People that regularly go to the movies know that watching a movie at the cinema is better than watching on your TV. I thought I’d try and detail some of the reasons I think watching a movie at the theatre is better than watching on TV.
- This one is obvious… The popcorn. Try as I might, I have never been able to create popcorn at home that tastes like theatre popcorn. I’ve bought the theatre spice, I’ve tried different oils, I’ve tried different methods but it isn’t the same.
- Screen size. It’s true that size really does matter. Especially when it comes to movies. The screen at the Falkon Theatre is 6.6m long (21 feet 7.8 inches) and 2.9 meters tall (9 feet 6 inches). If you are looking to be immersed in your movie, the size of the screen will envelope you in the action.
- Screen Ratio. At our theatre you will get 28% more movie that you will on your TV at home. Many people might not know this, but at the cinema you see more of the movie than you do at home. Do you remember when we used to watch a VHS tape and we would see a warning at the start saying, “This movie has been modified to fit your television”? The old televisions were 4:3 ration (1.33:1) and they had to cut off the edges to fit it on your TV or there would be huge black bars on top and bottom. New TVs are 16:9 (1.78:1) which is better, but still not as good as the movie theatre. Most movies are filmed at 2:39:1 ratio which means the sides have to be cut off to fit on your television or you will have black bars on top and bottom. You are missing 28% of the action by watching at home.
- Other people’s reactions. When you watch a show with other people, their reactions will increase your own reactions. Why do TV shows put laugh tracks on their programs? Its to try and re-create the theatre experience because when other people laugh, it helps you relax and to laugh along with them. At the movie theatre you will be caught up in the crowd mentality of the show. When others react, it will increase the reaction and enjoyment for you.
- Viewing it first. We all like to be first. (Because like Ricky Bobbie says, “If you’re not first, you’re last.”) You get to see the movies sooner and avoid spoilers from others at the office who went to the movie.
- Massive speaker system. You may have a cool surround sound system, but it can’t compare to the movie theatre. At the Falkon Theatre we have a massive surround sound system. Behind the screen are 3 large speakers as well as huge subwoofers. Behind you we have 8 surround sound speakers. I don’t know many people who have 8 surround sound speakers in their home.
- Hide your tears. If you attend the movie and it’s a real tear jerker (Old Yeller), you can cry, but just blame it on how dusty it is in the old theatre. If you try this at home, your significant other might get upset, as they might think you are complaining about the cleanliness of the house.
- Less decisions to make. Every day we have so many decisions to make from the moment you wake up. Do I snooze the alarm, what do I wear, what am I having for breakfast, lunch, supper? The list goes on and on. When you are watching something at home, do you use Netflix, or Amazon, or Disney+. Then, how much time do spend scrolling through each trying to decide what to watch. Do you make popcorn, or something else? When you go to the theatre you decide what kind of snack you want, and then you sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
- Focus. At your home, there are infinitely more distractions than at the theatre. The doorbell (neighbor kid selling something), your pets needing to go out, the laundry machine just finished, etc. At the theatre, you own the seat you are in for the next 2 hours and the snacks you purchased. You aren’t even allowed to bring out your phone. You have to disconnect from the rest of the world for a couple of hours and that can be glorious.
- The collective experience. Films, like life, are meant to be shared. We’re not here alone. Experiences are surely better when you experience them with others. When you sit in the dark, surrounded by your friends, and beyond them, relatable strangers, and you all laugh, or gasp, or cry at the same time… That is what the cinema is all about.
The one advantage I will give to home, is pausing to go to the bathroom.