Learn how to perfect your movie-going experience with these five tips

By: Nalyn Tindall

Going to the movies is a unique experience unlike any other. With streaming services on the rise, some may feel the practice of going out to see a movie is dying, but I wholeheartedly believe it’s an experience that can’t be replicated.

An outing to the cinema is the perfect date, after-class activity, family outing or escape from reality. Films naturally bring people together, allowing an audience to relish in a communal experience of emotions. Whether you're dying of laughter while watching the newest comedy or gasping in terror while viewing a bone-chilling horror movie, experiencing these emotions in a crowd amplifies the impact they have on each and every person in the room. Hearing those around you react to the screen prompts a similar reaction from yourself, creating an intensely immersive few hours.

An in-person theatrical viewing provides an experience that just can’t compare to watching at home — and it's an art that some have perfected with intricate steps that must be followed. As a frequent movie go-er, here are my five key steps to making the most of your time at the theatre.

Step 1: Picking the perfect film

When going to the movies, it's important to choose the perfect film, and there’s a multitude of factors that must be considered when browsing through your options.

The people you choose to share armrests with are key to the viewing experience. It’s important to consider everyone's movie tastes, how well you know each other and the nature of your relationship. There’s nothing more awkward than watching a sex scene with your parents or taking a new coworker to the most obscure movie of the year.

But ensure you are also thinking of yourself; while your company's taste matters, don't sacrifice your own to ensure you’ll enjoy the movie just as much.

Step 2. Picking your seats

This may be even more difficult — and more argument-inducing — than choosing the film. Agreeing on seats can be a strenuous experience, especially if the people you’re with don’t have the common sense to avoid the front row at all costs. Instead, it’s important to buy your tickets early so you have unlimited seating options.

But if you’re worried about fighting over which section is the best or find the wide array of seat options overwhelming, it might be a good idea to cut it close and purchase tickets when there are only a few seats left. That way, you can avoid adding stress to an event that is best experienced stress-free.

Step 3. Snacktime!

Although theatre snacks may be expensive, they’re an essential part of the experience. Going to the movies is a time to indulge in the finer things that can't be found at home. This can mean buttery popcorn, delectable candy or most importantly, a giant fountain drink. You’re bound to be parched sitting in the theatre for hours, so it’s essential to be prepared.

Step 4. Enjoy the magic

When the lights dim, you know it’s time for the magic to begin. The trailers will roll and the anticipation will grow. Sitting in a dark theatre surrounded by other aspiring cinephiles and casual movie go-ers, all absorbing the same piece of art, is an experience that can’t be recreated.

While you may love a film that others hated, the shared viewing ties the audience together. Unlike at home, where your phone, emails or family members beg to distract you, you’re able to concentrate on the film in front of you, step out of your busy world and simply enjoy for just a few hours.

Step 5. Debrief

This is the part I always enjoy the most. When the lights come on and the theatre empties, thoughts flood the mind. The conversations following the credits are always memorable, as I passionately rank films and compare my thoughts with my company. There are a million questions to ask them, from their favourite character or scene to what they would change about the film. As heated discussions rise and controversial opinions get challenged, the debrief acts as a bonding ritual and an incentive to go back for another.

If you consider these five steps, you're bound to experience the perfect movie outing. While a few things may still go wrong, like your popcorn ending up on the floor or an actor not living up to your expectations, memories will be made. Going to watch a movie in the theatre provides the opportunity for long-lasting memories to be made above all else, which is why it will never go out of style.

Theatres reopening after the pandemic sparked changes in the way people view movies.

By: Aylia Naqvi

It is no surprise that the movie theatre experience is a huge part of youth culture. However, film lovers and moviegoers missed out on that experience for months due to the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Running any business during the pandemic has been challenging. Movie theatres in particular hit a different type of low because of the countrywide shutdown and many anticipated movies being released on streaming sites. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have grown in popularity since the pandemic began as many decided it was a great way to pass their boredom being stuck at home. The BBC found that in 2020 alone, almost 16 million people created Netflix accounts in the first three months of the year.

While many were enjoying watching movies at home, theatres being closed had significant financial impacts. Cineplex lost $103.7 million in the second quarter of 2021, according to CTV News. Even as people are starting to go back to theatres to watch movies, the box office numbers for many anticipated movies this year were still not able to compare to the pre-pandemic era.

Fast and Furious 9 ($123 million), A Quiet Place Part II ($145 million) and Godzilla vs. Kong ($100 million) were the closest U.S. and Canada got to a true summer blockbuster. There is no doubt that these movies are beloved among many moviegoers, however, their box office revenue is nothing compared to the era of Avengers: Endgame, The Lion King and Spider-Man: Far From Home, which garnered between $300 million and $800 million in North America alone. While theatres can slowly increase their ticket sales as people feel more comfortable going to the movies, it is safe to say that a lot of the viewer's experience has changed.

Some people might decide that they will stick to streaming services at home since they’re used to it after one-and-a-half years of lockdown, while others might be excited to see the big screen again.

Streaming movies on Netflix was definitely a huge pastime for me during the pandemic. It allowed me to catch up on shows that I have been meaning to watch for a while and also rewatch some classic movies. However, lockdown did make me realize how enjoyable it is to share the experience of watching a movie with a bunch of strangers.

I remember the era of Black Panther and Infinity War coming out in theatres, and going to watch both movies with some friends. Not only were both movies amazing, but one of the most memorable parts was being able to share reactions of shock, excitement, and sadness with those in the theatre with us. I realized then that even though Netflix is great for being able to watch your favourite movies and shows whenever you like, there is something really special about the movie theatre experience.

Barry Hertz wrote an article for The Globe and Mail where he speaks about going to a Cineplex movie theatre in Toronto for the first time in nine months. He made an observation about the ratio between those who would buy snacks at the cinema and those who would sneak in snacks from outside. This definitely shows how many people missed the movie theatre experience and how so many are excited to experience cinemas in their full form again. “People wanted a genuine evening out at the movies, and they were going to happily pay for that popcorn-nacho-soda combo no matter the markup,” wrote Hertz. “And hey, the freestyle Coca-Cola soda machine was up and running too.”

While many want to experience movie theatres again, reopening a business after a pandemic is not like flipping a switch; many have to start all over again. It is going to take a lot more for movie theatres to get their sales back to the post-COVID-19 days. Whether that would be making chairs more comfortable or updating their menu, movie theatres must do more to attract people to watch movies on the big screen again.