The showings of non-mainstream media interests me, as a MST3K/RiffTrax fan.
The only time out of the past six or so theater trips that I did not encounter rudeness (excessive/loud talking, cellphone use, etc.) was when I saw the new Star Wars at a late night showing a month or so ago. And that was mainly because I was (literally) the only attendee.
Theater behavior was essentially churchlike before the advent of home video.
The only negative is that they are so popular that tickets often sell out nearly a week in advance. It's a great way to spend a Friday or Saturday night in Austin.
I hate, deeply and profoundly, the sound of people eating. If it doesn't bother you then you might not have noticed this, but about 50% of popcorn eating cinema-goers cannot chew with their mouths closed.
Regardless, does the theater in question seriously notify loud eaters to quiet down or risk being removed from the theater? That is way too strict. Or maybe the theater uses sound-cancelling tech?
The other big annoyance at the moment is people checking their phones. It's like getting flash lights out and shining them around.
He'd been scrolling through his timeline for a few minutes before I said anything, he put his phone away and started watching the movie but started checking every setting for iOS shortly after which I spoke louder so everyone could hear that he was being an annoying prick.
It's pretty clear to me that this is the way a lot of people will want to watch movies in the future once resolution in VR is increased. This will either by higher pixel density or a move to retina projection based technologies. Both of these things are likely to hit the market with the required resolution within the next 2-5 years.
I go to the cinema a lot, but usually only if I can see the film I want on to on Screen 1 - i.e the biggest one.
VR will negate the need for me to do that so often, though I'm still sure I'll go with friends once in a while.
Still, as the interactive aspect ramps up (where you can "watch together" virtually (VR, or alternative), this will be less of a concern.
As for the part about "getting out of the house" there are lots of other things people can do for that, walk the dog, go to the caffe, "get some milk" at the grocer's, drop by the pub, etc.
In fact someone can even say "there isn't a compelling reason for leaving the comfort of one's abode to go get a beer in a shared space next to strangers who might behave very annoyingly. Plus there is getting there, the grime on seats, the crowds, etc." to your suggestion.
To me the only way they can remain viable is artificially by keeping a monopoly on distribution, otherwise there isn't a compelling reason for leaving the comfort of one's abode to go see a movie in a shared space next to strangers who might behave very annoyingly. Plus there is getting there, the grime on seats, the crowds, etc.
Once screens get big enough, the form factor will cease to be a deciding factor. Sure, they have some years before that happens but they'd better prepare.
On the upside, the theaters could be reused for other community purposes, either as rec centers, hack spaces, etc.