Just went to see Star Wars...will never darken a theater again.

[Lerkfish]

was Star Wars that bad?
er...well, no. wasn't great, but that's not the reason.

We haven't gone to a theatre movie that wasn't a matinee for several years.
last tickets we paid for was 5.50. Last night was our anniversary and we thought, hey, we'll see a movie.

Not paying attention, I handed the cashier a twenty, and got back...a dollar. That's right. the tickets had jumped to 9.50 since the last time we out. Then, the popcorn and soda was another eleven dollars. We had to pay a babysitter 25 dollars. So, all told, it took 55 dollars to see one movie.
Then, to add insult to injury, we had a group of teenagers directly behind and in front of us, who continued to whoop it up and be loud and obnoxious during the film...and after the film, the line to the rest room was so long (for the men's restroom!) that it snaked out into the lobby.

We vowed to never see another movie in the theatre again. It was uncomfortable, expensive, and inconvenient. And hollywood wonders why attendance is down? What it means is there is no way people will see a movie UNLESS its a big blockbuster. I cannot imagine going through that for an independent movie that I was unsure about.

So, we are just going to wait until movies come out to DVD. Something we were doing by default before, due to logistics with a kid, but now we are adamant about it.

I can't imagine we're alone.

[karlrschneider]

1. We haven't been to a movie for over 20 years...

:D

[sellitman]

2. I feel your pain.

We have 3 kids who go to see movies with their friends. My wife and I wait for the DVD. At least we have DVD's. We didn't back when.

[Systematic Chaos]

3. One of the very few good things I can say about Vegas

LOTS of theaters. Matinee prices are like $7 I think. And one theater chain offers unlimited refills on popcorn and drinks for the entire duration you spend in the theater. I saw a pair of movies (The Incredibles and that movie by the South Park guys - Justice America Police or whatever) and we paid around $40 for the whole thing with popcorn and drinks.

Still a lot of money but it was worth getting out for an afternoon.

[amazona]

4. why don't you just skip the blockbusters?

Your argument doesn't make sense. For the small independent movie, I can still pay $4 or so at the small second-run house, smuggle in my own snacks because nobody's checking, and there won't be any teen-agers whooping it up.

A bit unfair to attend a heavily hyped movie like STARS WAR -- the whole point of which is a social phenomenon -- and then complain that other people are there.

The small independent movies can still be supported cheaply but it sounds like, when the rubber hits the road, you weren't going to get out of the house and see them anyway. It's like the guy who always writes in to Bartcop saying, "Man, I was so going to send you a donation but you used the naughty word so now I won't."

Go to an independent movie or two, not STAR WARS (!) and then get back with us with a fair report.

[blurp]

26. He's not complaining about people being there. They just don't behave.

A bit unfair to attend a heavily hyped movie like STARS WAR -- the whole point of which is a social phenomenon -- and then complain that other people are there.

He's not complaining about other people being there. He's complaining that the other people there aren't behaving themselves, which is true. I don't go to the movies anymore for the same reason.

[Yupster]

31. It's true

I guess I'm a grumpy old fart, ut this casual talking during movies is a fairly new phenomenon in my memory. I don't remember it happening twenty years ago, but it happens in every movie I go to today.

For our anniversary, we just rented "The Notebook", sent the kid to grandma's and had a nice romantic night at home.

It was very nice and cheap too.

[Arianrhod]

5. Nope, you're not alone.

I always wait for the DVD to come out. I haven't enjoyed being in a movie theater for 20 years--for all the reasons you mentioned.

[NewJeffCT]

6. I still prefer the theaters

I'm lucky that I live in an area where there are so many multi-plex movie theaters within a 30 minute drive that it keeps attendance fairly reasonable at all of them. Even the biggest of big blockbusters will rarely have a full theater because there are so many places you can go.

But, even in a crowded theater, I still prefer to see a movie on the big screen with big sound even though we have a big screen TV at home & a damn good home theater system.

Something about being out in a theater makes it special to me.

That said, popcorn & drink prices are ridiculous... but, they were crazy 30 years ago, too.

Attendance is down this year because, frankly, the movies have sucked this year. And, the ones that didn't suck didn't have a wide-ranging appeal (Sin City)

[bloom]

20. I try to be selective

about what I see in a theatre. Some movies are more fun to see large, etc.

Never buy the food.

[Mythsaje]

7. Paying for movies

usually when we go out to a theater it's because my wife has won free movie tickets--a twice-a-year event, usually. Ticket prices are outrageous, and concession prices are just short of ludicrous. We sneak our own pop in rather than pay their prices. Just won't do it.

Otherwise I wait for things to hit On Demand, or rent the DVD. We used to belong to Netflix, but our DVD player started glitching, so we ended our membership. No use paying for something we can't use.

