Do you need multiple viewings to really determine if you like/dislike a movie or not? - Blu-ray Forum

s2mikey · 01-29-2012, 02:42 PM

Over the years, I have found that very often just one viewing of a film is not enough to make a full assessment of it. I was just curious if you folks also tend to give films more than one viewing to officially determine if you are "in" or "out"? I dont mean seeing it once a long time ago as a kid and then rewatching it as an adult. Thats a different scenario. I mean watching it twice fairly close together in time.

Here a few examples of movies where a second(or even third) viewing changed my stance considerably.

Blade Runner - I hated this the first time but slowly appreciated it more and more. It took about 4-5 viewings for it to finally get me.

No Country for Old Men - Second viewing was the best and I love it now.

Eyes Wide Shut - Second viewing did it for me.

Dracula - Second/third viewing really got me into it.

Now, some where a second viewing lowered my initial feelings:

Transformers 3 - The 45 minute battle scene at the end ruined it the second time around.

Full Metal Jacket - I just cant watch this anymore, likied it first time though.

Sunshine - Caught me by surprise the first time around but then I was like meh and sold it.

leey · 01-29-2012, 03:12 PM

Needed second views to ...

- really like District 9 (I was mixed about it during my first viewing, since I IMMEDIATELY knew

[Show spoiler]

)

- make my opinion regarding The Hurt Locker, and sadly, it's barely an average movie to me.

Cinemach · 01-29-2012, 03:14 PM

The answer is it's all very fickle. I don't know if it's 'deciding' whether you like or dislike a picture: I mean, most of the time I think you either do or you don't. But maybe a picture can press on your mind for a while, due to whatever reason - a character, storyline, a scene: and a second, and/or further, viewings bring you into appreciating, then liking a picture more.

Or not. I really liked Sucker Punch the first time I saw it - in an iMAX theater, where a movie like that is optimized for the overpowering A/V experience. However, such a setting really obscure the problems in that picture, and further viewings really led me to re-evaluate the film for the (in my opinion) sub-par picture that it is.

So yes, it's all very fickle. Many times it's not though. I don't need repeat viewings to know that I think You Don't Mess With the Zohan and Your Highness are terrible films.

SLeeK · 01-29-2012, 03:21 PM

The two that stick out to me are that I much prefered Inglourious Basterds when I watched it for the second time(on blu ray, at my home) I had gone to the theatre the first time around and I could tell that some people I went with were not used to foreign language/heavy dialogue and were bored out of their mind, this really affected my enjoyment level. Second one that stands out is Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the theatre experience was much superior to the home viewing experience.

42041 · 01-29-2012, 03:29 PM

I don't need multiple viewings to tell if a movie really sucks. But sometimes you come into a film with preconceived notions about what it is and where it's gonna go which affect your judgement of it, and repeat viewings let you get past those prejudices. Inglourious Basterds was like that for me, it went from an okay film to a very good film once I understood what it was all about.

menaceuk · 01-29-2012, 03:30 PM

Sometimes but mostly NO

csdot · 01-29-2012, 03:54 PM

for some reason (and for the life of me i can imagine why) i didnt like Kill Bill when i saw it in the theater. i think it had to do with the people i was with or something.

MykeHavoc · 01-29-2012, 05:27 PM

I always have some sort of feeling about a film after an initial viewing. Multiple viewing do often shape my opinion on a piece. If enough time has passed, it may have a radically different effect on me. A lot of movies I hated I'd watch down the road and completely flip how I felt about it.

s2mikey · 01-29-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MykeHavoc

I always have some sort of feeling about a film after an initial viewing. Multiple viewing do often shape my opinion on a piece. If enough time has passed, it may have a radically different effect on me. A lot of movies I hated I'd watch down the road and completely flip how I felt about it.

Yeah - seeing films for a second time well after the first viewing will almost always change your view. I find that I almost have to see most films twice to form a true opinion of them, especially if my preconceptions dont pan out.

KilloWertz · 01-29-2012, 05:55 PM

Mostly no, but I have needed it on occasion to end up loving a movie as much as I expected to the first time.

