I’ve just seen the film Funny People, a pretty good film by all remarks however before said film I sat through a message from Martin Freeman that thanked me for not having a video camera and copying it.
I’m a cinema goer I like to think I go more than average (about 3 times a month) and I also buy quite a few DVD’s, like many people in this world I have downloaded a movie or two previously, You want to attract people to the cinema, you want to slow down movie piracy (you’ll never stop it) well I have some thoughts on that.
- Stop people talking during the fucking film
- During tonights showing of Funny people there were five guys infront of us stoned out of there head and talking at every possible point at the film as they didn’t understand the storyline, I think they saw the title ‘funny people’ and assumed it would be tits and ass jokes with some slapstick in there… Behind us were two women who kept discussing the storyline and what they thought was going to happen. We went to go and see Year one the other week and a group of 15/16 year old girls texted and spoke throughout the entire film, not to mention giggled every time reference to a penis was made.
- Bring the price down
- Its now just under £7 to see a film at an adult price, I know I know, the cinema makes nothing on that because most of it goes to the movie studio but when is enough money enough? £7 for a ticket, £6.40 for a drink and some popcorn, £4 for some icecream to see 20 minutes of adverts for crappy products and previews for other films which are due to come out sometime between a month and a year (wtf Toy Story Three? your taking teaser trailers a bit too far ) and enough product placement within the film to pay for the fucking thing in the first place
- Stop making shitty films
- How about the film industry grows some balls and stops making things that are cliche and predictable, I work by a computer most of the time so I normally have something playing all day, I see so many films where 20 minutes In I can tell exactly whats going to happen and I just switch off, I carn’t tell you how many times at the cinema, I’ve wanted to just leave for 20 minutes because the setup of the storyline is so cliche that the next section is going to bore me to tears.
Vue is also pissing me off atm with the ‘over 18 showings’… which is a good idea for some films but
- They are only on at night when kids would usually be in bed anyway
- its an extra 75p ontop of the already high ticket price
These showings are probably something to do with people complaining about teenagers being noisy in the cinema, instead of actually solving the problem like maybe having someone in the screen from the cinema they decided to profit from it… The Vue monopoloy on UK cinema is bloody awful, standards are slipping, prices are rising and choice is being reduced.
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I’d agree with a lot of your points.
My pet peeves are people talking, dirty camera lens, dirty cinemas (in general) and noisy eaters – if I wanted to hear someone munch crisps or whatever I wouldn’t pay to do it in a cinema!
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What about 3D Films? most cinemas are charging more for you to watch the 3-d version!
I hate rip off food and drink prices at the cinema too…
Most important:
“Stop making shitty films”
I feel ripped off when I see a crap film at the cinema, even if nobody talks, the picture is perfect etc.
When I saw Hot Fuzz at the cinema, the picture was slightly out of focus for the last part of the movie, and the sound was skipping noticeably.
I didn’t really care, because the movie was fantastic!
Not sure if there is a cineworld near you but I have a monthly card at £12 so you need to go around 2 / 3 times a month to make it worth it. Overall it works out cheaper providing you don’t buy snacks.
Some times it’s not teenagers making the problem plenty of times I’ve seen adults talking on their phones during the film or going in and out. It’s amazing considering how much it is to get in.
And don’t get me started on people that take babies to the cinema…..
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It used to be at least three quarters of an hour drive to our nearest cinema complex, then our local Arts Centre refurbishment meant we had a 200 seat state of the art digital cinema in this little Market Town. It is their main money spinner and helps subsidise the other activities. OK the mainstream films, usually shown 2 evening & a matinee, are 2 weeks or more later than in Big Towns but the seat price is roughly £5 + there is a cafe with fresh coffee, tea, home made cakes, a licensed bar plus usual sweets & chocs. Folks meet up for a drink etc before the movie. The technicians are all film fanatic volunteers and so the equipment is kept in tip top condition. The Centre staff are volunteers and the regular filmgoers keep the seats filled. Because most people know each other by sight (or are related!!) no one objects to being told to behave appropriately. The fact most people book their tickets in advance & can discuss the suitability of the film with the Centre helps. So a cinema in walking distance, at prices my limited budget can afford & where taking your own refreshments in isn’t frowned on – Oh, and the interval ice cream is locally made organic & worth every penny!
I grew up a regular film going fan, weekly in my teens & early twenties but as there were lots of ‘Arts’ films available in London (60′s-70′s) the choice was quite wide. Since then I’ve been more selective in my viewing & don’t need to ‘see it now’, I guess this is something age and experience impose. EyeTV recording means these days I can sit back at home at a time of my choosing in front of my (small) digital screen & watch in quiet comfort, with a nice glass of something.