I'm more comfortable watching movies in my own home anyway. No need to deal with crowds.

Last movie we actually paid for, if I remember correctly, was the second Matrix flick--we saw it on IMAX at the Seattle Center. It was about the same price as a normal theater, but...wow. It was pretty amazing seeing it on a 7 story movie screen.

[Somawas]

8. I don't blame you

I go see movies in theatres about two or three times a year.

Expensive.

Bunch of folks who will not shut the fuck up, no matter what.

Plus cell phones ringing, etc.

Uncomfortable, inconvenient, noisy. No way to watch a movie.

[supernova]

9. This is why I go to the matinee

It's a bit cheaper than the regular ticket price.

And I bring my own snacks, even bottled water if I want it. Although I tend not to eat and drink very much beacause I HATE x( getting up in the middle of a movie to use the toilet.

edit: It's a bit cheaper and less crowded. I can usually find my favorite seat. The first row of seats on the second tier. I like to sit there because, being short, there is no one to sit in front of me and block my view.

[geomon666]

13. That's what I do

Go to the first showing usually. Nobody around. :)

I love going to the movies. I'm sure there will be a time when that won't be possible anymore (price and such) but nothing beats that theatre feeling. Stadium seating, popcorn, nachos, a big ol cup of soda right next to you. Got that perfect seat right in the center of the theatre. B-)

[Ready4Change]

30. Me too. Matinees, a week or two after release.

The ticket price is more reasonable. I get to pick my seat. More of the people are there to see the movie, rather than be part of a social pack, so they are better behaved. Lines are shorter. And movie food has always been a rip-off, so that's usually a non-issue for me.

[lonestarnot]

10. Same with ball games!

[samos1016]

11. It can be inconvenient

to go to the movies, however, there are certain movies that should be seen in the theater. That is why when I do go to the movies I go a smaller less trendy (less teeny boppers) movie theaters, 9 times out 10 the experience very enjoyable. Sunday afternoons and weeknights are good times to go see movies as well. I stay away from Friday and Saturday nights when possible. :hippie:

[question everything]

12. I share your sentiments

We also go to matinee only and pay $5.50 in most - some newer one in "upscale" shopping center charge $6.00.

This is also one problem with all the ads and trailers before a movie. For people who have to pay a baby sitter, this extra half hour costs money.

[Protagoras]

48. Just saw the matinee here too

5.50 each and the theater was only half full. Moreover, it was an older crowd and unusually quiet.

I won't go to a movie on a friday or saturday night...or on an opening week, because frankly it is too expensive and obnoxious. But some movies do benefit from the HUGE SCREEN...so if I pick and choose both the movie and the day/time it isn't so bad.

[newportdadde]

14. I'm right there with you the costs are crazy now.

Back in 99 pre kids and just married my wife and I could grab tickets as college student for I believe it was 3.75. Matinee's aren't really an option right now so we waited for our 17 month old to go to bed and then had my mother-in-law stay over to watch him.

Having been a year since we went to the theatre at all and 5 years since we saw a non mantinee I was floored the ticket prices 17 bucks for the two of us and this in the midwest. Thats just too much to justify it anymore.

[murray hill farm]

15. When u have small children..it does not make sense to go...

When my children were little, we went to a drive in with the kids..and they would all make up their beds in the back seat..and it was an adventure..they all fell asleep right away..and we brought our own drinks and popcorn, but now...just not worth it! And it doesn't even take that long for movies to go to DVD..so u are really paying all that money for something u could see in less than 6 mos on dvd anyway. Blockbuster has this program now where for about $20 for a whole month, you can rent as many movies as your want..at 2 at a time...look for that arrangement....and save your money for something else.

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Prism]

17. Star Wars on a June weekend?

Going to a theater on a Saturday night to see arguably the biggest movie of the year is a bit like going to Six Flags on a Saturday afternoon in mid-July: You're begging for a hassled experience.

The best time to see movies is during the week or the earlier Sunday shows. Matinees only cost around $5.50, and theaters tend to be a quarter to half full.

I don't think seeing Star Wars on a weekend is generally reflective of the theater-going experience. Plus, never discount second-run theaters. If you want to see something on the big screen (and some movies are really worth the experience) waiting a little while can be cheaper and less crowded.

[Lerkfish]

18. Perhaps you missed the anniversary angle? besides, that's beyond the point

One can't choose their anniversary.

nevertheless, I was pointing out why we, and I imagine a lot of people are staying away from theatres in droves.

[Mist]

19. I've never been crazy about crowded movie theaters

and I HATE people talking during movies, but when I don't want to wait for the dvd release, I go to matinees, on weekdays. If you can't go to weekday matinees, try weekday evenings, about 2-3 weeks after the movie's been released. FAR fewer people. Weekends blow (unless you're a teenager! That's their main dating time). In some big cities, you can find movies that start playing as early as 10 or 11 am. And eat before you go; the snack concession prices are insane!

