548 replies to this topic

[AimingforYoko]

They just opened a new theater in my town (Mpls.-St. Paul, MN) that has all reserved seating. I wonder if this is a new trend that will take over like stadium seating has. It's an interesting idea, the advantage, of course is, if you pick your seat ahead of time, there's no rush to the theater. The disadvantage is for people who can't read tickets, there may be conflict. What do you guys think? And any other thoughts on going to the movies. (Serving alcohol, dinner theaters, etc.)

[samsnee]

I don't know about the alcohol part since people are annoying enough at the theater that I don't want to encourage them even more. But I would pay more to have reserved seating so if it's a group of 6, we don't have to get there super early.

I thought this topic though was about movie going experiences in general. My best has been when some 60-years-old grandma couldn't turn off her cell phone, and the guy next to him turns to her and says "If you don't shut that thing off, I will beat you with it". Classy.

[Kel Varnsen]

I don't know about the alcohol part since people are annoying enough at the theater that I don't want to encourage them even more. But I would pay more to have reserved seating so if it's a group of 6, we don't have to get there super early.

I am sort of conflicted about the alcohol at movie theaters thing. I wouldn't worry too much about people being drunk and annoying. I mean how many beers can you have in a 90 minute movie? Most people would have to get up so often they would miss the whole thing. Plus the kind of person who goes to a movie theater to get drunk is going to be annoying either way.

I personally would love to be able to have a beer while watching a movie. On the other hand it is a movie theater not a bar, so I bet prices would be closer to the prices you pay at a hockey game, something along the lines of $8-10 for a plastic cup of bud light or something along those lines.

[xaxat]

The Cinema Drafthouse in Arlington Virginia is a great place to watch a movie. Relaxed, fun atmosphere that is more like watching a movie at home with a lot of friends than going out to a bar. The beer isn't cheap, but they have a really good selection.

While stadium seating with state of the art digital picture and sound is becoming the standard, I don't think it's inherently the best movie going experience. A lot of my most memorable moments have occurred in venues where the picture/sound didn't come close to the modern standard. I've sat on the lawn at Wolftrap watching silent movies while the Anonymous Four and the National Symphony Orchestra performed the scores. I've watched movies in Brooklyn Bridge Park with the bridge and lower Manhattan in the background and I have really fond memories of going to the drive in as a kid.

[zelmia]

I personally love the "dinner and a movie" type venues, which seem to be kind of rare. The only thing is you have to be kind of careful about what movie you go to see there because there will be constant interruptions, albeit, polite ones. For example, I saw Bridget Jones's Diary and a couple of Woody Allen films in such a venue and that was perfect.

And I wouldn't mind being able to have a beer at the cinema at all. As long as it was decent beer, I wouldn't mind paying the $8 per for it either. I mean, that's kind of in line with the markups of everything else.

I don't really think the "reserved seating" is for me. I don't want to have to spend 20 minutes looking over the venue's seating chart to pick out what I think are good seats, only to find out some basketball player type dude has chosen the seats in front of me.

[CantThinkUpName]

I don't do reserved seating for any theaters except IMAX for obvious reasons.

As for drinking in theaters, it depends the theater and it depends the clientele. In an AMC/Lowe's multi-plex of course not. But for smaller theaters, maybe second run/cult-ish movies, it can work and, in some instances, add to the experience. I've been to a drinking theater a couple of times and the crowd didn't get overly rowdy.

I still have a prefer film over digital and prefer seeing films in theaters rather than TV. I don't know if it's because I have a particularly small TV but I've never had the "falling into the movie"-ness while watching a film at home on a smaller scale, with more distractions. I prefer to see my films larger than life.

Maybe I'm alone but I kind of have a thing for cheapish, small theaters- not for all films. If it's a movie I truly want to see, I want to see it in the best quality I can. But for "nothing better to do" movies, even if the screen and the sound isn't as good, I like the slightly skuzzy theaters.

[Kel Varnsen]

I don't really think the "reserved seating" is for me. I don't want to have to spend 20 minutes looking over the venue's seating chart to pick out what I think are good seats, only to find out some basketball player type dude has chosen the seats in front of me.

