Does anyone else here simply not go to the cinema any more?

Karl Hungus

You know, the last time I went to the cinema, it was Casino Royale, and that was in November, a good 5 months back. Before that, it was Silent Hill, almost a full year ago. This is odd because when I think back a few years, I would go to the cinema once a week, sometimes more, and sometimes even take in 2 movies a night. I'm actually quite taken aback when I thought about it, that I've actually only seen 2 movies in the cinema in the space of a year. A mere 2 trips to the cinema in a year! :eek:

It's not for a lack of decent films showing either, because in the last few weeks, I've desperately been wanting to see The Illusionist, aswell as Hot Fuzz, and now 300. I can't really explain it, because the prices haven't really gotten that much more expensive compared to when I used to go regularly, and I would normally bring in a bag of whatever the cheap Lidl version of M&Ms are in my pocket. I can't say I've had any bother from disruptive people either, because it just hasn't happened lately, and the last time I've had any trouble was during the second Harry Potter film, when I was being hassled by some strange junkie fellow.

It seems like 99% of the time, I'll be waiting for the film on DVD rather than going to the cinema. I mean, I have only just seen Pan's Labyrinth tonight, despite being hysterically excited about it, as is evident here, I just didn't go to see it last year.

Can't put my finger on the why of it though.

Carcharodon

The last film I saw was Casino Royale as well, before that I would probably go once a week but I have stopped going for a couple of reasons.
For a period last year I lived in the states and went to the cinema alot, both the big ass ones and art house ones and really enjoyed both, it has made me realise that the cinema in my town is such a load of crap, quality of sound, picture and general comfortableness of it.
Another main reason is that I so sick of the people that go to the cinema, loud young and annoying etc, thread about them already, it really does get to me.
I probably am also buying more DVDs off the net and looking forward to those more.
Think I might go see 300 tonight if its out or something....:)
(I once was lost but now am found....)

The Denouncer

Well, if you have a decent home cinema with full 5.1, a 42" plasma or LCD, and your abiding experiences in the cinema are people kicking seats, talking on their phones and messing..then you might prefer relaxing on your couch at home, best seats in the house with a glass of wine whatever. DVDs tend to come out on DVD within a few months anyway, I got The Prestige on DVD in February from Hong Kong only a couple of months after seeing it in the cinema.
As well as that people tend to be exhausted after work, and probably don't fancy getting in the car, driving to the cinema, finding parking space, queuing up for tickets or food and drinks etc.
However I still go to the cinema the odd time, for the big blockbusters..want to definitely see 300 on the big screen

johnny_ultimate

Im still a cinema traditionalist. For me, the cinema screen is still the optimum way to see a movie. Films such as the Fountain, Science of Sleep, INLAND EMPIRE, and the upcoming Sunshine are movies that demand to be seen on the big screen for the full experience. I still think DVD is great for catching those films that simply slipped by or I didn't get a chance to go and see, but cinema is the way to see films as they were intended (well, without splashing out thousands for a home cinema ).

ixoy

Still go to the cinema 1-2 times a week but that's probably got a lot to do with being less than 10mins walk away from Cineworld and having an Unlimited Card.

When I'm there, I'm generally on edge for the first 20 mins or so, just waiting for the first idiot to cause disruption - kicking a seat, talking, using their mobile, or otherwise. My stress levels will generally decrease then in porportion to how good the movie is and I do enjoy the big cinematic experience. I think it'll be particularly effective for something like "300", which I intend to see this weekend.

It's also cheaper, with the unlimited card, then renting out the movie. If I see 6 or so movies a month, that's €3 a go. That's another good reason to keep going while I can. So can't see this changing unless I'm no longer near a cinema (good possiblity of this soon).

brav

I used to go to cinema quite a bit, only go the odd time now, esp since I got a projector set up at home.
last few were 007, hot fuzz(free), the illusionist, 300. I think there was one more in between but I can't think of it.

luckat

I don't go to cinemas much either - they just turn the sound up so loud that it's a horrible experience to watch a film in one.

mickoneill30

Another vote for not bothered anymore. The last film I went to see was Casino Royale too which was accompanied by some kid asking his dad about the film. Also enjoyed paying €6 for a coke and bag of sweets.

There don't seem to be big huge blockbusters anymore. I'll probably head in to see Spiderman III and Pirates Of the Caribbean III but I can't see anything else this year that's worth it.

