by Salahuddin Khan

Created on: March 28, 2010

Assuming the focal point of the event, the movie, is worth watching or as might be more appropriate these days, worth experiencing, then we really have two things to consider. One is the inherently economic tilt of the debate question and the other is the matter of time and trouble. Aside from being convinced that economically it is indeed worth the expense (and here I'd include the ancillary things like the outrageously priced popcorn or ice cream), I think at an overall level, the experience continues to push the envelope of technical sophistication and enthralls in a way that not even the most pricey home theater solutions are likely to provide. I have a modest home theater but it's never going to approach the IMAX experience. I can't watch Avatar in 3D at home. And then there's the question of the uber-experience, the ambience of being in a place where generally speaking others have come to spend an enjoyable evening being transported beyond the here and now.

Socializing. There's something special about a collective experience which lies deep within us, possibly from our cave dwelling times or even earlier as a species. While we're loath to share our possessions, we look for any excuse to gather and socialize around pleasant experiences. A shared experience affirms our sense of belonging when we derive healthy, acceptable forms of pleasure from it. If the movie has a strong emotional dimension to it, that too has both a personal value and the value of having collectively undertaken the emotional ride. You can't - and shouldn't - put a price on that.

Of course, if you're a total movie fanatic, then you'd be watching virtually every night or every other night and then we're talking about an economic challenge which might make staying at home a necessary choice.

But having noted the many points of value that are unique to the cinema going experience, there are sadly, some negatives. A rowdy, raucous audience can only go so far before seeming boorish and taking away from the experience. The choice of seating - well, it's just not an issue at home but who hasn't had to sit behind that basketball player or the beehive hairdo at some point or other?

But nothing approaches the one pet peeve of mine; the one thing that drives me to obsessive compulsion. The sticky carpet.

Now I don't think I'm an OCD case but tell me who can stand walking over a carpet virtually infused with a melange of Pepsi, ice cream and popcorn butter? Yes, we've all been there and you cinema owners out there know who you are!

And don't you just hate having to walk a half a mile from the only available parking spot in the horizontal December rain to go see that must-see movie while it's still showing in the best screening rooms in the megaplex?

Still, I guess it just goes to show how compelling the movie makers have made their products that we're willing to take those lumps. Ironically even those issues are shut out of our temporarily transported minds once the movie starts.

Just the sticky carpets remain.

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