Home Theater vs. Movie Theater - Blu-ray Forum

Nameless Evil · 06-26-2008, 05:05 PM

How many of you with decent Home Theater systems still go to the movies?

Myself, I can't stand going to the movies any more and try to wait until what I want to see is released on Blu-Ray.

Movie Theaters are just not enjoyable anymore for me like they used to be. There always seems to be a gaggle of idiot teens making sure everyone is aware of thier existance, a mother that brings her crying toddler, and clownshoes who can't silence their cell phones.

Beta Man · 06-26-2008, 05:07 PM

not sure what you consider "decent" but I rarely go to the theaters, and haven't since I was younger.... the movie theater "can" be the best experience... but being older now, I can't put up with all of the a-holes on cell phones etc.

kingofgrills · 06-26-2008, 05:13 PM

I go to the theater very rarely, only when it's an A list summer blockbuster type that deserves the big screen treatment. There's a couple of brand new theaters near my house that have stadium seating with DLP digital projector systems.

Still, I typically won't go until a movie has been out for a week or two, unless it's a special screening. I was given passes to a special opening day morning screening of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and the theater was only 1/3 full. A couple of days ago, a friend from out of town called out of the blue, and we went to The Incredible Hulk for a weekday 4 pm show. There were only 8 other people in the theater, so it was remarkably quiet.

Still though, my preferency by far is to watch a Blu-ray at home. My seats are more comfortable, the picture is incredible, and the sound system sounds fantastic. Plus, I don't stick to anything, and that's a big positive.

Canada · 06-27-2008, 01:40 AM

I enjoy going to the movie theaters to see movies, because of the size of the screen and the sound. But when you get jackasses making comments to their friend I hate the movie theater.

Although I am seeing less first run movies in the theaters, because the tickets are $ 10.95 a piece. When you add popcorn and pop to that your talking about $ 18 to go see a movie for a single person. If you take a date to the theater (assuming the male pays for it all that's $ 36, sorry if some people find the comment sexist) I figure I can save that money and put it towards a speaker upgrade for my home theater. Buying a pretty good set of speakers 5.1 at $ 2,500 for the set would be like going to the theater by yourself 138 times or going with a date 70 times. That may sound like a lot but consider my parents have had a set of speakers for over 20 years. But that does not bring into the fact the cost of the display (TV or projecter).

In closing i still enjoy movie theaters but i would rather stay home for most movies. The beverages I get to choose from are a lot better also. I get to drink a rum and Coke, instead of just Coke.

The next movie I am going to see in the theater is The Dark Knight.

SamInNorthCakalakey · 06-26-2008, 05:08 PM

What I don't like is the crappy quality of the image. Either the projectors are using old lamps or everytime I go the film they're using is old but the image is just bad. Blurry, out of center and just no where near the quality on an HD set. Sound is great but I can match that output in my 13 x 17 family room.

stockstar1138 · 06-26-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamInNorthCakalakey

What I don't like is the crappy quality of the image. Either the projectors are using old lamps or everytime I go the film they're using is old but the image is just bad. Blurry, out of center and just no where near the quality on an HD set. Sound is great but I can match that output in my 13 x 17 family room.

No theaters by you with a digital projection?

tiger roach · 06-26-2008, 05:12 PM

We have a great theater to go to, so we go once in a while when a promising new movie comes out.

haste · 06-26-2008, 05:12 PM

I havent seen a movie in a movie theater since i got my tv last july... hee hee!

i should go to at least one in the near future for comparison purposes

edit:

with movies coming out so soon to home video after the theatrical release nowadays, i can be patient for another 3-4 months after a movie is released.

fatediesel · 06-26-2008, 05:14 PM

I still go to the theater for must-see movies but I wait for a lot more movies now. I used to go to the movies about once a week but now I go less than once a month. I'll be at The Dark Knight opening weekend but other than that there isn't a movie I will definitely see in the theater.

Blu-ray Fanatic · 06-26-2008, 05:19 PM

I still go to the theaters but only on special occasions like if the movie is going to be IMAX, IMAX-3D, been waiting to see it for a long time, someone invites me, or I absolutely don't have anything else to do. After the movie releases on blu-ray, it looks so much better.

