Just when you thought that going to the movies couldn’t get more expensive, what with $5 boxes of Junior Mints  and $6 buckets of stale popcorn, the geniuses at AMC Movie Theatres has come up with another bright idea.  ::)

https://variety.com/2023/film/news/amc-theaters-movie-ticket-price-seat-location-1235514262/

In the next few months, they’ll start charging more for “seats in the center” and less for front-row seats. It will be interesting to see exactly how they plan on policing this in the dark.  ???

There is still one good thing with a chain of cinemas here in the UK. An unlimited monthly card, with you pay a set price, usually around the value of watching ten to twelve viewings, and the rest of the films you see for the month are free. Plus bonuses, 10% off purchases at the kiosk, for candy, popcorn, ice cream, etc.

Cinema is going to go the way of TV, in other words, streaming will take over that too, eventually.

All in all, the only true way to see a film is on the big cinema screen, and the last major film I saw that way was "1917" and can only be properly seen that way.

Just when you thought that going to the movies couldn’t get more expensive, what with $5 boxes of Junior Mints  and $6 buckets of stale popcorn, the geniuses at AMC Movie Theatres has come up with another bright idea.  ::)

https://variety.com/2023/film/news/amc-theaters-movie-ticket-price-seat-location-1235514262/

In the next few months, they’ll start charging more for “seats in the center” and less for front-row seats. It will be interesting to see exactly how they plan on policing this in the dark.  ???

I'm so glad I don't go to the movies anymore, even refreshments have gotten so expensive lately, I remember back in the days when you used to sneak in a bag of your own popcorn and trying not to get caught.

I'm so glad I don't go to the movies anymore, even refreshments have gotten so expensive lately, I remember back in the days when you used to sneak in a bag of your own popcorn and trying not to get caught.
Generally, I eat before seeing a film, and have a bottle of water in my pocket.

Generally, I eat before seeing a film, and have a bottle of water in my pocket.
... and if my pockets were big enough, I would take a packet of biscuits too.

Generally, I eat before seeing a film, and have a bottle of water in my pocket.

That's a good idea.

... and if my pockets were big enough, I would take a packet of biscuits too.
But do not crunch the biscuits to loud.

I have not been to the "movies" since last century. Seriously. The last movie I saw at the theatre was Maverick. I did see a special screening of Flags of our Fathers on the big screen but that was at our local college-not a movie theatre. I prefer to watch movies in my VERY comfortable recliner/rocker. I KNOW what it on the floor and it is NOT sticky.


Cat

I have not been to the "movies" since last century. Seriously. The last movie I saw at the theatre was Maverick. I did see a special screening of Flags of our Fathers on the big screen but that was at our local college-not a movie theatre. I prefer to watch movies in my VERY comfortable recliner/rocker. I KNOW what it on the floor and it is NOT sticky.


Cat
Like you, I have fallen into that trap. It is much easier to watch films at home now.

I have not been to the "movies" since last century. Seriously. The last movie I saw at the theatre was Maverick. I did see a special screening of Flags of our Fathers on the big screen but that was at our local college-not a movie theatre. I prefer to watch movies in my VERY comfortable recliner/rocker. I KNOW what it on the floor and it is NOT sticky.


Cat


It's been about 2-3 years since I've been to a movie theater but they've vastly improved since you last went. I don't know how common these are nor do I know if they have them in your neck of the woods, but some of the newer movie theaters around here have what are called "Dreamloungers," which are big leather power reclining chairs with cupholders in the armrests. As you can imagine, the tickets cost more than the regular seating but I can assure you that they're worth it.  8)

Imagine going to a movie theater in the year of our Lord 2023. Streaming movies is far superior.

But do not crunch the biscuits to loud.

Or they'll hear you!

Like you, I have fallen into that trap. It is much easier to watch films at home now.


And not deal with so many dumb people. ::)

Imagine going to a movie theater in the year of our Lord 2023. Streaming movies is far superior.


Exactly! And less expensive too. O0

Exactly! And less expensive too. O0
Streaming films still have to be paid for.

