Horror Hub: Is Horror Better In Theatres or At Home?
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Theatre
Starting off strong we're going to cover the theatre. Before we had VHS, DVDs and streaming services; theatre and books are what kept the content coming for early horror fans. Back then, theatre was truly the only way to see your favorite monsters taking over the stage en mass at the time. However modern-day moviegoers, unfortunately, might have mixed feelings on attending cinemas now due to recent and ongoing changes in pricing, theatre etiquette and general safety.
Pros
🔪It Keeps Old Methods of Storytelling Active: Attending movie screenings is an activity that has been a treat for horror fans since the release of Le Manoir du Diable or "The House of the Devil" hit the Theatre Robert Houdin in 1896.
🔪Its A Great Group Activity: Whether you go with your friends or family going to the movies is a great way to get people together. Though I usually go with my family, I did have the pleasure of seeing Five Nights at Freddy's 2 by myself and it was kinda nice to talk to other fans before and after the show as well.
🔪New Release Information: The advertisements before the movie are a great way to stay updated on new releases, especially for us horror fans. Though the horror community is large and thriving on social media, staying in the know and getting word out is still important.
🔪Exclusive Merchandise: Movies often release theatre exclusive merchandise like cups and popcorn buckets. They're often able to be repurposed for functional decor pieces if cleaned after use and serve as a nice momento for your movie going experience.
🔪It Keeps Films Accessible to the General Public: Films, especially horror films, are prone to being lost whether that's due to lack of engagement, limited releases, or being removed from the internet entirely. Though films may only be in theatres for a few weeks it gives people time to enjoy them. It also shows companies that people are interested in the films which means they are more likely to come to DVD or streaming services. Additionally, it keeps films accessible for those that may not have streaming services or internet access and rely on either a theatre or the physical release of the film to enjoy.
Cons
⚰️ Pricing: This is a big turn away for many moviegoers nowadays. Tickets are expensive, concessions are outrageous, and this can create a more stressful experience than a pleasant one.
⚰️Unruly Crowds: Since 2020, when most of the world was shut down, we've seen a rise in people who simply don't know how to behave in public. This is especially true in theatres. From poster thieves, snack bandits, and people recording the movie to post spoilers online later we have seen a severe decline in theatre etiquette. This all boiled to a head during the release of the Minecraft movie, in which people thought it was appropriate to act like absolute animals in the movie theatres. From throwing popcorn around, to bringing a live chicken into the auditorium it really created an unpleasant experience for the audience and employees to the point that some theatres felt forced to stop showing the film.
⚰️ Social Anxiety: Popular releases can get crowded, and for someone struggling with social anxiety it can create a less than pleasant experience going to see a film in a theatre. This was something I personally had to work really hard to overcome.
Home
Watching films at home has become the new normal, its even where I do the most of my movie watching. However does it really hold up against seeing horror films in theatre?
Pros
🔪 Unlimited Snacks: Having snacks with your movie is the best way to watch, however having snacks that you actually like is even better. This is especially true for people with dietary restrictions, because you don't have to worry about your food being wrong or even contaminated for my fellow food allergy sufferers out there.
🔪 It Adds to the Tension: If you're watching a horror movie at home, alone, at night it just adds to the tension in the films. Personally, I think the additional feeling of being watched in my own home makes the movies even scarier.
🔪 No Social Anxiety: You're home, probably in your PJs, there's nothing to make you socially anxious while watching horror at home.
🔪 Price: While this is both a pro and a con, a monthly subscription is about the same price as a movie ticket and you get a lot more with the purchase.
🔪You Can Build Physical Media Collections: In the age of things being lost to time and the internet, watching movies from home gives you the chance to build a physical media collection of all your favorite movies and shows to watch at home any time.
🔪Accessibility: If your area doesn't have a movie theatre, or if you don't have a way to get to the movie theatre, watching from home is a great way to keep film accessible to everyone.
🔪Safety: While I try to steer clear of heavier topics here on the blog, the truth of the matter is that gun violence is a very real problem in the United States. The rise in the amount of mass shootings, stabbings, bomb threats, and politically motivated violence toward minority groups can absolutely cause a sense of anxiety when it comes to attending a film or theatre production. Because of this, watching from home can be ideal for those that just don't feel safe or comfortable gathering with so many people in such a darkened auditorium.
Cons
⚰️ Subscription Prices: The price of streaming services feels like it is constantly on the rise, and the free version of streaming services leaves a lot to be desired. How long will it be until the proce of the subscriptions are more than a movie ticket let's be for real.
⚰️ Movies Can Easily Be Edited/Lost on Streaming Sites: With the rise of streaming services movies can so easily be "lost", removed, banned, and even edited. We've already seen this happen with shows like Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies that are cut short and essentially wiped from the internet. This also happened to the beginning of a live action Robin Hood film, in which the opening scene was edited to remove text.
⚰️ Physical Media Takes Up Space: Even if you don't use a streaming service, physical media takes up space apologetically. I personally have a dedicated spot for all of my DVDs and I would advise that to anyone looking to build a collection of physical media, but it can get overwhelming.
Closing
I don't know about anyone else, but I think I'm kind of right in the middle when it comes to my preferences on where to watch. That being said, I think I'm going to stick with building my physical media collection and going to the theatres as a little treat. That's all that I have for you guys right now, but stay tuned for a review of Scream 7 as well as this week's Chatterbox. Have something to add to the list? Let me know in the comments! If you want to see more from me feel free to click the link below where you can find my other socials. Y'all take care, and thanks for stopping by!
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