[ET Awful]

21. Bingo. I go to maybe one movie in a theater very year at the most.

Actually, not even that many. In the past two years, I've seen two movies in a theater, Farenheit 9/11 and the new Star Wars flick. Prior to that, the last movie I saw in a theater was the first of the Lord of the Rings movies.

I just wait for the DVD 99% of the time.

There are movies I would be willing to pay to see in the theater primarily because they're more fun on a HUGE screen, like Star Wars.

But, for the most part, I watch DVDs.

I didn't see the last two LOTR films in a theater, didn't see Attack of the Clones in the theater, etc.

The only thing that gets me there is a movie I really want to support like F 9/11, or a movie that is better big :).

[loro mi dicevano]

22. And the MPAA wonders why movie-downloading is so popular.

:shrug:

[kweerwolf]

23. You're definitely not alone.

I quit going to most movies several years ago. Between the high prices and the rude patrons, it's just not worth it.

It becomes a whole lot cheaper (and less frustrating) to wait until the DVD comes out and either rent a copy or buy it.

The one exception I do make is seeing a independent/"art house" movie occasionally. These are the types of films that don't generally draw a crowd too rude to shut up for a couple of hours or too stupid to remember to turn their friggin' cell phones off. But catching a major Hollywood movie at the local multiplex? I'll pass!

[Cleita]

24. You are not alone.

My late husband refused to go to a movie thirty years ago. Since then we waited until the movie came on HBO, later VCR's and then DVD's. I did sneak into a theater during the matinee to see "Farhenheit 911". There were no teens in the audience, but a lot of fellow Democrats. THAT movie should be watched with a crowd, kind of like the "Rocky Horror Picture Show".

[napi21]

25. Us too, and we don't have kids at home anymore.

It doesn't take long for movies to get to DVD, and I'm just too cheap to spend $50+ for something I won't have tomorrow!

I wonder if anyone has ever told the idiots who make these million $$ flicks the real reason why attendance is down?

[wyldwolf]

27. wyldwolf's solution to a comfortable and enjoyable night at the movies

1. Movie theaters should have glass enclosed booths at the rear of the theater for parents who bring infants. Sound would be piped in. Parents should be given incentives (free pop corn?) for not bring babies to movies on "date nights."

2. Movie theaters should impose teen curfews for showings after 9PM if legal. In my city, there is a 10pm curfew for teens on weeknights so seeing a movies after 9 is obnoxious teen free.

[Cleita]

28. Back in the Jurassic era, when I was a teen,

many theaters glassed in the balcony for smokers. I don't see why they couldn't partition off a portion for disruptors.

[Lerkfish]

29. Actually, I think its a market equillibrium thing.

they are already feeling the pinch, why is why they are complaining, but as usual, they are too dense to see the real reason for the economic slowdown.

How will that affect what they do or change? I dunno. I DO know I see no point in paying 9.50 a ticket and sitting through a half hour of commercials...for tv shows, for cars, etc, on top of what I already complained about.

I"m old enough to remember that when cable tv was first proposed, and passed congress, it was touted as "television without advertising" because the subscription price was supposed to preclude advertising. I recall that that didn't last very long at all.

[Sal Minella]

32. What about the ads for local businesses?

I refuse to pay $5.50 for a matinee when I have to sit through badly filmed overly-loud advertisements for Jeb's Used Cars and Myrtle's Roadkille Grille and Overpriced Drapes by Stephanie. I counted 16 of those last time I paid to go to a movie in a theater, and that was about four years ago.

They don't make enough $ on the overpriced tickets and the overpriced snackbar?

[Yupster]

37. Roadkille Grille

Good one.

Not just roadkill either. This restaurant offers roadkille, that's roadkill with a continental flair.

[justgamma]

33. Haven't been to a theater for 20 years until

Fahrenheit 911. Saw it in 2 different cities. I did enjoy the interaction with the audience. It was great!!

[BigBearJohn]

34. I'm with you. NO MORE THEATERS for me.

[Obamanaut]

35. We buy movies from rental

places when they are on sale. Just recently we found "Casablanca" and I watched it for the first time ever in the comfort of my own big chair. Mrs ret88 laughed at my wet eyes. I discovered why so many people for so many years said it was so good. We've not been to a movie theater in about 15 years.

[Hardrada]

36. What about the teens and preteens who can't decide where

to sit and are running up and down the aisles and then there are the ones who bang the back of your chair with their feet or throw stuff at each other. This is a smaller town but we have some creepy teen behavior. We wait until there is less of a crowd at the theater.

