Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Rich H on April 28, 2001 at 22:16:01

In Reply to: "Tired of being a long woolf, Clark?" posted by clarkjohnsen on April 26, 2001 at 12:59:10:

Clark,

I'm in "emotional agreement" with what you and Mr. Shepherd posit about the film experience. Seeing a film in the theater, the "sense of occasion," the big screen, the social experience; for me it is THE RIGHT WAY TO SEE A FILM.

But...sigh. Not everyone feels this way. A pal of mine still likes to see films in theaters but the building must be as empty of human life as possible (3:00 afternoon weekday showings etc.) lest he be bothered by someone else. Creeps me out - we stopped going to films together.

For me, the more packed the theater the better! Nothing like standing in a line up first day for an eagerly anticipated film. The rush you feel rippling through an audience when the film begins. My fondest film memories almost always include images of me and my friends in a movie line-up for a premier, communing with other eager fim-nuts. Movie going isn't a "real" social event? Puh-leese.

I always feel mildly disturbed when I hear people say "I'd rather watch films alone at home - no crowds to bother me." Then others who feel the same may chime in, rolling their eyes "yes, the crowds of people...why let them bother you when you can watch the movie quietly at home." It just sounds so sad and misanthropic - trying to avoid contact with their fellow man. Some of my friends are like that, but whenever I do actually persuade them to get their butts out the door to a movie they always enjoy it. I never hear "Well, that sure sucked because I wasn't on my couch watching it at home."

But that's my "emotional" take on things. I do understand that there are some who truly do enjoy viewing movies at home more than at a movie theater.

Rich H.