Before you rant about cinemas, at least do some sort of research (or at the very least, think about what you’ve typed before you publish ridiculous suggestions).
How do you possibly suggest that cinemas STOP people from talking? Assign a member of staff to each individual in the screen and shush them as they open their lips? You’d probably suggest assign one member of staff to each screen? Think about the financial implications of this? Alternatively, you could look into what processes cinemas actually do employ – screen monitoring at irregular intervals. This is the most effective and probably the ONLY feasible way this could be policed.
Moreover, have you considered that its actually impossible to hear people talking over the volume in the screens?
Its all well and good you coming on here and moaning about people talking, but if you have a problem, go out and tell a member of staff. I would say this is a logical step that would take all of 30 seconds and would resolve your problem. You’re not a martyr, if you have a problem, speak up or shut up. Or alternatively, as i have done many times as a cinema goer, ask the people to be quiet yourself. Don’t be such a loser.
Secondly, lower the price? So you want more members of staff to police screens AND you want to pay less. I’m afraid that’s just plain idiocy. It’s a problem you will probably find in many more places than a cinema & i think you’ll find everyone wants to pay less and receive more.
Two more things that your uneducated self has obviously overlooked would be:
A. Film distributers have greater control over film prices than cinemas themselves. You’ve even said it yourself in your post, the cinema makes little to no money on films depending on the film which is WHY food costs are so high. At the end of the day, its a business, you can moan about high food prices, but i’m sure you’d be quicker to moan if these cinemas couldn’t continue to function and you had nowhere to see the latest releases. Moreover, where were the signs that said you HAD to purchase food to watch the film? You don’t. You obviously know the prices, so if you don’t like them, don’t pay them. You don’t NEED food and drink, do you? Either that or weigh up your options, how much would you spend if you went out for a meal? Or out for drinks with friends? A hell of a lot more than that. Also, don’t be such a sucker for the big bright lights and signs, have a look at the menus, there are always cheaper options than the big signs in front of you.
You also clearly don’t understand that most cinema chains have their products provided to them by sellers, who, in turn decide their pricing structure.
i.e. your £4 ice cream is decided by Ben and Jerry’s, not the cinema OR the film industry- so at least aim your rant at the correct bodies.
Also, you clearly don’t understand how advertising campaigns work, again, film distributers want their trailers on a year in advance to create excitement for certain films leading to more people wanting to go and see these films. Logical, if you think about it.
There really isn’t much i can say in response to ‘stop making shitty films’ – you went to watch funny people and Year One. Dear me. You were clearly sold by the title, as what did you expect other than a predictable cliche of a film with something lead by Adam Sandler? Did you see the trailer? There wasn’t much left to give! Only an absolute dunce went into this film expecting twists and turns.
Also in response to ticket prices, this is the same with any public attraction. Prices are higher at busier periods, if you don’t want to pay so much, go at a less busy time as these are universally cheaper. And similarly, no one is forcing you to go to the cinema, if you don’t like the price, don’t pay it, don’t go.
You further show your lack of knowledge and/or research on this matter regarding over 18 screenings. These screenings are put on at peak periods, around 7/8pm and cost 75p extra to finance the fact that there is a member of staff in the screen.
If you don’t want to pay this extra money, go after 22:30 when under 18s aren’t allowed into the cinema anyway.
On 3D films – do you research on why these tickets cost more. Its the same funding style any sort of technological advancement. You are paying, not only for the glasses, but also for the technology, and making an investment in the development of further 3D technologies. When HDTVs were released for example, did you expect to pay the same as a none HDTV? Even if the components cost the same, you are paying for the investment in technology. Once again, if you don’t want to pay more, don’t watch the film in 3D, 2D is also available at most cinema chains.
You obviously attempted to demonstrate your great intellect by moaning publicly on a blog site when in reality you have absolutely no valid points concerning what you are saying.
I can’t see that you will possibly keep this post as it has clearly, absolutely destroyed each and every one of your points made.
If you so wish, feel free to respond as there is absolutely no way in which your argument could be seen as correct. Do your research before trying to look clever on some stupid rant, and remember the bottom line.
It is YOUR choice to go to the cinema (as it is to purchase food), if these aspects outweigh the enjoyment that you receive from your overall cinema experience, then quite simply- don’t go.
Hi Boom… thanks for commenting.. you win the longest comment award so I’m going to try and break this down with my response..
Before you rant about cinemas, at least do some sort of research (or at the very least, think about what you’ve typed before you publish ridiculous suggestions).
– Having worked in a cinema before, I like to think I’ve got a fair amount of ‘research’ into this matter but carry on
How do you possibly suggest that cinemas STOP people from talking?
