This isn’t about Instagram and its perverse imitation of Vine’s 6-second video limit. It’s about what goes on behind that ominous glow that seeps out from the projection port at the back of a cinema’s screening room.
Although nowadays, the majority of movie theaters have made the switch from film to digital, the point stays the same: sit back and immerse yourself in that huge silver screen. You might even put on your fancy fragrance and spare a budget for some concession stand junk food against your better judgment. After all, it does make for a somewhat special occasion. But why does it feel like this practice has faded into obscurity?
As of late, it seems as though there aren’t many movies making their way into general conversation. I think A Minecraft Movie, funny as that is, was the last time I saw so many people come together to collectively enjoy a production. I believe the reasoning behind that—besides a movie dedicated to Minecraft being insanely enticing—falls on streaming.
I’m sure that at this point, most families are subscribed to one platform or another. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, you name it. And why not? Exclusive access to movies and shows at competitive prices is awesome, but despite the exposure these services provide for diverse entertainment, they are also responsible for the slow, agonizing death of different consumption.
You remember RedBox at least I hope so. My family would stand before the catalogue for a borderline-unhealthy amount of time, carefully considering our options for what we’d watch that night. There’s nothing like creating your own theater in the living room, turning off all the lights, and carefully sliding the DVD into your janky disc drive as if you’re handling The Holy Grail. The other day, I was walking into a convenience store and passed the battered shell of an abandoned RedBox standing out front. I might’ve shed a tear.
It’s overly sentimental, sure. But seeing a movie, old or new, used to feel like the stars were aligning. You were anxious to see if it really lived up to everything your friends claimed it to be. You sat through the end credits, desperately waiting for a bonus scene. These days, it’s more like, “Oh, you enjoyed that film? Okay, I’ll just wait until it’s released on Amazon Prime and watch it while washing dishes or whatever.”
What I miss most when walking into a half-empty theater now is the reactions of those around me. The camaraderie of everyone gasping at a jumpscare, or laughing at some stupid joke. We should get back into the habit of eagerly awaiting a movie’s release, discussing it and making the viewing itself a more significant activity. I’m not telling you to cancel all of your subscriptions, but you don’t have to break the bank going out, either. Megaplexes like Century or Regal thrive on overcharging you for tickets, turning away much of the audi- ence. In the Portland area, there are numerous spots that are half the price while giving you the bonus of an awesome atmosphere. Places like the Bagdad Theatre, Joy Cinema and Kennedy School cater to a more classic movie-going experience. They’re cooler AND more affordable options.
All I’m getting at is, indulge more. Turn something as insignificant as watching Toy Story 5 (highkey a historic event) into a special occurrence. Invite your friends, write a review and bring it up at the dinner table with your loved ones. It has the potential to become a night worth remembering.