Kyzer the Medic · 06-26-2008, 05:24 PM

Like most, I usually only go to the theater anymore just to see those summer blockbuster "must-see's".. Sitting at home I can relax alot more, get way more comfortable, not have the annoying crowds who just can't seem to shut up and best of all, if its just one of "those" days... I can even have a nice cold beer while watching... if movie theaters started offering beer with movies I might go more, but that would mean $15 glasses of warm flat Miller Lite...yuck

stockstar1138 · 06-26-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyzer the Medic

Like most, I usually only go to the theater anymore just to see those summer blockbuster "must-see's".. Sitting at home I can relax alot more, get way more comfortable, not have the annoying crowds who just can't seem to shut up and best of all, if its just one of "those" days... I can even have a nice cold beer while watching... if movie theaters started offering beer with movies I might go more, but that would mean $15 glasses of warm flat Miller Lite...yuck

theater by me serves 3-4 different types of beer.

Pelican170 · 06-26-2008, 05:26 PM

I agree, I think the movie picture at the theaters is bad also. My tv at home looks much better. My main grudge is that the people are annoying, the seats get uncomfortable after 30 min, and the price of everything is crazy! the popcorn may be better at the theaters, but i can make like 80 bags at home for the price... lol

drago3451 · 06-26-2008, 05:31 PM

One of my local theaters has High Def digital projection and I-MAX so I like to go there..Only problem is they never turn the movie volume up enough. I like to see a movie prior to spending $30.00 on a blu-ray. If i dont like it I am out $8.00 instead of $30.00. Plus I cant fit a 100 foot screen in my basement nor could I afford one.

Gosszilla · 06-26-2008, 05:35 PM

Recently I just took my entire family to see "Indiana Jones-Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" at the local cinema (Grand Meridian Cinema in Ellensburg, WA). Dissapointed. Not entirely the fault of the film.

For a theatre that is just over four years old, the picture quality was
awful! Completely out-of-focus and too bright and washed-out! Should have waited for the BLU RAY!

CBFETT · 06-26-2008, 05:37 PM

I still like going to the movie theater, but only for the must sees. Usually Summer Blockbuster time. If it's not a must see, just wait for the rental and watch it on the Home Movie Theater. Especially when released in Blu!

stockstar1138 · 06-26-2008, 05:12 PM

There are a few reasons I still like going to the movies.

#1 See the movie earlier than if you waited for blu.
#2 The ambience (if you know when to go, it can be a good experience)
#3 The screen is bigger than anything I would ever be able to put in my house
#4 The image is better than my HDTV (Digital Projection)
#5 The popcorn is better at the movies.

SquidPuppet · 06-26-2008, 05:16 PM

I still go to the theater frequently. You just gotta pick the right time slot to avoid the "problem audiences".

Bluoholic · 06-26-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockstar1138

There are a few reasons I still like going to the movies.

#1 See the movie earlier than if you waited for blu.
#2 The ambience (if you know when to go, it can be a good experience)
#3 The screen is bigger than anything I would ever be able to put in my house
#4 The image is better than my HDTV (Digital Projection)
#5 The popcorn is better at the movies.

1-4 for sure

5? arguable

Blurayne · 06-26-2008, 05:56 PM

Being sationed in Kansas I loved the movie theater. They had balcony sitting and you had to be 21 yrs or older to sit up there. Which left the annoying teens down on the floor seats, and as a plus they serve you food from a full menu and alcohol drinks, they even had "don" champagne. Tickets were a bit more for those seats but worth every penny when the wife and i wanted an enjoyable evening at the movies.

But now that i am sationed in North Carolina the "best" theater is attached to a mall and with that you get all the teens, cell phone users, and talkers

but i will suffer through that for my A list movies " Dark Knight" is a must and watch blu-rays at home for the most part.

View Poll Results: Do you still go the movies now that you have a home theater?
Yes, I still enjoy going to the movie theater	29	29.90%
Only for the social aspect (dating, family night)	14	14.43%
Only if I can't wait until the title gets a DVD/BR release	33	34.02%
No, Theaters are a terrible place to enjoy a movie compaired to my Home Theater	21	21.65%
Voters: 97. You may not vote on this poll

06-26-2008, 05:12 PM	#8
haste Senior Member Member since:Aug 2007 Blu-ray collection:87 Blu-ray reviews:1	I havent seen a movie in a movie theater since i got my tv last july... hee hee! i should go to at least one in the near future for comparison purposes edit: with movies coming out so soon to home video after the theatrical release nowadays, i can be patient for another 3-4 months after a movie is released. Last edited by haste; 06-26-2008 at 05:17 PM.

