Cinema Why bother?

[scottie50]

Went to our local Showcase last night, saw the utterly depressing Outlaws. But apart from the appalling story on screen was the sorry quality of the image. I could see that some images were deliberately grainy for that " gritty" look, and I know the bigger the screen, the more difficult to get a good image, but I'm sure this isn't any better than 10 years ago. Fuzzy edges to everything, nonexistent true blacks, and pixel drop out from start to finish. Not going very often, is this the standard at all cinemas now, or just this Showcase? And don't get me started on the muppets with hot dogs and mobiles. Came home, and the wife was watching Cold Mountain on dvd, and I realised why she won't go anymore. :(

[Adam_uk]

Depends on the tranfer of the film, the way it was filmed I guess.

Also, the quality of the equipment of your local cinema plays a huge part in it I would imagine.

[robfjonesuk]

Depends on the tranfer of the film, the way it was filmed I guess.

Also, the quality of the equipment of your local cinema plays a huge part in it I would imagine.

The quality of the cinema has a massive impact. I was a team leader at a Filmworks cinema (now Odeon) while I was at uni and I ended up being able to see the difference from screen to screen. More so than the picture quality I find massive differences n sound from cinema to cinema.

For a truly impressive cinema experience try out a cinema with a digital screen (although only certain films support this feature).

In short, yes the film hasn't got the best PQ, however, Showcases are also notoriously crap.

If you are the type of guy to be picky about his home cinema set up, then you need to be picky about your cinema as well!

[enablerbro1]

Sitting in a cinema with the sound and a huge screen is still an experience I love. But I only tend to go see "cinema" movies, films that are enhanced by the big screen treatment. Casino Royale is a great example or any big "blockbuster" action movie. having said that I'd love to see Connery's Bonds on the big screen and Bladerunner when it comes out later this year will be a must see even if I have to knock small children out of my way to get to the box office.

I tend to try and catch movies in the afternoon or midday to try and avoid crowds. Nothing ruins that cinema experience more than people invading your senses with their prattle or munching. I've never understood people who pay to see a movie then spend frequent trips going for nachos, coke, toilet breaks etc.

Not enough Pearl & Dean for my liking though and we could do with a little Kio-rah action too.

[quarry2006]

I do love the cinema experience but I find when I go now it tends to be of an afternoon (the only "event" pictures I see on the day of release are the Star Wars ones and there's no more of those now...sob, sob) to avoid the unwashed masses.

I agree that most of the time the picture is not as good as it should be (has anyone checked out FACT? We have one in Liverpool but I've not been, despite solid recommendations all round.) but nothing drives me to distraction more than people talking during the movie.

As for food (although I've been guilty of the odd nacho or hot dog in the past) I agree with The Big Yin who once told an audience of fat Americans: "eat at home!"

[Tejstar]

Due to the reasons outlined above, I have not been to the pictures since King Kong. I find that at times they can be testing experiences when people can't show respect and watch the movie instead of chatting or throwing popcorn.

[BAN5HEE]

The only place where you can still watch a movie with likeminded people that don't talk and make **** remarks is the IMAX. That's why I am going to watch 300 there. I also saw Superman Returns, Batman Begins, Poseidon and a whole lot of other movies there. The picture and sound is incredible. Even though I have been there a dozen times I'm still awestruck each time I walk in at the size of the screen.

[bosque]

Not enough Pearl & Dean for my liking though and we could do with a little Kio-rah action too.

You're saying there aren't enough adverts at the screenings ? I try to avoid seeing any adverts whenever possible.

[arthurdentpc]

Due to the reasons outlined above, I have not been to the pictures since King Kong.Which one ? :devil:

[Max Payne]

Im in agreement with alot of what has already been said.

Apart from the fact that I have a young child and going out for a few hours without her requires the planning skills of a general. I have cut back because of the general experience being deminished due to the other people that are there with you.

I only make the trip to the cinema now for the really big releases. In the past few years it has been for Star Wars/Lord of the Rings/Batman Begins and most recently....Casino Royale. Although I love the big screen and the build up and the environment of the cinema, the irritating people around me talking and running up and down to go the toilet and messing with mobile phones nearly ruin it for me. I end up getting very angry and have to control the temptation to pick people up by the scruff of their necks to throw them out.