– They stop people videoing screens.. I’m sure there’s technology available (..microphones? to check the level of extra noise in a cinema and set some sort of panel to notion to a member of staff to go and check.
Assign a member of staff to each individual in the screen and shush them as they open their lips?
– See above.
You’d probably suggest assign one member of staff to each screen?
– See above.
Think about the financial implications of this?
– See above.
Alternatively, you could look into what processes cinemas actually do employ – screen monitoring at irregular intervals.
– I go to the Cinema quite often and I’ve only ever had two instances of a member of staff doing a visual check and the first time the staff member just wanted to see the film.
This is the most effective and probably the ONLY feasible way this could be policed.
– see above a bit more.
Moreover, have you considered that its actually impossible to hear people talking over the volume in the screens?
– ……Yes I have considered that fact and marked it as bollocks…
Its all well and good you coming on here and moaning about people talking, but if you have a problem, go out and tell a member of staff. I would say this is a logical step that would take all of 30 seconds and would resolve your problem.
– Yes and I’ve done this several times, usually the process is… would you like your money back or a later showing… it’s not really solving the problem.
You’re not a martyr, if you have a problem, speak up or shut up.
– See above.
Or alternatively, as i have done many times as a cinema goer, ask the people to be quiet yourself. Don’t be such a loser.
– I’ve also done this.. you tend to get items thrown at you or it kicks off….
Secondly, lower the price? So you want more members of staff to police screens AND you want to pay less.
– See above a bit more…
I’m afraid that’s just plain idiocy. It’s a problem you will probably find in many more places than a cinema & i think you’ll find everyone wants to pay less and receive more.
– I find the price of the Cinema a bit high.. I don’t think its unreasonable, £8.90 a ticket for some showings (and that’s not even the most expensive ticket) is a lot of money, a group of 4 people with drinks and popcorn is close to £40….
Two more things that your uneducated self has obviously overlooked would be:
– See why do you need to make a nasty comment… You can make a point without being hurtful
A. Film distributers have greater control over film prices than cinemas themselves. You’ve even said it yourself in your post, the cinema makes little to no money on films depending on the film which is WHY food costs are so high.
– When I worked at a cinema, the companies took a big percentage of the first weeks takings and a smaller percentage each week after, they do make money on the films but not in the first couple of weeks..
At the end of the day, its a business, you can moan about high food prices, but i’m sure you’d be quicker to moan if these cinemas couldn’t continue to function and you had nowhere to see the latest releases.
– Erm… no you seemed to have missed the point… I’m TRYING to support the cinema industry by going to the cinema, the alternative is Piracy… Its free, its a heck of a lot easier and I control the food prices, eating policy and entrace.
Moreover, where were the signs that said you HAD to purchase food to watch the film? You don’t. You obviously know the prices, so if you don’t like them, don’t pay them. You don’t NEED food and drink, do you? Either that or weigh up your options, how much would you spend if you went out for a meal? Or out for drinks with friends? A hell of a lot more than that. Also, don’t be such a sucker for the big bright lights and signs, have a look at the menus, there are always cheaper options than the big signs in front of you.
– See above.. cheaper option == piracy..
You also clearly don’t understand that most cinema chains have their products provided to them by sellers, who, in turn decide their pricing structure.
i.e. your £4 ice cream is decided by Ben and Jerry’s, not the cinema OR the film industry- so at least aim your rant at the correct bodies.
– if your telling me that Vue Cinemas has no control over pricing of food, then until I see evidence I’m going to assume your talking crap.
Also, you clearly don’t understand how advertising campaigns work, again, film distributers want their trailers on a year in advance to create excitement for certain films leading to more people wanting to go and see these films. Logical, if you think about it.
– Actually I do understand the advertising, Yes logical… but a year is far too long to build up antispiation for almost any product.
There really isn’t much i can say in response to ’stop making shitty films’ – you went to watch funny people and Year One.
– And I enjoyed both of them.
Dear me. You were clearly sold by the title, as what did you expect other than a predictable cliche of a film with something lead by Adam Sandler?
– Actually Sandlers film broke quite a few of the common cliche’s of the current crop of hollywood films.
Did you see the trailer? There wasn’t much left to give! Only an absolute dunce went into this film expecting twists and turns.
– At what point did I mention wanting to see twists and turns in this film?
Also in response to ticket prices, this is the same with any public attraction. Prices are higher at busier periods, if you don’t want to pay so much, go at a less busy time as these are universally cheaper. And similarly, no one is forcing you to go to the cinema, if you don’t like the price, don’t pay it, don’t go.