I don't see reserved seating being all that it is cracked up to be, especially if you have to pay a premium for reserved seating. I mean there are probably 30% of the seats in any given theater that I would want to reserve in advance. If those weren't availble I wouldn't pay extra to reserve a seat in the first or second row or at the side of the theater, I would just say screw it and go to a theater with general admission.

As for drinking in theaters, it depends the theater and it depends the clientele. In an AMC/Lowe's multi-plex of course not. But for smaller theaters, maybe second run/cult-ish movies, it can work and, in some instances, add to the experience. I've been to a drinking theater a couple of times and the crowd didn't get overly rowdy.

I could only see it working at an independant type of theater. I mean with AMC or a cineplex theater I could totally see them having agreements with a major brewer, where all you can get are your choice of Molson, or Anheuser Busch products. Where as with a smaller theater I think they would have a lot more freedom and could be more like a bar and choose what they want to sell. Plus those smaller theaters aren't likely going to be showing Shrek or something so there won't be a million kids running around while I am trying to enjoy my $9 beer.

[AimingforYoko]

I don't see reserved seating being all that it is cracked up to be, especially if you have to pay a premium for reserved seating.

In the theater that just opened here the whole theater is reserved seating so no extra for that.

As for drinking in theaters, it depends the theater and it depends the clientele. In an AMC/Lowe's multi-plex of course not.

As for alcohol, there's a seperate VIP section that they charge an extra 3.50 per ticket and they card at the entrance to the section, no one under 21 allowed in. The alcohol and food is catered by an adjoining restaurant. They have special chairs and tables in those theaters.
There are 16 screens. 14 in the regular theater and two in the VIP section.

[Kel Varnsen]

I don't see reserved seating being all that it is cracked up to be, especially if you have to pay a premium for reserved seating.

In the theater that just opened here the whole theater is reserved seating so no extra for that.

Even if it was no extra charge, if I looked on a website for that type of theater and all the seats in the centre of the theater were taken, I would probably just go to a regular theater, rather than reserving a seat at the very front or side of the theater.

[JBC344]

I live in Los Angeles and there are a few theaters that are reserved seating which is great, but they are mostly theaters specializing in independent movies. The reserved seating really only works for those types of theaters. What I like about it is, im a particular person when it comes to movie seating I usually like to sit in the middle of the theater or as close to the middle as I can get. So reserved seating cuts down on me having to get to the theater super early to get a good seat. It makes things a lot less stressful. It also nice to know that I can show up 5-10 minutes before a movie and not panic that I will have to sit in the front row.

What I have noticed about reserved seating is it doesn't force people to have to sit in the awful front row seats that you would normally get stuck with if you didn't get to the thearter real early. Also you can get great seats if your with a group where you might normally all have to sit in seperate rows or sections. Reserved seating isn't something that I would want in all theaters but it is a nice ammenity in some theaters.

[Kel Varnsen]

What I have noticed about reserved seating is it doesn't force people to have to sit in the awful front row seats that you would normally get stuck with if you didn't get to the thearter real early.

I am curious, since I have never experienced this before, but what do you do when all the good seats are already reserved. Do you still have to reserve those crappy front row seats, is there general admission for the unsold seats, or do you just not bother. I think reserved seating is interesting, but I can't see how, unless the movie showing was some kind of limited engagement, that the theater would ever be full.

[JBC344]

I might be a special case, but I always refuse to sit in the front row for any theater regardless of seating. For an open seating theater that had only front row seating, my friends and I have always just waited for the next show (granted there is one in the forseable future, no more than an hour)

Kal Varnsen, this happened to me just a few months ago. My best friend and I were going to see Inglorious Bastards and the theater that has reserved seating is literally right down the street from my house so my friend and I went to get tickets for the 8:00pm show. By the time we got to the front counter the only seating that was available for us to sit together was in the front row, we both have a no front row policy, and we couldn't see a later show because of our schedules so we ended up purchasing tickets of a following matinee show. We paid less because of the matinee and got to reserve seats where we prefer to sit.

