Last weekend, I went to a movie theater for the first time since December 2024 – and, for the first time ever, I went completely on my own with out my parents driving me. That trip got me thinking about how different it feels to see a movie in a theater compared to watching one at home. So, allow me to share what the theater-going experience means to me and why I believe it's still worth appreciating.
To me, movie theaters feel like a bit of a dying art form. With the rise of streaming services, too many people no longer see the need to spend money on a ticket when they can watch almost anything from the comfort of their couch. Still, there's something uniquely special apbut going to the theater that no streaming service can replicate.
Yes, theaters give you the chance to see a movie before it becomes available for streaming, but it's more than just early access. It's about atmosphere. There's a feeling you get when you step into a theater–like you're being transported into another world. The dimming lights, the pre-show reminders about theater etiquette, the trailers that build your excitement, and then... finally... the feature presentation. That sense of anticipation simply doesn't exist at home.
Throughout history, theaters have experimented with ways to make the experience even more immersive. From William Castle's quirky theater gimmicks int he 1950s to Alfred Hitchcock's famous rule of not allowing anyone to enter the theater after Psycho had started, filmmakers and theater owners have long been trying to create a sense of event and excitement. Over the decades, new formats like 3D movies, IMAX, and even OMNIMAX screens have been introduced to enhance the visual spectable. Today, we even have 4DX theaters that add motion and even scents to make you feel like you're part of the movie. (Speaking from experience–Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and 3 in 4DX are thrilling, though they might leave you with a bit of whiplash the first time!)
For individuals who have sensory sensitivities, some theaters now offer sensory-friendly showings with softer sound, slightly brighter lights, and family-friendly films. These screenings help make the magic of the movies accessible to everyone.
While streaming is convenient, nothing truly compares to the immersive, communal experience of going to a movie theater. It's more than just watching a film–it's being part of a story, alongside others who are just as excited as you are.
That's all for now. See you need week, when we'll talk about fall flavors that aren't pumpkin spice!