I loved my last trip to the cinema to see Casion Royale and although a few people were doing the usual talking - the film engrossed me and let me have a great time.

Unfortunately not all recent releases are as good and therefore don't warrant the trip, so they usually get watched on my projector at home which as an experience is getting better and better.

[enablerbro1]

The only place where you can still watch a movie with likeminded people that don't talk and make **** remarks is the IMAX. That's why I am going to watch 300 there. I also saw Superman Returns, Batman Begins, Poseidon and a whole lot of other movies there. The picture and sound is incredible. Even though I have been there a dozen times I'm still awestruck each time I walk in at the size of the screen.
I would generally agree about the Imax except for the fact that when I went to see Superman Returns it must have been a special price day for schools because the place was packed with them. Scarey experience though they didn't, to my suprise, ruin the movie. Obviously only the well behaved kids got to go.

300, I don't know. I'll probably go but a part of me thinks it's just a movie of highly stylised battle sequence highlights. I might be wrong though.

[nwgarratt]

I haven't been to the cinema since Return of the King. The only film that may get me to the cinema again is Spiderman 3 as I saw the previous two. It has to be a special film to tempt me back.

Having two projectors at home gives me reason to watch at home especially when I can get DVD's before the uK cinema date (Curse of the Golden Flower on R3 for example and sometimes R1 DVD's).

I also get a bigger screen at home to watch from my perspective than a bigger screen and sitting a lot further back at the cinema.

[elicash73]

....Outlaw was shot on Video. A very poor, consumer grade video format at that.

[LFC_SL]

As above. I've always gone Odeon; the only exception being Filmworks in Manchester (are they a subsidiary?). One time I tried a smaller cinema in L.Square and it was pretty poor. Screen was small and it lacked the atmosphere

[featherhall]

I hadn't generally bothered about going to the cinema for most of the reasons already listed. I prefer to get the DVD or HDDVD. Rather spend a tenner or so on that than at the pictures.
However, due to dating again, I have been recently and it has only reminded me of how much I dislike going. Chatting, tall people, food, etc etc . In Rocky Balboa, some were laughing throughout about his age - I mean why go !!!
mind you at Freedom Writers I think there was only 8 of us in the cinema so it wasn't too bad for that one

[irascian]

It's a sad statement on the state of British Cinema that even screenings at the National Film Theatre don't hold a candle to the 'at home' experience. From basics like positioning yourself "in the middle" of the sound spectrum to annoyances like bleeping phones and people disturbing everyone when they arrive 15 minutes late.

Over the last 15 months five film experiences stand out:
"Pan's Labyrinth" at the NFT. Dark, murky print and I remember thinking "Oh the DVD will be a nightmare". It wasn't - the picture quality of the DVD at home is far superior to that shown at the NFT "special screening". Admittedly the NFT had a Q&A with the director, but that was included on the DVD anyway. At home DVD wins.

"Brokeback Mountain". Saw this at a press preview before general release in the West End and again at Clapham Picture House. Couldn't understand all the rave reviews about the scenery. The prints I saw were like faded colour photo's with the scenery looking scorched and dull. The screenings also suffered from film-gate shudder at both venues. I assumed it was the film. Then got the DVD. Stunning colour and no judder. At home DVD wins.

"Superman Returns". Saw this at the Imax with parts in 3D. Ruined by noise and kids continually banging the row of seats and chattering. HD-DVD at home wasn't quite as visual a treat, but a more enjoyable experience because of the God-awful packed audience at the Imax with parents letting their kids cause mayhem. At home HD-DVD wins.

"Babel". At the London Film Festival in newly refurbished Odeon Leicester Square. Director and Gael Garcia Bernal said a few words (and I mean a few). Print was OK. Sound was way too loud and deafening during the Japanese disco scenes. Gave me and those with me a headache. The HD-DVD is stunning. Better picture quality and sound. And no tedious back-patting speeches forced to listen to either. HD-DVD at home wins.

"300". Odeon West End (not the big one used for the premiere). Stunning experience, and not one I could reproduce at home. Picture quality was amazing, sound was loud and impressive. Cinema wins.

Overall the only reason for going to the cinema these days is to see a film that really NEEDS to be seen on the big screen (and then only if it's at a decent cinema like the afore-mentioned Odeon West End) or if there's a Q&A afterwards that you particularly want to go to.

