Monday Morning Quarterback Part III

By BOP Staff

September 20, 2012

Okay, I've told everyone to respect you guys and stuff...

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Edwin Davies: I try to see pretty much everything in the theater, but that's primarily because the theater near me has a day where you can see any film (even 3D ones) for $6, which hugely defrays the cost of the experience. If that option wasn't available to me, I'd probably check out more things on VOD. There's no difference in cost, but the experience would be a lot more pleasant and stress-free viewing at home than at a theater, if only because you avoid the hassle of travelling and waiting in line, neither of which I'm ever particularly happy about.

In terms of types of films, I don't think I'll ever choose to see a blockbuster or a visually spectacular film at home over the theater, because as good as my home set-up might be, it'll never quite match the big-screen experience. I'd never opt to see The Dark Knight Rises or The Master at home if I could see it on a big-ass screen.

David Mumpower: We occasionally broach this subject in anticipation of the day arriving when a tipping point occurs. This will be the day when day and date is a viable option for most titles in release. Until then, I enjoy these threads wherein we debate exactly what we do and do not like about the theatrical experience.




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In giving Ultraviolet/Vudu serious consideration this year, I have come to realize how much I prefer watching the same titles on home video. Think Like a Man and John Carter are recent examples of titles that my wife and I had intended to watch at a theater. Circumstances prevented us from doing so. When we watched at home, I probably enjoyed the titles more than I would have in a crowded theater. The overriding positive is that we control the viewing environment much more when we watch at home.

We laugh every time Regal Cinemas shows that vile pre-movie commercial about how the cinematic experience is exponentially better at a theater because TVs are too small. Not only is the ad obnoxious since we are already AT the theater but it is also written by someone who does not understand the simple physics of the situation. The idea is that watching a giant screen is better yet since we are at least 30 feet away from it, the picture does not engulf the optics the way that a large screen TV a few feet away would. Our 47" 3D TV is only five feet away from our couch. No IMAX experience in the world can match that. To that point, we watched The Lion King re-release in the theater then skeptically exhibited it for family members during a housewarming party at our new residence. Every person there was blown away by how strong the 3D was in the home environment. It *surpassed* the theatrical viewing. So the tipping point has already arrived in terms of visual satisfaction.


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