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» Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE   » Operations   » Ground Level   » Reasons Moviegoers choose theatres (Page 3)

 
This topic comprises 4 pages: 1  2  3  4   
Author Topic: Reasons Moviegoers choose theatres
Mathew Molloy
Master Film Handler

Posts: 357
From: The Santa Cruz Mountains
Registered: Nov 2000

- posted 06-12-2003 05:51 AM      Profile for Mathew Molloy   Email Mathew Molloy   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Paul, one of the main reasons seat numbers aren't available to the public is for security reasons. Perhaps the thinking is that some ne-er-do-well sees a sold out sign on our window (HAH, like that's going to happen any time soon), asks how many seats we have and multiplies xxx # of seats X $9.75 and can figure out how much dough we have floating around. Of course that's kinda silly as the person could just count the people as they go in...

There's some other reasons that I'm sure I'd get a spanking for talking about. It's all corporate. Bobby, who you calling uncaring apes? [Big Grin]

Paul H., you're so right about seeing film done wrong everywhere. Fortunately as I manage a (single screen) theatre and project at our screening room I have no time to go anywhere else to see films or watch anything at home. Therefore my blood pressure stays down.

Oh and Pravin, I apologise if I jumped down your throat - I've just been dealing with a lot of ignorant customers lately. [Wink]

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Paul Howard
Film Handler

Posts: 26
From: Huyton, Liverpool, UK
Registered: May 2003

- posted 06-12-2003 05:53 AM      Profile for Paul Howard   Email Paul Howard   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Eric Gave his reasons for choosing a theatre,
my main reason is Presentation, because i am a perfectionist, born and bred.
-My favorite cinema of all is PictureHouse@FACT here in Liverpool. 3 perfect screens and one called "The Box, [thumbsdown] " 3 with SRD, perfect focus, quite large screens, comfortable (screen 1,2,3 not "the Box [thumbsdown] ") and very respectful crowds of people who shutup and whach the film. BUT closed due to some roofing problems, God knows when they will re-Open. I miss it.

-Next favorite. My own home cinema. 1 screen, SRD DTS, not the biggest screen ever but fairly large in proportion to the room. comfortable, very very respectful crowds (my Girlfriend and I) even personalised toilet breaks.

-Next Bradford, Pictureville. Only problem is it's 60 miles away. To far to go unless for special occasion (ie fantastic films weekend, 70mm).

We all know that cinemas have to cater for crowds and not individuals, but if the theaters where I live were all like picturehouse in the FACT centre. My own home cinema would be way down on the list and those multiplex's would be getting my £s instead of Choices video

MATHEW- I Wish I could Visit your cinema to say hi BUT youre a bit further than even Bradford. take care.

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Eric Hooper
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 532
From: Fort Worth, TX, USA
Registered: May 2003

- posted 06-12-2003 02:27 PM      Profile for Eric Hooper   Email Eric Hooper   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Carl,

I'm not real sure what draws me to United Artists (now Regal). Perhaps it's their marketing? Maybe it's the look and feel of their theatres? When you get used to something, you tend to stick with it. I do not like the AMC because it's an over-priced over-crowded fire trap and I hate the way they cut off the green MPAA advisories from their trailers. I tend to view all AMC theatres this way now and steer clear. The Metreon is the same way, too popular for it's own good. ($6.99 Nachos? Who are they kidding?) United Artists and Regal has been good to me. Walk right in, get popcorn and a drink combo, get a seat and enjoy. No hassles with tickets or crowds. UA/Regal also takes debit and credit cards whereas the other chains do not. And because they do offer such great places to go see movies *in addition* to their megaplexes, I'll choose their megaplex over another chain megaplex if I'm out traveling or if I'm in the mood for the megaplex experience (Regal in Dublin).

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Bobby Henderson
"Ask me about Trajan."

Posts: 10973
From: Lawton, OK, USA
Registered: Apr 2001

- posted 06-13-2003 12:26 AM      Profile for Bobby Henderson   Email Bobby Henderson   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
On theater seating counts, one can attain such information from the local city government and their fire code paperwork. If they give you any problem you can slam 'em with Freedom of Information Act. Depending on the city and its own set of rules some theaters will even have to list how many seats are in each auditorium on little fire code wall signs.

