Home Theater Experience Called The Death Knell For The Movie Theater

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 17, 2011 -- While the potential release to the public of films such as “Tower Heist” in a video-on-demand presentation, weeks before it’s released in theaters, has been roundly criticized as a disaster for commercial theaters, some say that home viewing is the preferable experience because theaters aren’t what they used to be.

The majority of complaints about seeing feature films in commercial theaters involve the audience, says one film industry wonk. Audiences are so involved in texting and talking when a film is playing that the only way to experience a film undisturbed is in your own home theater.

However, this week in the New Yorker, film critic Anthony Lane decries the home theater experience, saying that the only way to truly experience cinema is as a performance which you choose to attend, but over which you don’t wield the power of the pause button. Lane states that consumers can stop the movie to answer the phone or get a Coke, and that takes the dramatic effect away from viewing films.

Others, especially theater owners, complain that home video, particularly video-on-demand, which can present current films, will result in empty auditoriums across the country. The recent move to present “Tower Heist” in two markets prior to its theatrical release caused a firestorm of controversy and resulted in the studio withdrawing its planned VOD rollout.

That concern has been tempered by filmmakers who point to the new high-tech venues for viewing films, even as the old art houses have diminished over the years, that offer new channels for viewers and filmmakers. Technology such as iTunes and Facebook presents fresh possibilities for placement and viewing of films that might otherwise have difficulty finding an audience.

In short, it’s not just the sticky floor and teens making out during the movie that are ruining the theater experience. Many would prefer to enjoy a movie in the confines of their home theater, where they can enjoy a growing number of options in a comfortable, convenient place.

home theater chairs     home theater furniture     home theater seating