Does the exorbitant price of movie tickets affect your viewing decision?
November 19th 2006 22:56
Something just occurred to me… lately I am inadvertently asking the internal question more often: do I want to see this at the cinema or shall I wait until it’s available on DVD? This thought process perturbs me as I love the whole cinema experience, being in a dark room for two hours without interruptions (hopefully but not always, see my previous post The things people do in the cinema), relishing the opportunity to pass through a portal into another world that I wouldn't normally have access to. If a film tells me something about life, I'm intrigued. The more a film makes me think, the better. The longer the character/s stay with me tends to mean how much of an impact the film has had on me. If I leave the cinema carrying the characters with me, that’s a sign of an absorbing and effective film.
I’ve taken as many steps as I can to decrease the amount of money I spend on tickets so that I can still see films regularly. I am a member of all my local independent cinemas like Dendy and Palace and I often see films on the cheap day. Usually the only time I will see a film at the commercial cinemas like Hoyts and Greater Union is on their cheap day or when I’m desperate. I don’t want to pad their over-priced pockets with my money.
It’s not that I don’t like seeing films on DVD, I do, but I see them as a separate way of viewing to the cinema. I would like to retain the freedom to choose how I see my films. DVDs provide the option of being interactive as I can watch it alone or with others as well as being able to pause, rewind at will. And of course there are the extras.
I’m worried that the price of cinema tickets will affect my decision further to the point that going to the cinema will be a rare occurrence. Sadly, in Sydney, we’ve already lost the historic Valhalla in Glebe, but fortunately The Chauvel in Paddington has been saved for now….I hope we don’t lose any others…
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Really is a shame we lost the Chauvel.
On the topic of Movies and DVD, I too tend to procrastinate a bit. Generally I decide that if a film is visual or visceral (Action, Sci Fi, thriller) it gets a big screen viewing. But I am pedantic about what I deem worthy, most films in these genres dont warrant wasting the time or the money.
Documentraies and comedies are generally relegated to home viewing for maximum analysis. No audience laughter to muffle dialogue and the rewind button when the facts are getting flung thick and fast.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments. I also work out whether it is a film that would be better on a large screen where the visual atmosphere is stronger. I tend to see foreign films at the cinema to accentuate the feeling of the culture and experience.
That's a good point about seeing documentaries on DVD with the option of pressing pause, I hadn't thought of that before. That would really work for me as I find it hard to absorb large amounts of information as well as watch the film.
Fingers crossed that The Chauvel stays open, they have a Canadian Film Festival in a few weeks which sounds great.
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Yeah, Sydney's struggling on the indie theatre scene. The palace is great, but they only show new films... some of the small theatres in Canada will run cult classics and tributes....
the palace is pretty cheap, though... $8.50 is not bad at all...
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments, have you seen Good Cop, Bad Cop? I'm definitely going to see a few films, the combination of a film festival and The Chauvel is enticing.
Yes, The Palace is good value, thank goodness for the indie cinemas giving Hoyts etc some competition. Although I still I miss being able to see old classics at The Valhalla and Glebe doesn't seem right without it. Ah well...
Tracy
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I'm lucky in that my parents are covering all my costs right now so I tend to think about pricing less than I would otherwise.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your info, the cinema in Randwick is extremely cheap. I'll definitely bear that in mind, is it an older cinema like the one in Mosman?
That's great that your parents are helping you out at the moment, that must make a difference.
Tracy
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I haven't been to the Mosman cinema, what is it like?
The Ritz looks like it was built in the 60s or 70s and has a lovely classic interior. It tends to play mainstream fare, but occasionally an independent film which is in high demand gets played as well (e.g. Brokeback Mt).
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Sorry, the cinema is actually Cremorne and it was made in 1935 and has a lot of character. They even have a dress circle and an organist sometimes plays before the film comes on. Here's the webbysite: Your text goes here. The prices are the same as mainstream cinemas but at least the money isn't going to an over-priced Hollywood conglomerate.
I might have a look at the Randwick one, it's very cheap and not too far from me.
Tracy
Comment by Emma
Going to the flicks is one of my fave things and I really love little old cinemas that have character, especially in the inner city...I definitely do think twice though about seeing a film at the cinema...you pay for your ticket then pay twice as much at the candy bar... If tickets were a little more affordable, I'd probaby go more often. I think we should have a riot...
x
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Oh yes, the price of snacks is another gripe of mine. They are also extortionate. More extortionate than the price of the ticket, I think. I don't know how parents with kids can afford an pouting to the cinema without writing off an arm and a leg. I can hardly bear to pay their ridiculous prices especially when I know that the same pack of Maltsters that I fancy is a lot cheaper in the supermarket downstairs. It's disgraceful. Yes, I definitely think we should organise a riot.
Speaking of cosy, atmospheric cinemas, I love the one at Mount Victoria near the Blue Mountains. Have you been there?