For this particular theater you can reserve seating wherever you want its automatic when you buy your ticket, so there is no issue of reserved seating vs non reserved. The seating number is printed on your ticket so it is mandatory that you sit in the particular seat that you purchased. In my experience when I do reserved seating for a movie the front row of seats is almost always empty and go unclaimed, which is pretty much true for a non reserved theater as well.

Also I tend to think that most people who reserve seating also buy tickets online. For example myself and said friend from earlier went to see "Precious" on opening night. Because the movie was in limited release we knew that there was no way that we would get tickets on opening night. So I ordered the tickets online at said theater with reserved seating three days before the movie, and we had great seats.

It may seem like a lot of work compared to just getting in the car and going to the ticket counter, but if you are someone like me who is particular about seating in a theater or you like to see a movie when you want to see it then online ordering and seat reserving is a great option.

[furrylump]

I may be the only person in the world who actually likes sitting close to the front. It used to be because my eyesight isn't very good, but eventually I got glasses, and now it's because if I'm closer to the screen, it looks bigger. I get that a lot of people don't like having to look up, but I don't understand at all why it's so popular to go see a movie on a huge screen and then sit as far away as possible.

[JBC344]

For me I saw "Me, Myself, and Irene" in a packed movie theater years ago and the only seats available were in the front row. Afterward I had a sore neck for a couple of days. I always like the screen to be directly in front of me, which is why I always prefer to sit in stadium seating in the middle. I can even sit lower and have in the past but no way will I sit in the front row, you are literally looking up for two hours which isn't appealing to me.

[Kel Varnsen]

For me I saw "Me, Myself, and Irene" in a packed movie theater years ago and the only seats available were in the front row. Afterward I had a sore neck for a couple of days. I always like the screen to be directly in front of me, which is why I always prefer to sit in stadium seating in the middle. I can even sit lower and have in the past but no way will I sit in the front row, you are literally looking up for two hours which isn't appealing to me.

I don't really like the front, but for me what is worse is the very side of the theater. I hate having to have my neck turned to one side for a whole movie. That is why I can't really wrap my head around reserved seating, since if I know in advance that the only seats in a theater available are at the front or the side, I am not going to go. Which means that probably 30% of the seats would probably go unsold.

[ethanvahlere]

For me, the advantage of sitting in front is the leg room. In stadium seating-style theaters, that's not an issue, but in the older theaters where the seats are small and cramped together, it's always hard to find room, and the seats in front are just easier.

[Research Girl]

all reserved seating. I wonder if this is a new trend that will take over like stadium seating has. It's an interesting idea, the advantage, of course is, if you pick your seat ahead of time, there's no rush to the theater. The disadvantage is for people who can't read tickets, there may be conflict. What do you guys think?

I wouldn't call it a new trend, its been around in fancier theaters like the Ziegfeld in NYC and the Arclight in LA for a long time.

I'm not really a fan because there isn't much ability to adjust. If the person sitting in front of you turns out to be 7 feet tall and smelly, you have less ability to change your seat. It also means if you go in a big group, you have to buy all the tickets together.

I am curious, since I have never experienced this before, but what do you do when all the good seats are already reserved. Do you still have to reserve those crappy front row seats, is there general admission for the unsold seats, or do you just not bother. I think reserved seating is interesting, but I can't see how, unless the movie showing was some kind of limited engagement, that the theater would ever be full.

You take the crappy seats, see something else or wait. I'd pick the crappy seats most of the time and I'm sure a lot of other people would. In my movie going experience, Friday and Saturday night shows are packed, while every other time is half empty regardless of the seating.

The Cinema Drafthouse in Arlington Virginia is a great place to watch a movie.

I loved that place when I lived in DC.

[AimingforYoko]

Tom Horgen of the Mpls. StarTribune has some thoughts on going to the movies.

[Unraveled]

I'm annoyed by the increasing amount of 3D/IMAX movies. If I was in the business, I think it's a great idea. People that normally wait for the DVD may go because it's something that can't be replicated at home. Action and animation movies are doing lots of this. On the other hand, it's an extra $3-$4 charge. Sometimes I'm ripped off, other times I'm not.

