I know you could probably break theater types into 5 or 6 categories, but for the sake of silmplicity let me generalize it into 2 types.
1) The MEGAPlex Theater
You know the ones I’m talking about. They’re new. They have big cushioned seats and more leg room. They have huge screens and state of the art sound systems. They also have 700+ seats. Going there feels like you’re going to a football game with huge crowds and an “event” like atmosphere.
2) The Small Local Theater
These are typically the ones without 20 screens. They are smaller, a little out of the way. What it lacks in size it makes up for with a feeling of familiarity. You feel like you know the staff and the manager even recognizes you once in a while. It’s always cheaper and parking is never an issue. Inside the theater itself it feels more like a buddies huge living room than a football stadium. Smaller, more intimate.
Personally, I see great strengths in each of these options, and depending on the particular movie I may go back and for the between the two.
However, if I had to choose between the 2 I’d probably go with the smaller local theater. I just feel more at home in them. They feel more real to me.
So which kind of theater do you prefer? And more importantly… why? Give me your thoughts.
