I think I’ve sat in the front row of a theater exactly once, to see Cool Runnings when I 12. I went with a bunch of friends who thought it was the absolute greatest and coolest thing ever to sit 0.08 nanometers from the screen. Being 12 of course I followed along. I don’t even remember much of the movie because sitting where I had to look essentially straight up hurt mightily and it was all I could do to just hang my head and look at the floor the entire time.
Now I prefer to sit near the very back. I’m both tall and wide and am very self-conscious about blocking someone else’s view. Luckily my wife also likes to sit in the back so it works well. We don’t go to the movies all that much and when we do we tend to wait several weeks after opening day so we can have a mostly empty theater. Only a few times have we had to sit near the front due to the rear of the theater being filled up.
Normally I don’t like it because I get tired of looking up, but one of our theaters has recently installed enormous recliners in lieu of the traditional setup. It’s reserved seating, but one of these days I need to make a point of snagging a front row empty for a few minutes to see how it compares.
The original “Alien”, in one of those huge old-timey movie theaters showing it in 70mm and Dolby surround sound. We got there late and had to sit in the front row. (Maybe one row back?) I just about crapped my pants when that face-hugger jumped out of the egg.
Last time I sat in the front row was for “Rocky IV”. I was 12 years old, went with my friends and those were the only available tickets at the time. It was fun watching the fight scenes up close. But I guess I it wasn’t THAT enjoyable as I never opted to do it again. Hehehe.
Way back in the day, one of my sister’s friends used to go to Elvis movies, sit in the front seat and bring binoculars. She must have wanted to see every pore on his skin. Personally, I find it uncomfortable to sit in front, you have to hold your head back and move your head too much.
I like being close to the front for two reasons: usually less crowded (so less noise from other patrons) and the screen fills my field of vision. But which exact row I sit in depends on the size of the theater and the screen.
I remember watching movies from the front row as a kid and it was okay. Nice immersive experience. But then theaters changed.
I had to watch Manhattan from the first row as those were the only seats available. I feel like I only saw 1/4 of that movie. Specifically the lower right-hand quadrant. Not a good experience.
