I went to see the latest Star Wars movie tonight at the local multiplex in Lacey. As good as my home theater system is and as much as I enjoy the comfort of watching a movie in my own home, there are some movies that just seem to demand being seen on a big screen. The image quality and sound was excellent and the seats were comfortable.
It took me back to when I was 15 and rode the bus to Seattle with some friends to watch the first Star Wars movie (Episode IV) at the UA150. We stood in line around the block to get our tickets and were so blown away that we stayed and watched the next showing. It was shown in 70MM on a huge curved screen. I remember seeing Apocalypse Now and hearing "surround sound" for the first time. Movies have come a long way since then. Last night the grandkids were watching the new version of The Lion King and I was amazed by the quality of the CGI.
I've had a couple of experiences where there were technical difficulties and that's frustrating, but overall I enjoy going out to the movies. Some of my favorite places are small indy theaters like The Grand in Tacoma. No blockbusters, not the greatest sound systems, run by volunteers, hard to find parking, but a lot of cool small films played there.
For me, it's more about the movie and the experience than technical aspects. I would have been disappointed if I had the kind of experience described, but no way I'm waiting for this last episode of Star Wars to come out for home rental.
It took me back to when I was 15 and rode the bus to Seattle with some friends to watch the first Star Wars movie (Episode IV) at the UA150. We stood in line around the block to get our tickets and were so blown away that we stayed and watched the next showing. It was shown in 70MM on a huge curved screen. I remember seeing Apocalypse Now and hearing "surround sound" for the first time. Movies have come a long way since then. Last night the grandkids were watching the new version of The Lion King and I was amazed by the quality of the CGI.
I've had a couple of experiences where there were technical difficulties and that's frustrating, but overall I enjoy going out to the movies. Some of my favorite places are small indy theaters like The Grand in Tacoma. No blockbusters, not the greatest sound systems, run by volunteers, hard to find parking, but a lot of cool small films played there.
For me, it's more about the movie and the experience than technical aspects. I would have been disappointed if I had the kind of experience described, but no way I'm waiting for this last episode of Star Wars to come out for home rental.