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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think the cinema is massively overrated?

273 replies

RagzRebooted · 26/02/2022 20:40

Took the family to the cinema today. First time in years and actually the first time all 5 of us have gone together (2 adults, 3 12-15yr olds). Only did it because of the £3 Cineworld offer and brought our own snacks because OMG, the price of food and drink there is even more insane than I remember.

I'd been looking forward to it all week. Sat down and was initially impressed as they have built a new one in the town we went to and it's a much better layout, steeper seating (so no need to worry about view blocking) and more leg room, no flip down seats but big ones with headrests. Huge screen.

Here are my problems -
The picture quality is a lot worse than our TV. Obviously, as it's projected.
The screen is so big it's actually quite hard to look at.
The seats looked and felt comfy at first but my back was killing by the end of it.
Stank of various foods people were eating.
Full of people (kind of a given, but still a downside) all making various noises.
Can't just pause it, get up and have a wee, make a cuppa etc.

It was supposed to be a treat, but DH and I agree that we won't be doing it again!

The film was good, but I hadn't even heard of it before looking up what was on and would have been quite happy watching it next year on a streaming service. I can understand going to watch something highly anticipated if it's something you're really into (like Marvel or some other big serial thing), especially for teens. I'm just not that into films and happy to watch then a year later.

I just don't get the appeal of sitting and watching a film crammed in with a load of strangers. I feel like it's something other people do all the time and I'm just being wierd not liking it!

OP posts:
SlashBeef · 26/02/2022 20:42

Yanbu I loathe the cinema for all the reasons you give. Add on disgustingly expensive where we live. You spend the best part of £50 here if a couple of you go to the cinema and get some drinks and snacks.

FionnulaTheCooler · 26/02/2022 20:46

YANBU. I've gone right off the cinema thanks to other peoples behaviour. We took DD to the new Ghostbusters film a few months ago and the man across the aisle spent the whole time talking loudly to the person beside him. STFU and watch the film! I'm not in a hurry to go back, we have Netflix and Disney Plus at home, most things end up on one or the other eventually and no having to put up with annoying loud people.

myyellowcar · 26/02/2022 20:47

I feel a bit miserable saying this but… I totally agree. For me it’s ruined by other people but is in general a much worse experience than watching a film at home. When I was a student I liked to go in the day when it was really empty but I haven’t had time for that for years. I’d actually rather wait to be able to watch a film at home even if it’s months later.

bonfireheart · 26/02/2022 20:47

I hate the cinema. we went to watch spiderman recently. It was all full. People sat in our seats wouldn't get up had to go get a member of staff, took ages before they agreed to move. A lady in very front row was filming the entire movie so you could see her phone screen lit up. Lady in front of me was on WhatsApp entire time. Another lady kept getting up and using torch on her phone to find her way out. The lad next to us didn't stop eating the entire time and he was so noisy. Give me netflix any day.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 26/02/2022 20:48

If the screen was too big and out of focus, you were

a) too close to it and/or
b) need to get your eyes tested

The best seats are at the back.

ISpyCobraKai · 26/02/2022 20:49

@RagzRebooted

Took the family to the cinema today. First time in years and actually the first time all 5 of us have gone together (2 adults, 3 12-15yr olds). Only did it because of the £3 Cineworld offer and brought our own snacks because OMG, the price of food and drink there is even more insane than I remember.

I'd been looking forward to it all week. Sat down and was initially impressed as they have built a new one in the town we went to and it's a much better layout, steeper seating (so no need to worry about view blocking) and more leg room, no flip down seats but big ones with headrests. Huge screen.

Here are my problems -
The picture quality is a lot worse than our TV. Obviously, as it's projected.
The screen is so big it's actually quite hard to look at.
The seats looked and felt comfy at first but my back was killing by the end of it.
Stank of various foods people were eating.
Full of people (kind of a given, but still a downside) all making various noises.
Can't just pause it, get up and have a wee, make a cuppa etc.

It was supposed to be a treat, but DH and I agree that we won't be doing it again!

The film was good, but I hadn't even heard of it before looking up what was on and would have been quite happy watching it next year on a streaming service. I can understand going to watch something highly anticipated if it's something you're really into (like Marvel or some other big serial thing), especially for teens. I'm just not that into films and happy to watch then a year later.

I just don't get the appeal of sitting and watching a film crammed in with a load of strangers. I feel like it's something other people do all the time and I'm just being wierd not liking it!

I love it and go weekly but I always choose quiet showings so no talking whispering and v little or no eating. It has recling seats to which I can curl up on as I'm short. I'm seeing The Godfather tomorrow night and really looking forward to it.
ModerationInEverything · 26/02/2022 20:50

YABU. I love the cinema. The best bit is no distractions. Our local is Vue and with meerkat movies two can go for £8.89 on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Snacks are ridiculous though, £4 for a share bag of maltesers.

BearOfEasttown · 26/02/2022 20:51

I do like the cinema but I think it's 3 times more to get in than what it's worth.