Movies in my collection that clicked as expected after a second viewing:
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, Rachel Getting Married, Sherlock Holmes, Source Code, Terminator Salvation, The Town

Movies in my collection that still need a second viewing to fully judge:
Blue Valentine, Broadcast News, Inception, King Arthur, Kingdom of Heaven, The Other Guys, Something Wild, True Grit (2010)

It's not so much that the ones that need a second viewing were busts. I liked all of them, but I still want to give them a second go around to see where I fully stand with them.

jj5206 · 01-29-2012, 06:18 PM

Usually I know after watching a movie if I liked it or not. Sometimes I'll come across a movie where if I watch it again I like it more. When I first saw The Village I hated it, but I saw it was starting on HBO one day and decided to watch the beginning and ended up watching the entire thing and really enjoying it.

[Show spoiler]

I don't remember a movie off the top of my head where when I saw it again and didn't like it as much. I'm sure there has been one, but I just can't remember it.

Foggy · 01-29-2012, 06:28 PM

Films that are loved by all, I tend to give a second attempt at watching.

I wasn't in love with Drive as much as everyone else, I don't know whether I'm being nice to it and giving it a pass because everyone else does, but I'll be giving it another watch tomorrow to see if I actually really like it or don't.

I'm also fairly sure I was too kind to Tinker Tailor Solider Spy when I watch it also, so I'll be giving it a second watch this week. But once I'm determind I love or hate a film, I tend to think that decision is in blood until I die, it takes a lot to convince me I'm wrong.

Blu-Benny · 01-29-2012, 06:40 PM

if i watch a movie 1x, i know if it's something i'll be able to watch again or if the 1 time was enough.

Kevin Holly · 01-29-2012, 06:58 PM

Not usually. But the first time I saw The Big Lebowski, I didn't like it. I was really young though, so that might have something to do with it. It's still nowhere near my favorite Coen Brothers film (Blood Simple gets the honor), but I do enjoy it a lot now.

dallywhitty · 01-29-2012, 07:19 PM

After watching The Dark Knight in cinemas, because I had been anticipating it so greatly, I felt numb after seeing it and although I knew I enjoyed it, I wasn't sure how much. It was only after seeing it a second time that I could properly assess it. Like seemingly every other human being on the planet, I thought the film was fantastic. However, with repeat viewings, the charm was worn off and now I find it difficult to look past the bad writing.

There are films which I initially was disappointed by but have since grown to love: these include American Beauty, A Clockwork Orange, Taxi Driver and I'm sure there are others.

MykeHavoc · 01-29-2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dallywhitty

After watching The Dark Knight in cinemas, because I had been anticipating it so greatly, I felt numb after seeing it and although I knew I enjoyed it, I wasn't sure how much. It was only after seeing it a second time that I could properly assess it. Like seemingly every other human being on the planet, I thought the film was fantastic. However, with repeat viewings, the charm was worn off and now I find it difficult to look past the bad writing.

There are films which I initially was disappointed by but have since grown to love: these include American Beauty, A Clockwork Orange, Taxi Driver and I'm sure there are others.

I certainly walked out of the theater blown away but disappointed in some of the structure and such (i.e. cramming Two-Face's story into the third act). But What I realized after about 50 viewings is that the film is much tighter and perfectly balanced then I initially thought. The Dark Knight isn't a Batman movie or a Joker movie, but it's the rise and fall of Harvey Dent. Containing that within the confines of one film is the only way to do it. I pick up on so many subtle things every time I view it, too. I think its the most layered comic book movie ever produced.

Jennifer Lawrence Fan · 01-29-2012, 07:34 PM

Sometimes depends on the movie. But alot of the time my mind is made up after the first viewing.

nolfoc · 01-29-2012, 07:36 PM

yes, sometimes if im iffy on a viewing of the movie i watch it again..