[Radical Activist]

38. oh boo hoo

cheapskate.
Old people should just stay in their houses.

;)

[Lerkfish]

41. "old people"?

I prefer "fartitudinally challenged"

:)

[Radical Activist]

43. haha!

[HeeBGBz]

39. I only go to matinees

I only go to blockbuster extravaganza films, such as Star Wars or War of the Worlds coming up.

Everything else I rent at home.

[okieinpain]

40. yep, that's why my son is able to sell 7000 dollar home theater

systems at best buy. I use to think people were crazy for shelling out that kind of money, but it's worth it in the long run.

[Qanisqineq]

42. we only go to a movie theater once or twice a year

Too expensive and too many people sitting there talking in a normal voice like they are at home on the couch. I like to see things like Star Wars or similar movies with lots of special effects on the big screen. With it so large and the sound all around me, I feel more like I am right there.

[Stirk]

44. Pbbt! I love going to the movies.

Yeah, the price has gone up, and they play those stupid commercials before the features now, but going to the movies is way better than watching a DVD.

There are some really nice theaters here in Los Angeles. I like going to a few of the renovated theaters (built in the 50's-70's). The big cineplex things are fine for first-run movies, but if I can pass on opening week, I'll see them at a real cinema.

[cory817]

45. theatres

I still like seeing movies in the theatre, and there are some like star wars that are so much better in the theatre, especially if you find one with good sound and maybe stadium seating.

Its weird though I don't notice the audience problems, it stays pretty quiet and I even wait til an explosion or loud sequence to cough or move around in my seat, I even went to the midnight star wars showing downtown ft worth with all the fanatics and they even shut up completely once it started. And part of the "experience" of seeing it in a theatre is the crowds reaction laughing etc.,

I also don't see any commercials except for the theatre chain or maybe coca-cola and the previews, and ofcourse we get the "Don't mess with Texas" littering ones which are sometimes funny, but Ive never seen regular commercial products, and if they do show them its probably before the movie's set start time just for something to put up while people find their seats.

[Lerkfish]

47. youre lucky then...

in our local national amusements theatre, the start time was 7 pm, until 7 it was slide advertisements, then at 7 pm (the stated start time), there was a commercial for a television show. Then a commerical for a car. then another commercial for a television show...then one for movie tickets bought on the internet, then (although cute) national amusements clip with the cast of 2 and one half men (charlie sheen, jon cryer), on how to behave in a theatre, THEN they started the coming attractions. When the movie finally started, it was 7:30, one complete half hour from the stated start time, because I looked at my watch, disgusted.

[expatriate]

46. Gave up on movie theatres more than twenty years back

with one exception. Got tired of the decline in manners from other theatre goers.

I can actually remember a time when anyone talking in a theatre would be warned by an usher, and if they talked more, they would be escorted out. Same went for people with crying babies, those who kept changing seats or walking up and down the aisles, or unattended children who were misbehaving. These people were treated as if they were depriving other paying customers of their right to see the movie. They were the bad guys. People often applauded as the disruptors were removed.

The last couple of times I saw a film in a theatre, people had no compunction about talking constantly, and yelling out comments to the actors on the screen, Rocky Horror midnight show style. Kids ran up and down the aisles. One yelled out "put it on pause, Mom!" as he went past. I've also been in theatres where people had babies that were crying or screaming and they refused to take them out. Anyone who might try to shush those who jabbered, or complained about the howling babies were considered the bad guys. Things had completely flip-flopped - there wasn't an usher to be seen, and complaints made to the employees (usually young kids, with no management in sight) were usually just met with shrugs or "there's nothing we can do about it".

So I gave up on the movies. Buy and rent videos and DVDs. It works fine for me - there isn't enough atmosphere in a movie theatre for me to put up with the attending annoyances, to say nothing of the cost.

The one notable exception, where I attended a movie for the first time in almost 15 years was when my Titanic junkie brother harassed me until I consented to go view his idolized favorite film with him. All the reasons why I stopped going to the theatre were demonstrated - the place was packed, people were talking, those who were Titanic freaks and had seen the movie a hundred times already narrated it out loud for the friendds (and of course, the rest of us), babies squalled, there was an endless parade up and down the aisles as people trooped to the bathroom, the concession stand, wherever.

And a man who happened to sit next to us wept bitterly and audibly through the entire final half hour of the film. Real boo-hoo-hoo stuff, coming out of a huge guy who looked like he wrestles on TV. It broke me up so bad that I couldn't do anything but giggle, which infuriated my brother, because he really got into Jack and Rose and their ridiculous tale.

Not the way I want to spend ten bucks. I'd rather save up the equivalent of ten visits to the movie theatre and enjoy a nice three course dinner out - in a quiet restaurant where the management will quell anyone who gets disruptive. And the food is a lot better.