Jack Clifford ’13
Web Editor

Not too long ago, the only way to see the latest film involved going to the movie theater. Nowadays, you do not even have to leave your room in order to see a full-length motion picture. So, why go to the theater?

For me, going to the movies really gives me such a fun experience that nothing else can really compare. Especially for a premiere of some big blockbuster flick, being in that seat with your popcorn and soda with other people excited to see the movie turns out to be difficult and expensive to replicate anywhere else. The main point encompasses not so much on watching the movie itself, but the experience. Going with your friends or family and enjoying a piece of art together excites people.

Theaters have the reputation of being the first of anyone to show films to the public, but having to wait several months for a movie to come out on DVD might not be worth it to some intense moviegoers. Where one might find an illegal copy of the movie online, going to the theater poses no risk of arrest.

When people want to go watch a movie legally, they do not even have to leave their house because they have so many different options offered to them to be able to. For those willing to wait for the movie, technology has certainly helped with their ability to access movies for their enjoyment. Netflix rose in the movie rentals business along with several other popular companies and continues to rise in strength and popularity among today’s movie-watchers. They changed the game by allowing its customers to rent up to three movies for an unlimited amount of time and watch movies from their computers. Also, several cable companies established an “on-demand” feature where customers can order movies straight to their television set, getting rid of the trip to the movie rental store.

How can the movie theater industry compete with this? They need to make a trip to the movies an event that can be seen as worthwhile, enjoyable, and entertaining enough to make people want to get out of their houses. The theaters have already begun by making food and drinks that people associate with watching a movie, but they need to step up their game if they plan to keep up with technology.

These days, going to the movie theater to spend $20 for a movie and snacks might not sound appealing, especially with the ease of finding movies at home, but the memorable experience, great atmosphere, and the priority access to movies makes the trip to the theater worth the money.