Two people exit a movie theatre. Graphic developed on Canva. (Photo Juno Le)
Two people exit a movie theatre. Graphic developed on Canva.

Photo Juno Le

Head to Head: Movie Streaming

Should you stay inside and stream or go to the movies?

January 31, 2023

More streaming services are on the rise and less are going out to a movie theatre to see the latest film. Disney has even released movies directly to its streaming service rather than give the film some time in theaters.

Staff writers Yesenia Rosario and Ariana Smith debate whether staying in and streaming or going out to a theatre are the best option for modern entertainment.

Theaters Provide More Than Your Subscription

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Photo Yesenia Rosario

Digital image of reasons why you should go to the movies.

Nowadays, going to the theater is less thought of and has not been in the best interest of some, but in actuality going to the theater every so often is great fun for all ages. You get to hang out with friends and enjoy a new movie with great quality while enjoying theater popcorn or the snacks you snuck in.

A pro of going to the theaters is that even when the movies are released to the public at home, you still have to pay to watch them. Whether its a membership with HBO Max or renting the movie through Prime Video, people are still paying to watch a movie, weeks later at risk of spoilers. Films range from $3-$8 to rent and if you’re an avid movie watcher, that eventually adds up so why not go to the theaters and join AMC stubs or their A-List membership which gives you deals on movies and food?

Waiting to watch a movie after it’s been released at home means you have to wait longer to watch and are at risk of spoilers. When movies are released they’re advertised by saying the date they’re released in theaters and when they’ll be available online which are usually weeks apart, at least. An example is the movie “My Policeman” which is an Amazon film so it was released on Prime Video after coming out in theaters. In theaters, it was released on Oct. 21 and was released on Prime Video on Nov. 4, two weeks apart. Rather than waiting, you can go to theaters on release day and enjoy the movie, spoiler free.

Now, if you enjoy a good movie but don’t avidly watch them, going to the theater is still a great option. It’s allowing you to get out of the house but still remain comfortable. At the theaters, you’re able to choose, for more money around $18, depending on showtimes the comfy recliner seats. Though it’s a bit on the pricey side if you’re not getting out often, it’s a great purchase. The seats themselves are comfortable and soft, almost calling you to sleep. These types of seats are great especially if you’re watching a long movie.

A reason most people won’t give the theaters a second glance is the pricing. Though I agree that the prices have gone up drastically through the years, so has the quality.

AMC offers a variety of different theaters to choose from, from IMAX to Dolby Atmos to 3D depending on what quality and experience you’re looking for. In either theater, you receive great quality visual and auditory. Booming speakers left and right making sure you don’t miss the smallest of sounds to the large screen allowing you to see a fly.

Though some people enjoy going to the theater alone, I like inviting a handful of friends. Inviting friends to the theater allows you to quietly discuss scenes in the movie and laugh or cry together which makes for fun memories to look back on.

Honestly, the smell alone of a movie theater tempts me to buy a ticket. It’s super nostalgic and fun sneaking in boxed candies trying not to make it too noticeable and loud or trying to sneak into rated r movies. Movie theaters just create more fun memories.

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Have Your Own Home Movie Theater with Streaming

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Photo Ariana Smith

Well-known streaming apps that let their users view movies in the comfort of their own homes.

Everyone enjoys going to the movies because of the intense aroma of buttery popcorn, the palpable energy of your fellow moviegoers and the well-known previews that you want to detest but just can’t. However, picture yourself curled up in your favorite blanket on your comfortable couch. With ease, you reach over and take the remote, then you begin to browse said streaming service with a plethora of choices. Not having to pay for an AMC large popcorn when you can choose any snack you want from your kitchen. The most convenient and affordable way to watch movies is through streaming services.

It is impossible to beat the ease and convenience of streaming a movie at home. You don’t have to travel anywhere, you’re surrounded by people you know rather than a large group of strangers and if you wanted to, you could even watch a movie in your pajamas. You can simply experience a degree of comfort at home that you might not receive at the theater. Additionally, since it can be seen at any time, you don’t have to worry about running late or missing a movie at home. You could even turn your room into a DIY movie theater to make it feel even more authentic if you feel more at ease in the theater and its aesthetic. This can be accomplished with bookcase speakers, home theater seats, blackout shades, etc.

The days of paying outrageous prices for a movie ticket that increases in price as the day wears on, popcorn or any other snacks and a drink are over. With the advent of internet streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, a movie buff may now watch an endless number of movies for less than the cost of a movie ticket and the junk food that goes along with it. The typical adult ticket at an AMC cost just under $14, and the prices for food and beverages range from $3 to $10.

Though, be prepared to pay more than usual because most people don’t go alone as it’s a popular location for dates. Except if you add the cost of the app, watching movies at home allows you to have as many people as you like all watching the same movie for free. In addition to not having to worry about the cost of snacks or beverages, you can always visit the infamous Dollar Tree if you haven’t already done your shopping.

People simply can’t resist offers like several for the price of one and a limitless selection of food and drinks, whether it’s a vegetarian plater, nachos or delectable fizzy beverages aplenty when it comes to streaming.

Although watching movies at home lacks the enormous screen that enhances immersion by allowing you to sit in more places around the room, it does feature the functionality to pause, rewind, and replay the movie of your choice. I’ve seen movies so many times that I can’t even remember how many times there has been dialogue that isn’t heard or a moment when something happens on screen that I can’t even recall.

When watching it at home, you have the option of pausing it to comment on something or rewinding to that particular point.  You end up needing to purchase another ticket to see the same movie in theaters, even if you enjoyed the film enough to rematch it or missed anything due to untimely bathroom breaks. In contrast, if you purchase a movie to watch at home, you can watch it as many times as you choose, a significant advantage over the traditional theater experience.

Personally, I prefer to watch movies and TV series at home, on my own schedule. I am not required to follow the movie theater schedule if I choose to binge-watch for the entire evening. Without the burden of the cost hanging over my head, I may eat and watch to my heart’s content. Even better, I’ll be able to control the film so that I can understand all that is seen and heard. Who doesn’t want the bang for their buck that comes with streaming? I know I do.

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