Cinema/Theatre experience in the US compared to the rest of the world.

[Parasondox]

I've been away for a while. Whats been happening on the Escapist? Whats the new "thing" that gets people heated? Polygenderism? Don't know what that is? Someone will do the research on that or create a storm... somewhere.

I love to watch movies in the cinema. The sound, the lighting, the experience is one of a kind and something you can't get at home, even if you have a home cinema system, or on a tablet or phone. Watching movies is my enjoyment and have a passion for. I do not like to be disturbed. However, the cinema experience is hell for alot of people. 3D is a gimmick, seats are uncomfortable and the people next to you won't SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!

Okay, those are just collective things I have heard from many in the US and how bad going to the cinemas/theatres can be. From talking on the phone, to eating loudly, anything can ruin a good movie. I am not saying I haven't experienced these things before, I have, but they don't happen often. I am in the UK just to let you know. Also, cause I would work at night, I would catch the first screening of the morning and be the only one in Screen whatever.

I would really like to ask, what makes the experience so bad in the US and is it as bad in the rest of the world. Canada!! Yeah, the friendly cousins across the Atlantic. How are your cinemas like? Australia!! Our YOB, frequently arrested, been in and out of prison since a teen, cousins by the Pacific. How are your cinemas like too? And to the nations that the UK once ruled and screwed over your country causing many deaths and hell on earth, movie experiences in the cinema fun or just has a hint of the arsehole phone uses added in from time to time.

Share, relate, VENT!!

 

[Cowabungaa]

As a movie lover, I was quite happy when I moved from a small village in the Netherlands to a city in Belgium where I have like three cinemas within a short bike ride's distance of my place.

And over here in Belgium, my experience is definitely one of the better ones. It's a very publicly polite society and that seems to translate in my cinema experiences too. I rarely if ever hear loud talking, people generally stay seated and don't fuck about and even cellphones aren't checked that often (because fuck that sudden bright light). Technically it all seems fine too; the seats are comfy as hell, I always have leg-space considering my legs go on for miles, it's generally clean, the sound's on the right volume (loud enough to get all giddy during Mad Max: Fury Road, not loud enough to start hurting), screen quality's generally alright though that changes a little with each movie (The Martian was a little iffy, for instance, but Inside Out made my eyes bleed in awe).

In general there's also a decent selection of indie/alternative movies to see around here too. The bigger cinema also likes to do special events every now and then, for instance last summer they showed Blade Runner in theaters for a week to celebrate its birthday and good lord that was a privilege to catch on the big screen.

The only real downside is the dual-subbing going on here as Belgian cinemas always include dubs of both Dutch and French. And that means that they take up even more screen space, which in turn makes them harder to ignore. Not to mention the headache they cause if I have to see a movie in 3D. Because good lord do they break the illusion.

 

[Zhukov]

Australian here. Never really had much to complain about.

Occasionally you'll get some pack of noisy teenage guys who think the whole cinema wants to hear their oh-so-fucking-funny quips.

Oh, and I remember one time having some girl a couple of rows back throwing skittles at my head for nearly an hour until I went on back during a quiet scene and practically snarled in her face.

Uh... the food is overpriced I guess? But who seriously buys food at a cinema these days?

Otherwise, the seats are comfy and audiences are generally polite. People seem to know not to use their phones or bring babies in.

 

[Guffe]

Finland reporting.
We don't speak much, and we hate being humiliated (most of us), so going to the theather here is good
I have nothing to complain about

 

[BreakfastMan]

As an American, those experiences don't really seem to be accurate, at least from where I live. Most people can shut up during movies and not use their phone (though there are always exceptions, especially with groups of teens at horror movies). Seat comfort is an issue for me, but I am a fatty mcfatterson, so that likely won't translate to others who are not. I will say most places have stadium seating and nice projectors now, which is fantastic. It is rare to find a theater without those nowadays. Though I will say, front-loading every screening with a bunch of regular-ass commercials really boils my piss, really don't like that change. I will also say, really liking the rise of streaming events in movie theaters. I love going to RiffTrax Live when there is one, and many theaters will stream stuff like various Operas and other shows.

 

[Hairless Mammoth]

Cinema can go screw itself. That's coming from a guy in the US who used to work at a multi-screen cinema for years.

Sure the people who think lights down means talky-time or super-double-texting time are somewhat rare. But I've seen (and many times directly confronted) enough of them to know I don't really want to risk my experience being ruined. There's also the damned candy wrappers sold at the concession stand designed to make as much noise as possible, and people aren't deterred by the 3x mark up they are being charge to taste processed sugar. Also sadly in the US, there are quite a few stories of those rude people retaliating with weapons (or a pop, recently) when asked to stop being a disturbance.

The ticket and food prices are getting ridiculous. (Though concession prices are also high because Hollywood wants as much of that sweet ticket revenue as they can get their claws on. The theater chain gets almost nothing during the opening weeks, even more so for things like Avengers.) It's getting so inflated, and Hollywood has pumped out so much garbage, that I'd rather not risk $9-12 and 2-3 hours of my life to find out if something is worth watching. Renting things is easier, even as brick and mortar rental joints are dying daily.

