Movie Theaters: Has Their Time Passed?

I’ve seen many films in theaters. Two of the earliest (and best) I remember from my youth are Star Wars and Jaws. Those films were huge (in more ways than simply box office receipts) and they, along with numerous others made me a big fan of film on the big screen.

However, that has changed as time has passed (or as I’ve gotten older). Now, I can sum up what I like about theaters in one formula: Big Screen + Big Sound = A More Immersive Experience

That’s it. I’m sure back in the olden days going to the picture show in Hollywood was a glamorous experience of grandeur, but nowadays it’s kids running around, babies crying, cell phones ringing or lighting up the theater. It’s people kicking your seat from behind, people talking, popcorn crunching, bags crinkling, drinks slurping, dirty sticky floors, on an on. And I’m paying $10 for a ticket? No thanks. We all know these reasons, at least those of us that see a movie in a theater from time to time.

Also, frankly, if I don’t know you, I don’t like you sitting in the very next seat. That’s my introverted personal space requirement at work.

Over the weekend, the Angelika Film Center closed here in Houston. Perhaps finally. While I went to see a few films there and I’m disappointed, I can understand. For the reasons I stated above as well as (I’m sure) more than a few business related ones, I think the time of movie theaters is slowly passing and the smaller independent theaters just happen to be the first to go as they don’t enjoy the deep pockets of the larger chain theaters.

Then of course there is the digitization of not only film, but the industry. It’s changing. Evolving. New ways of distribution like Netflix and Apple’s iTunes are hurting physical video rental stores. Like the record stores of the past (sure, there are a few left) many video stores are closing. Even Blockbuster sees the writing on the wall and is trying to make a go of online movie rentals.

Personally, I’m okay with this evolution. I love technology. I love movies. I embrace change. I also love sitting at home in a comfortable environment with one finger on the pause button where I have control.