Going to the theatre is not worth the time or the money
By Jessica Berget, Editor-in-Chief
Years ago, the movie theatre was my sanctuary. I would go as often as I could to see the latest and greatest films on the big screen. After not going to a theatre for a while, I decided to go to satisfy my cinema nostalgia. Initially, I was excited to go again for the first time in a long time. After about an hour into my movie I remembered why I stopped coming to the theatre, and why I so much prefer streaming movies at home.
Some film purists would argue that going to the theatre is the best way to experience movies because of the immersive atmosphere, sound quality, and I call bullshit on that. Sure, going to the theatre has its charms. It’s an immersive experience sharing a movie with a group of strangers on a giant screen in a dark room. But what if I told you can get just as good as an experience—if not better, watching the same movie in the safety and comfort of your own home.
The first thing that made me realize how much I prefer at home movie watching is the cost. I don’t have to remind you how expensive the movie theatre can be, but damn is it expensive! One general movie admission costs $14, not considering the cost of the extra features like 3-D or Ultra AVX which can rack up to $17. Considering most movie theatres make most of their profit on concession, the prices for food are even worse. A bag of large popcorn costs almost $8 and a large drink can cost up to $6. For one person that’s almost $30 for one night out, and for two people that can be almost $60! On the other hand, streaming a movie online is free and buying some candy or microwavable popcorn from a store is at most $5.
Another thing I prefer about watching movies at home is that you can pause the movie for whatever you want and however long you want. Bathroom breaks, getting snacks, or if it’s a three-hour movie and you just want to take a small intermission. These are the luxuries you don’t get while seeing a movie in the theatre.
Watching movies at home is better is because you can also be more comfortable. Sitting in those cinema seats for three or even two hours can be extremely unpleasant. Those cold, sticky plastic seats have nothing compared to sprawling out on a couch with a blanket or getting cozy on a nice warm bed.
Another important reason to watch movies at home: Subtitles. I don’t know about everyone else, but I have trouble hearing or understanding some things while watching movies, so I need subtitles to follow along. They never have subtitles on in movies theatres which can make that extra frustrating that you spend $14 on a ticket for a movie you can’t understand.
There is also the danger of not liking the movie you paid money to see. As someone who used to work in a theatre, I know the rule for ticket refunds is only 30 mins after the movie starts. But 30 mins is nowhere near enough time to decide if you enjoy a movie. At home, you can decide you hate the movie at any point and just turn it off, no money sacrificed. By paying to see a movie in theatres, not only are you wasting your precious time, but also your precious money!
Finally, I love to talk over movies and mock them sometimes, it’s how I enjoy movies. Since talking during a film is generally frowned upon at theatres, I have to bite my tongue when I want to make a comment.
Maybe I won’t be able to catch the latest movies at home, but I can wait for it to be available online. The theatre has its perks, but you won’t catch me in a cinema anytime soon. Maybe unless it’s cheap Tuesdays.
Think theatres are superior? Check out War of the Words: At home is the best way to watch movies.