Also, loads of TVs now offer a cinematic experience, so YANBU really. May as well watch stuff at home. Most films come out (on dvd or for streaming,) within 3 or 4 months of cinema release.

Ionlydomassiveones · 26/02/2022 20:51

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

Onlyforcake · 26/02/2022 20:54

I'm not a huge fan at all. But re picture quality when did you last have an eye test as I was convinced the cinema projectionists were a bit slapdash right up until I was told I needed glasses.

LimeSupper · 26/02/2022 20:54

We went today with our toddlers and it was brilliant. We can watch films at home of course and probably will watch Sing 2 again but it was much more of an experience going to the cinema!! The kids’ faces as we walk in, them picking their popcorn and walking in to their seats full of anticipation. The sound quality and size of picture was brilliant, they were up dancing in the aisle! Loved it.

Youcansaythatagainandagain · 26/02/2022 20:54

I agree OP. I don’t understand the appeal at all. I’d prefer to stream the films in my own house than travel to a cinema, sit in a temp that I don’t like, hold or sit on my coat, smell someone else’s food and pay £50 for the privilege.

BabyTurtIe · 26/02/2022 20:55

I hate the cinema!! Everyone seems to love it though

NotJustACigar · 26/02/2022 20:56

I love it as I have ADHD and can't focus as well when watching a film at home. My favorite cinema is one where you sit on a little couch and can order a meal and drinks at your seat (Liverpool Everyman Cinema). If I go to the Vue or cinema I make sure to get an aisle seat and have DH sit next to me. I can't bear sitting next to strangers but he doesn't mind Grin. And I avoid going to a mass-market appeal blockbuster on a Friday or Saturday night.

WomblingWilma · 26/02/2022 20:56

We always book the centre back row seats at the cinema. No one behind to annoy you, screen a bit further away, bigger space in front of you than the lower levels (well in my cinema anyway).

I enjoy it but we only go for movies you have to see on the big screen such as all the Marvel/DC movies, disaster or space stuff or anything with special affects. I’d never both going for dramas or comedies.

NEVER buy food or drinks there. Always nip into Tesco on the way and get snacks and drinks.

switswoo81 · 26/02/2022 20:57

I absolutely love the cinema. I find when I'm at home watching a.movie I'm easily distracted. I'll pick up a phone, fall asleep, put on washing machine etc whereas in the cinema I get totally transfixed by the movie.

NotYourOscarSpeech · 26/02/2022 20:59

I adore the cinema, in fact I got back from seeing the Duke about an hour ago. However, I normally go to the Everyman which is lovely, and I go on my own and usually during the day or early evening. The screens are also smaller than eg the Odeon although that’s never been something I’ve given much thought to.

I got hooked on the cinema when I took DS1 at least once a week for baby cinema, now I’m pregnant with DS2 it’s something I’m really looking forward to for my next period of maternity leave.

Discwriter · 26/02/2022 21:00

My DC and I love the cinema. We go at quiet times and generally watch animations which are generally less busy I suppose. My DH went to see Sliderman today with the cineworld deal and said it was very very busy, people everywhere, so I would imagine I wouldn't particularly enjoy that either.

lap90 · 26/02/2022 21:01

Well I imagine at 3 quid the whole town was there.

I have gone almost weekly for months now and love it. Admittedly usually go to the 'luxe' type cinemas with recliners and rarely a full screening unless it's the weekend of a huge release.

I tend to take my own popcorn in too as yes the prices are ridiculous.

hamsterchump · 26/02/2022 21:03

I love the cinema, always sit first or second row, so never anyone in front to annoy/distract with rustling or phones.
I can't see the point of sitting at the back, you may as well watch it on TV, I want the screen to fill my field of vision. We have meerkat movies so only £8 for two people and ours is never busy on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Whitney168 · 26/02/2022 21:04

Love the cinema, can never get in to a film at home - too many distractions.

Our cinema is great though - huge reclining chairs with footrests, and all very well spaced out so not many people close.

Katkinsgreyy · 26/02/2022 21:04

I do love the cinema.
Never ever buy the food there though. It's a crime how expensive it is!

Smartiepants79 · 26/02/2022 21:06

I love going with my children.
The experience is much more immersive.
The children sit transfixed.
Can’t say I’ve ever noticed issues with picture quality Hmm. You do have to pick the right seats though.
I agree the snack prices are ridiculous but if your seriously think they can afford to give away £3 tickets and keep afloat you’re kidding yourself. They need to make some money somewhere.

BloodyN0rah · 26/02/2022 21:08

I love the cinema but we’re lucky to have a great independent nearby which isn’t too big and does reasonably priced food and drink.

EnjoyingTheArmoire · 26/02/2022 21:12

The cinema is only enjoyable if you go near the end of a film run to avoid the crowds, choose a cinema with comfortable seating, and upgrade to any "luxe" type option if there is one.

I love the cinema, but hate a crowded cinema.