Years ago, I used to go to the cinema all the time, almost weekly. I'd grab a meal, lunch or dinner either before or after the movie, and feel like I had a good night out. I recall tickets being $5AUD when I was much younger, but it's increased dramatically as has the cost of snacks and drinks; I used to feel I got value for what I paid, but now...not so much.
As ticket prices, and the price of snacks became higher and higher I went less and less. It wasn't that I couldn't afford it, more that I didn't see value. A typical movie outing would cost $120-$140AUD for two people including lunch or dinner, movie tickets and snacks. I persisted for a while but when tickets started creeping up into the high $20AUD range I called enough.
I ended up getting pay TV several years ago which puts almost any movie I want to see plus a multitude of sports and documentaries on my very large television screen at home. Sure, I pay $150 a month for it but it's better value and more flexible than going out to the movies.
Having said that, there's still some movies I want to see on the big screen.
On Sunday I saw, Top Gun: Maverick, at the cinema and thoroughly enjoyed it. I remember seeing the first Top Gun movie back in 1986, at the cinema, and it felt right to do so with this latest version no matter the cost.
It was a 2:30pm session I was seeing so grabbed the tickets first and then was going for lunch. Getting tickets is different now; there used to be a ticket booth with people in it, now there's a row of machines. A good example of technology creating jobs...Not. ($44 for two tickets)
I went for lunch at a Vietnamese place in the entertainment complex where the cinema is and had lunch. A couple of spring roll entrees, chicken satay curry and rice, a salt and pepper calamari and a couple of beverages. ($76 for lunch.)
After a wander about for a half our it was time to head up into the movie theatre but first...Snacks! I bought a single ice cream, small popcorn box and a regular Pepsi Max...all self serve with no one in sight. Another good example of technology creating jobs...Not. ($24 for snacks.)
From there I walked through into the foyer area and could hardly believe my eyes...in there I saw...wait for it...a person. Just one.
I paid for my snacks, with cash, which earned me a disdainful and loathing look from the lone human at the counter; it was as if I'd vomited in his hand.
I smiled my, fuck you I don't care about your disdain and dislike for legal tender, smile and proceeded into the cinema complex to find cinema seven. No one had checked my ticket to this point; I guess I just look very trustworthy...or maybe the thirty people who used to work at this cinema before technology lost them their jobs, are all standing in a room somewhere looking at screens showing CCTV feeds ready to catch out those who didn't buy a ticket? Nah, they're probably all getting unemployment benefits from the government.
The movie was really great. It was a predictable storyline and ending, great visual effects, acting that is no better or worse than any other movie, and the way Tom Cruise dies in the end was really plausible. Or does he?
Jennifer Connelly is in the movie too and I really like her as an actress, not just because she's sexy. She gets her gear off too, full frontal nudity for minutes on end. An Oscar winning performance indeed. Or does she?
This isn't a movie review because movie reviews are the most useless things on the planet; what one person thinks of a movie is totally irrelevant to the next. If you want to find out what it's all about pay the money and see for yourself, make up your own mind...you know, think for yourself. I liked the movie and that's all that really matters to me. What I didn't like was the cinema experience. It was very clinical, impersonal and unfriendly; the last because there was no one around, no greeting, no, enjoy the movie, comment and no warmth to the experience. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to avoid people mostly, but it's also nice to interact sometimes. I get it though, we're in this new-age digital world and all, but...connected? Nope, I disagree with that - We've never been more disconnected and anti-social. On Sunday I paid $144AUD for the outing you see above and I wonder was it worth it? I'd say yes, although many would probably say no. Would I do it again next week? Next month? Maybe, but the movie would have to be worth the effort. The cinema is a sometimes thing for me and this movie was only the second I've seen at the cinema this year, the first being the latest James Bond movie released. Both cinema events were enjoyable from an outing perspective although the lack of warmth was present at both events. Do I see $144 of value though? Being an outdoors sort of man I'm happy to limit my cinema events to a few per year and find my enjoyment and entertainment in the wilderness. When I want to watch a movie or documentary I'm content to watch PayTV or Netflix or any number of the other streaming services I can access and actually find better value for money in it. Sure, it's not an outing per se, but I can make it seem that way easily enough I guess; a movie event at home. How about you? Do you go to the movies a lot; if so what do you like about it and if not, what don't you like? Is it expensive in your area? Do you have other options? Feel free to answer in the comments and tell me about your cinema experiences. Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind Any images in this post are my own
The first Top Gun movie you watched was back in 1986? Let me just keep quiet sir 😂🤣🤣🙈🙈🙈
This is why I don't fancy Cinema movies. I know it's for the experience and all but I know most movies have predictable outcomes which makes me want to rather watch it in the comfort of my home. I've watched so many movies here at the Cinema after she dragged me to go and I can say 90% of the time, I regretted it.
