Although technology has made it easier, more convenient, and affordable to watch films at home; still, nothing beats the whole movie theater experience.
When you watch a film in the cinema, you get to enjoy the whole package: a giant flat screen, high definition surround sound, the darkness that allows you to focus, and comfortable seating. All these elements give audiences a high level of quality viewing that you simply won’t get at home, even with a well-equipped entertainment system.
Also, the cinema is where you can watch newly-released movies in high-quality video and audio. This means that you won’t have to worry about poor audio, suddenly blurry scenes, and other AV issues you will encounter when you stream a bootlegged copy online.
However, there are still ways to amp up your movie viewing experience at the cinema. By following the right tips, you will get more from every penny you pay for your theater tickets.
Below are some of the most useful tips and hacks:
1. Purchase your ticket in advance
Highly-anticipated films, such as “Avengers: End Game” and “Toy Story 4,” draw hundreds of viewers per movie schedule. Because of this, to watch such hyped-up films, you will have to wait in three long lines first: to get your ticket, your snacks, and to get to your seat.
Also, when you watch a newly-released popular film on a whim, there is a big chance that you may not get to see it since tickets may be sold out.
To beat the busy crowds and to be sure you will see the movie, buy your ticket in advance via the theater’s website or app. As long as you are online, you can purchase it anytime, anywhere you are.
By following this tip, you will save time and avoid a lot of hassles. You can even choose the perfect seat to enjoy your viewing experience.
2. Take advantage of the cinema’s loyalty program
If you watch movies several times a month, get more from every purchase you make by signing up for the
cinema’s loyalty program.
Whether you frequent a particular movie theater chain or watch in different theaters, find out if they have a loyalty or reward program and sign up.
Once you become a member of the cinema’s loyalty program, you will earn points every time you buy tickets or snacks at the movie theater. You will also enjoy discounts, special offers, and other perks such as free popcorn, beverages, and other snacks. Additionally, you can even get complimentary tickets.
The rewards and perks you get will make watching movies at the cinema more pleasurable.
3. Arrive at the theater early
Buying your ticket in advance will ensure you will be in the movie theater several minutes before showtime. However, if you don’t want to purchase it online, visit the cinema’s website to check out the schedule beforehand.
Once you have chosen the best schedule, make sure you arrive at the movie theater early. By doing so, you will have enough time to buy your ticket and snacks. You also won’t have to rush to find a good seat.
Getting to the theater with enough time will allow you to be more relaxed and enjoy the movie.
4. Familiarize yourself with the movie
If you are watching a movie on your own, you have the choice to read up on the film before going to the theater. This will be particularly helpful if you will see one with new or relatively unknown actors and directors.
By reading even only the synopsis and some facts about the actors and director, you will have an easier time following the plot.
However, if you will be bringing young kids to watch the movie, this is a step you have to take. Make sure the film is age appropriate and does not have scenes that will upset them.
5. Avoid reading reviews before heading to the cinema
Knowing a few things about the movie beforehand is one thing; reading reviews is another.
To get the most from your cinema experience, enter the theater without any preconceptions and expectations. Be open-minded and enjoy the movie from start to end as it is. You can only do this by avoiding reading online reviews about the film before watching it.
As such, if you want to research a particular film, make sure you only read the synopsis and nothing else about it.
If watching movies at the cinema frequently is one of your guilty pleasures, get more from it by following the tips above.
AUTHOR BIO
Paul Fox is the Director of Roxy Cinemas under Meraas Group/DXB Entertainments. Roxy Cinemas currently has five Dubai locations: The Beach, La Mer, City Walk, Box Park, and Bollywood Parks.