Many—if not most—AVS members have a good home theater, which is generally quieter, more controllable, and less expensive to use than going out to a commercial cinema. And many home theaters actually provide a better audio/video experience than lesser commercial venues.
On the other hand, if you stay home to watch movies, you don't get to see the latest titles until they are released on Blu-ray or streaming media. Also, some commercial cinemas surpass all but the most upscale home theaters in performance—for example, few if any home theaters have a Dolby Atmos sound system.
How often do you go out to the movies? Why do you go—or not—in lieu of your home theater?
Once a year the most. Take my son for the experience, eating popcorn, sodas etc. I just can't stand people talking and checking their phones during a movie (worst if they starting talking on the phone).
"I just can't stand people talking and checking their phones during a movie (worst if they starting talking on the phone)."
This ^^^^. Plus, there always seem to be fools in the seats directly behind that enjoy kicking the back of your seat. Manners and common courtesy are things of the past, and it is obvious that the unwashed masses have taken over the cinema. No thanks. Even though I have a popcorn maker I still miss the smell of freshly popped theater popcorn.
Once a year, if that. I have a few friends that also have home theaters and we take turns hosting movie night. The popcorn is better, the beer flows, and...the pause button is there for us weak-bladdered folk.
When I do go to the movies, though, I usually have a great experience. I've never had a problem with cell phone users, noisy people or whatever. The sense of community is kinda cool when everyone responds in the same way to a funny part in the movie, for example. You can't replicate that at home. That said, I'm cheap and it's hard to justify going to the movies knowing that if I wait I can buy the blu ray for less than going to the movies and getting popcorn. And my theater looks and sounds better than the movies. I'm sure that can be said for many of us AVS forum members.
I still like going to the cinema for the major releases that I really want to see.... Also I like to compare the theatrical experience to the home theater experience in terms of the picture and audio quality
for me it is a movie i just can't wait for on Blu-ray. Mostly a Sci -Fi film with great cg and action. Now movies I am likely to see with a lady friend are usually comedies. all and all about 3 to 5 a year.
I may go once a month or more during major release times of year,especially sci fi or big screen friendly, and that is about it. Before I invested in a nice chair and a decent HT I did go more. I think the advent of Netflix et al has contributed to my stay at home viewing as much as the HT itself. As far as technology, our theatre here on Kauai barely has stereo so, yes I would like to think what I watch at home might sound as good as the movie theatre.
I go when either I or a family member is too impatient to wait for a particular film to be released on Blu-ray. I try to avoid going on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday matinee is a great time to go since there are fewer people and the ticket is cheaper I hate crowded theaters with all the noise, kicking of seats ect.
Extremely rarely (so much so that I voted "never"). My HT is an insignificant blip compared to most here, and I still prefer to wait for the BD. The advertising and annoying "behind the scenes" stuff they play for 20 minutes prior to the feature is simply too much for me to stomach (I paid for the movie, not to have some sales pitch shoved down my throat). On the rare occasion that I do go to the theater, I take mental notes to never patronize those businesses advertising there.
I almost never go. Cost to much, my two kids can't stay in their seats, and it cost to much. lol I'll take my oldest boy from time to time to the Imax to see something on the huge screen, but other than that, wait for it to come out on redbox and enjoy a movie on my nice plush recliner.
I rarely go anymore. The showings that I can make it to are usually filled with loud teenagers who think they own the world. I hate people... I really do.
Depends on the month. During the summer, I might go a couple times a week if the movies interest me. Usually I get in at least once a month. Besides coupons and other sources of free movie admissions, we have very inexpensive admissions (as low as $4.70 on Tuesdays). Concessions will ruin you though which is why I hardly ever eat anything at the cinema. Just came back from Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Can't imagine watching this at home by my lonesome. Has to be seen with the other comic book geeks in the audience! I have at least 12 movies planned out for the coming few months but there may be a few I missed. Been going to the films since I was 3 and now closing on 60 and not letting up on my entertainment...
I have a hard time spending $12+ on a single ticket not to mention popcorn. I'll go to the movies if it is something special, otherwise it's cheaper just to buy the bluray.
We finished our home theater about the time jurassic park 3d came out last year. Watched the bluray the. Went to the theater and my lovely wife days "the theater sound sucks". Since the we have gone to about 2 movies total! I love my better half!
I've spent time overseas, so definately appreciate things like THX sound, comfy, reclining seats, and IMAX. You really miss those things outside of the U.S.
But aren't we all, who are in this hobby, trying to replicate the theater experience on a smaller scale at home?
I voted never, but it's usually about once every year to 18 months or so.
I think I've been to 4 movies in the last 5-8yrs, twice was while on vacation
from what I remember, the last few movies I've seen were:
the simpson's movie(I remember this one being really good to watch with a large crowd)
Ice Age the meltdown (first, last, only 3D movie I saw in theatres. was on vacay visiting my brother)
X-men the last stand (dragged along on opening night by some friends)
iron man (also opening day with friends)
by comparison I have a collection of over 1000 movies on the HTPC, and I've watched most of them within the last 10yrs
for me, the ONLY reason to go to theatres is to see a movie sooner, or I suppose if I want to be more social.
I prefer the comfort, and quality at home to what I typically get in the theatre. the control I have at home just ensures a good experience. at a theatre I MIGHT get a good seat and be happy, but I might get a terrible seat, or the sound might be off, the audience might be annoying, and the seats will be uncomfortable
Did not go for years until Cinepolis was opened in San Diego. Totally different experience. Only 50-60 ppl in the theater and business class reclining chairs make all the difference.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CrazyNurse /t/1525911/how-often-do-you-go-out-to-the-movies#post_24570820
I have little ones so we go all the time.
I've spent time overseas, so definately appreciate things like THX sound, comfy, reclining seats, and IMAX. You really miss those things outside of the U.S.
But aren't we all, who are in this hobby, trying to replicate the theater experience on a smaller scale at home?
I guess a few times a year is closer than none....but I think my visits to the theater the last bunch of years have averaged less than 1 a year, and before Hobbit/Smaug in January this year, having missed the first Hobbit in theaters, think the last theater visit had been Avatar in early 2010...
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