Is it better to watch movies in theaters or DVDs at home?

Theaters

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by Dean Traylor

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There's something magical about a movie theater. Once the curtain rises and the lights dim, the collective masses of movie-goers stop talking, rush to their seats, and cast their eyes upon the giant screen. Then, when a stream of projector light hits the screen's silver surface, everyone in the theater is transported to another world.

The audience watches intensely. They forgo bathroom breaks, cut the chit-chat and make sure the cell-phones are turned off. Nobody wants to miss one second of the movie. The THX surround sound may make it feel like some of the conversations or sound effects - such as explosion - are happening in the theater. A few will look around; just to be sure it was the movie, not someone or something for real. And then, after two hours of facing the screen in the dark, the audience - exhausted and exhilarated - files out of the building, still talking about the movie or reliving the exciting scenes in their heads, well after the magic is over.

Seeing a movie at home can be exciting, as well. Technology has made it possible for one to see a movie in Blu-Ray on HD TV while blasting surround sound from the home theater system. However, everyday life doesn't stop for the two hours it takes to see a movie on DVD. The phone may ring, the door will be knocked and nature's calling is strong enough to pull you away from the screen.

There's really no comparison between watching a movie at the theater and watching it at home. One feels more like an experience while the other is more like a chore. The movie theater experience allows one to escape the burden of life for a few hours. And, it does so, despite the inflated price, the crowds, and the occasional stale popcorn.

So how do movie theaters create its magic? It starts with the screen. It's massive, imposing, and occupies the the room. It's the first thing a movie-goer will see when they enter the theater. All seats are faced toward it. In stadium seating, everyone can see it.

The use of sound in a theater plays a crucial role. Surround sound heightens the experience. Also, the advent of THX has helped make the sound much more crisp and realistic. A good theater's design will also help with sound, creating the ideal acoustics to carry the sound to the public in attendance. And, those sound effects help take the movie-goer deeper into the movie's world, for it surroundsthem in every direction.

Another thing to consider is how the theater operates. Darkness is needed to project the image onto the screen. However, that absence of light also serves another purpose; it blots out the "world" around the movie-goer (including other movie-goers) and forces them to see the only light in the place: the one projected on the screen. It's a great way to get one's attention.

Usually when one goes to the movies, it's a social event. Possibly, it's the first date, or a child's birthday. Sometimes, it's the anticipated opening of a major movie or sequel to a popular series. Either way, it gets people leaving the house to go somewhere. Also, this is a gathering place. People usually don't go to see movies alone. They want to share the experience, so they'll take a friend, relative or a date.

An important part of the movie theater experience is that the audience buys into it. They know when its show-time and they will stop whatever they are doing and pay attention. And, if the movie is good, the audience will laugh at the appropriate times or cheer loudly when something spectacular happens. A fond memory was watching how people bought into the first Star Wars movie. In the climactic scene, Death Star exploded; so did the audience. They were up on their feet for a minute, clapping and cheering the heroes' victory over evil.

Finally, movie theaters are constantly evolving. Whether it's 3-d, digital film, or IMAX, movie theaters keep up with the times and offer the latest and greatest entertainment technology. Also, movie theaters have been opening its doors for other things besides movies. Lately, live pop concerts have been shown. With digital, computer, and projector technology, a concert in real time can be shown in the theater. It might not be the same as being there; however, who's going to complain when they see a 30 ft. tall Mick Jagger or Bono belting out a classic song?

This is not to say, that home entertainment systems or primitive. In the last twenty years, the home-entertainment system has evolved drastically. Better picture, better sound and player system offers a lot for the home viewer. However, most home entertainment systems are not the center piece of a living room. There are family pictures, mementos, decorations on the wall that can distract a person. Also, most living rooms are not designed with acoustics in mind. Even with a 50 inch flat screen TV and Bose surround sound, they don't take up the room and command all the attention.

Also, home viewing feels like a lonely, isolated affair. There are times at parties or get-togethers when it becomes a social gathering, but for the most part, people prefer to watch it alone. And, despite its availability, it's not always easy to find the time to watch a DVD. Work, visiting friends or relatives, door-to-door salesmen; anyone or anything can take up one's time to sit down and enjoy a film.

Movies are magic. A good film will always transport you to another place, time or setting. And it is there you live the life of the characters, vicariously. Movie theaters help transport you to that place. They are designed to do that. At home, you can look around and realize you're still at home; at the movie theater, you are somewhere else beyond the theater, beyond reality.

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