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Carl Martin
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1424
From: Oakland, CA, USA
Registered: Feb 2002

- posted 06-13-2003 05:36 AM      Profile for Carl Martin   Author's Homepage   Email Carl Martin   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
eric,

thanks for elaborating. the only sf ua's i've been to (that i recall) are the coronet and the galaxy, since it went "arthouse". i went to the galaxy out of necessity to see films not shown elsewhere, but have not been happy with presentation and will try not to go back. [i will never ever set foot in the berkeley ua; i literally have nightmares about that place. i kid you not.] the coronet's presentation has been generally fine (and big). theaters like the alexandria look pretty nice from the outside but i've never been in. what really bugs me though about these theaters is the pervasive not-butter smell, the inescapable movie-tunes (in the bathroom??!), the slides... er, "pre-show". basically, all these things that make it a corporate experience rather than a film experience. amc is no better. and i really really hate those flippant ua/regal/amc-style policy trailers with rollercoasters and stupid animations right before the feature that put me in a foul mood.

no, i'd much rather go to the castro, roxie, red vic, or a landmark theater (conflict of interest--i work for them). if i want to see something that isn't playing at one of these, i can usually see it in the east bay at the grand lake or oaks (renaissance rialto, another good, but tiny, circuit).

carl

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Eric Hooper
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 532
From: Fort Worth, TX, USA
Registered: May 2003

- posted 06-13-2003 10:43 AM      Profile for Eric Hooper   Email Eric Hooper   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Carl,

Actually, I really like the "Regal Roller Coaster". [thumbsup] I used to also like the UA policies before Regal took over. I agree with you on the UA Berkeley, it's very poorly run. And it's unfortunate because inside it's a beautiful place. I think in any Circuit there are very good theatres and then there's their bottom of the barrel scum theatres they don't care about. I don't agree with this business practice, but oh well. They must be making money on the Berkeley theatre or they would have closed it by now. The Landmark's in Berkeley *are* much nicer theatres. You should try to visit the Alexandria in SF sometime. It's very similar to the California in Berkeley. 1920's Egyptian art deco, warm, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. My favorite here in SF. The Vogue and Metro are definitely worthy of visits as well.

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David Stambaugh
Film God

Posts: 4021
From: Eugene, Oregon
Registered: Jan 2002

- posted 06-13-2003 11:17 AM      Profile for David Stambaugh   Author's Homepage   Email David Stambaugh   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Count me in with those who like the Regal roller coaster. It's not *great*, but it looks and sounds pretty good, especially the latest one with the new sound mix. [thumbsup] Thank god they quickly dumped the Pepsi girl one. [thumbsdown]

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Thomas Procyk
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1842
From: Royal Palm Beach, FL, USA
Registered: Feb 2002

- posted 06-13-2003 12:12 PM      Profile for Thomas Procyk   Email Thomas Procyk   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
David:

Allright folks! Let's get a few things straight...
There's to be no talkin' cussin' or fightin' during the show.
Don't wanna hear no cell phones or beepers...
I don't wanna see any TRASH on the FLOOR! [evil]
And keep your EYES on the emergency exits; [eyes] Got it?

Anybody back there? Evenin' friend.
How's about servin' me up some of your finest? [beer]

*Thank you!*

AND NO SMOKIN'!!!! [Eek!]
Heh, that goes for all you folks, too.

I'd better be movin' along now. Ma's waitin...

(see manager with comments [Wink] )

=TMP=

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Paul Linfesty
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1383
From: Bakersfield, CA, USA
Registered: Nov 1999

- posted 06-13-2003 12:36 PM      Profile for Paul Linfesty   Email Paul Linfesty   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Well, as our local Edwards has yet to even start RUNNING the egal policy trailer, I'll have to take everyone's word for it.

As for me, I expect a well-lit, perfectly framed, sharply focused image. Sound needs to be clear, but I can live without DDIGITAL, as long as the system is well-tuned. For some reason, SR presentations in town tend to sound like CRAP! This is something I dont really understand, because when the DIG is playing back well, it usually does sound pretty well tuned. Heck, I can even put up with optic mono on a really well-maintained system.

Second, I like a theatre with some sense of individuality of design. Seeing a movie in a theatre means having a theatre ambience. I rarely get that any more. When I do, I consider it a special treat.

Snack bar specials have no interest to me. Several years ago, a UA theatre in town made you listen to their "specials" on their recording before they got to the showtimes. Another theatre in town has on their marquee "Don't forget to ask about our free cookie dough bites" or "gummy Bears" or whatever they are running this month.

Turnoffs (and I admit not seeing this since the 80's) were theatres who built snack bars next to the screen for blockbuster films)or who sent employees down aisles hawking food items, or who take up collections before a movie starts, making you feel guilty (and cheap) for not contributing.

I want curtains, classical or jazz or showtune music in uncompressed format (the C-O Century Plaza in L.A. used to do this on what had to have been one of the best THX systems around)a maximum of 4 previews (my mind cannot remember any more), maybe a short subject with a shorter than normal feature film, and a curtain close to break this up with the feature film, etc. I know, I ask too much! [Wink]

BTW, Eric, I really enjoyed the UA Theatres in SF in the 70's, all very individual theatres: Alexandria (right before they split), Coronet, Metro, El Rey, Vogue. too bad I didnt have similiar experiences from other UA's (Berkeley, when it was only a 4-plex and twin).

