Home Theater vs. Movie Theater

[perfectmyth]

"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."



I love Warren theaters too. I've been to the one in Moore several times and no other theater experience has come even close to what their grand auditorium offers...a definite 10 out of 10.
That being said I'm still an "only blockbuster" movie goer, the rest can wait until the Blu release.

[Packerfan75]

Overall advantage, Home Theater.
Due to:
-More comfortable seating / better viewing position
-No annoying people or crying babies
-Volume control / sounds better at home
-Better munchie selection
-Privacy
-Pause button
-Subtitle, Language and Commentary options

[mfanelli81]

I like going to the movie theater still on occasion but since X-mas (when i got my PS3), I have been to the movies maybe once or twice, however the amount of Blu's aquired and watched is way up.....my home theater is just more comfortable, quiet (can't stand the teenie's that linger and are loud) or that extremly tall guy that sits in front of you and blocks ur view regardless of stadium seating.....it never fails....

[Headphone Czar]

I seldom go.. I get tired of telling people to shut up.. & turn off your cellphone, which have led to some confrontations in the past. It's not worth it.. I'd rather watch the movies on BR with my 26-42 HDTV's & in complete & utter silence. Only see movies when I go on a date, which isn't many.. Or if it's a film I want to see badly, which is near ziltch, then I'll catch the early showing.

[obiwopkenobi62]

#1 See the movie earlier than if you waited for blu.
I agree with this one.

#2 The ambience (if you know when to go, it can be a good experience)
The ambience in my home theater blows away any movie theater experience.

#3 The screen is bigger than anything I would ever be able to put in my house
True.

#4 The image is better than my HDTV (Digital Projection)
Mine at home is better. They usually have problems at the theater. No problems at home.

#5 The popcorn is better at the movies.
Not if you have your own full size popcorn machine.

[besi]

I want the movie theater to be my home theater. a one king sized bed in the middle.
I rarely go to the movies anymore ,few movies to watch on the bigscreen,annoying-stinky people,way overpriced snacks.
I'll stick with my projector and 120" screen,home-made popcorn and ice cold beer i can wait 4-6 months for the bluray release.

[CtrlCtrlFast]

I love going to see all the new releases at the movie theater. Its an experience that can't be replicated at home. The huge screen and the booming sound system makes it all worth it. Don't get me wrong, I love watching at home too but the theater is just on another level.

[tom pain]

I don't know where you guys go to see your films, but I've never had any problems with the audience in cinemas. No-one on mobiles phones, no-one eating overly loudly and a crying baby in a cinema? That can't be for real?

My local IMAX, while not a true IMAX screen, is infinitely better than my home viewing system. And a ticket costs the same as a Blu Ray.

[Mr.Poindexter]

Originally Posted by CtrlCtrlFast

I love going to see all the new releases at the movie theater. Its an experience that can't be replicated at home. The huge screen and the booming sound system makes it all worth it. Don't get me wrong, I love watching at home too but the theater is just on another level.

It can be replicated and even surpassed by a large margin at home. I would say that IMAX is not going to be replicated at home, unless you want to spend over $1 million for a home theater.

Commercial theaters are on their own level, but that level is actually below my home theater and below the home theaters for many of my friends.

[Mr.Twinks]

Originally Posted by CtrlCtrlFast

I love going to see all the new releases at the movie theater. Its an experience that can't be replicated at home. The huge screen and the booming sound system makes it all worth it. Don't get me wrong, I love watching at home too but the theater is just on another level.

You are right about this! I don't have rude people in my house making the movie watching experience like it is in most theaters I use to frequent. HA!

Seriously I use to be a huge movie goer years ago when I lived in Los Angeles. I saw all the new releases (ones I wanted to see) during the first week and I averaged about 3 movies a week. IMO, the glory days of the cinema are over, now there are notable exceptions like the Alamo Draft House and other independent theaters trying to lure back the movie goer by serving cocktails, kobe beef burgers, big seats etc. This is a good thing, but the corporate ran 'cesspools' out number those theaters.

Also since I got into and had space for a front projector setup/decent sound with a good subwoofer, I am seeing a lot of deficiencies when it comes to the theater visual/sound quality, after comparing the BD movie to what I saw theatrically. It is spotty at best and for the price you pay (for rude people and monetarily) the quality should be the best every showing.

[BLeClair12]

I still go to the theater quite frequently and enjoy it for the most part. I live in a small town so I don't have to deal with much more than the occasional gaggle of annoying teens. Being selective of times can usually solve that problem.

