How to Decide Whether to See a Movie in a Theater or Wait for the Video

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:DecideWhetherSeeMovieTheaterWaitVideo
Post By :
Anonymous
Rate:
Vote

How to Decide Whether to See a Movie in a Theater or Wait for the Video

Introduction

Some movies must be seen in a theater, on the silver screen. Or they have created such a splash that you'll feel foolish if you wait for them to reach the video rental stores. Other titles look fine on a television screen and don't demand to be seen right away. Learning to distinguish between the two types will save you money and aggravation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Read reviews and articles about films currently in your local theaters.
2

Step Two

Get input from friends who have seen the movies you are considering.
3

Step Three

Search for information about the current releases on the Web.
4

Step Four

Talk with your moviegoing partner to find out what he or she wants to see.
5

Step Five

Keep a list of films that interest you. Update it every month or two.
6

Step Six

Divide the list into three categories: "must see on a big screen" (due to special effects, cinematography or soundtrack), "can't wait" (because of raging popularity or controversy), and "there's no rush" (interesting fare for a quiet Friday night at home).
7

Step Seven

Stick to your list. Make an effort to watch the movies in categories one and two in theaters, but wait to rent the "no rush" titles on DVD or videotape.

Tips & Warnings

  • Avoid limiting your "must see" list to blockbusters or special effects extravaganzas. A film like "A River Runs Through It" tells a low-key story at a leisurely pace, but the remarkable cinematography and stunning location shots cry out for viewing on a big screen with a state-of-the-art projection system.
  • If you and your moviegoing companions feel like seeing a terrific film on the big screen, stay open to foreign or art-house films. Many people were delightfully surprised by such films as "Life Is Beautiful," "Shakespeare in Love" and "Il Postino."
  • Some movies may seem like natural choices for viewing in theaters because of their high-tech effects and showy computer graphics, but if they have drab stories or poor acting, save your money.
  • For a blockbuster film like "Titanic," wait for the initial wave of popularity to pass by, or take in the movie on a weeknight. Otherwise you'll be fighting crowds and long lines, and you may end up with a lousy seat.
  • On the other hand, do not miss a movie such as the latest episode of "Star Wars" simply to avoid the crowded theaters. Be patient and catch the film before it goes into the video rental phase.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • VCRs
  • Internet Access
  • Movie Tickets
  • Newspaper Subscriptions
  • Movie Videos
  • Computers
  • Big-screen TV Sets
Tools: |