3 Things To Know Before Going To a Theater

by Lewis Robinson

Seeing a movie in theaters can be a magical experience. In order to ensure you have a good time, it's important to come prepared. Here are three things to know before going to a movie theater.

1. What You're Seeing

Going to the movies is all about, well, seeing a movie. Because of this, you'll want to base your entire trip around the perfect movie. Contact your group and discuss what you'd like to see beforehand.

One of the most important elements to consider is genre. Most people have genre preferences that will influence what is seen. If you're going by yourself, great! Choose whatever you're in the mood for. However, going with a group will likely necessitate negotiation. If someone doesn't want to see a movie about, for instance, the 1950 census records, then a historical drama may not be the right approach. On the other hand, you might have people that dislike straight-up comedies, such as Wedding Crashers and Anchorman. When in doubt, blockbuster action movies are usually a good compromise.

You'll also want to discuss trigger warnings. In this day and age, entertainment viewers and producers have learned the importance of these labels. If you disregard something that could trigger a member of your group, it may ruin that individual's experience. Therefore, it's important to examine these warnings and encourage input. This is particularly prudent if you're watching a horror movie.

2. Basic Etiquette

Watching something in a movie theater is a lot different than watching it at home. There are some basic theater etiquette rules that you'll want to learn.

First, power down your phone. It's natural to feel tempted to check your phone every once in a while. However, the light from the screen can be very disruptive. You may also receive notifications that create sound. In order to ensure that none of this happens, it's smart to simply power down your device until the credits start. At the very least, turn off the sound and place your phone in a bag.

Next, avoid commentary. While talking during movies can be fun at home, it may ruin the experience for paying patrons. This isn't Mystery Science Theater 2000. Since the theater will be quiet, even a whisper can be annoying. Keep in mind that this rule doesn't always apply. During some showings, especially ones populated with younger crowds, you may experience more vocal experiences. Trust your instincts and follow the vibe of the crowd.

Finally, avoid leaving the theater at any point. Of course, there's always a chance you'll have an emergency and need to leave. If, on the other hand, you just want to grab another snack or make a call, save this for later. Leaving the pitch-black room will let in light and make it harder to see dark scenes.

3. Pricing

Lastly, it's important to know the pricing of your local theater. You don't want to show up and receive an unpleasant surprise.

When it comes to tickets, you'll likely be paying somewhere between $15 and $20. If the theater you're looking at charges more than this, you might want to look at more options. You can also check out special dates. Some theaters will have cheaper tickets on specific days. If you're willing to spend more for a better experience, you might want to consider IMAX or Dolby theaters. These options can provide greater immersion.

You'll also want to consider food and drink prices. Movie theaters, for the most part, aren't known for having cheap concessions. Therefore, you may want to plan ahead and avoid buying snacks. If your theater allows it, you might be able to bring concessions in. If this isn't allowed, be sure to eat before the movie.

If you're prepared for the experience, you're almost certain to have a great time at the movies. Do some research, gather your friends and enjoy the showing.