We also have an indie theater in town that I frequent and love. Both theaters have full digital projection, so for the most part, the screens are gorgeous. They don't keep up with sound quite as nicely, though. I have had some issues there, but nothing too major.

I also avoid opening weekends unless it's something I don't think will be big, or something I just can't wait for.

I actually prefer 3D at home, though. I very rarely see 3D movies in theaters anymore. If I want to see it badly, I'll go in 2D, then buy the 3D Blu-Ray later.

Then again, I don't have a true "home theater", so to speak. I like to think I have a very nice set-up within my confines and budget (Denon X2000, Pioneer Andrew Jones series speakers, and soon to be a 60' Vizio M Series) but it's nowhere near the scope of many members here.

[Sonam_Singh]

There are many differences between watching a movie at home and in theatres. The cost, for instance, is different. First, watching a film at a theatre requires a person to drive and pay for the ticket and any other facility or accompaniment. On the other hand, there is no cost incurred when watching a film at home.

[Alexa1122]

Originally Posted by Sonam_Singh

There are many differences between watching a movie at home and in theatres. The cost, for instance, is different. First, watching a film at a theatre requires a person to drive and pay for the ticket and any other facility or accompaniment. On the other hand, there is no cost incurred when watching a film at home.

Yes You're Right

[Zombo]

No cost for watching a movie at home eh?
As compared to seeing a film in an actual theater?

How much does the 4k projector cost?
How much does a 120" screen or higher cost?
How much does the media ( IE streaming platform on a monthly basis, blu-ray, UHD disc, etc. ) cost?
How much does the 4k player cost?
How much do the HDMI cables cost?
How much does the highest speed internet cost?
How much is your power bill?
How much does the home theater seating cost?
How much does the receiver cost?
How much does the subwoofer cost?
How much does your center channels speaker cost?
How much does your side and rear speakers cost?
How much do your front speaker towers cost?
How much does the square feet and renovation of a room cost?
How much time or money did it take to fully install all of the equipment?
How much did your groceries cost?

You're kidding right?

To truly replicate the Movie Theater going experience at home, it will cost you a small fortune. I know, I've spent over $30k on my home theater and it still doesn't fully replicate the full Movie Theater experience. How long before your investment truly pays off, honestly? How many movies can I go see at the theater for $10K to $30k again?

The full experience is not just about watching a movie on a disc or streaming platform. If you're comparing watching a 75" TV up to a 150" projector screen to an IMAX screen or a true Dolby theater...you're out of your mind.

I'll always love going to the theater, it's not just the film...it's getting out of the house, enjoying the world, enjoying the atmosphere and I don't care how rich you are or what mansion you live in...you can never truly replicate the actual theater experience from home. A home theater is fantastic for 2nd viewings of blockbuster films or films you aren't willing to go see in a theater.

If you actually believe you can replicate the theater experience from home and it's better...you are settling for much, much less.

[Zombo]

Weird, I live in Houston, Texas.

I go to the theater for every blockbuster release ( IE. Jungle Cruise, Black Widow, No Time to Die, Free Guy, F9, etc. )

I reserve my seats ahead of time, Row D ( 4 middle seats - Not the very front row, but the first row of stadium seating with the rail ) This way no one is behind me, because there is a wall, no one is in front of me because of the rail.

I never have any issues with loud people, cell phones, etc. and I live in a heavily populated area where going to the theater is very common.

I go to AMC 30 ( for the Dolby Atmos or IMAX experience ) or Cinemark ( for the XD experience ) and usually on a Saturday night or Sunday morning. On Sunday mornings there are still a lot of people there, but it's cheaper. I also go to Star Cinema Grill and sit in the premier pods to avoid other people altogether.

Again, I never have a problem with people talking, babies crying or cell phones. Last time I was in a theater with a baby crying was probably 15 years ago. Cell phones don't bother me, because of where I sit. No one kicks the back of my chair, because of where I sit. With today's movie apps, you control the experience quite a bit.

I always reserve my seats on the day tickets go on sale through the theater app and always choose the same seats. This way, people don't sit next to me hardly ever, unless its sold out...which is rare these days. I reserve my snacks through the theater app, to avoid the food lines.

I have a great home theater and I've paid quite a bit to make it such. And yes...it is settling for less, because the films were not made for the small screen. They are made to be experienced in a theater, that cannot be replicated at home. There is an overall experience and atmosphere that movie goers love and it doesn't matter how much cheaper food is or how less noisy you think it is....It's the lights, it's the carpet, it's the seating, the massive screen and outstanding sound system, it's still better to see a film presented as it was meant to be presented.

