I really do still enjoy going to see a movie in a theater. There's just something fun about it. And really, I'll pay matinée prices - they aren't that bad - especially on those rare instances where my old college ID gets me a little discount. What I really loath though is paying (any amount) to see a crappy flick. Anymore it really seems like there's a shortage of good ideas - case in point: Sucker Punch, Cowboys and Aliens, Hangover Part 2, etc...

Beyond that my only grip lies with the pre-movie experience that we're put through these days. I miss the days where you'd go see a movie and not be put through an onslaught of commercials while you wait for the movie to begin. That really drives me crazy; I don't go to the movies to see previews for TV shows either.

By contrast though, I do like how most theaters have trivia that keeps you engaged if you arrive early, but the problem is that there's never enough content for it to not repeat every 3-5 minutes.

Quote from: Jacob on May 10, 2011, 10:06:53 AM

did the quality of the experience go up as well?

indeed it has. the projectors and soundsystems have gotten better. the theaters (and seating) have gotten nicer.

so, yeah, my experience has definitely improved.

Quote from: Monster Dave on May 10, 2011, 10:13:34 AM

Beyond that my only grip lies with the pre-movie experience that we're put through these days. I miss the days where you'd go see a movie and not be put through an onslaught of commercials while you wait for the movie to begin. That really drives me crazy; I don't go to the movies to see previews for TV shows either.

one of our local theater chains (www.arclightcinemas.com) doesn't do commercials. they also have reserved seating so you don't have to show up 30m early just to get a good seat.

...can't sneak into other movies there, though. 

Quote from: derby on May 10, 2011, 10:16:36 AM
one of our local theater chains (www.arclightcinemas.com) doesn't do commercials. they also have reserved seating so you don't have to show up 30m early just to get a good seat.

...can't sneak into other movies there, though. 

Now that's a unique idea!

I very rarely go to the theatre, we just a few weeks and download the movie...

But i do only go here http://www.guildcinema.com/alibi/ if wana watch movie.....nothing like a great cheesy movie night....plus i have no expectations of being disappointed, cause i know the movie is already made to be bad

Quote from: zooom on May 10, 2011, 10:13:10 AM
sure did...look at the difference in special effects...

unless we are talking chic fliks or some crapola like that...

not what i'm talking about; I can make explosions at home


picture quality---meh

sound---absolutely

comfort---no

speed of service---no

cleanliness---no

The last Imax movie that a buddy and I saw was so loud I actually wished that I had my ear plugs. 

Quote from: Jacob on May 10, 2011, 10:23:12 AM
picture quality---meh

sound---absolutely

comfort---no

speed of service---no

cleanliness---no

cleanliness??....I notice that I stick to the floors a whole make the beast with two backston less now than when I was a teen goin to a movie back many years ago...

projection quality- hell yes, especially if you compare 3D of old versus now...but it is much more subjective in certain genre's based on the director/cinematographer

comfort-once again...the seating is much more comfy than it used to be, especially with the integrated cupholders!

speed of service will never change IMHO...so that isn't even an argument...except in ticket purchasing with Fandango and the likes with making the arduous task of waiting in ticket purchasing lines an increasingly less of an issue than what it was many years ago...

Going to the movies is one of my all time favorite things to do.  I love being there and seeing movies and being a part of an experience with a large group of people.

However, I have pretty much stopped going to them.  Not because of prices or anything to do with the quality of the movies but because;

PEOPLE WON'T SHUT THE make the beast with two backs UP!!!!!!!!

I'm so sick of having to hear people talking, talking on their phone, and generally just being ignorant assholes who obviously don't give a shit about other people's feelings. You can't even get the theatres to kick people out anymore, they just offer a rain check.  I don't want a rain check I want to stop hearing some make the beast with two backswad talking like their at a concert.

Sorry for the rant but something I love to do has been ruined by others and it pisses me off to no end. Whatever happened to decency and manners.  They tell you to shut up before the movie starts and people just talk right through the whole damn thing.  Happens just about every time we go now days.  Makes me want to take a stun gun to someone's larynx.

I, like so many above, still enjoy going to the theater once in a while. It's more like my wife and I going on a date like we used to.

Quote from: Monster Dave on May 10, 2011, 10:18:24 AM
Now that's a unique idea!

There is a local theater that has separate over 21 section. They have a full restaurant, bar and reserved seating on a balcony. The ticket will run you $16 for the reserve seat, free valet and free popcorn. Drinks and food are extra, but it makes for a great dinner/movie experience.

Some films need to be seen on the big screen.  They were created for it.  It is a unique experience that cannot be "streamed".  Well, at least not till people have their own 60 foot screens at home.

Quote from: NorDog on May 10, 2011, 11:16:48 AM
Some films need to be seen on the big screen.  They were created for it.  It is a unique experience that cannot be "streamed".  Well, at least not till people have their own 60 foot screens at home.

Inception being an example of this.

Quote from: Monster Dave on May 09, 2011, 03:13:33 PM
Starting today, YouTube will be releasing approximately 3,000 new titles from Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, and Lionsgate.  Some of the films available for rental include Goodfellas, Scarface, Caddyshack, Inception, and The King’s Speech.  New release will cost $3.99 to rent and library titles will cost $2.99.  For most movies, viewers will have 30 days to watch their rentals and then 24 hours to finish the movie once they begin watching.  Most movies will be available for rent in standard definition only.

http://www.youtube.com/ytmovies

So Google announced today that you will soon be able to rent and stream movies (in HD) to Android devices. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that there'll be another announcement soon that YouTube is following suit on the quality front (YouTube is owned by Google).

As both a Hulu Plus and Netflix streaming user, there's a big difference between the two services. We go to Netflix for back-catalog of shows and movies, and Hulu for current seasons of shows from Universal-owned channels (NBC most specifically). We cut the cord for cable TV almost a year ago, and haven't missed a thing about it.

Quote from: bevel on May 10, 2011, 12:32:24 PM
So Google announced today that you will soon be able to rent and stream movies (in HD) to Android devices. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that there'll be another announcement soon that YouTube is following suit on the quality front (YouTube is owned by Google).

As both a Hulu Plus and Netflix streaming user, there's a big difference between the two services. We go to Netflix for back-catalog of shows and movies, and Hulu for current seasons of shows from Universal-owned channels (NBC most specifically). We cut the cord for cable TV almost a year ago, and haven't missed a thing about it.

Look about 3/4 of the way down back on page 32.

Quote from: NorDog on May 10, 2011, 11:16:48 AM
Some films need to be seen on the big screen.  They were created for it.  It is a unique experience that cannot be "streamed".  Well, at least not till people have their own 60 foot screens at home...and crazy ass sound system

+1 with changes in red.