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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:
mydogisthebest · 28/02/2022 07:58

@MangyInseam

They've got intervals where you can go out to relieve yourself and visit the bar.

I've thought a few times that it would not be a bad idea for longer films to have an interval. They used to in order to change the reel but it's also very practical for people to use the facilities.

It's easy for younger people or those with better bladders to forget that there are quite a few people for whom waiting longer periods to pee is rather difficult. I think there are plenty of people who avoid the cinema because they know they are likely to need to take a toilet break and don't want the hassle of sneaking out and in again.

If people know they can't sit for 2 hours without needing the loo why on earth do they not sit on the end of a row so they don't make everyone stand up when they go out and back in (and usually out and back in again)?

So many people, young and older, in and out constantly. They surely can't all have problems with their bladders?

Cinemas need older staff who are prepared to monitor the screens and stop people talking, using their phones etc.

I just don't understand why people have become so selfish

mogsrus · 28/02/2022 08:21

Mangylnseam. I would like to correct you on the intermission process,
You did not need an intermission to as you say change a reel,

Unless the renters or the film studio give permission to put a intermission in, that is definitely a no no. Eg. Gone with the wind, Sound of music, etc. Hope that clears that up for you,
I

mamaduckbone · 28/02/2022 17:53

We love the cinema - it's guaranteed to get the 16yo to come out with us as he loves film so much, and no one gets distracted.
We have a good local independent so it's not extortionate and we always take our own snacks.
Films that you've seen at the cinema are always so much more memorable.

DdraigGoch · 28/02/2022 23:12

@mogsrus

Mangylnseam. I would like to correct you on the intermission process, You did not need an intermission to as you say change a reel, Unless the renters or the film studio give permission to put a intermission in, that is definitely a no no. Eg. Gone with the wind, Sound of music, etc. Hope that clears that up for you, I
Originally reel changes did necessitate an interval. An early feature film might be an hour long with four acts - with an intermission between each.

Theatres eventually moved over to using two projectors so that films could be shown continuously, eventually the change between reels was barely noticeable. So with the trend to packing as many showings in as possible (as opposed to just having one evening screening). Of course in those days it was a full evening out; with a newsreel, short, cartoon, B movie, and feature.

mogsrus · 01/03/2022 08:14

You are correct about the change of reel,but that's many many yrs ago,long before cue dots arrived on the scene. But today's intermission if involving film,still stands, as tower or cakestand projection are limited by the size of the platter. Normal change over projection would be fine if you wanted to do a full 3hour film as you would not be making up & splicing reels together,other than that,intermission still stands with the renters

SarahBellam · 01/03/2022 08:22

Whenever I am in charge of cinemas NOBODY IS BRINGING ANY FUCKING FOOD IN. All that rustling and chewing and gnawing drives me INSANE. Last time I was there the person next to me opened a giant bag of cheese flavoured Kettle style crisps and sat chomping on them the whole way through the movie. I was almost psychotic by the end of it.

User135644 · 01/03/2022 08:44

It's no wonder people have to get up for the toilet after swilling back large drinks. I go before it starts and don't drink during.

DameHelena · 01/03/2022 08:50

I don't disagree with the reasons/annoyances you give, but despite all that I love the cinema.
The atmosphere of anticipation, the immersive sound, the sense of being at a performance.
I do prefer indie cinemas though, and they tend to attract better-behaved audiences and more proactive ushers. And I'm happy to be a grouchy old bag and hiss at people to shut up/get off their phones Grin

ISpyCobraKai · 01/03/2022 09:37

I actually went to a Vue last night as I'm away for a couple of days.
I didn't like the lack of reclining seats, or how steep it was, I'd fall down the stairs if I needed the loo in the middle of the film.
You'd also be disturbed by anyone getting past if they wanted up which doesn't happen in my normal big Showcase.
However I did like that its only £4.99 so I'm going again tonight but another quiet showing.
If I had one one to home I'd probably alternate the two depending on the film/state of my bank balance
I do like saving the rewards money on my Showcase card, I've just used that to get £8 odd off a £23, (ouch), ticket to see BTS gig live on screen later this month.

TGIFbishes · 01/03/2022 10:19

Are you joking? You get to eat nachos with the best cheese sauce known to man and then have a good hour nap. I love the cinemas Grin

shortsaint · 01/03/2022 13:43

Late to this thread but it sounds to me like your problem is mainly OTHER PEOPLE.

I bloody love cinema and have been about 10 times since Christmas. More art house than Mainstream films though.