[smithb]

Originally Posted by Zombo

I have a great home theater and I've paid quite a bit to make it such. And yes...it is settling for less, because the films were not made for the small screen.

That's your opinion, and that is great. However, weighing in all factors, not all necessary agree. It is a matter of priorities. In my case, I'm not settling for less watching from home, and I'm the only one that can decide that.

Originally Posted by Zombo

They are made to be experienced in a theater, that cannot be replicated at home. There is an overall experience and atmosphere that movie goers love and it doesn't matter how much cheaper food is or how less noisy you think it is....It's the lights, it's the carpet, it's the seating, the massive screen and outstanding sound system.

Frankly, my food is better, my lights are better, my carpet is better, my seating is better, my screen is big enough based on my seating distance, my sound system is more than enough, my overall environment is better, IMO. I personally, prefer not dealing with crowds, set times and locations, and other negatives to me when watching in a public venue.

Originally Posted by Zombo

It's still better to see a film presented as it was meant to be presented.

That means nothing to me. All I care about is how I want it to be presented, and obviously I've come closer to that at home. Otherwise, I would be going to the public theater.

I think it is great that many enjoy the public theater environment. I hope public theaters are always available to those that desire to use them. As I said earlier, there is no right or wrong, just personal preference. I respect everyone's rationale on the subject, and would hope others can do the same.

[Zombo]

Originally Posted by smithb

That's your opinion, and that is great. However, weighing in all factors, not all necessary agree. It is a matter of priorities. In my case, I'm not settling for less watching from home, and I'm the only one that can decide that.



Frankly, my food is better, my lights are better, my carpet is better, my seating is better, my screen is big enough based on my seating distance, my sound system is more than enough, my overall environment is better, IMO. I personally, prefer not dealing with crowds, set times and locations, and other negatives to me when watching in a public venue.



That means nothing to me. All I care about is how I want it to be presented, and obviously I've come closer to that at home. Otherwise, I would be going to the public theater.

I think it is great that many enjoy the public theater environment. I hope public theaters are always available to those that desire to use them. As I said earlier, there is no right or wrong, just personal preference. I respect everyone's rationale on the subject, and would hope others can do the same.

Good for you. I'm glad you " feel " that you can immerse yourself in " what you feel " is a better overall movie theater experience from home. I applaud you for standing your ground on your " opinion " of yourself and your home theater set up. Others may not share your " opinions " about your carpet, your screen, your seating distance, your audio, your home or even you. People have home theaters and most are set up pretty much the same way depending on personal budgets. What people don't have are full movie theaters in their homes and most people can't afford to create that atmosphere.

Yes, some people prefer not to go to the movies and choose to stay at home, good for them. It's usually for the same reasons, which can all usually be worked around now days with little to no effort. The truth will always be...that the home theater experience is NOT the movie theater experience...and the full movie theater experience cannot be replicated from home. Reality is reality, to each their own.

As I said before...I love my home theater, it's great for second showings of the films I've experienced in the theaters already. It's great for tv shows, streaming services and even 3D viewings. That being said, the movie theater experience cannot be fully replicated and I will always enjoy going to the movie theater to see the films that are made to be viewed there for the first time by the directors and studios. Then, I can always buy the media if I choose and stay at home for any second viewing and financially support both parallels of the movie industry, experiencing both the home theater and movie theater atmospheres.

[Jay H.]

Originally Posted by Zombo

Weird, I live in Houston, Texas.

I never have any issues with loud people, cell phones, etc. and I live in a heavily populated area where going to the theater is very common.

You are a very fortunate person. I live in Tulsa, which has much less people than Houston. It doesn't matter which theater I attend, what day or time, or where I sit - rude people prevail. A few weeks ago, my wife and I saw Black Widow on a Monday afternoon. There was one other person in the theater and she sat in our row (seats are assigned at this theater). With about 15 minutes left in the movie, she took a phone call ON SPEAKER PHONE. I was furious and told her to go the lobby or hang up. This happens all the time.

[Carlsberg19]

After seeing "Beowulf" on my home theatre, it seriously has me considering not going to the cinema again, even though i do anyway

[mdm1699]

Originally Posted by Nameless Evil

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.

My last two movies were Cloverfield and Vantage Point . I will be seeing Wanted this weekend. I can't wait that long for Jolie