Or they'll hear you!
Just bite them softly, or during a noisy sequence of the film.

Imagine going to a movie theater in the year of our Lord 2023. Streaming movies is far superior.


It is nice to watch movies at home these days, especially considering how good TV's are now, but the one thing I like about going to movie theaters is the shared experience with other people who are witnessing iconic pop culture moments with you for the first time.

Sure, it's nice to watch Back To The Future in the comfort of your own home on your 65" hi-def TV, but it will never compare to the magic of seeing it in the theater for the first time in 1985 and cheering wildly with 200 other people when George McFly laid Biff out.  ;)

Imagine going to a movie theater in the year of our Lord 2023. Streaming movies is far superior.
Streaming is not that superior for all films in the cinema are not available online.


It is nice to watch movies at home these days, especially considering how good TV's are now, but the one thing I like about going to movie theaters is the shared experience with other people who are witnessing iconic pop culture moments with you for the first time.

Sure, it's nice to watch Back To The Future in the comfort of your own home on your 65" hi-def TV, but it will never compare to the magic of seeing it in the theater for the first time in 1985 and cheering wildly with 200 other people when George McFly laid Biff out.  ;)
Yes indeed, a shared experience, I saw "Casablanca" on the movie screen in a packed house, and you could hear the people saying the lines of the dialogue at the right moments of the film, movie karaoke?

Yes indeed, a shared experience, I saw "Casablanca" on the movie screen in a packed house, and you could hear the people saying the lines of the dialogue at the right moments of the film, movie karaoke?


If I were there and people were saying the lines of the film out loud I would tell them in no uncertain terms to be quiet. One of the reasons (but by far not the only reason) movie theaters have died a death is the rude, loutish behavior of the patrons. Talking on cell phones, walking in and out, being loud, boisterous and inconsiderate in general. Who needs it?

If I were there and people were saying the lines of the film out loud I would tell them in no uncertain terms to be quiet. One of the reasons (but by far not the only reason) movie theaters have died a death is the rude, loutish behavior of the patrons. Talking on cell phones, walking in and out, being loud, boisterous and inconsiderate in general. Who needs it?
The showing of "Casablanca" was all done in good humour, in one sense it was expected to happen, the muttering of the lines was done in good respect. It was a leading repertory cinema in London and you have to be a member to see films there. The majority of the audience were die-hard movie buffs and had probably seen the film many a time before.

It's been about 2-3 years since I've been to a movie theater but they've vastly improved since you last went. I don't know how common these are nor do I know if they have them in your neck of the woods, but some of the newer movie theaters around here have what are called "Dreamloungers," which are big leather power reclining chairs with cupholders in the armrests. As you can imagine, the tickets cost more than the regular seating but I can assure you that they're worth it.  8)



It is nice to watch movies at home these days, especially considering how good TV's are now, but the one thing I like about going to movie theaters is the shared experience with other people who are witnessing iconic pop culture moments with you for the first time.

Sure, it's nice to watch Back To The Future in the comfort of your own home on your 65" hi-def TV, but it will never compare to the magic of seeing it in the theater for the first time in 1985 and cheering wildly with 200 other people when George McFly laid Biff out.  ;)


Went to the movie theater on Friday - it was a wonderful experience.  We thoroughly enjoyed those dreamlounger seats and the big screen viewing was extra special.  It was a matinee that we saw, as our dinner plans were for after the show. There were other people there - it wasn't crowded though - and the other patrons were pleasant enough.  I could've done without the $4.50 bottle of water, but I'm glad we went.

Went to the movie theater on Friday - it was a wonderful experience.  We thoroughly enjoyed those dreamlounger seats and the big screen viewing was extra special.  It was a matinee that we saw, as our dinner plans were for after the show. There were other people there - it wasn't crowded though - and the other patrons were pleasant enough.  I could've done without the $4.50 bottle of water, but I'm glad we went.
We were in dreamlounger seats when I saw "La La Land", it was the first time I had seen them, and the popcorn at the cinema was vile.