You Don't Mess with the Zohan
Never Back Down
District 9
Death Race

I thought nothing of these movies when i first saw them, then i sat down again and watched them i really enjoyed them

Greengoblin · 01-30-2012, 10:08 AM

I don't agree with this as if you watch a movie and don't like it the first time then don't watch it again. it is the same with music i mean if you hate a song and listen to it more then 20 times then you will learn to accept or even like it, i don't agree with this as if a song or movie doesn't get me the first time then it didn't do it's job that it was supposed to do.

Al_The_Strange · 01-30-2012, 10:22 AM

Yes, at times it does take me multiple viewings to like/dislike certain movies. It's usually because my first viewing is so judgmental, and heavily weighed down by expectations (which can soemtimes be way off-base and affect how I like/dislike the given movie). Usually, I wind up enjoying movies the best on the second viewing, or if I'm really familiar with every little detail of a film.

Some big examples are:

"Bringing Out the Dead." Seemed kinda boring the first time seeing it. Don't even know what compelled me to see it again, but on that second viewing, I was loving it. Parts of it actually made me laugh, while the dramatic parts really compelled me. In fact, I've been meanng to watch it for a third time now...

"Anchorman." It's always made me laugh, but on the second viewing, I enjoyed the story and the film's style better.

"The Matrix." Didn't mind it on the first viewing, I did love the style and SFX. Not realizing that there would be sequels, I was just disappointed in the ending. Now, "The Matrix" is my third favorite movie of all time.

"Solaris," the 2002 Soderbergh movie. Found it dull and boring the first time. But once I saw the 1972 version, I checked this one out again, and it clicked better.

"Taxi Driver." Thought it was good the first time around, didn't think it was buy-worthy. When it hit Blu-Ray, I bought it anyway because it was cheap. On the second viewing, I really dug it. Having pristine picture quality might have helped.

And there's probably scores of others.

01-29-2012, 02:42 PM	#1
s2mikey Banned Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Upstate, NY 4K collection:130 Blu-ray collection:303 Trading Score:40	Do you need multiple viewings to really determine if you like/dislike a movie or not? Over the years, I have found that very often just one viewing of a film is not enough to make a full assessment of it. I was just curious if you folks also tend to give films more than one viewing to officially determine if you are "in" or "out"? I dont mean seeing it once a long time ago as a kid and then rewatching it as an adult. Thats a different scenario. I mean watching it twice fairly close together in time. Here a few examples of movies where a second(or even third) viewing changed my stance considerably. Blade Runner - I hated this the first time but slowly appreciated it more and more. It took about 4-5 viewings for it to finally get me. No Country for Old Men - Second viewing was the best and I love it now. Eyes Wide Shut - Second viewing did it for me. Dracula - Second/third viewing really got me into it. Now, some where a second viewing lowered my initial feelings: Transformers 3 - The 45 minute battle scene at the end ruined it the second time around. Full Metal Jacket - I just cant watch this anymore, likied it first time though. Sunshine - Caught me by surprise the first time around but then I was like meh and sold it.

01-29-2012, 05:55 PM	#10
KilloWertz Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Dec 2008 Location:Columbiana, OH 4K collection:61 Blu-ray collection:1042 DVD collection:65 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:82	Mostly no, but I have needed it on occasion to end up loving a movie as much as I expected to the first time. Movies in my collection that clicked as expected after a second viewing: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, Rachel Getting Married, Sherlock Holmes, Source Code, Terminator Salvation, The Town Movies in my collection that still need a second viewing to fully judge: Blue Valentine, Broadcast News, Inception, King Arthur, Kingdom of Heaven, The Other Guys, Something Wild, True Grit (2010) It's not so much that the ones that need a second viewing were busts. I liked all of them, but I still want to give them a second go around to see where I fully stand with them. Last edited by KilloWertz; 01-29-2012 at 05:57 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-29-2012, 03:12 PM	#2
leey Expert Member Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Belgium 4K collection:36 Blu-ray collection:719 Trading Score:12	Needed second views to ... - really like District 9 (I was mixed about it during my first viewing, since I IMMEDIATELY knew [Show spoiler] ) - make my opinion regarding The Hurt Locker, and sadly, it's barely an average movie to me.