Byee
Comment by Emma
x
Comment by Lizard68591
The Blog Formerly Known As Saturday Morning Movie Club
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
I remember once, about two years ago, they have $8 tickets for the month of February and I saw so many films. I thougth they had genuinly dropped their prices cause they'd seen the folly of their fuckwit ways, but unfortunately it was just a one-off promotion.
Another cinema tried to establish itself here, but Hoyts intervened and argued that Penrith could only sustain one cinema complex - what a bunch of cunts.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
That's appalling that Hoyts had the power to intervene and affect other cinemas existing in the area. Such a pity.
I have to say though that your last sentence shocked me, maybe I'm a prude but I nearly fell off my ergonomic chair...
Tracy
Comment by Wendi
I prefer the home setting, really. There's nothing quite like cuddling on the couch with the critters and kids with microwave popcorn and a mountain dew (that didn't cost an additional $50). I prefer being able to push pause for the occasional potty break or kitchen run. However, there are some movies that I feel really MUST be seen in the theaters, such as the Harry Potter movies and the up-and-coming Eragon. Can't wait for these two! Both come out in December and I'm looking forward to them.
We subscribe to Netflix, so for a few bucks a month we get 3 movies at a time delivered conveniently to the mailbox with postage-paid return envelopes and no "return by" limits. It makes movie-watching inexpensive as well as convenient.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments. I think it's great that we have options now for viewing films the way we prefer. I also really like watching DVDs at home, snuggled on the sofa with my partner or friends, having the freedom to make comments or eat food. I just find it a concern that the option of having a reasonably-priced night at the cinema is becoming less-affordable. As JohnDoe said, there are some films that I prefer to see on the big screen with the sound and atmosphere, but I am checking with myself more and more whether I want to spend the money or trying to use their cheap days.
Tracy
Comment by Wendi
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Wendi
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Especially when you have to not only pay for a 3 year old who doesn't always sit still and pay attention, but you pay more for them than anyone with a pension card!
DVD's are waaaay cheaper and you can always stop the movie when one of the kids needs to go to the toilet!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
What a coincidence, I've just been to the cinema to see Happy Feet and I was just saying that to my mum. We went to a small little one that costs less than half price and the popcorn is cheaper too, I don't know how the average family can do it. Yes, I can imagine DVDs are the better option, toilet-wise and money-wise.
Tracy
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
but I agree wholeheartedly. I used to go to the cinema at least once or twice a week. Now with a family and work and bills etc, $15 is a lot of cash. Ironically, I work in the industry, too....
I love the cinema, and the Orpheum is awesome. My first short film had it's premiere screening at The Chauvel, and it's a relief to see it survive. Mind you, we also screened at the Valhalla... so sad.
It's definitely the atmosphere I dig, the people, the collective experience, but I just can't afford too much of it. Also, to see anything half decent is a real effort to have to get to a Dendy / Palace / etc. They aren't around the corner here.
I took my kids to see Happy Feet. 3 tix, 2 popcorns and a coke - $50. I found myself thinking it was cheap. Sad state of affairs.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments on a few topics, much appreciated.
Yes, I agree the essence of seeing a film at the cinema is the atmosphere of sharing it with others, getting a sense of their responses and of course the large screen and enhanced sound.
I really don't know how families can do a night at a cinema such as Hoyts these days, it's disgustingly expensive. I definitely get my money's worth from my Dendy membership and I take advantage of any Hoyts specials just to save giving them any of my money...
And like you said, not everyone is close to a Dendy or Palace so to see a film there's less choice...Greater Union or Hoyts. Not much choice at all.
That's great you work in the industry though, it must be interesting in any capacity?
Byee
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Congrats on being a part of it, that's great.
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
I grew up in an area where the price was always $5.00.
Now I think it's about $7 after another 20 years or so, but it's quite a distance away. we did take the kids out there once - when Madagascar was on, but it would be much nicer to have one close by.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I agree, if you find a cheaper cinema, keep going there if possible.
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by Shani
The Mecca in Kogarah was a bit grotty but that's another small, cheap ($5) cinema that shut down
Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Aimzster
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
I find I'm actually watching less movies at the cinema because of the price. And I can't believe they're charging $30 per person for Gold Class seats! I would only ever watch a movie at the cinema if the reviews of that particular movie are mostly good or if I somehow get discounted cinema tickets. But I will be watching the next installment of Harry Potter at the cinemas.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I know what you mean, I'm a member at my fave local cinemas like Dendy and Palace so that it's affordable to see films regularly at the cinema. DVDs are great but sometimes I like the feeling of being in a room with other people, listening to reactions and of course the big screen.
I know what you mean about those Gold Class tickets. I've been a couple of times for fun and free but they are too expensive for regular visits. But like you said they are great for seeing a special film. Apparently they have days when they are discounted which I never knew and am going to keep an eye out for. Hope you enjoy Harry Potter!
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy