Should You Stay In and Watch Netflix or Go to the Theatre?
So should you stay in and watch a flick on Netflix? Or should you go out to the theatre? What to choose? I am going to weight the pros and cons of the enjoyment and entertainment derived from watching a movie in a theatre, versus staying at home and watching a movie on TV or Netflix.
“Looking back on my earliest childhood memories, I realize that I was a movie buff from a very young age.”
My parents took me to “The Truman Show,” (starring Jim Carrey) when I was only three years old. This was my first experience at a movie theatre and I have been hooked ever since. I saw such offerings as “Benji”, and “The Land Before Time”, on T.V. prior to this. However, I knew I liked the big silver screen better from the outset. When it comes to the theatre experience, I absolutely love everything about it. The booming sound, concession smells and electricity accompanies a highly anticipated new release, make my senses tingle.
However, there are times when I equally enjoy a movie at home. Movie nights are certainly a great way to socialize with friends, since everyone can even come over and share popcorn in their pyjamas. You can also socialize with friends by going to the theatre, however it is frowned upon to chatter during the show. Regardless of the format, I always enjoy watching movies, but even more so in the company of friends.
Therefore, when comparing a movie at the theatre or at home, with or without friends, I always think in terms of the “four C’s.”
4 C’s Consist of Convenience, Control, Cost & Comfort
1) Convenience
There is no denying that the convenience of being able to plop down in your favorite chair at home, and choose from hundreds of movies on any given night is nice. You can pick any hour of the day to start your film, pause or rewind it. To go to the theatre, you have fight traffic and find a place to park, all while being on a strict time schedule to make the show. Movies at the theatre will start at the specified time whether or not you have taken your seat.
2) Control
Nevertheless, if you do arrive late, or find that your desired movie is sold out, there is multiple other movie to watch. Furthermore, there is always the option of seeing the desired film at a different time. There are parallels to being at home and picking a movie on TV, and picking a movie at the theatre. The theatre is very convenient and in your control because you simply walk up, select your movie, pay and stroll right in to watch.
3) Cost
Theatre pricing is a bone of contention. The price of movies is usually over ten dollars, with the added cost of hyper-inflated popcorn and soda. Similarly, there are costs associated with watching a movie at home, but they are not as exorbitant. The monthly cost of cable and Netflix is about the same as a single night at the theatre for a group of four.
However, for me the experience is worth every penny. These premium prices are justified by the fact that I am getting to observe movie history unfold at the showing of a new release. I like being one of the firs in my city to “get in on the action.” I tend to look past the price comparisons and ultimately just enjoy the theatre experience.
4) Comfort
Comfort goes hand in hand with the tone, ambience and atmosphere of movies. At home it is easy to turn change room temperature, press pause or take call. However, this is not the case in the dark confines of the theatre. Once the curtain goes up and the show is underway, you are stuck in a creaky seat with half an armrest, little legroom and a sticky floor. The temperature is not always to my liking so I faithfully bring a sweater and scarf. As well, I make sure to go to the washroom before the show starts. Overall, I find any deficiencies in my comfort level at the theatre can be overlooked as long as the movie is exciting, entertaining and provides the escape that I have learned to love over the years.
“The emotional grip a movie has on me has a lot to do with how comfortable I am while watching.”
I will always be impressed with the mystique of the films themselves, the creativity of the writers and directors and the passion of the performers. To pick a definite side as to whether I like movies on television or the theatre is easy for me. Richard Schickel, author of “Keepers,” encapsulates my view of the theatre experience-
“The art of film has to break through our preoccupations and distractions, if it is to somehow seize us…the amazing thing about movies is how often that happens, not how rarely.”
Movies on the television do not seem to seize me the same way. Regardless of whether movies at the theatre are sometimes inconvenient, somewhat expensive and not always exceptionally comfortable to sit through, I know the experiences gained there will be with me forever. I have an album full of ticket stubs that I keep to prove it, and cherish not only the films I have seen, but the people I have enjoyed them with as well.
The entire theatre experience always seizes me, therefore my affections will always lie there.
HCM Lifestyle is about sharing inspiring ideas and stories to ‘Help Us All Become A Better Version of Ourselves.’ I have shared my movie experience with you. Let me know your favourite way to enjoy a flick!we wanted to share these reflective thoughts with you. Share your thoughts on HCM Lifestyle or email hcmlifestyle@gmail.com. You can also sign up for the monthly newsletter to always stay in touch!
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By: HCM Lifestyle’s Madison Colberg
Works Cited
Schickel, Richard. Keepers: The Greatest Films and Personal Favourites of a Moviegoing Lifetime. Ebook Library ed., Alfred A. Knopf, 2015.
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