Why the Movie Theater Experience is Worth It



With Oscar season under way, I’m going to be watching as many as the nominated movies that I can in preparation. Preferably, I will be watching them in the movie theater. Many people I know prefer watching movies at home, but I certainly do not agree with that. I am a big proponent of the home theater and having a great experience at home, but the movie theater experience is one that can’t be beat. Even though ticket prices seem to higher every year, I maintain that the experience is well worth it. Here are some of the top reasons why.

Ultimate Audio and Visual Experience



No matter how amazing your TV and speakers are at your home, you are still getting a second-rate experience when compared to the movie theater. Most modern movie theaters are equipped with state-of-the-art projectors and surround sound systems. Even when going to a standard showing, you are still watching the movie in the highest quality available and with an audio mix that is optimized for movie theater surround sound. Then you factor in deluxe showings such as IMAX and Dolby Vision which take the argument to another level. The enhanced quality elevates any movie from any genre.

Popcorn and Snacks



Movie theater popcorn is integral to the movie going experience. Sure, you can pop some Orville Redenbacher’s at home, but it isn’t the same. At the theater, you get the aroma, the warmth, and the buttery goodness that you can only find at the theater. Then there’s other movie theater snacks like candy, Icees, nachos, and other delightfully unhealthy snacks. Those are a good change of pace, but movie theater popcorn reigns supreme.

You Pay Attention



When you watch a movie at your home, there are plenty of distractions to take your attention away from the movie. Even for me, it can be hard sometimes to stop the temptation of looking at your phone when I’m home. This results in missing important details going on in the movie or even missing some plot points. When you purchase a ticket and go inside a theater, you’re locked in. No one is pulling out their phones (unless they’re a jerk) and you’re able to dedicate your attention to the movie and immerse yourself.

A Communal Experience



This is where the real magic of the movies lies. When you go see a movie on opening weekend with an exciting crowd, the atmosphere is electric. Having an entire crowd experience something for the first time together is an experience that cannot be replicated at home. I went to see Deadpool on opening weekend, and there wasn’t an empty seat in the theater. While this might sound like a nuisance, this actually made the experience unforgettable. When the audience gasps and laughs in unison, you know that you are witnessing a great movie moment.  Then when you leave a movie with your friends, you can spend all night talking about what you liked and didn’t like.

No other points are needed. When you have free time, be sure to look up your local listings and go check out a movie you’ve been wanting to see. Leave in the comments your favorite parts of the movie theater or about a great movie going experience. As always, thanks for reading.

Comments

  1. Filmmakers make movies for the theaters! That's where they're meant to be watched. Not watching a movie in a theater is like putting your food in the microwave. There's nothing *wrong* with doing it, but that's not how you get it in its best form. Decisions about the camera and sound are made with the assumption that the movie is being viewed in a theater. Long takes and intense sounds simply resonate stronger in a theater.

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