I've seen two animated movies in 3D: "Up" and "Coraline." Most of the "Up" 3D moments weren't very extreme. They were a few early scenes in "Coraline" that were definitely made for 3D and not very exciting (basically like those 3D rides I've been on).

I'm also perplexed about the "fake" IMAX. I recall going to one IMAX movie (something about trains). I didn't get a chance to catch the recent Batman movie in the real IMAX theater at the Air & Space museum. Community's Aziz Ansari recently ranted about "fake" IMAX. (Basically a much smaller screen than the real IMAX experience.)

I was pricing the variations for the "Avatar" movie. Regular adult: $10.50 Digital 3D: $13.50 "fake" IMAX: $14.50

[Redtracer]

I refuse to see 3D movies for two reasons.

First, those glasses are really unpleasant for those of us who wear regular eyeglasses. From what I understand, studios have moved past the old cardboard-frame versions, but I can't image sitting for up to three hours with a pair of ill-fitting 3D glasses that might actually damage my regular ones.

Second, and maybe this has changed, but don't the color of the 3D lenses mess with the color onscreen? Again, I've heard that the new glasses aren't of the red lens/blue lens variety, but it seems like the colors onscreen are going to look muddy or fuzzy when seen through 3D glasses. Maybe someone else can comment on this aspect.

[Unraveled]

They would definitely be uncomfortable for eyeglass wearers. The frames are the cheapo plastic.

In order to get the 3D experience, the picture is fuzzy without the glasses. With the glasses, the picture is clear and [mostly] three-dimensional. I don't have a direct comparison, but I would think the colors would be spot on.

[furrylump]

First, those glasses are really unpleasant for those of us who wear regular eyeglasses. From what I understand, studios have moved past the old cardboard-frame versions, but I can't image sitting for up to three hours with a pair of ill-fitting 3D glasses that might actually damage my regular ones.

The last 3D movie I saw was Up. My friends all had a good chuckle because I looked ridiculous, but it was only slightly uncomfortable if I recall correctly, although I suppose that would depend on the shape and size of the person's regular glasses.

[samsnee]

Can someone explain to me why people clap at the end movies? They realize that the actors aren't backstage right?

[AimingforYoko]

Can someone explain to me why people clap at the end movies? They realize that the actors aren't backstage right?

You think that was bad? When I was at Invictus, I had a lady near me cheer every time South Africa scored a drop goal (rugby equivalent of a field goal). I felt like telling her, "You know this happened in 1995, right?"

[furrylump]

Can someone explain to me why people clap at the end movies? They realize that the actors aren't backstage right?

To show my appreciation for the movie, if I thought it was really good. I know the cast and crew can't hear me, but if I loved the film, I like to show that by clapping. People come online to say how much they loved/hated a movie all the time, and not so the cast will come along and read it. This isn't so different.

[GeoBQn]

I've been to a couple movies where the audience clapped at the end, but the most rousing applause I experienced was when I saw Fahrenheit 9/11 on opening night.

[xaxat]

I don't clap, but if a movie is really good, I'll sit through all of the credits. It gives me a moment to think about it (while my friends are wonder WTF is taking so long) and although they will never know it, I know that someone outside of the immediate family acknowledges the efforts of the third assistant to the second key grip (Czech unit).

[ceindreadh]

I tend to stay through the credits as well - you never know when there'll be a good post credits scene!

When I was a kid and at the cinema with my parents, we always waited until the credits were over, but that was in part because they didn't want to have to struggle through the crowds with my siblings and I.

[Kel Varnsen]

I tend to stay through the credits as well - you never know when there'll be a good post credits scene!

I hate the idea of post credit scenes, I mean if the scene was so important why not put it in the movie. Although I have stayed if I knew or thought they would coming. I have also stayed if the credits started and there was a really cool credits sequnce, like Sherlock Holmes had. I will also stay if there is a funny scene during the credits or if there is bloopers. The best in that sense was Anchorman which ended up with Smokey and the Bandit bloopers.

Edited by Kel Varnsen, Jan 4, 2010 @ 6:36 PM.

[ethanvahlere]

I hate the idea of post credit scenes, I mean if the scene was so important why not put it in the movie.

I don't think Ferris Bueller telling everyone to go home would have fit in the movie.