Reel Rave!
Apr 17, 2008
STUFF: Watching movies, in or out?
Where do you watch your movies, in the privacy of your own home, or at the cinema with the rest of the masses?
(Image from Douglas County Georgia website)
I prefer watching movies at a drive-in (there's only one where I live). For me, it combines the privacy and intimacy of home viewing (you're in your own car with your own space), with the excitement and viewing pleasure of a typical big screen cinema (complete with decent audio via your car radio). There are other 'benefits' to be considered as well.
Specifically, certain levels of 'intimacy' and 'privacy' can be shared between you and a friend. No drive-in? No problem. A walk-in cinema will allow you to enjoy the pleasures of a big screen with big sound, but at the expense of intimacy and privacy. This might be a problem unless you and your friend are exhibitionists and are not bothered by people staring at you rather than the screen.
(Image from The World of Cornelia Funke website)
In both cases however, you have to contend with everyone else around you. For example, while at the drive-in and surrounded by a multitude of cars, owners may suddenly start honking away whenever an exciting moment occurs during the movie. The cinema is no different, in fact, it may be worse as you have zero privacy and are completely exposed. Thus, loud noises, hoots and hollers, the odd cellphone ringing and someone getting up to squeeze past you are all issues that may disrupt your movie viewing experience.
But at least you're protected from the elements. At a drive-in (well, the one that I go to anyway) a heavy downpour will force you to engage your windscreen wipers. As a consequence, you 'benefit' from the added 'visual effects' brought about by the to and fro swishing of the wipers (your ears are not left out either as you have to put with the noises the wipers make). In addition, with your windows almost completely rolled up (to avoid getting soaked), you now have a good idea as to how a dog stuck in a car feels like while waiting for its owner to return.
Maybe you're not one for venturing outside to see a movie. Maybe because it's a bit expensive. According to the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) website, the average (U.S.) price for a movie ticket in 2007 was $6.88. There's also the cost of food and drink to be considered, as well as the cost of getting there (unless you're within walking distance).
To be continued...
(Image from Douglas County Georgia website)
I prefer watching movies at a drive-in (there's only one where I live). For me, it combines the privacy and intimacy of home viewing (you're in your own car with your own space), with the excitement and viewing pleasure of a typical big screen cinema (complete with decent audio via your car radio). There are other 'benefits' to be considered as well.
Specifically, certain levels of 'intimacy' and 'privacy' can be shared between you and a friend. No drive-in? No problem. A walk-in cinema will allow you to enjoy the pleasures of a big screen with big sound, but at the expense of intimacy and privacy. This might be a problem unless you and your friend are exhibitionists and are not bothered by people staring at you rather than the screen.
(Image from The World of Cornelia Funke website)
In both cases however, you have to contend with everyone else around you. For example, while at the drive-in and surrounded by a multitude of cars, owners may suddenly start honking away whenever an exciting moment occurs during the movie. The cinema is no different, in fact, it may be worse as you have zero privacy and are completely exposed. Thus, loud noises, hoots and hollers, the odd cellphone ringing and someone getting up to squeeze past you are all issues that may disrupt your movie viewing experience.
But at least you're protected from the elements. At a drive-in (well, the one that I go to anyway) a heavy downpour will force you to engage your windscreen wipers. As a consequence, you 'benefit' from the added 'visual effects' brought about by the to and fro swishing of the wipers (your ears are not left out either as you have to put with the noises the wipers make). In addition, with your windows almost completely rolled up (to avoid getting soaked), you now have a good idea as to how a dog stuck in a car feels like while waiting for its owner to return.
Maybe you're not one for venturing outside to see a movie. Maybe because it's a bit expensive. According to the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) website, the average (U.S.) price for a movie ticket in 2007 was $6.88. There's also the cost of food and drink to be considered, as well as the cost of getting there (unless you're within walking distance).
To be continued...