The showing of "Casablanca" was all done in good humour, in one sense it was expected to happen, the muttering of the lines was done in good respect. It was a leading repertory cinema in London and you have to be a member to see films there. The majority of the audience were die-hard movie buffs and had probably seen the film many a time before.


Ah yes, Casablanca, "play it again Sam" which isn't quite accurate, but has become iconic, so  "Here's lookin at you kid"

Ah yes, Casablanca, "play it again Sam" which isn't quite accurate, but has become iconic, so  "Here's lookin at you kid"
Actual line "Rick: You played it for her, you can play it for me!", my favourite line and I use it in situations in life today "Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine."

Streaming films still have to be paid for.


Yes, and you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home.

It is nice to watch movies at home these days, especially considering how good TV's are now, but the one thing I like about going to movie theaters is the shared experience with other people who are witnessing iconic pop culture moments with you for the first time.

Sure, it's nice to watch Back To The Future in the comfort of your own home on your 65" hi-def TV, but it will never compare to the magic of seeing it in the theater for the first time in 1985 and cheering wildly with 200 other people when George McFly laid Biff out.  ;)


It sure is,when you're by yourself and never have to deal with stupid people on their phones all day. ::)

If I were there and people were saying the lines of the film out loud I would tell them in no uncertain terms to be quiet. One of the reasons (but by far not the only reason) movie theaters have died a death is the rude, loutish behavior of the patrons. Talking on cell phones, walking in and out, being loud, boisterous and inconsiderate in general. Who needs it?


I remember dealing with them too back in the days but who knows how long movie theaters will continue to be in business for but for how long?

Went to the movie theater on Friday - it was a wonderful experience.  We thoroughly enjoyed those dreamlounger seats and the big screen viewing was extra special.  It was a matinee that we saw, as our dinner plans were for after the show. There were other people there - it wasn't crowded though - and the other patrons were pleasant enough.  I could've done without the $4.50 bottle of water, but I'm glad we went.


4 dollars for water, you could've just filled up your own water in a small bottle.

Yes, and you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home.
For example, if there is one film you wish to see when the is not available to stream, you g to the cinema.

It sure is,when you're by yourself and never have to deal with stupid people on their phones all day. ::)
Over hear the audience are requested to switch off their phones before the start of the film, if they persist the management have the right take the phone away and return it after the film has finished.

Over hear the audience are requested to switch off their phones before the start of the film, if they persist the management have the right take the phone away and return it after the film has finished.

Or just have them take their calls outside.

Or just have them take their calls outside.
... how can they take and know if they have a call when their phones are switched off?

Actual line "Rick: You played it for her, you can play it for me!", my favourite line and I use it in situations in life today "Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine."


I am shocked. SHOCKED!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM_A4Skusro


Cat

I am shocked. SHOCKED!


nM_A4Skusro


Cat
I have to watch (and listen to) it on the phone, remember I have no computer speakers.

We are all shocked!

It's already been a year since I went to the theater. Unfortunately it was the Grudge reboot that I probably would never have considered seeing. I miss going to the theater, but I don't really miss having to see whatever random movie my cousin wanted to go see. Whether the film was a) mainstream/popular b) anything I'd heard of c) any good was always a total crapshoot. My cousin has such questionable tastes. Actually, the same goes for most of my family. They are hardly artisans.

Normal person's franchises: Batman, James Bond, Jurassic, Star Wars, Marvel, Halloween
Cousin's franchises: Halloween, Jurassic, Jeepers Creepers, Rambo, Godzilla, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Wrong Turn

He pretty much only likes horror, comedy, action and Military. The more edgy/inappropriate, the better. He calls CGI "graphics." And he refers to the classics as "old school," in an affectionate way.

My Mom's "favorite actress" is... Queen Latifah. And she likes Tyler Perry movies.

I'm one of the few (Two? Three?) Democrats in the family, if that's a factor.

I had rarely gotten to see what I wanted to see since I moved in 2017. It's almost always been my cousin's movie. I made plans to see Suspiria (1977 and 2018) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but things came up. I did get to see Joker with Mom. I'm so thankful we all love the Halloween franchise. We almost saw Kills and Ends in theaters, but things came up and we settled for Peacock.