Kolodny

I wouldn't go more than once or twice a year these days. There are usually several films that I plan to go and see but never get around to it. The last couple of times I went to my local cinema, I tried to get there early but still ended up way too near the front, unable to look at the screen without going cross-eyed and half deaf from the sound being too loud. It's so expensive now too, so I resent paying so much when I can't get comfortable. I'm happier at home (or in the home of a friend with a 42" screen) watching a DVD tbh.

Petey2006

I still go, as I think most films need to be seen on a big screen to get the full effect the first time. If it's something I really want to see, I'll go first chance I get. But if it's something I'm not too pushed on seeing, I'll put it off as long as possible to avoid the inevitable crowd of ****wits that go the first chance they get.

Mitch Connor

depends on the movie for me.

Something like The Fountain, or 300 - the visual movies, imo, have to be seen on the big screen to get the full enjoyment out of it. I remember seeing the opending scenes of Lord of the Rings in the cineman, it blew me away, i thought it was a stunning scene, each of the 30 odd times i sat through it (i was working as an usher in a cinema at the time) when i see it on TV its just....meh. Doesn't look anywhere near as impressive.

On the other hand, i don't really care where i see a comedy movie, as the essence of the movie is not lost on a small screen.

Of course, if you have a full home cinema system at home with a projector a big comfy seats, you are getting the best of both worlds, but i can't afford that so..... i hate everyone who can.

Dont be at yourself

I tend to go every Friday, but the last few weeks was something of a barren spell for me, as nothing was out that really caught my eye. The cinema experience - including the litre of overpriced cola and popcorn - is unbeatable.

MiCr0

exactly the same for me
the last film i saw was Casino Royale

and i can't think of a single good reason for not having seen a dozen film since then either

Ruu_Old

We didn't do the cinema thing when we were kids but when I travelled more, it was fun for a while. Last one I saw was Rocky Balboa. The theatre was like a meatlocker and the sound was too loud and all broken up. This happens nearly every time I decide to go which depends on the film. I won't be going again until the Simpsons comes out.

Maxwell

In the past 3 years, I have only gone to see Casino Royale, kill Bill Vol1 and 2 the LOTR trilogy and the last couple of Star Wars.

I have my own dedicated home cinema room and prefer to watch 95% of my movies there and will only venture to the slums of the crappy cinema's with sticky seats, overpriced food/drink and idiots who don't know where the off button is on their mobile phone.

Cost of a trip to the cinema with my wife - more than the price of the DVD that arrive 3months after its released.

Home Cinema was the way to go for me!

Clank

I used to go twice maybe three times a week but it seems like any time I go now theres always a problem with the picture, sound or other people.
Last film I saw was Casino Royale but before that I haven't wanted to go see anything for a good 10 months or so.(The girlfriend has but audio problems when Lindsay Lohan is on doesn't bother me that much!)
Im like yourself Karl I waited for Pans Labyrinth on DVD.
Home Cinema FTW!

Necronomicon

I had a bit of a dry spell towards the end of last year, but in the last week and a half or so I've been to see The Illusionist, Ghostrider and 300.
But in general, I don't think I go quite as much as I used to. Maybe it has something to do with the gap between cinema and dvd release narrowing. (Unless that's my imagination, but it seems that way to me)

Savman

Sounds like a bunch of aul fellas givin out about the cinema being too loud
The seat-kicking scum usually arent prevelent during the daytime screenings, which happen to be cheaper too...
Cinema still best way to see big movies.

Sad Professor

I can't remember the last film I went to see in the cinema, but it's been a year at least. I used to love going early in the morning but my local cinema doesn't do early showings anymore. Then there's the stupid morons talking on their phone, kids running around, the sound dropping, etc.

I love the whole cinematic experience and would hate to see it die off and be replaced by tv and dvd but I just couldn't be bothered anymore. Most of the films that make it to cinemas for any descent amount of time are the same old rubbish anyway, big blockbusters, eddie murphy comedies, etc.

And I don't believe as some do that the only films worth seeing in the cinema are the big cgi demonstrations—in fact they are the films I leave for dvd. It's the genuinely good films I want to see in the cinema, be they big or small.

Tusky

I go to the cinema on average, once a week. I love the big screen. I have a 37inch Hd tv with 5.1 surround at home but you cant beat the cinema. Saw '300' yesterday on screen 17 in Cineworld and i was absolutely fantastic.

MisterAnarchy

I used to go regularly myself but hardly ever go now.
I went to see 3 films last year,The Departed,Borat and Casino Royale.
I dont go more often now because

1.Times of the films are too early for me
I like to sit down around 10 or 10.30 to watch a film,8 or 8:30 is too early.