As good as technology is, humans are the ones suffering from it as explained by your contact at the cinema. I try to avoid humans too...I only put on a bold face when I can't avoid it but it's still nice to at least see people around other than machines. The human effect is what gives us the thrill.
Maybe the guy that gave you the disdain look was missing his former colleagues (he should be grateful he still has a job and not replaced yet hahaha) or he has been told he would soon be replaced with a machine too and he didn't want the extra stress of sorting out accounts with cash after the day's work hahaha.
Glad you had a nice time out and maybe when the movie comes out on Netflix, I can watch it but not sure I would go to the Cinema for it.
Well yeah, that's when it came out.
I don't mind the outing now and then but the movie needs to be something special. Lunch or dinner, movie, cake and coffee; what's not to like, except the cost of it I guess.
I've seen some terrible movies at the cinema over the years so am selective now and don't go much at all.
That's it. The last one I watched, it came after so much recommendations even though, as you said sir, movie reviews are useless since it's based on one person's view. The movie must be worth it...being selective is the way to go when it comes to Cinemas.
It's been ages. I think it was The Force Awakens? I can't justify the price any more. When we were kids (sweet Jesus I'm one of these people now), I think a gang of us would head up to the movies nearly every weekend. The idea of doing that now is hilarious - driving that far to the theater, tickets, dinner, snacks - everything you mentioned is so expensive here as well. I can glean so much more value for my time and the price by staying at home and entertaining myself, or staying near home and having quality time with the people near and dear to me.
I couldn't have said it better than you...There's much more value to be had elsewhere. Sure, I like a movie outing now and then but it's becoming more rare for the reasons you mention.
And it's such a shame, because it used to be so fun! We used to go to this really cool theater when I was young - it had dusty, thick drapes down the walls, incredibly steep stairs up to the bathrooms, tickets for $3 USD or something ridiculous like that, and felt so run-down but beautiful at the same time with its dingy lighting. It was huge and could host two films at once. Then in my early teens a big company came in and built a mega complex that could show at least a dozen and put the old place out of business. Then the mega complex moved out, got torn down and replaced by a super grocery store. Thankfully, the old place was purchased and refurbished into an actual community theater, so it's used for stage productions, band performances, and anything else the local creative minds can think up. Of course, since we live in the sticks, it's now a hour's drive to the nearest movie theater 😂
It sounds like the theatre we have here and which I was just commenting to dswigle about in this post. You described but to a tee.
It's a shame these places get torn down, closed down or repurposed. We have a complex here with 30 cinemas and a 240 metre projection room. Not my thing really. I'd rather stay home.
Agreed. I miss the character of the old architecture and I don't appreciate the sterility of what's built now.
Top Gun: Maverick is our next pick, we have started going to movie regularly, but then we also don't like the highly charging theaters like INOX or Cinepolis. We have some old school theaters, which charge less than 50% , and they have renovated very nicely to compete. So we are happy, if the movie is playing there, unfortunately sometimes we don't get them there, so we have started going for morning shows. Tickets are cheap. Snacks are very expensive in these new theaters, almost like a popcorn costs more than a lunch. So we plan to eat outside in a fine dining at the same cost relieving the lady of her duties for the day.
Cheap tickets sounds bloody awesome!
I like your idea of not buying snacks at the cinema also, I usually do the same thing. I wasn't very prepared on Sunday though, so will make sure I am next time.
Hmm I could relate very much to many parts of your sharing. From stuff getting more expensive these days, and like you said, sometimes it's not about affordability and whether we see value. Also the part about human interaction, totally agree that human interaction is still enjoyable sometimes (even for an introvert like myself). I remembered the first few days where we returned to offices after the Covid "lockdown", it felt so different seeing people physically compared to over Zoom calls.
Humans don't work so well in isolation which is one reason it is used as punishment in prisons. I'm not very peopley, meaning I prefer to pick and choose my company rather than being with random people, but I'm not a fan of automated things taking the place of humans be it movie ticket sales or autonomous cars.
It does seem expensive and going to the cinema now days is not like it used to be. The last time I went I was heavily pregnant with LL and had to leave for loo breaks 🤣
The most important thing is that you enjoyed it and sometimes doing something that you don't do often is a refreshing change.