01-29-2012, 03:14 PM	#3
Cinemach Special Member Member since:Feb 2011 4K collection:6 Blu-ray collection:415 DVD collection:67 Trading Score:24	The answer is it's all very fickle. I don't know if it's 'deciding' whether you like or dislike a picture: I mean, most of the time I think you either do or you don't. But maybe a picture can press on your mind for a while, due to whatever reason - a character, storyline, a scene: and a second, and/or further, viewings bring you into appreciating, then liking a picture more. Or not. I really liked *Sucker Punch* the first time I saw it - in an iMAX theater, where a movie like that is optimized for the overpowering A/V experience. However, such a setting really obscure the problems in that picture, and further viewings really led me to re-evaluate the film for the (in my opinion) sub-par picture that it is. So yes, it's all very fickle. Many times it's not though. I don't need repeat viewings to know that I think *You Don't Mess With the Zohan* and *Your Highness* are terrible films.

01-29-2012, 03:21 PM	#4
SLeeK Expert Member Member since:Oct 2010 Location:Baltimore, MD 4K collection:226 Blu-ray collection:401 Trading Score:213	The two that stick out to me are that I much prefered Inglourious Basterds when I watched it for the second time(on blu ray, at my home) I had gone to the theatre the first time around and I could tell that some people I went with were not used to foreign language/heavy dialogue and were bored out of their mind, this really affected my enjoyment level. Second one that stands out is Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the theatre experience was much superior to the home viewing experience.

01-29-2012, 03:29 PM	#5
42041 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Oct 2008	I don't need multiple viewings to tell if a movie really sucks. But sometimes you come into a film with preconceived notions about what it is and where it's gonna go which affect your judgement of it, and repeat viewings let you get past those prejudices. Inglourious Basterds was like that for me, it went from an okay film to a very good film once I understood what it was all about.

01-29-2012, 03:30 PM	#6
menaceuk Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2010 Blu-ray collection:191	Sometimes but mostly NO

01-29-2012, 03:54 PM	#7
csdot Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Interzone Blu-ray collection:927 DVD collection:93	for some reason (and for the life of me i can imagine why) i didnt like Kill Bill when i saw it in the theater. i think it had to do with the people i was with or something.

01-29-2012, 05:27 PM	#8
MykeHavoc Blu-ray Guru Member since:Nov 2011 Location:Nashua, NH Blu-ray collection:397 DVD collection:772 Digital collection:4 Trading Score:1	I always have some sort of feeling about a film after an initial viewing. Multiple viewing do often shape my opinion on a piece. If enough time has passed, it may have a radically different effect on me. A lot of movies I hated I'd watch down the road and completely flip how I felt about it.

01-29-2012, 06:18 PM	#11
jj5206 Power Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Illinois Home Theater Gallery:22 4K collection:36 Blu-ray collection:243 DVD collection:288 Digital collection:238	Usually I know after watching a movie if I liked it or not. Sometimes I'll come across a movie where if I watch it again I like it more. When I first saw The Village I hated it, but I saw it was starting on HBO one day and decided to watch the beginning and ended up watching the entire thing and really enjoying it. [Show spoiler] I don't remember a movie off the top of my head where when I saw it again and didn't like it as much. I'm sure there has been one, but I just can't remember it.

01-29-2012, 06:28 PM	#12
Foggy Blu-ray Grand Duke Top contributor Member since:Dec 2008 Location:UK 4K collection:30 Blu-ray collection:3603 DVD collection:47	Films that are loved by all, I tend to give a second attempt at watching. I wasn't in love with Drive as much as everyone else, I don't know whether I'm being nice to it and giving it a pass because everyone else does, but I'll be giving it another watch tomorrow to see if I actually really like it or don't. I'm also fairly sure I was too kind to Tinker Tailor Solider Spy when I watch it also, so I'll be giving it a second watch this week. But once I'm determind I love or hate a film, I tend to think that decision is in blood until I die, it takes a lot to convince me I'm wrong.