Off to see "Sunshine" on Monday, but only justified it because there's a Q&A with the director afterwards. Generally the at home experience is far far better than the movie one. And ironically, living in London the DVD often works out cheaper than the cinema ticket, which is crazy when one means you have the film for life.

Bottom line: I only go to the movies if I get a free ticket for a preview or if there's a potentially interesting Q&A attached.

[Greg]

I find going to see a big movie a few weeks after it has been released results in a very pleasurable viewing experience.

[sore napper]

I love and hate the cinema.

I'd rather watch the movie at home.

In saying that, I would go and see some of the big Special Effect movies.

Sometimes I have been wowed by them.

To name a few

Spiderman 2 The fight on the clock blew me away.
LOTR TROTK Was top notch
Loved the last 2 Star Wars movies at the movies, but they suck at home.

Other than that, I wouldn't bother.

[Tejstar]

I find going to see a big movie a few weeks after it has been released results in a very pleasurable viewing experience.
Maybe that's the way to tackle it, however by then it's normally off the bigger screens...

[scottie50]

Hey Tejstar,
King Kong was the last time I went also.Rereading my first post now looks like a whole hotch potch of complaints.Obviously bought on by lack of interest in the on screen happenings. Seriously though if anyone has cinemas they recommend maybe they can post, especially digital screens. I've had good reports since of the screen at Five Ways in Birmingham, on the old Childrens Hospital site, but can't remember what it's called, sorry.
Btw, does anybody know what that smell with cinema hot dogs is? :eek:

[Greg]

Maybe that's the way to tackle it, however by then it's normally off the bigger screens...

Saw Hot Fuzz today and was pleasantly surprised. Didn't think it would go well as sitting behind us were three giggly girls and further back were some talky 15 year old lads. But as soon as the film started they didn't utter a word. The whole experience was perfect.

Plus it was one of the new Odeon Digital screens and the picture was amazing. Excellent film aswell.

[unique]

i find the pq and sq better at home than in theatres, plus there are no interuptions from idiots, you can eat and drink what you want without spending £900 on a hotdog, and you can pause the movie to go pee

i thought outlaws looked crap onscreen due to the digital filming. apart from them having an alcoholic cameraman who had a severe case of the shakes, you got the awful digital video side effects like the bad jerking. add to that a projectionist that doesn't understand the meaning of focus, and the end visual effect is crap

i liked the movie tho, altho not nick loves finest. i was fortunate to see the preview screening for nothing, but spent god knows how much on crap food instead

[the_pauley]

Yes, all of the above and more. These days only the biggest of big screen experiences tempts me out. Frank Miller's 300 next week will be the first in a long while.

Even hit The Cornerhouse on the head -the local "arthouse" cinema- unless it's something I really can't wait to see. Last three or four movies I've seen there have had appalling sound and picture quality. One of them I've had on DVD since and it looks and sounds superb at home.

[Tejstar]

These days only the biggest of big screen experiences tempts me out. Frank Miller's 300 next week will be the first in a long while.

That's also the first film that's tempted me for a while, however it's also one of those films that will have the kids out in force. Still can't decide whether I'll go or not.

[inzaman]

That's also the first film that's tempted me for a while, however it's also one of those films that will have the kids out in force. Still can't decide whether I'll go or not.

Same here.
The last movie i saw at the cinema was Casino Royale, i tend to hold off now though and wait for the DVD release.

[LFC_SL]

However, due to dating again, I have been recently and it has only reminded me of how much I dislike going. Chatting, tall people, food, etc etc . In Rocky Balboa, some were laughing throughout about his age - I mean why go !!!
lol that made me laugh

I think if you're going on a date, only go if its a scary film being shown ;) ;) :grin:

BTW, I was like that in Balboa. Went during day with mates, so not many there any way. I was asleep for the 1st hour because it dragged on.

[quarry2006]

I love and hate the cinema.

I'd rather watch the movie at home.

In saying that, I would go and see some of the big Special Effect movies.

Sometimes I have been wowed by them.

To name a few

Spiderman 2 The fight on the clock blew me away.
LOTR TROTK Was top notch
Loved the last 2 Star Wars movies at the movies, but they suck at home.

Other than that, I wouldn't bother.

Why do you think they suck at home? Do you think they just don't translate well to the smaller screen?

[Tejstar]

The size of screen and sound is generally the differentiator. I'm never able to blast my home cinema system as much as I'd like due to the neighbours!

[quarry2006]

Thank god I have a detached house!

[Tricia86]

I still love to to go to the cinema because I love the experience of going out to see a movie. Beeing there in the dark, no way to stop, rewind or fast forward makes a lot of the experience for me. As long as it is a good film I don't want to miss this.

Then again, I get angry when I pay so much money and the experience is ruined by bad quality, especially bad sound. But I still bother to go. :grin:

[DTSFan2001]

I think that cinema is rather like anything in the audio visual world. If it's not set up properly then it's going to look rubbish. Some sites run their Xenon's way too long and they look dark and tired (Which can actually affect the focus on the picture, the light gives the definition imo). At our cinema, all but 1 of the screens are nice and bright (That 1 screen is due a change), with a good light coverage. I checked 300 in one of the other screens, and while it is a very bright print anyway the dark scenes had the detail, and if you look carefully at the warner bros logo at the begininng you see all the little details and indentations.

Just in case it seems like I've been waffling (and I can do that in spades!), in conclusion, I think that it really depends on whether the projectors are well kept and setup correctly as to the overall image on the screen.

We got our digital installation a couple of weeks ago, though we're waiting on the digital server (www.doremicinema.com, check it out, it's a cracking piece of kit). We've had a digital show of Dirty Dancing (On a temporary and no where near as good server), it was mastered in 1920x1080 HD and looked very good indeed. I just can't wait until we get a film mastered in 2048x1080 J2K to see the real potential of DCI!

[stealther]

Used to be avid cinema goes we had monthly pass for our local and used to go regularly. The standard of our cinema dropped and we couldnt go to a single show without someone spoiling it wether it be chav kids or some woman on her mobile phone. We gave our passes in at the end of last year and have not been since. Will probably go once a twice a year now for big film events. all the money we save is going into the projector fund.:smashin:

[Abbeygoo]

I must admit that my cinema visits are now pretty much restricted to the obligatory half term visit to watch Open Season, Over The Hedge, Charlotte's Web etc etc.

I only make a special trip when the IMAX in Manchester have something special on there - Superman Returns and The Polar Express 3D were both tremendous and well worth the visit.

PLEASE let Spiderman 3 be on at the IMAX - out of school holidays and with the extra cost of this big screen tends to keep the idiots to a minimum.

[LFC_SL]

Going by recent posts, can I ask how many, apart from myself, are not burdened down with, sorry - have kids? I'm just saying I notice a correlation is all, relating to whether you enjoy the cinema :grin:

@ Abbeygoo, I agree. When going to see 300 (see anti-12 year odls rant in that thread), all the kids were there to see Turtles. I just could not resist saying loud enough for all to hear "I bet all the parents hate it as much as I do when a "kids" film comes out. Suddenly they all come out". I don't hate children - I didn't mind looking after the youngest brother when he was younger... just that they cannot shut up! Nothing personal

P.S. Spidey 3 is out in May. As long as you avoid the weekends and the May Bank Holiday weekend, Spidey 3 at the pcitures should be children-free :smashin:

[AgentCool]

On the subject of kids in the cinema, sometimes I wish that 12A films should have a few f's thrown in to knock them up to a 15. This still wouldn't entirely omit the chav contingent but when I went to see 'War of the Worlds' a couple of years ago, the cinema was pretty full and there were kids running up and down the aisles almost non-stop throughout the entire film.

Highly annoying!

[Abbeygoo]

I think that would be a touch unfair.

I went to watch Superman Returns at the IMAX in Manchester for my birthday and took my daughter (aged 7). She behaved immaculately, as always and I think that it would be unfair to tar all children with the one brush.

During Superman it crossed my mind that there wasn't any staff shutting people up or moving people on ....... does that not happen anymore?

[stealther]

I think that would be a touch unfair.

I went to watch Superman Returns at the IMAX in Manchester for my birthday and took my daughter (aged 7). She behaved immaculately, as always and I think that it would be unfair to tar all children with the one brush.

During Superman it crossed my mind that there wasn't any staff shutting people up or moving people on ....... does that not happen anymore?

Thats because you are probably a responsible parent the last of a dying breed.:) having said that when your daughters a bit older and goes on her own with friends you will have no idea if she is behaving or not and will just have to hope that you taught her well enough.

[KillerOfThreads]

Another person who agrees with most of the above. Last film I watched in a cinema was Peter Jacksons first Lord of the Rings. People going in and out, mobiles, ushers coming in ten minutes before the end, it just ended it for me, so i bought a pj and screen and haven't been since. I'll return when they lock the doors just before the film starts and unlock them at the end. As mentioned above, why do people pay good money and then decide to not watch it properely.

[-Jay-]

Thats because you are probably a responsible parent the last of a dying breed.:) having said that when your daughters a bit older and goes on her own with friends you will have no idea if she is behaving or not and will just have to hope that you taught her well enough.

I fully agree when i was young and went with my dad i did'nt mess around for fear of getting a slapping, when i went with my mates i'd mess around because they were doing it and my dad was'nt there to see.

Now older i get so pee'd off with people talking, up and down to the bog every 2 mins or laughing at nothing that i hardly go anymore.

[Abbeygoo]

Thats because you are probably a responsible parent the last of a dying breed.:) having said that when your daughters a bit older and goes on her own with friends you will have no idea if she is behaving or not and will just have to hope that you taught her well enough.

True.

In fact, I would much prefer her to be messing around in the cinema with her mates than the endless other possibilities......... :god:

Still, growing up in this household, she will be commenting to her friends about the lack of fine detail, the grainy transmission, the poor DD soundtrack .... and she'll be there on her own :smashin:

[stealther]

True.

In fact, I would much prefer her to be messing around in the cinema with her mates than the endless other possibilities......... :god:

Still, growing up in this household, she will be commenting to her friends about the lack of fine detail, the grainy transmission, the poor DD soundtrack .... and she'll be there on her own :smashin:

Touche!

If I ever have a daughter she will have to be kept under lock and key until she is 30:rotfl:

[Tejstar]

Going by recent posts, can I ask how many, apart from myself, are not burdened down with, sorry - have kids? I'm just saying I notice a correlation is all, relating to whether you enjoy the cinema

Our first was only born in February and I hadn't been to the cinema since Dec 2005, so that disproves your theory! :grin:

[LFC_SL]

No it doesn't :grin: I make no distinction between "having children" and "going to have..."

Can I take it back. I am only talking abut 12 year old pre-pubescent boys here. Girls are OK mostly. If it wasn't because others wanted to go to the pub, I had a right mind to have a go at management. Why the hell were 12 year olds let in to watch 300? Stupid :censored: giggled every time a bit of flesh came on :thumbsdow Following on from my rant in the 300 thread, on the way out I also said loud enough for them to hear, they have nipples on their own chest, so why don't they stay at home then looking in the mirror instead of being :censored: in a cinema?

Sorry for the rant. Sorry mods :grin:

[bosque]

No it doesn't :grin: I make no distinction between "having children" and "going to have..."

Can I take it back. I am only talking abut 12 year old pre-pubescent boys here. Girls are OK mostly. If it wasn't because others wanted to go to the pub, I had a right mind to have a go at management. Why the hell were 12 year olds let in to watch 300? Stupid :censored: giggled every time a bit of flesh came on :thumbsdow Following on from my rant in the 300 thread, on the way out I also said loud enough for them to hear, they have nipples on their own chest, so why don't they stay at home then looking in the mirror instead of being :censored: in a cinema?

Sorry for the rant. Sorry mods :grin:

You're proud of your behaviour, I take it ? You don't sound much older than the children you were threatening.

[LFC_SL]

Immature? Yes. Annoyed? Yes. Threatened anyone? No :thumbsdow At least bother to read my post

[Garrett]

Mod Comment: Settle down this is a forum discussing films not a arena to get personal with each other.

[Tejstar]

No it doesn't :grin: I make no distinction between "having children" and "going to have..."

Far enough! :grin:

Anyway, I agree about cinema management. All to often they turn a blind eye, very few times I've actually seen stewards come in and drag people out for unruly behaviour. I imagine they must get quite a bit from kids coming to the pictures week in - week out.