Ok, I go to the movies pretty regularly. I have liked the whole theater experience since I was a kid, from the previews to the snacks to the movie itself on the big silver screen. So here’s my question.
Do you arrive at the theater in plenty of time to get concessions, find a good seat, watch the previews, etc, or do you get to the theater just in time for the movie to start?
It depends on what the movie is and how recently it was released. I typically like to get there just in time, but if it’ a new release I get there 10-15 minutes early. Sometimes I like the previews if I haven’t seen a movie in a while and I know it won’t be a bunch of that I’ve already seen. I sneak in my own food and drinks so I never even consider waiting in a concession line. If the concession counter sold wine and beer I would factor inthe wait time. 
We decided last minute to go see a movie yesterday; the show time was 4:30 and we decided to go at 4:35. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the theater, so I figured we’d be just in time. ( we never made it as I got a call from my realtor on the way…)
Only reason I go to the theatre is for the popcorn. I’m not that much of a video/audio enthusiats that I get much more out of the “movie experiance” in the theatre than I do from my crappy little TV. So basically if I’m in the theatre, I’m there for the popcorn…well and or to get away from the kids with my wife.
I was pissed when they pulled the cocoanut oil popped popcorn…commies.
~Matt
my husband and i are big movie watchers and goers. he is neurotic about being “on time” which means we must be seated with any snacks just as previews start. if we are not in time for the very first preview–he considers that late.
so many times we are the only ones in the theater waiting for the freaking previews, and his old joke is “honey, i rented the place out just for you”. after hearing that for so long i just roll my eyes.
my old joke is, “hurry up, the movie starts in 2 hours, and we’re already late!”
I’m there with plenty of time to spare. Arriving late (trailers have already started) is one of my pet peeves. That and people who insist on having a conversation while the movie’s playing.
I love the previews. I consider the preview part of the show. I DO NOT buy food at the theater tough. It’s a principle thing. I just can’t in good conscious spend that much on stupid snacks. I don’t like feeling screwed.
I’m neurotic about being on time also, but I wouldn’t have called it “neurosis”. I call it ‘preference’. I like allowing for any problems (like long lines) and choing a seat that I want, not one that, by default of others, I am left. I also like sitting down early enough so I can happily anticipate the movie in the full ‘shrine’ of the theatre.
I’m not sure if this is in any bearing as when I was a kid, when were were with my father we were always 15-20 minutes late, and they didn’t have so many previews then. We’d miss lots of parts of movies.
My own subjectivity,
Lauren
I just bought a new 50" plasma to avoid our one trip to the movies per year. We are 0’fer 6 months in 2007. Not a fan of the group dynamic.
Love the trailers. Must see.
I like the movie popcorn. I also bring a flask of Jack Daniels or rum to go with my coke. I think it is ridiculous that legal age drinkers can’t buy a cocktail to go with the movie, so I bring my own.
I have cut way back on my movie viewing. When I was younger, I would frequently have seen every movie in release. Now, just the block busters. No matter how big your big screen, it is not 60’x20’ some movies just need the theatre treatment. Not to mention the crowd hype for a Star Wars or Pirates type movie.
no, i wouldn’t call your wanting to be on time neurosis either. what i didn’t say earlier is that my husband will often call me during the day (say, 6 hours before our date) to remind me that we have to leave “on time” to go to the movies. i swear he’s totally OCD about it; which makes it comical.
it seems you just want to enjoy yourself and be ready for the film. my husband’s deal is a whole 'nuther level.
(now, i’m OCD about a couple of things too, but naturally i’m not going to tattle on myself, lol 
OK spill it. Now I want to know your OCD
ok. some stuff i think i already told you during our coaching sessions…
but here goes–these are the 2 biggies.
so, if my pantry isn’t full i panic. my friends tell me i’m the “ultimate gatherer”. lol
also, i stockpile the most luxurious yarns…even i’m embarrassed by my yarn collection! it is enough for a small army. when really stressed out i (you guessed it) buy yarn. i’m what is known as a “yarn harlot”. also, when i knit up something, immediately i replace the yarn so my “stash” never gets low. in fact, there is yarn in every cranny of my house; it nevers fails to amaze my husband.
Get to the movie a little early … early enough for my son and I to finish off the popcorn and me to go get a refill before the movie starts.
Going to the movies is something my son and I do regularly. Like you, we enjoy the experience. Luckily, I live in an area where we can catch a matinee, 2 medium sodas and a large popcorn for ~$20.
Thanks for these :)… the pantry thing is new to me, but now that you remind me, I do remeber that you are a yarn harlot
You are right, I don’t do the ‘6 hours before a movie’ thing like your husband does - but i am glad that you accept that about him. I would laugh my head off if a partner of mine was like that - and I’d allow him his luxury of being that way too…
Typically I get there as it starts. That being said I dont buy the crap they sell in the lobby and I very rarely go to opening weekend or even the full price shows. Typically a matinee during the week if I can manage it. I love going to a big movie theater and being the only one there. If I go opening weekend I try to get there early enough (15 minutes prior to previews) so that I can get seats. The Alamo draft house in Austin TX is an exception, I usually try to get there earlier regardless of what I am seeing. They have a full menu and a pretty decent selection of beer and wine.
<<Do you arrive at the theater in plenty of time to get concessions, find a good seat, watch the previews, etc,>>
Yes.
I do miss the whole drive-in movie experience more than anything.
Brett
I go at least once a week. I never buy ‘snacks’ etc - too expensive out here and not that great anyway!
My ‘arrival time’ depends where I go - some of our complexes (the budget-priced ones) are unreserved seating so it’s best to get there before trailers and ads start, although I tend to go at odd times if I am by myself so seating isn’t always an issue. Nothing like having the whole theatre to yourself though - 5 times for me and counting!
“ome of our complexes (the budget-priced ones) are unreserved seating so it’s best to get there before trailers and ads start”
It’s funny you remark on that. Almost all of our theaters have open seating, but I saw Spiderman 3 in Dubai when it came out and was a little surprised that they had reserved seating for a normal showing of normal movies. Just different than I was used to.