From the October 1994 issue of HOME THEATER TECHNOLOGY 
If You Like What You See Here, Don't Miss The Real Thing!
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More Than You Bargained For

The complete movie experience is more than a larger-than-life screen and surround speakers.

by Scott Wilkinson

When you pay as much as $7.50 to see a movie in a commercial cinema, you get more than you bargained for. In addition to seeing the latest blockbuster, you get full parking structures, big crowds, long lines (especially in the womens restroom), expensive snacks, inconsistent picture and sound quality, screaming kids, tall guys or smooching couples directly in front of you, and sticky floors. Such a deal!
So why do we keep going back for more? One of the most powerful reasons is the sense of community and shared experience you can only get with a large group of people. I dont know about you, but I find myself laughing harder at a comedy when lots of people around me are laughing, too. As the tension mounts during the climax of a thriller, I can feel the collective suspense of the audience as a palpable entity. These phenomena increase the intensity of the moviegoing experience manyfold, which adds a lot of value to your ticket.
Theres also an opportunity to interact with your fellow human beings. As Im sitting in the theater waiting for the lights to dim, I sometimes engage an obviously chatty, friendly neighbor in conversation. (Have you heard much about this movie? I just love Jim Carrey, how about you? Excuse me, but my bottle of Evian just rolled under your seat. Would you see if you 
can find it, please?) Of course, there are plenty of people who arent worth talking to; it just takes a little practice to distinguish the friendlies from the bogeys. (I dont know anything about this movie; I just came in to get away from the cops. Jim who? Heres your water [sniffle, snort, sneeze]; hope you dont mind if I took a sip.) And after the movie, its only natural to talk about it as you walk out. Who knows? You might make a new friend.
The important thing here is human interaction. Even though youre at the theater to watch a movie in the dark (which, on the surface, seems like a rather solitary experience), you cant help being aware of the other people around you. You hear and feel their responses to the film, which influences your responses. For example, whenever they show Casablanca at one small art theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts, its traditional to stand and join the bar patrons as they sing La Marseillaise in defiance of the Nazis. And if youve ever been to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, you know the extremes to which an audience can 
take this concept. 
Does this mean you get less than you bargained for in your home theater? Not at all. It simply means you must work a little harder to achieveand even surpassthe complete cinema experience. Invite family and friends to screening parties. Encourage your kids to invite their friends over for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers or video-game championships. Form a film club based on your favorite movie genre. Involve the whole family in editing home videos into a creative production.
During all these activities, there is likely to be lots of human interaction. Discussing the deeper meaning of a movie can be very stimulating; in a home theater, you can even talk during the show and review any scene you wish. A home theater can also bring new meaning to family values. You can help your kids develop an ethical framework and understand the world around them by consciously choosing and discussing what to watch.
A home theater offers freedom from the drawbacks of commercial cinema. However, it can also isolate its owners from the larger sphere of human contact. Fortunately, this tendency can be easily overcome by sharing your home theater with others. Youll get much more than you bargained for and enrich your life in the process.

 1994 Home Theater Technology Magazine

From the October 1994 issue of HOME THEATER TECHNOLOGY 
If You Like What You See Here, Don't Miss The Real Thing!
Subscribe Today To HOME THEATER TECHNOLOGY Magazine
On Newstands everywhere or 
Call (800) 264-9872 To Subscribe - $23.95 For A Full Year