JellybabyGina87 · 01/03/2022 13:49

I very rarely go to the cinema. I haven't been in about 4 years. We'll go if there's a specific film we want to see but not just for the sake of being in the cinema. I think it's too expensive and I always end up with a sore lower back and bursting for a piss.

mogsrus · 01/03/2022 23:13

I love all the comments on this thread but no one has answered the question about being expensive.? Compared to what?

valerianaofficiana · 01/03/2022 23:19

Agree, OP, never understood the point of cinema. Why should I trot across town, pay through my nose to sit amongst hordes of people munching on shit overpriced rubbish.
I could wait a while and see the same film from the comfort of my own house.

MangyInseam · 01/03/2022 23:31

@mogsrus

Mangylnseam. I would like to correct you on the intermission process, You did not need an intermission to as you say change a reel, Unless the renters or the film studio give permission to put a intermission in, that is definitely a no no. Eg. Gone with the wind, Sound of music, etc. Hope that clears that up for you, I
Interesting.

But in any case many films did have intermissions, and now they don't. Even though they are tending to be longer again and could really use one.

MangyInseam · 01/03/2022 23:38

If people know they can't sit for 2 hours without needing the loo why on earth do they not sit on the end of a row so they don't make everyone stand up when they go out and back in (and usually out and back in again)?

So many people, young and older, in and out constantly. They surely can't all have problems with their bladders?

The drinks they sell are pretty much designed to make people pee!

But you know it doesn't just have to be a bladder problem. I don't have a bladder problem, but I have had four children and things down there are not what they used to be. I am unlikely to make it through a film without having to pee if I have anything to drink at all, and for me a drink and popcorn is a big part of the enjoyment.

I did always try and sit on or close to an end and would even choose a really bad seat if that was the only one available. But I suppose there are only so many.

Not an issue any more, as I can't stand the noise. I had really wanted to see Dune in the cinema but reports from friends indicated it was quite loud.

DdraigGoch · 01/03/2022 23:42

@shortsaint

Late to this thread but it sounds to me like your problem is mainly OTHER PEOPLE.

I bloody love cinema and have been about 10 times since Christmas. More art house than Mainstream films though.

Trouble is that cinemas (by their very nature) are full of OTHER PEOPLE. Particularly the big venues.
ISpyCobraKai · 02/03/2022 00:23

Third time in a week I was there earlier and may go again tomorrow, none have been busy.
If you book online fairly near when you want to go you can see how busy it is.

Pazuzu · 02/03/2022 00:28

I love the cinema but people are irritating. With a good film I tend to be able to drown them out.

For the people going on about food costs, often it's the only way the cinemas can make a profit worth bothering with.

I know it's for independent cinemas but it gives you some idea of the economics of the industry.

www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/advice-support/how-to-start-a-cinema/the-economics-of-the-operation/

Chocolattay · 02/03/2022 00:31

I vowed to never go to the cinema again as last time I went in 2017 there were a young couple engaging in oral sex on one of the rows 🤢

mydogisthebest · 02/03/2022 08:24

@MangyInseam

If people know they can't sit for 2 hours without needing the loo why on earth do they not sit on the end of a row so they don't make everyone stand up when they go out and back in (and usually out and back in again)?

So many people, young and older, in and out constantly. They surely can't all have problems with their bladders?

The drinks they sell are pretty much designed to make people pee!

But you know it doesn't just have to be a bladder problem. I don't have a bladder problem, but I have had four children and things down there are not what they used to be. I am unlikely to make it through a film without having to pee if I have anything to drink at all, and for me a drink and popcorn is a big part of the enjoyment.

I did always try and sit on or close to an end and would even choose a really bad seat if that was the only one available. But I suppose there are only so many.

Not an issue any more, as I can't stand the noise. I had really wanted to see Dune in the cinema but reports from friends indicated it was quite loud.

Well people should be able to drink without needing the loo that quickly unless, of course, they have a problem.

Again, if you know you will need the loo if you drink that bucket of coke, then don't drink it or have a small cup.

theeaimee · 02/03/2022 15:54

i stopped going to the cinema a long time ago when i realised i couldn't stay awake for any film hahah. Now i just wait until i can watch them at home in the light so i don't fall asleep and if i do, at least i can rewatch it!

MrsDThomas · 02/03/2022 17:34

I dont visit the usual Cineworld as its 50 miles away. I stick to local and support that one . £5 a seat. And I can take my own food and drink in.

motheroftwoboys · 02/03/2022 17:53

Absolutely love the cinema but we are lucky enough to have a Vue multiscreen within walking distance and standard tickets are £5.99. Going to the cinema is a completely different experience to watching something on a standard screen at home. Seats are extremely comfortable. Screens are excellent. Snacks are expensive but that has always been the same and we have never bought them. We eat before or after depending on the film time. I may be biased though as both DSs work in film.

Popcornriver · 02/03/2022 18:07

YANBU. I used to love the cinema. Then lockdown happened and I agree a film is more enjoyable on the sofa without a room full of people. I'll still take the DC if there's anything they want to see but it's not something they ask to do anymore.