With the rise of “superhero” movies recently, it’s become a fun trend to watch them and enjoy the experience with family and friends.
Spending time at the movies is a pastime we have become accustomed to. It’s what we do during the weekends or on some random weeknight, here in this small yet highly urbanized metro like Cebu.
Another thing these blockbusters show is how technology has gotten so much better in terms of filmmaking. Morphing characters and scenes in spaces have become very realistic. Gone are the days of impossible, if you have the right skills and tools at your disposal.
However, speaking of technology, it is unfortunate that some of our movie houses here in Cebu lack in terms of delivering at least the basics for viewers to truly enjoy the cinema experience.
Here are some reminders on what you should expect when paying for the movies, and what you could demand from establishments if they fall short on delivering these basic “viewing requirements.”
Bright screens. You should not squint to be able to see what’s happening on screen. Given that some films have really messed up in post-production, but generally speaking, you should be able to comfortably see what’s happening in front of you.
Crisp audio. You should be able to hear the dialogue. Sometimes, the movie houses set the audio volume low. There are also cases of latency, the delay that happens when the sound travels from the front to the back of the room. These things are the result of the theater not undergoing a sound assessment by technicians and engineers. There have been talks in the industry about how older movies have better audio but that’s an entirely different topic.
Solid seats. For those engrossed during the show, squeaky seats are a distraction. Some attention to detail and perhaps, WD-40 should do the trick!
“But these are basics and just about any cinema should have them,” you say? You’d be surprised to find out that some movie houses here in Cebu have issues with these.
If you struggle to see what’s on screen, hear what the characters are talking about, or are bothered by unnecessary noises while being attentive to the movie, bring it up with the establishment. You’re doing the rest of Cebu a favor.