2.Poor selection of films

3.Poor picture quality and sound in cinemas.
The screens were filthy at the last few films I saw and the treble was too high

4.Cost

5.I have a good home theatre system and can stop a film for a cup of tea if I wish.

I guess I'm just too lazy now as online rental allows me to get DVD's without leaving the house,no late fees etc.

Pigman II

I'm the opposite I go a lot more than I used to. I'm not in Unlimited-ticket territory yet but I'd say I do see about 40 movies per year in the cinema.

One important thing I do is never check out a film on opening week. I usually wait until week 2 or 3 and that way the hype has died down and on average I'm never at a screening that is more than about 1/3rd full. Much more relaxing to watch a movie in a big (almost) empty room as opposed to gettting the CrokePark experience.

Mossy Monk

i dont bother anymore. my local cinema dont even have 300 ffs. lots of people i know travel the 60 miles to Cork to see a film. my local cinema seems to be catering for the younger viewers and giving a 2 finger salute to anyone over the age of 15. dumbasses

Fenster

I don't really bother, I got tired of being treated like a criminal - security trying to search my bag and a big warning on screen about how piracy causes famine in Africa - and a full fricking half hour of advertisments after the billed start time before the dammed film actually begins.

Feck that.

Jesus Wept

Tusky wrote:

. Saw '300' yesterday on screen 17 in Cineworld and i was absolutely fantastic.

Good man yourself, how was the movie ??

Ghost Train

Would usually go every week or two, if there's something reasonably good to see. Am picky about which cinema I'll go to as I like good seats and bigger screens, better cinemas etc. Try to go at the off peak times if possible so as to get an emptyish cinema, get it a bit cheaper and hopefully decrease the odds of some sort of jerk etc ruining the film like they do

Wacker

I used to go about three times a week, but that was when I worked in a newsagent next door to my local cinema. I now go maybe once a fortnight or so; not bad. I have a sweet projector at home and a 69" screen and a top-notch sound system, but even that is nothing compared to the screen size in a cinema.
Unlike a lot of people here, I prefer to see big movies the night they come out. I think the earlier you see a film, the more likely you are to be in there with hundreds of people who were really looking forward to the film and are not going to be talking, etc. Also, a good athmosphere in the cinema is great for when there are jokes, scares, etc. I love the sound of hundreds laughing, jumping with fright, etc. The greatest was during Snakes On a Plane when half the screen said THE LINE (you all know the one, don't you?) with Samuel and cheered afterwards. I'll never get that at home.

Jocksy

I'm in a similar situation myself. Reasons for not going these days include,

1. Films look better on my plasma imo. Don't enjoy the vast size of a cinenma screen and all the little pops and scratchs that come with it.
2. I hate other people full stop and I jsut can't enjoy a film around others unless its a comdey.
3. Don't like waiting for US releases to be shown here 6 months later. Generally just get a dvd rip online of films that are showing here.

constitutionus

this has been preying on my mind too. like the OP i used to go everyweek. in fact i was on first name and clubbing basis with the staff i was going so much but since about the middle of last year i just lost interest.

its not that im going off the cinema, but there just seemed to be a lack of any films that caught my interest. case in point the only films ive seen this year are ghost rider and 300. pretty bad for nearly 4 months into the year. and i honestly cant remember what film i saw before that last year :eek:

the whole price thing is starting to feel like im being gouged what with the natcho and coke costing 8euro and the ticket itself being over a tenner for a show after 5. meaning the pre 5 show i normally get is now 7.25 which is an enormous increase in a year on what it was but even then its not the money so much as what i percieve as the bad glut of films coming out.

also, and i hate to say it, but the staggered relese of films means i can probably get a film on pirate well before it hits the screen and its much less money to lose on that if said film turns out to be crap.

maybe its just been a bad year

purplegeko

I have seen one movie this year "Notes on A Scandal" and to be honest could have waited for the dvd las year i went to 2 movies Pirates of Carribbean and Superman
About 3/4 years ago i went every week but i stopped for a couple of reasons
a) There haven't been any big movies that make me want to go
b) It go too expensive
c) Got a hd tv with amazing sound
d) hate the sound of people in the cinema talking/eating/breathing loudly

BopNiblets

I still go, but what film and if my friends go will be the decider, for example I saw 300 and TMNT back to back last week, I spent about 5 hours in the cinema!