The cinema plays a special role in today’s world.
A form of interlude from the constant avalanche of film and television available online. The time of space between a movies release in cinemas and subsequent release online has shortened over the years. This has led many to substitute the ‘in-person’ experience for the comfort of their own homes. However, for those who do prioritise the rainy-day trip to the pictures, the experience is unlikely to disappoint.
There exists a certain tactility to a cinema visit. From purchasing the overpriced popcorn (a compulsory measure in the eyes of many), to indulging in an unnaturally blue slushy drink (a less advisable option). The money spent buys not only a seat, but an experience. Walking through the swinging double doors into the comforting silence. Seeing the red chairs and the big, bright screen. A timeless feeling. While indeed, levels of quality differ between each cinema, we are undeniably treated to an immersion of sound and screen. An experience which, aside from those lucky enough to boast a home-cinema, is utterly unique. It is a novelty, something that we are lucky to experience.
It feels important to share a novel cinema experience that I had. Counting back the years to 2015. On a cold evening in December. A day reserved for a trip to the cinema with my parents. Viewing the new Star Wars film, ‘The Force Awakens.’ At the age of 10 I had already reached the peak of my love for Star Wars. My excitement was unmatched. After watching the series of customary trailers, an aspect I find very enjoyable, I readied myself for over two hours of cinema.
Thoroughly worth it.
For films such as the Star Wars franchise, sporting explosions, high-intensity battle sequences, and John Williams’ infamous soundtracks, only the cinema can do justice. The speakers provided impressive and encapsulating sound quality with a deep rumbling bass, enabling me to experience each scene as if I were part of it.
Of course, some may find the sound system of a cinema a little too intense, I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect. Meanwhile the screen, possessing such incredible quality, had me not only captivated, but completely immersed into J.J Abrams’ addition to the George Lucas Universe.
Words by Harry Youlten
I still love the cinema experience because the big screen makes it a novel adventure.
You can watch a film every night at home, just to scroll on your phone and talk over what’s on screen.
However, in a cinema there’s still a sense of production. I have to engage and tune in, because if I miss something, it might be a while before I can see it again. I also tend to give more mental credit to the people who spent their time working on the film. Seeing the visual effects on the big screen makes me wonder exactly how they did it.
My favourite memory of our little cinema at home was going to see Black Widow. It was the first time I’d been since the lockdown, and the cinema was just another vaguely fun thing we did before Covid. I remembered that it was exciting, and that popcorn was very important. My dad took me, because Marvel movies had become our Saturday morning tradition. Waiting through the trailers in the dark, munching on popcorn. Everything felt bigger and brighter than on the TV at home. Plus, there were brightly coloured slushies. I loved the film, and I loved rambling about it in the car on the way home.
It was an event to be remembered rather than a way to fill the evening.
Over time, coughing became less of a big deal, but finding free time got harder. Cinema tickets became an outlet of enjoyment and relaxation. It was a wonderful break from exam work as we’d book them a few days early. I couldn’t bail at the last minute because I’d spent the whole afternoon procrastinating, and I had something to look forward to when trying to balance equations. Those tickets were plans, and a solid, good plan for how to spend the evening – spend it, not wait for it to end.
These days I can take my little sister, or my friends, so it tends to be a bigger group. It’s a great bonding activity, figuring out the logistics of getting five people to the retail park by half six. I’m not sure I recommend it, but it worked for us! Lots of people bookend a film by shopping or going out for a meal. However, I find value in trying to find that sacred little block of time across all our overfilled schedules just to meet up and sit together in the dark and steal each other’s snacks.
Altogether, the big screen still makes for a novel adventure, a shared experience, something to talk about together.
Words by Sabina Singh
Featured image by Pylz Works on Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.