06-26-2008, 05:35 PM	#15
Gosszilla Senior Member Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Pacific Northwest 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 36	Home Theater Rules! Recently I just took my entire family to see "Indiana Jones-Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" at the local cinema (Grand Meridian Cinema in Ellensburg, WA). Dissapointed. Not entirely the fault of the film. For a theatre that is just over four years old, the picture quality was awful! Completely out-of-focus and too bright and washed-out! Should have waited for the BLU RAY!

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Best movie scene for a home theater demo	Blu-ray Movies - North America	MJailme	190	12-16-2012 04:23 PM
Klipsch HD Theater 500 Home Theater System??	Speakers	abercrombie9701	3	04-02-2009 10:56 PM
Got new home theater. Need movie suggestions	Newbie Discussion	FormallyHDDVD	6	02-11-2008 03:08 PM
Movie Theater or Home Theater?	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	Kayne314	29	01-03-2008 02:52 PM
Theater or Home Theater?	Home Theater General Discussion	matthewrounds	30	06-03-2007 11:58 PM

06-26-2008, 05:05 PM	#1
Nameless Evil Senior Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Pacific Northwest Blu-ray collection:183 Blu-ray reviews:52	Home Theater vs. Movie Theater How many of you with decent Home Theater systems still go to the movies? Myself, I can't stand going to the movies any more and try to wait until what I want to see is released on Blu-Ray. Movie Theaters are just not enjoyable anymore for me like they used to be. There always seems to be a gaggle of idiot teens making sure everyone is aware of thier existance, a mother that brings her crying toddler, and clownshoes who can't silence their cell phones.

06-26-2008, 05:07 PM	#2
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	not sure what you consider "decent" but I rarely go to the theaters, and haven't since I was younger.... the movie theater "can" be the best experience... but being older now, I can't put up with all of the a-holes on cell phones etc.

06-26-2008, 05:13 PM	#3
kingofgrills Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Dec 2007 Location:PDX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:81 Trading Score:31	I go to the theater very rarely, only when it's an A list summer blockbuster type that deserves the big screen treatment. There's a couple of brand new theaters near my house that have stadium seating with DLP digital projector systems. Still, I typically won't go until a movie has been out for a week or two, unless it's a special screening. I was given passes to a special opening day morning screening of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and the theater was only 1/3 full. A couple of days ago, a friend from out of town called out of the blue, and we went to The Incredible Hulk for a weekday 4 pm show. There were only 8 other people in the theater, so it was remarkably quiet. Still though, my preferency by far is to watch a Blu-ray at home. My seats are more comfortable, the picture is incredible, and the sound system sounds fantastic. Plus, I don't stick to anything, and that's a big positive.

06-27-2008, 01:40 AM	#4
Canada Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Victoria, BC Home Theater Gallery:17 4K collection:305 Blu-ray collection:1201 DVD collection:37 Blu-ray reviews:42	I enjoy going to the movie theaters to see movies, because of the size of the screen and the sound. But when you get jackasses making comments to their friend I hate the movie theater. Although I am seeing less first run movies in the theaters, because the tickets are $ 10.95 a piece. When you add popcorn and pop to that your talking about $ 18 to go see a movie for a single person. If you take a date to the theater (assuming the male pays for it all that's $ 36, sorry if some people find the comment sexist) I figure I can save that money and put it towards a speaker upgrade for my home theater. Buying a pretty good set of speakers 5.1 at $ 2,500 for the set would be like going to the theater by yourself 138 times or going with a date 70 times. That may sound like a lot but consider my parents have had a set of speakers for over 20 years. But that does not bring into the fact the cost of the display (TV or projecter). In closing i still enjoy movie theaters but i would rather stay home for most movies. The beverages I get to choose from are a lot better also. I get to drink a rum and Coke, instead of just Coke. The next movie I am going to see in the theater is The Dark Knight. Last edited by Canada; 06-27-2008 at 01:58 AM.