Usually if there's a popular or arthouse movie I want to see, I have to stream or wait for the Blu-ray. Or hope against hope that my cousin wants to see it. These movies tend to be Disney, Marvel, A24, Oscar movies, Criterion, etc. We have Disney Plus, but I haven't bothered to use it because last I tried I needed to log in and I don't have that info, and my family annoys me on a level akin to Spongebob and Squidward.

Speaking of my family, they are often so annoying/noisy that I can barely get anything done until they start going to bed. So in that respect it's much easier to see films in the theater. As for my family's "taste" in movies, the opposite is true.

I must be an anomaly. Am I the only person who has never had a rude audience at a theater, except for perhaps my own family? I've found every audience to be respectful without exception.

Normal person's franchises: Batman, James Bond, Jurassic, Star Wars, Marvel, Halloween
Cousin's franchises: Halloween, Jurassic, Jeepers Creepers, Rambo, Godzilla, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Wrong Turn


"Normal person's franchises". I love it!!  O0  ;D  ;D

I knew I was going to forget one! Predator. Now there's a "Why is that a" franchise. I did like the one before Prey fairly enough, but the IP (until Prey) just never seemed relevant in this century. I liked Last Blood well enough, but hated the 2008 Rambo. I still say First Blood is the best of what little I've seen of the franchise. That's another franchise that just seems tired to me in 2023 AD.

Don't get me wrong, I love streaming. I love Netflix and HBO Max. HBO is the closest thing I have to TCM anymore, apart from Criterion Blu-rays. I enjoy watching originals on these services, but I mostly use Netflix to stream TV, and HBO Max to watch shows like The Sopranos that have eluded me for years. But there's just something about the theatrical experience that's second to none. I didn't always have good sound, and I only just recently got my TV's white balance/color temperature properly calibrated. (My TV is a Sanyo and has white balance settings instead of just color temp presets like on most TVs. So I spent over a decade eyeballing the picture several times until I got it right.) So watching a movie in theater, I can trust that the picture and sound are correct (even if the sound is rather loud nowadays). Not everybody has a huge TV (Mine's only 42 inches, large for a bedroom, but modest for a living room.) and certainly not everybody has surround sound, whether for money or practical reasons. I have floorstanding stereo speakers, but I've never hooked them up and I use Hi Res headphones plugged into an AV receiver for all of my audio needs. In the theater I get everything I can't get at home.

As for this whole price hike, yeah, it's stupid. "I came here to see Batman, not The Stones." The center seats are not only the best in terms of picture, but also for surround sound. I doubt this will last long.

... how can they take and know if they have a call when their phones are switched off?

They can switch it back on.

They can switch it back on.

Over hear the audience are requested to switch off their phones before the start of the film, if they persist the management have the right take the phone away and return it after the film has finished.
...and keep the phones switched off.

...and keep the phones switched off.

They need to respect other people in the theater too.

Streaming films still have to be paid for.


Considering how many streaming services are producing original content, the income stream is already there from your monthly or annual subscription.

I haven’t been in a movie theater since 2019, and I haven’t needed to be.

Considering how many streaming services are producing original content, the income stream is already there from your monthly or annual subscription.

I haven’t been in a movie theater since 2019, and I haven’t needed to be.
Of course, in a matter of a few years, the films will be shown on 'normal' television channels.

BTW, I can wait.

Considering how many streaming services are producing original content, the income stream is already there from your monthly or annual subscription.

I haven’t been in a movie theater since 2019, and I haven’t needed to be.

I haven't been to one in many years.

I haven't been to one in many years.


Knowing what goes on in those theatre seats, I would not go in there without a full hazmat suit.  :o

Knowing what goes on in those theatre seats, I would not go in there without a full hazmat suit.  :o

Too many germs are probably lingering in that theater. 8-P

A lot of movies these days go to theatres for maybe a week (just so they can be considered for major awards), then they go straight to streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime.  I wouldn't be surprised if one day, theatres just closed down

A lot of movies these days go to theatres for maybe a week (just so they can be considered for major awards), then they go straight to streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime.  I wouldn't be surprised if one day, theatres just closed down

I think that eventually might happen but not right now.