01-29-2012, 06:40 PM	#13
Blu-Benny Michael Bay's #1 Fan Top contributor Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Wisconsin Home Theater Gallery:39 Blu-ray collection:552 DVD collection:108 Trading Score:138	if i watch a movie 1x, i know if it's something i'll be able to watch again or if the 1 time was enough.

01-29-2012, 06:58 PM	#14
Kevin Holly Banned Member since:Nov 2011 Location:Canada	Not usually. But the first time I saw The Big Lebowski, I didn't like it. I was really young though, so that might have something to do with it. It's still nowhere near my favorite Coen Brothers film (Blood Simple gets the honor), but I do enjoy it a lot now.

01-29-2012, 07:19 PM	#15
dallywhitty Blu-ray Grand Duke Top contributor Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Temple of Isis 4K collection:324 Blu-ray collection:1688 DVD collection:178	After watching The Dark Knight in cinemas, because I had been anticipating it so greatly, I felt numb after seeing it and although I knew I enjoyed it, I wasn't sure how much. It was only after seeing it a second time that I could properly assess it. Like seemingly every other human being on the planet, I thought the film was fantastic. However, with repeat viewings, the charm was worn off and now I find it difficult to look past the bad writing. There are films which I initially was disappointed by but have since grown to love: these include American Beauty, A Clockwork Orange, Taxi Driver and I'm sure there are others.

01-29-2012, 07:34 PM	#17
Jennifer Lawrence Fan Blu-ray Jedi Member since:Aug 2011 4K collection:415 Blu-ray collection:2752 DVD collection:1312 MA collection:305 Digital collection:495 iTunes collection:284 Trading Score:721	Sometimes depends on the movie. But alot of the time my mind is made up after the first viewing.

01-29-2012, 07:36 PM	#18
nolfoc Banned Top contributor Member since:Nov 2008 Blu-ray collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 108 Trading Score:49	yes, sometimes if im iffy on a viewing of the movie i watch it again.. You Don't Mess with the Zohan Never Back Down District 9 Death Race I thought nothing of these movies when i first saw them, then i sat down again and watched them i really enjoyed them

01-30-2012, 10:08 AM	#19
Greengoblin Senior Member Member since:Jan 2012 Blu-ray collection:25	I don't agree with this as if you watch a movie and don't like it the first time then don't watch it again. it is the same with music i mean if you hate a song and listen to it more then 20 times then you will learn to accept or even like it, i don't agree with this as if a song or movie doesn't get me the first time then it didn't do it's job that it was supposed to do.

01-30-2012, 10:22 AM	#20
Al_The_Strange Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Apr 2009 Location:Out there...past them trees... Home Theater Gallery:126 4K collection:1140 Blu-ray collection:4960 DVD collection:530 Digital collection:1013 Blu-ray reviews: 132 Trading Score:32	Yes, at times it does take me multiple viewings to like/dislike certain movies. It's usually because my first viewing is so judgmental, and heavily weighed down by expectations (which can soemtimes be way off-base and affect how I like/dislike the given movie). Usually, I wind up enjoying movies the best on the second viewing, or if I'm really familiar with every little detail of a film. Some big examples are: "Bringing Out the Dead." Seemed kinda boring the first time seeing it. Don't even know what compelled me to see it again, but on that second viewing, I was loving it. Parts of it actually made me laugh, while the dramatic parts really compelled me. In fact, I've been meanng to watch it for a third time now... "Anchorman." It's always made me laugh, but on the second viewing, I enjoyed the story and the film's style better. "The Matrix." Didn't mind it on the first viewing, I did love the style and SFX. Not realizing that there would be sequels, I was just disappointed in the ending. Now, "The Matrix" is my third favorite movie of all time. "Solaris," the 2002 Soderbergh movie. Found it dull and boring the first time. But once I saw the 1972 version, I checked this one out again, and it clicked better. "Taxi Driver." Thought it was good the first time around, didn't think it was buy-worthy. When it hit Blu-Ray, I bought it anyway because it was cheap. On the second viewing, I really dug it. Having pristine picture quality might have helped. And there's probably scores of others.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals