Overture, Light the Lights
23-Apr-07 11:10 AM by Ken GagneFiled under Films; 4 comments.
In anticipation of Spider-Man 3 — a new trailer for which was released this past weekend — I've invited several friends to a group outing.
One person accepted:
I love opening nights; there is an energy in the audience that is different from other movie experiences.
Another declined:
I would rather see the movie in a more relaxed atmosphere. I am not a fan of the battle for good seats, plus it's possible to get really bad seats.
I can see the advantages of both. So what company do you prefer: a large, boisterous, reactive crowd on opening night? Or a quiet matinee a few weeks later, perhaps at a second-run? And why?
Tags: crowd, matinee, moviegoing, opening night, outing, seats, Spider-Man, theaters
23-Apr-07 12:08 PM
For big "event" films, I like to see it in a big crazy crowd of uber-fans, on opening night or close to it, then go again a couple of weeks later to actually see the movie. The first time is more about the festive atmosphere, while the second is about seeing the film.
24-Apr-07 1:38 PM
I agree with Sheppy — big, "event" movies are best seen with a large, enthusiastic audience on or near to the premiere. However, due to scheduling preferences, I end up seeing most movies as an early matinee a few weeks after they open.
If I like a movie enough, I'll go see it again in a quieter setting, rent it, or buy it on DVD. Movies that relatively few people will appreciate, such as, say, Dark City, are best seen after the initial rush.
25-Apr-07 8:44 AM
I'm a fan of being one of only a few people in a movie theatre. I find it easier to enjoy both the movie and my company if the audience is smaller.
In contrast, I love big audiences when I'm seeing live theatre — where the cast feeds off the energy of the audience.
25-Apr-07 11:22 AM
Hiphopyguy23 prefers nearly empty theaters so he can make out with his date.
Hiphopguy23 wonders if the projectionist can watch?