by Nicki Marks

Created on: September 18, 2008

Technology is advancing so fast that it's only reasonable to expect people to start watching movies online and, sure enough, today many people have all the advanced software and spiffy video and sound cards needed to turn their laptop or home computer into their very own movie theater. There's no wait for the delivery of movies; just plug and play. But is it better than watching DVDs? Is it really such a great thing to have the ability to watch movies online instead of on our "old-fashioned" DVD players?

While some people swear by it, watching movies online just isn't the same as curling up with some popcorn and a good DVD. The reasons for this are pretty simple. The main reason, however, is not so much about the technology but about the experience. Computer screens seem very cold and unfriendly when it comes to movies. Unless they've been altered, the colors aren't as good as a television set, and if you move in the wrong direction you can't even see the screen anymore. Plus the size of the screen isn't as good as a television.

It also limits the number of people who can watch the movie at the same time. Since you have to be directly in front of the screen to see the picture, only two or three, at the most, people can watch a movie at the same time. This ruins the fun of the whole idea in the first place. Movies are meant to be enjoyed and you shouldn't have to fight to be able to even see the picture. It takes away from the whole point and experience of the film.

Another reason I feel DVD's are better than watching a movie online is how people seem to naturally gather around the television. While some may protest, a family movie night is not a bad thing. Using television to bring the family together is something we need in society today when our hectic schedules are constantly pulling us apart. I've never seen anyone gather around a computer to watch something together.

The last major complaint I have about watching a movie online is the simple fact that it's really hard to get the sound to a decent level. Hooking up speakers to your laptop or computer usually sound crackly or off. But listening to the sound from the computer speakers won't turn up loud enough for more than one person to hear. If even one person starts talking you have instantly blocked the movie out. Online movies make watching them too much of a chore instead of what they are meant to be: entertainment.

Learn more about this author, Nicki Marks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.