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System Notices
Forum Watchdog / Soup Nazi

Posts: 215

Registered: Apr 2004

- posted 05-09-2005 10:37 PM      Profile for System Notices         Edit/Delete Post 

It has been 696 days since the last post.

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Mike Croaro
Master Film Handler

Posts: 394
From: Millbrae, CA
Registered: Apr 2005

- posted 05-09-2005 10:37 PM      Profile for Mike Croaro   Email Mike Croaro   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
HI Folks:

Like Eric Hooper, I also find myself at the older UA Theatres in San Francisco(Vogue, Stonestown, Berkeley 7, Alexandria, etc). These older theatres have so much history to them. Crowds are very modest so it's easy to get a good seat. For the most part employees seem to be more friendly than those of the monster-plexes.

I suspect that people into industrial design would find hacked up single screens interesting. I do. I like looking at the various modifications that are done to accomodate the multiplexing.

Finally, these small theatres remind me of my childhood (1970-1982) when i used to to go the Manor Twin (San Mateo, CA) & Belmont Theatres (Belmont, CA).

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Eric Hooper
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 532
From: Fort Worth, TX, USA
Registered: May 2003

- posted 05-10-2005 05:32 PM      Profile for Eric Hooper   Email Eric Hooper   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
quote: Mike Croaro
Like Eric Hooper, I also find myself at the older UA Theatres in San Francisco(Vogue, Stonestown, Berkeley 7, Alexandria, etc). These older theatres have so much history to them. Crowds are very modest so it's easy to get a good seat. For the most part employees seem to be more friendly than those of the monster-plexes.
Hi Mike and welcome. Unfortunately the Alexandria and Coronet have met their fate within the last year. [Frown]

quote: Mike Croaro
I suspect that people into industrial design would find hacked up single screens interesting. I do. I like looking at the various modifications that are done to accomodate the multiplexing.
That would definitely be the Berkely 7. [Eek!] - Carl: Believe it or not, since Regal took over things have acutally drastically improved at the Berkeley 7. They've really cleaned it up and even put in some new seats and sound systems! [Cool] Also, since I'm in the East Bay now, I've been going to Renaissance Rialto and Landmark now. The Grand Lake ROCKS!

quote: Mike Croaro
Finally, these small theatres remind me of my childhood (1970-1982) when i used to to go the Manor Twin (San Mateo, CA) & Belmont Theatres (Belmont, CA).
Excellent! I used to love the GCC Hillsdale and the Belmont! Have you been to the Century Hyatt (ex-cinerama) triplex? That's another real fun one. [beer]

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Mike Croaro
Master Film Handler

Posts: 394
From: Millbrae, CA
Registered: Apr 2005

- posted 05-10-2005 11:39 PM      Profile for Mike Croaro   Email Mike Croaro   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Hi Eric:

Yes I was just at the Hyatt 3 last Sunday. I never visited this theatre when it was a single screen but one of my friends did. The "downstairs" auditorium is nice but they need to brighten the screen up. The "upstairs" auds are a bit funky in design but no worse than any other single screen subjected to plexing.

Glad to hear you're enjoying the Renaissance Rialto Theatres of the East Bay. I saw "Hitchiker" at the Orinda opening weekend. Have you been to the Oaks Theatre in Albank/Berkely? What a nice twin theatre.

Finally, do you or have you worked in theatres?

Best Regards,

Mike Croaro

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Carl Martin
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1424
From: Oakland, CA, USA
Registered: Feb 2002

- posted 05-11-2005 03:14 AM      Profile for Carl Martin   Author's Homepage   Email Carl Martin   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
eric,

glad (i guess) to hear that the ua berkeley is getting better. i still hear stories though from coworkers who have been there. i do like the grand lake. their main screen is great, the others ok.

next time you come to my theater (i think you know the one), ask if i'm there.

mike,

the oaks theater used to be renaissance-rialto, now they are metropolitan. i'm kind of hesitant to go there now with the movietunes and all, but if it's something i really want to see.

carl

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Mike Croaro
Master Film Handler

Posts: 394
From: Millbrae, CA
Registered: Apr 2005

- posted 05-11-2005 03:06 PM      Profile for Mike Croaro   Email Mike Croaro   Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post 
Hi Carl:

I did visit the Oaks Theatre (Berkeley, CA) recently and Metropolitan Theatres appears to be operating the theatre in a good manner. I do recall some auditorium music but it wasn't "movie tunes". It seemed to be more sophisticated. I have confidence that this will still continue to be a good quality venue.

If anyone else on the foum has had any experiences at the Oaks Theatre under the new management perhaps they will chime in.

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