06-26-2008, 05:08 PM	#5
SamInNorthCakalakey Active Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Raleigh/Durham, NC area Blu-ray reviews:19	What I don't like is the crappy quality of the image. Either the projectors are using old lamps or everytime I go the film they're using is old but the image is just bad. Blurry, out of center and just no where near the quality on an HD set. Sound is great but I can match that output in my 13 x 17 family room.

06-26-2008, 05:12 PM	#7
tiger roach Special Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Houston, TX Blu-ray collection:141 Blu-ray reviews:1	We have a great theater to go to, so we go once in a while when a promising new movie comes out.

06-26-2008, 05:14 PM	#9
fatediesel Blu-ray Count Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Iowa Blu-ray collection:410 Trading Score:47	I still go to the theater for must-see movies but I wait for a lot more movies now. I used to go to the movies about once a week but now I go less than once a month. I'll be at The Dark Knight opening weekend but other than that there isn't a movie I will definitely see in the theater.

06-26-2008, 05:19 PM	#10
Blu-ray Fanatic Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2007 Location:San Antonio Blu-ray reviews:1	I still go to the theaters but only on special occasions like if the movie is going to be IMAX, IMAX-3D, been waiting to see it for a long time, someone invites me, or I absolutely don't have anything else to do. After the movie releases on blu-ray, it looks so much better.

06-26-2008, 05:24 PM	#11
Kyzer the Medic Active Member Member since:Jan 2008	Like most, I usually only go to the theater anymore just to see those summer blockbuster "must-see's".. Sitting at home I can relax alot more, get way more comfortable, not have the annoying crowds who just can't seem to shut up and best of all, if its just one of "those" days... I can even have a nice cold beer while watching... if movie theaters started offering beer with movies I might go more, but that would mean $15 glasses of warm flat Miller Lite...yuck

06-26-2008, 05:26 PM	#13
Pelican170 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Newtown, CT 4K collection:127 Blu-ray collection:735 DVD collection:256 Trading Score:13	I agree, I think the movie picture at the theaters is bad also. My tv at home looks much better. My main grudge is that the people are annoying, the seats get uncomfortable after 30 min, and the price of everything is crazy! the popcorn may be better at the theaters, but i can make like 80 bags at home for the price... lol

06-26-2008, 05:31 PM	#14
drago3451 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2008 Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:426 Blu-ray reviews:1	One of my local theaters has High Def digital projection and I-MAX so I like to go there..Only problem is they never turn the movie volume up enough. I like to see a movie prior to spending $30.00 on a blu-ray. If i dont like it I am out $8.00 instead of $30.00. Plus I cant fit a 100 foot screen in my basement nor could I afford one.

06-26-2008, 05:37 PM	#16
CBFETT Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Sugar Hill, GA	I still like going to the movie theater, but only for the must sees. Usually Summer Blockbuster time. If it's not a must see, just wait for the rental and watch it on the Home Movie Theater. Especially when released in Blu!

06-26-2008, 05:12 PM	#17
stockstar1138 Banned Member since:Apr 2007	There are a few reasons I still like going to the movies. #1 See the movie earlier than if you waited for blu. #2 The ambience (if you know when to go, it can be a good experience) #3 The screen is bigger than anything I would ever be able to put in my house #4 The image is better than my HDTV (Digital Projection) #5 The popcorn is better at the movies.

06-26-2008, 05:16 PM	#18
SquidPuppet Blu-ray Duke Top contributor Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Club Loop Blu-ray collection:277 Blu-ray reviews:27	I still go to the theater frequently. You just gotta pick the right time slot to avoid the "problem audiences".

06-26-2008, 05:56 PM	#20
Blurayne Active Member Member since:Dec 2007 Blu-ray collection:197	Being sationed in Kansas I loved the movie theater. They had balcony sitting and you had to be 21 yrs or older to sit up there. Which left the annoying teens down on the floor seats, and as a plus they serve you food from a full menu and alcohol drinks, they even had "don" champagne. Tickets were a bit more for those seats but worth every penny when the wife and i wanted an enjoyable evening at the movies. But now that i am sationed in North Carolina the "best" theater is attached to a mall and with that you get all the teens, cell phone users, and talkers but i will suffer through that for my A list movies " Dark Knight" is a must and watch blu-rays at home for the most part.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals