Something's misaligned as well. The bottom half of the screen is fairly well, but not perfectly focused. The top corners are less sharp and the top center sports a double image.

Who would you complain to? Save for the three teenagers selling popcorn, there's no apparent staff in the building. I'm sure they neither care, nor have the ability to do anything. With that double image, it's not like someome can just tweak the focus anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd intentionally de-focused to make the double image less noxious.

At least the audience was on its best behavior and it was a "bargain matinee" and only cost six bucks per ticket. But overall, it reminds me why it's been about eight months since I'd seen a movie in a theater. It also reminds me to pick a different theater next time.

minor7flat5

12-29-2005, 08:27 PM

Apparently this theater does that dim the projector lamp trick as the movie is dark. Something's misaligned as well. The bottom half of the screen is fairly well, but not perfectly focused. The top corners are less sharp and the top center sports a double image.

Who would you complain to? Save for the three teenagers selling popcorn, there's no apparent staff in the building. I'm sure they neither care, nor have the ability to do anything. With that double image, it's not like someome can just tweak the focus anyway. I wouldn't be surprised if they'd intentionally de-focused to make the double image less noxious.That projectionist should be hung up by his thumbs as an example to others. I bet he scratches films on their second night as well!

The problem you describe is likely the result of general carelessness. An unfocused lamp will result in an image that is not uniformly bright. A film gate that is not adjusted correctly can easily result in cupping the film as it passes in front of the lens, resulting in parts that are in focus, while others are not. Incorrect loop size as well as a too tight gate can both contribute to jerkiness that could very well result in a double image. I wouldn't be surprised if the setup he had was scratching the film as you watched it.