I don't really care about 50x marked up popcorn and 3x hotdogs, but I'd like a drink that lasts the movie, so I don't miss those expensive minutes of screen time. (I can empty my 48 oz water bottle in about 4 hours, especially when I am stuck in a chair.) Last time I checked a 32 oz "medium" was around $5. If I ever go back, I'm claiming my water bottle is a medical necessity.

I've also been a part of the projection team, and what I've encountered had me laughing whenever someone talked about "giving the 'guest' the best experience possible". To keep this rant short, it basically means that they are cheap with the bulbs and incompetent with their organization of the department.

But hey, that's just the view of a former employee of the movie industry's anus, so I may be blinded by some bias. Sorry for the rant and the nasty image at the end.

 

[Zontar]

Canadian here, me experiences aren't so bad and I go to watch movies on a much more regular basis then normal people do. Worst I've come across was this one time where the audio for the first five minutes of a movie was instead playing a local radio station that they play before the ads even start, but it wasn't so bad because it was San Adreas so it's not like that opening's audio really mattered.

Outside of that not much I can say outside of the fact that prices are too damn high for the food I never eat anyway. On the bright side due to the fact that prices are 50% off before 6pm everyday at the place I go I can watch Imax movies for 8$ with tax (theatres seem to be the only places they mark the price with tax for some reason).

Also, here in Quebec our rating system is better. Every Marvel movie has been rated G, the uncensored version of Kingsmen was PG13, and the only movie I can think of that was mainstream in recent years that was R was Dredd.

 

[Imperioratorex Caprae]

I worked as an usher in a large movie theater, like 18 screens worth. The situation varies both by time and by day of the week as well as specific months. Summers are usually packed with loud, stupid teenagers most of the day but not during the earliest screenings (best time to go is about Wednesday, right when the theater opens... always seemed to be the calmest time). As the week goes on in the summer, and the later in the day it gets worse. Friday and Saturday nights are the absolute worst. Rudest customers seem to flock to those two days and I've had to escort a few disruptive jackholes out, usually having a manager or other employees as backup to ensure an easy transition without major incident.
Thankfully no one decided to throw fists but a few incidents came close.
The worst part about working as an usher was not just the cleanup part, but having to basically wait near the end of a movie to ensure the theater gets power-cleaned (mostly for appearance sake unless there isn't a line for the next showing). However the drawback of waiting is that you end up getting the end of movies spoiled for you. Add to that having to do random theater checks, you get bits and pieces of a film, in random segments and it really ruins the magic. I haven't really gone to a premiere in about 3 years, and the last time I went to a movie... I can't remember. I just wait til I can get a digital copy or BluRay. Home theater means I can watch anytime, not spend shitloads on a one time view and popcorn.
The price of a BluRay new is the same as a night out at the movies, except I don't have to leave the house except to buy the film, I get to watch it any time I want and I don't have to deal with jackasses ruining an experience. Its not that its a prevalent thing, I just don't like crowds of people anyway.

 

[Xeros]

East coast American here. I, too, attend the theater as early as possible, not only because we'll be the only ones there, but those shows are usually heavily discounted. In the event I attend an evening showing, the theaters we frequent have very comfortable, well-maintained, and pre-assigned seats. Nothing like a leather recliner to compliment your Mad Max experience. And all at less-than-a-dollar more expensive than your average AMC.

As for concession prices, noisy kids, loud wrappers and the like; I don't encounter them often, or at all in some cases.

-I don't even look at the concession stand as it's beyond child's play to get just about whatever you want into the theater. We usually hit a convenience store for snacks beforehand, and give them to whoever has the largest pockets (usually me, since I often wear 8-pocket paratrooper BDU's) to hold until were nestled in our seats.

-Belligerent patrons are either whipped back in line, or swiftly shown to the door.

-Wrapper crinkling is rare, and most are smart enough to reach for their snacks during loud sequences so as not to disturb anyone.

 

[FPLOON]

West Coast Californian here... The biggest complaint I have with the cinema experience is people still having their phones on during the movie... "Hey, Rick and Shelly! Stop using your damn phone to check the fucking time and turn that shit off! I don't care if that shit's on silent and you're taking the 'please silence your cellphone' shit as literal as possible by just doing that and nothing else, but fuck you for thinking no one will notice the fucking light that's coming off your fucking cellphone because you still have that shit on!!" For fuck's sake, I would take people singing along to the music in the movie that to see someone's cellphone still on, silenced or not...

Other than that, I love how my local theater only has me pay 6 bones to see the first showing of the day for any movie showcased that day, say what you will about the overpricing of concessions because I still get to mix all of the soft drinks at once, and there will always be movies that just look awesome to look at in a theater and not just because one lacks the funds to recreate the theater experience from the seating to the exact size of the IMAX screens...