I used to smuggle sweets into the cinema in my bag to avoid the exorbitant cost of buying them at the teller. Then they started searching handbags so that went out the window.
Cinemas seem to be dying out. I should probably take LL to a movie at least once before they go extinct.
How old did Tom Cruise look?
Snack smuggling is legit, I do it too, although I was not prepared on Sunday. They search handbags? Nutbags. That doesn't happen here, not that I'm aware anyway, although I don't use a hand bag myself because, you know, I'm a man and all.
He looked 50, as was expected for his character. I guess it's movie magic though, he could look better or worse in real life.
Even at home when I have to choose between snuggling up with the family for movie night or doing art...well maybe if it's a really good movie or at least something I'd be interested in studying otherwise art wins every time because I'm a loser x_x
doesn't help I still don't get a lot done
Usually when I'm going to the cinema it's because I've been dragged there by someone else.
Glad you enjoyed your movie :D
I know a lot of people don't like watching movies; I'm one who does. (TV series also, like Game of Thrones etc.) I guess each of us does what makes us happy and there's no harm in it.
I'll drag you to see Top Gun Three in thirty years ok? Lol.
Sure, though J would be much better company XD
It's not that I don't like watching movies, just that the movie has to be particularly something I want to watch or study or both and I'm irrationally picky x_x
I'll be dead in thirty years so it's a moot point.
I have often wondered if it would be better or worse knowing when you were going to die x_x
I'd rather not know aibguwss, but I know it'll happen sooner or later which is why I live whilst I can.
Ya we are certainly in the midst of rip-off culture, but I suppose they set the price at what people will pay, so if people will pay $20+ then they will place the price there. We rarely make it to the cinema anymore for ourselves, we often take the kids to the latest cartoon or kiddie movie, but I can count on one hand how many times we have gone to the cinema for just the two of us. There are definitely some movies though that are worth seeing on the big screen like Lord of the Rings for example. The new Top Gun is a good idea too, and I will take your lead and buy us some tickets for that in the coming weeks.
I agree with you completely, movies like LOTR are definitely big screen movies although I watch them again and again in my TV or home theatre I guess.
It was really interesting to see that the prices dropped when people stopped going - shows the power people have - but like you say, when people are prepared to pay prices often rise.
It does sound like a bit of a soulless experience. Our local independent cinema still has people but I suspect some of them are volunteers (that's not bad, it's a way into the arts sector for lots of people). I miss, though, the ushers, who used to show you to your seat with a torch.
I did go to a modern cinema a few years ago. It had huge seats and headrests, and those things between seats with a drinks holder and place to put your snacks, but it was so damn noisy! People chatting, messing about, throwing snacks around ... worse than the Saturday morning pictures I used to go to as a child. At least there everyone shut up when there was a good fight scene/car chase/cartoon.
It was a little, no really atmosphere atmosphere at all.
I remember the ushers also, those were the days huh? You know, when customer service was a thing.
The seats in the cinema I went to were all recliners. Press a button and the back lays back and a foot rest extends. It's all good, comfortable, but there's one of the reason for the cost. Also, I hate it when people make noise during the movie, drives me bonkers! Lol.
Looks like we're old school 😂
Hmm, I'd say so yes...But...Old? Maybe let's just call it wise-school.
That, too 😍 the two often go hand in hand.
But I also try to remember that being old is a privilege, not everyone has it (that's a modern viking quote) 😃.
Lol, I can tell you're a proficient modern-day Viking. Want to invade England with me?
I'm already here (55% Viking DNA, came the first time round), but I could do with some help - have you seen what's going on? By the way, all the land is taken now, just 8% free to roam and all of it, whatever deeds you have, owned by the Crown (Saxons and Angles, the lot of them).
PS Sorry about the Big Dog reference 🤷♀
Damn, the Aussie version is way better than what we got. Ordering a trans-Pacific plane ticket now.
Lol.
If only huh? She's sexy AF.
I guess this part of my post was more a wish list item than reality though.
It’s been years since my last visit to a movie theatre. This is the only movie that has somewhat piqued my interest even slightly. Maybe I'll go, maybe I won't. Time will tell.
Yeah, I'm happy to wait for them to come onto PayTV or other streaming services usually. I was keen to see this one on the big screen though. I'm glad I did.
I enjoy going to the cinema maybe because of the large screen and comfort I get whenever I do so
Though I enjoy going with friends
But it sure always worth going.
I do it as social experience with friends
Ticket money varies, if it's a trending movie then it going to be expensive.
