Is watching movies in theaters better than watching them at home?

It used to be, but that was a long time ago.

Back in the old days (anything prior to about 2001), you could go to the theater for a somewhat reasonable price, and you could watch your movie of choice (and only the movie) uninterrupted on a huge screen with massive sound.  It was a little expensive, but it beat waiting for the film to be shown on commercial TV or waiting for it to come out on VHS on the small screen.  And believe me, in those days there were no huge TV screens.

But now, in the days of home TVs the size of theater screens, home surround sound and streaming services, the cinemas are done.  As a result of lower box office sales, the big theatres (who have long since bought up all the small theatres) have resorted to increasing their ticket prices AND selling spots to commercial advertisers.  

Last time I took everyone to the cinema (Solo A Star Wars Story), it cost over $100 to get in (family of 5), just over $80 for drinks and popcorn, AND we had to sit through 30 minutes of corporate advertising before the movie even started.  The fact that that movie sucked hard didn't make the experience any better.

Now, I can sit at home (naked if I want), fire up my surround and my 58-inch high-def TV, and stream any movie I want as many times as I want, with no commercials, all for around $20 a month.  The theatres can't compete with that.

I agree, shut yore hole, W. Theaters, now, with social distancing, often times there is  no one within 15' of you. I've gone where we and maybe one other couple there. No one "splashing" Big Gulps (You cant Sneak  one  in anyway)

  I used to sneak food in from BK when The Century Cineplex  was still open,  their popcorn   was $8. 

  If you Do ever catch a rude  patron, W;  just tell 'em how to act, like you tell All here how to Answer...

Shut Up ,Wheeze, you recently Said "theaters are all closed" and you: "can't see WW84  in  one". Not just Ignorance; Lies. I Have Receipts; Witnesses. Websites, even.

Always.

 Think about it--even if U have a 65" TV and 5 speakers; movies were Shot to be on a Big Screen. There are Distractions at home--telephone, etc. Too tempting to stop it and get a beer.

  I have paid $5 to see "Back to the Future", recently, in a real theater. You Forget what the intended experience was like, in 35 years. Blows you Away.

 There are many of my Faves I'd again pay $5/seat to see in a theater--Ten Commandments, Yellow Submarine, 20,000 leagues under sea,  Duck you sucker, etc.

I prefer theaters but that doesn't mean it's best for everyone. It's subjective.

Not in my opinion

Not anymore. They've outpriced themselves and many have bed bug infested seats. I used to think those were a fable, like cooties! On top of all that, they're showing commercials. COMMERCIALS! They'll probably do what the mall owners did with their big stores like Sears and turn them into useless trampoline gyms. 

Yes and No .

I much prefer the larger screen, and the whole sitting in the dark experience, 

but theater going has become so annoying,  with the people who kick their Big Gulp 64 Oz cups of soda all over the floor,  and yak on their cell phones thru the whole films,  or try to tape scenes off the screen  and hold up their cell phone cameras.......

Now I just prefer to watch things at home on DVD.     Plus you get the extras and you get to keep the film for the same $10. and resell them or trade with friends. 

i think its more fun