 

[spartan231490]

US here, and I've never heard anyone say that theater experiences are bad. Sure, people complain about talkers or seats, but I find that people just like to complain about things.

My experience specifically is pretty positive. The seats are a little narrow so in a packed theater I end up rubbing shoulders with strangers, but overall I find the experience very nice. Much more immersive.

 

[Ihateregistering1]

I'm at the point now where I pretty much only go to Alamo Drafthouse. In addition to it just being a really awesome business, they are extremely strict about no texting, no talking, no babies, hell they won't even seat you if you show up late to the movie. Plus there's beer and food and it's all reasonably priced.

That being said, the vast majority of my theater going experiences at places besides the Drafthouse have been fine, but it really sucks when it gets ruined by a handful of people in the theater, and that's really all it takes. I've lived all over the US, and basically you learn really quickly which theaters to go to and which ones to avoid like the plague.

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

Finland reporting.
We don't speak much, and we hate being humiliated (most of us), so going to the theather here is good
I have nothing to complain about

But the Finns have a history of humbling other countries.

OT: Representing Canada here, for the most part I've had only good theatre visits. Only very rarely do people break the experience. I guess the worst thing that happened recently that I can remember were these guys who knocked over my friend's drink all over him but at least they were ashamed enough to come back with a replacement drink.

 

[Ryotknife]

US here, and i actually started to get back into watching movies in theater again after a 5 year haitus. Many theaters in my area are replacing the old uncomfortable seats with Lazyboy recliners that recline all the way! It was the first time i left a movie without my back or ass hurting, it was actually enjoyable.

Now onto the negatives. Inconsiderate people on the phones and loud kids (although they are usually watching kid movies sooo). Some people will talk, but in hushed tones (if you are 5 feet away, you might be able to hear them)

 

[StormShaun]

Another Australian.
I believe things are rather high priced for what it is.
No idea if US members have the same price, but...

20-ish bucks a normal tickets.
26-ish for the more better V-max/better experience.
28-30 for the gimmicky 3D. (Which I avoid)
50 for Gold Class. More for the alcohol, and the more deluxe food/experience it provides.

Then there is plus 10+ for popcorn combos. (Can't take it into gold class. Which surprises me that they don't offer "premium popcorn".)

Overpriced for a movie, if you ask me.
It might be the same for US, but you guys probably have more variety in snacks. It wouldn't kill them to add a little more butter to the popcorn.

...It might kill me though. ;D

As for the cinema itself. It is as Zhukov said, the seats are nice, and people mostly know to shut up. The staff clean up well... at least most of the time, and in the more better brand cinemas. So yeah, good, minus the prices.

 

[BaronVH]

I'm at the point now where I pretty much only go to Alamo Drafthouse. In addition to it just being a really awesome business, they are extremely strict about no texting, no talking, no babies, hell they won't even seat you if you show up late to the movie. Plus there's beer and food and it's all reasonably priced.

That being said, the vast majority of my theater going experiences at places besides the Drafthouse have been fine, but it really sucks when it gets ruined by a handful of people in the theater, and that's really all it takes. I've lived all over the US, and basically you learn really quickly which theaters to go to and which ones to avoid like the plague.

Got to say there is no theater chain that comes anywhere close to Alamo Drafthouse. I wish they had them in my town, but it elevates the experience substantially. Imagine a movie theater run by serious movie fans. Everything about it is centered around the enjoyment of the customers. Fun shorts before the film. No stupid commercials. Few previews. They kick out texters. I love, love, love the Alamo.

 

[Mikeybb]

From the UK, I'd have to say I enjoy cinema visits, though I wish the concession stand/snack counters were a little less insanely priced.
I know it's a big revenue stream for them, but pricing it so highly is just a disincentive for making sales.
For one, I'd be far less likely to smuggle in my own snacks if they were about 25 percent cheaper.
25 percent less on a sale compared to 100 percent of nothing has got to be better.
Mind you, smuggling in my own food has been part of a cinema visit for so long I think I'd find myself missing it.

All this said, they still manage to get one sale off me every time.
My cup of tea.
I just can't sit down to a movie without one, even if it is in a nasty cardboard cup.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I rarely go to the cinema (4 times a year max), but when i do it's usually a good time though always somewhat pricey.

If I'm expecting a lot of people (opening night or weekend) then I'll get VIP tickets: balcony seating, bigger more comfortable chairs, a table every 2 chairs to put your food on, reserved seats, very clean.

If a movie has been out a while or it's not a prime time for big crowds I'll just get a regular ticket. Seats are almost always clean (as much as I can see in the dark anyways), and the floors are only sticky about half of the time.

In either case other people are almost always quiet. I have heard my share of wheezy breathing and whistely noses.

I also don't mind buying snacks. I rarely go to the cinema and they make pretty much all of their money on them. I do smuggle in booze though, usually a couple shooters for my soda.