You can easily go to the supermarket and buy some packs of candy and a big bottle of soda so you save yourself some money,everything became so expensive lately.

You can easily go to the supermarket and buy some packs of candy and a big bottle of soda so you save yourself some money,everything became so expensive lately.


Theatres usually won’t let you BYOF though.

Theatres usually won’t let you BYOF though.

I know that now.

Theatres usually won’t let you BYOF though.
Have larger pockets in your jacket.

Have larger pockets in your jacket.


That's one idea.

Have larger pockets in your jacket.

That's one idea.
As I was saying in a previous reply here.
... and if my pockets were big enough, I would take a packet of biscuits too.

As I was saying in a previous reply here.


And try not to make to much noise or they'll search you.

We are going full circle here?

And try not to make to much noise or they'll search you.

Just bite them softly, or during a noisy sequence of the film.

Have larger pockets in your jacket.


What if the ushers hear some unauthorized munching?

What if the ushers hear some unauthorized munching?
You tell the ushers or usherettes that you have food allergies and cannot eat the food available at the sales kiosk.

You tell the ushers or usherettes that you have food allergies and cannot eat the food available at the sales kiosk.


Or just tell them to pound sand

What if the ushers hear some unauthorized munching?
With the length of some films today over 2½ hours long, you may need to take a three course dinner in with you.

You tell the ushers or usherettes that you have food allergies and cannot eat the food available at the sales kiosk.


Would they believe you?

Would they believe you?


Not if you have a box of Junior Mints or JujyFruits in your hand.  ;D

With the length of some films today over 2½ hours long, you may need to take a three course dinner in with you.

I don't think the food over there fills you up.

I don't think the food over there fills you up.
My meals do me fine!

They have some theaters that serve a full (restaurant style) meal like Studio Movie Grill or something similar.


Cinema is going to go the way of TV, in other words, streaming will take over that too, eventually.


I thought it already was getting that way during the pandemic. This year though seems like it's a return to normal with cinema only releases. Then again you only need to wait a month or two at the most before it becomes available for streaming. Not like before when you had to wait like 4-6 months before it becomes available for renting at Blockbuster.

They have some theaters that serve a full (restaurant style) meal like Studio Movie Grill or something similar.
O0

Hoping that it is not too dark so that you can still see what you are eating?  ;D

O0

Hoping that it is not too dark so that you can still see what you are eating?  ;D


Lol, for me the issue is not being able to multi-task. Eating literally takes my focus off the film and then I might miss some detail, and then people would be like "did you really watch the movie?" when I can't remember something they are talking about. I'm the type that can't remember every single detail of a movie from just watching it one time.

Lol, for me the issue is not being able to multi-task. Eating literally takes my focus off the film and then I might miss some detail, and then people would be like "did you really watch the movie?" when I can't remember something they are talking about. I'm the type that can't remember every single detail of a movie from just watching it one time.
Guess who's coming for dinner, the whole cinema audience.  ;D

My meals do me fine!

Maybe you can bring a hamburger with you but then you got to worry about the mess from the burger itself.

O0

Hoping that it is not too dark so that you can still see what you are eating?  ;D

Some theaters have good lighting.

Some theaters have good lighting.
On the whole, the cinema should be dark so that a film can be shown.

On the whole, the cinema should be dark so that a film can be shown.

Or carry a device that has a flashlight.

They have some theaters that serve a full (restaurant style) meal like Studio Movie Grill or something similar.

Or carry a device that has a flashlight.
How can you hold a torch/flashlight when you have a knife and fork in your hands while eating?

How can you hold a torch/flashlight when you have a knife and fork in your hands while eating?


Get one of those jeweler’s headbands that has the light on it.

Get one of those jeweler’s headbands that has the light on it.

That's one idea.

Get one of those jeweler’s headbands that has the light on it.
Each time you lift your head to look at the movie screen the light will shine on to it.