We don't have machines that help with movie ticket like yours
It always done by workers
The best thing is getting ticket online before going because you might end up getting to the cinema and seeing a lot of crowds trying to get a movie ticket too and the server can just be poor while trying to get the move ticket that you might miss the first 30 minutes of your movie
Yeah, they have online ticketing here too...but there's a booking fee of $3. I prefer the old method of buying tickets at the box office, but those days are long gone.
Sometimes it is necessary to cut down some unnecessary expenditures when we can afford those things at home, for example including your story, then buying food from vendors and cooking at home. Mostly we spent a lot when we buy from vendors, or go out for movie nights. When we can watch those movies and have fun at home. In this hard economy, wisdom demands that we learn to cut off some unnecessary expenditures. Thanks, a friend for sharing.
It's wise to make adjustments to spending habits when things tighten up financially. Many do not though.
Glad to hear the movie is worth a watch. So many follow ups are not. Not really a movie goer for the last 10 or 20 years. Don't like the crowds, don't like the lines, don't like the tall people sitting in front of me. Don't like the outlandish prices for popcorn, coke, and twizzlers (a must have).
Last two for me was a couple years ago taking the (college age) kids to the most recent Star Wars, just for old times sake. It was enjoyable, but I generally prefer the on-demand at home. I can make my own snacks, have a drink if desired, pause at my leisure for bathroom breaks, adjust the surround sound to my liking, and while the screen isn't quite as big, it's a more enjoyable experience for me. I can think of a few that I've seen in the larger IMAX format, and a few I would like to, but that's about all that would entice me out these days. Even the movie theatre popcorn has languished. I think they will soon go the way of the drive-in theatres, remember those? Now THAT was a party!
It was reasonably predictable, but I liked that as it stayed true to the original. There's even a beach scene when the team all play sport just like in the original. Lol.
I relate. On-demand at home is awesome...Snacks, peace and quiet, my cat sitting on my lap. IMAX is awesome though, as you say. We used to have an IMAX cinema here but not anymore. Bummer.
Too salty. I agree.
Our last drive in theatre is closing soon, they're putting houses on it. I used to love the drive in. It was a cheap way for may parents to take us to the movies.
I'm not sure I know of the claim that technology creates jobs... I just thought it increased productivity. Less people get more done and all that jazz.
Our first cinema experience was $8 per ticket in the US, and we went last week to see Everything Everywhere All At Once (which we loved) and our tickets were $6 each... but they don't sell choctops in US cinemas, so y'know, it's just not as good.
I guess most people go to the cinema as a social experience with their friends, to go together, talk about the movie afterwards over food, etc. I personally don't think I'd need the social aspect from the staff per se. Our local cinema is filled with bored teenagers who only provide fake smiles so I'm not sure our experience was any more social than yours.
Haha, I was going to use the work choctop in my post but didn't think anyone wold know what I meant (other than Australians!) The ice cream I got was exactly that, a boysenberry one.
$6? That's about $8.40 AUD. Cheap. I paid $22 each. Just a standard cinema. (No to-your-chair hot food and alcoholic beverage service) I just don't see the point. It's far too costly...Well, not that I can't afford it, like I say, I just don't see a whole lot of value.
Boysenberry is the best one!!!
Yeah, I honestly never enjoyed the Gold Class experience... I always found the staff zipping around super distracting and eating a full meal in the dark while semi-reclined was not my favourite.
It's surprising that cinema experiences are even still a thing - surely most people have very decent home set ups that you can pause for toilet breaks, etc.
I agree, it's a joke really...I'd come out with food spilled all over my shirt! 😊
Clinical! That is exactly what it is. It is really no longer an experience that I enjoy, at least like I used to.
I went once last year and not at all this year. Having your own home theater has really changed how I view it. The average movie around here is $9.00 -$10.00 with the IMAX being a bit higher at $10.00- $15.00 Then of course the 4DX are even higher with those chairs that recline and move with the effects.
It varies with the service from place to place, but, for as little as they pay the two people they have running it all, the price of automation hardly seems worth it. The American movie theaters have really suffered before Covid even started. They had started building bigger and more State of the Art theaters, but, to dwindling crowds. I am not sure what happened, but, perhaps having a theater boasting 10 screens has taken some of the excitement out of waiting for a movie to reach your theater.
I bring my own snacks. :) I could buy a full meal for what they charge!
It sounds like the same as here, the money is different, even with the exchange rate, but it's the same old story.