– See the point with a debate is usually you agree on some stuff and disagree with others however you just seem to be against the whole post as a whole, the point is, I want to go to the cinema but I think it could do with some improvements to make it a better experience… with the current Movie industry in termoil at the moment and piracy hates high I think the least someone could do is look at the ideas and go… hmmm rather than someone like yourself just aruging in favour of the reasoning and getting quite aggressive to someone that offers a less than faviouable view of the current cinema experience.
You further show your lack of knowledge and/or research on this matter regarding over 18 screenings. These screenings are put on at peak periods, around 7/8pm and cost 75p extra to finance the fact that there is a member of staff in the screen.
– I’ve seen this listed at midnight although I may have mis-read, I have been to one of these and there was not a staff member present.
If you don’t want to pay this extra money, go after 22:30 when under 18s aren’t allowed into the cinema anyway.
– We went at this time the other week (thus the reason for this post) and it didn’t stop 4 stoned twats coming into the theatre.
On 3D films – do you research on why these tickets cost more. Its the same funding style any sort of technological advancement. You are paying, not only for the glasses, but also for the technology, and making an investment in the development of further 3D technologies. When HDTVs were released for example, did you expect to pay the same as a none HDTV? Even if the components cost the same, you are paying for the investment in technology. Once again, if you don’t want to pay more, don’t watch the film in 3D, 2D is also available at most cinema chains.
– My issue with Toy Story and the price of that was that it was released was that it was a film released 10+ years ago, rereleased in 3D and the 3D was disappointing, I don’t mind paying more for 3D films but I think £8.90 is unreasonable.
You obviously attempted to demonstrate your great intellect by moaning publicly on a blog site when in reality you have absolutely no valid points concerning what you are saying.
– See Above.
I can’t see that you will possibly keep this post as it has clearly, absolutely destroyed each and every one of your points made.
– See Above.
If you so wish, feel free to respond as there is absolutely no way in which your argument could be seen as correct. Do your research before trying to look clever on some stupid rant, and remember the bottom line.
– See Above.
It is YOUR choice to go to the cinema (as it is to purchase food), if these aspects outweigh the enjoyment that you receive from your overall cinema experience, then quite simply- don’t go.
– See Above.
I fecking hate the cinema.
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“You also clearly don’t understand that most cinema chains have their products provided to them by sellers, who, in turn decide their pricing structure.
i.e. your £4 ice cream is decided by Ben and Jerry’s, not the cinema OR the film industry- so at least aim your rant at the correct bodies.”
The cinema decides to stock Ben and Jerry’s. If they didn’t like the price, they wouldn’t stock it.
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Was going to go see UP but missed the beginning and the middle and the end – by the time I’d read this ;(
Dear Boom, in response to your suggestion of,
“ask the people to be quiet yourself. Don’t be such a loser.” I would like to point out that the last time someone tried that in a Leeds cinema she had a bottle of bleach thrown over her head in front of her childern http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/8176348.stm.
Prehaps, you should do some research yourself before making such suggestions.
1. you haven’t really answered A LOT of the points in my post so i’m not going to waste my time with a long reply if you aren’t even going to take things onboard
2. see above
3. what was the deal with number 2.? there was nothing relevant about… (enough said)
4. you have since CHANGED your blog so quite obviously some of my points (e.g. you slated funny people originally, now my response makes no sense). There isn’t any point in making a blog, getting replies, then changing it because you’re just plain wrong…
5. A lot of what i have said is in fact true where you have just dismissed it as bollocks or said ‘until you can prove it, i’ll assume you’re lying’… well if you’re going to run with that mentality, close your eyes and tell me your brad pitt…
6. @ Oli The cinema is under contract with Ben and Jerry’s, that is how product placement works – they pay for upgrades/refurbishments & in return have their products stocked under contract. They do decide the price
7. @ Hevamb How many people ask people to be quiet in cinemas worldwide every day vs how many times do thing like this happen? You’ve hardly got a case as this is a massive exception to the rule. If you’re going to live your life like that, you probably shouldn’t ask for ketchup at mcdonalds, just inc ase.
1. I’ve answered every point in your post but if your not even prepared to put your real name and email address I really don’t see the point in giving you any response
4. I havn’t changed one word about my post, I think your getting confused with another post on my blog where I mention funny people but I’ll let you off
5. I’m Brad Pitt?
6 and 7 don’t reference me… but I do think your talking bollocks or work at vue… either way
Re: 6
There is no law requiring cinemas to stock certain products. If they do not like the prices that are being charged, they can stock something different.
Would agree Dom that this sounds like a Vue employee. Getting a “It’s that way because head office says it’s that way” feel from his posts.
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