Aren't most of the bits at the start of a film obsolete now?

[meandjulio]

Credits, I mean, and particularly the logos of studios/funders that flash up at the start. Especially as these days most films need about six different funders.

If we're interested we can look it up online, can't we? Why not just start the story?

Yes. It's especially annoying with children's films as they tend to have less patience.

Totally. Someone needs to break free.

I disagree- especially on TV it gives you a chance to get into the zone and 'switch on' mentally. The tone is often set during the opening few moments. Respect the craft, people!

Even more irritating when the DVD won't let you skip or scan through them

You notice that Star Wars doesn't have credits at the beginning. That is because Lucas wasn't a member of the directors union.

They do piss me off, but I can live with it TBH.
It's the 'don't watch this on oil rigs you bastard' message that pisses me off more.

It's union and contract related.

Plus it's also part of the experience of reading a film - just like having a book crediting the author or having numbered chapters.