We have a theatre here at beach side suburb called Semaphore that is fairly old school. The Odeon Star is almost totally unimproved from 30 years ago and still actually has staff. Tickets are $10, but yep, no bells and whistles. I prefer it. Still, I don't go to the movies very often and am happy with that.
I hope you're well Denise.
We have a lot of those still, outside of the city and in smaller sections of the city. Out at the shore, it is definitely all like that, the same theater as it was in the 1950s. We like them better too for the entire experience, but, if you get there first, they have that stale popcorn smell to them. :) Not as sanitized as the other, newer... and yet, they are homier and feel better.
I haven't been there since before the pandemic and they have closed the entire pandemic, so hard to tell how much they are now.
I did forget that prior to the pandemic, we tried out the Movie Pass and I know that most of the members of my family and extended family loved it because the movies were unlimited and the price of two tickets paid for the monthly fee. If you like to go to the movies, it is great. I just didn't have that kind of time.
I am doing great, Galen! Too busy, but it is starting to slow. :)
Lol, that stale popcorn smell is universal then, it's the same at The Odeon. I saw Lone Survivor there last, that's how long it's been since I was there. I might have to make a triumphant return one of these days. I'll bring my snacks so that I'm in no danger of getting 40 year old popcorn. I'll have to accept the stale popcorn smell that permeates into my clothing though.
Slow it down Swigs, life is too short.
I am purposely slowing it down. Savoring the flavor. Life has always been too short and I have been long on enjoying it in the best of ways. I guess when I say busy, I mean full, but there still had been too much time trying to carve out more free time.
Haha! Yes! That stale popcorn smell mixed with sweat or perhaps not enough airing out is what the theaters were like. They owned it.
I have to agree. I think they are better, if only because it feels like home.
Slow and sweet Swigs.
I don't frequent the cinema. It's rather too expensive
It certainly is.
Ya, definitely. Interesting to see how far they can afford to drop prices, when it is not gouging-season! Sometimes I think we are mugs to pay the price for certain things, but what can you do, other than vote with your feet like you have. I must say though I do like the cinema experience from time to time, with the Nachos, Popcorn, massive screen and proper surround sound.
I'm going to go for the Jennifer Connelly nudity alone...
(Or am I?)
How did you make that text small like that by the way? I tried small smaller shrink in parenthesis as guesses and had to make do with ####### in the end and didn't come out great!
Lol, worth it for sure!
Below for small, (off-set low) like this.
<sub>your words here</sub>Below for small, (middle of line) like this.
<sub><sup>your words here</sub></sup>I hope that helps and you use it in your posts from time to time.
Brilliant - thanks a million - what are your tuition fees?
My secretary will be in touch with your fees...
I just need your Mother's maiden name, the name of your first pet and your Private Key - thank you :)
I get paid in hugs.
Fuck that, I take cold hard cash...and donuts and coffee. 😂
Lol, yeah I've heard that before...Hang on, I'll send it over.
Technology and technology is very enjoyable and amazing. But it is expensive. There is an increase in prices in our country.
Prices are increasing everywhere. The smart people see it and are adjusting, the others...well, it's a choice thing I guess.
The film sounds well worth seeing on so many levels, and you got your popcorn!
Technology and progress at it's finest, let's delete the humans!
The temerity of you handing over cash though, the shame of it.
Bollocks to that, I still prefer paying in cash wherever I can.
It was ok, similar to the first but with better effects as a lot of the in flight footage/dialogue was done in flight or so I'm told. It's worth a look.
Cash is king, but these days it's fast becoming hard to spend. 😳
I was hoping the effects would be good, to be honest that was the main reason for me wanting to see it.
Yeah cash is king if you can spend it🤣
144 bucks for an outing is really steep. One would have thought that the proliferation of technology would reduce prices, but it is obvious that this is not the case as far as the movies are concerned.
You touched on something interesting with that cash part. I was in the US for a few years and looking back I was amazed at how seldom I came into contact with physical money.
It is good to treat yourself occasionally though. The last time I went to the movies was just a few months before covid. It was an action movie. That's probably the only genre I would spend money on.
All in all, great observations. It shows how much technology has changed things.
No one likes to take cash here which I don't really understand. A lot of it comes from there being no need to police EFT transactions as they all go through the machine. It helps keep staff honest in a dishonest world. I suppose. There's also no need for trips to the bank for retailers. I like cash though.
2019... @pooky-jax says spring.
John Wick 3 - Parabelum
The theater was most awesome. Big fluffy recliners. We wanted to go again. But, well, The world changed.
I miss it. But will probably never go again.
The same for a lot of people I'd say.