People who think theatres over sell their seats to try and pack people in are ignorant. I would recommend doing some research before making statements about that are not true.

About gothamist stating you have to come in 30-40 minutes early to find good seats, it is quite often true. Even if the movie has been out for several weeks, it may still be selling out because over a period of time it is moved from the large auditoriums to the small ones to make room for the movies that are in more demand. If you don’t want to come early for a movie, see it Monday - Thursday. There will be plenty of seats available on those days. If you have any questions regarding the theatre industry, I do have all the answers.

Most of you have no idea how the movie theatre industry works. If there weren’t any previews, how would you know what movies are coming out? Are you people even old enough to see R-rated films yet? For decades theatres have been running previews before the actual movie starts. Why are people complaining now?

Some of the best movies are independent movies that have no money for TV or other advertising. If they didn’t have the previews in the theatres, these great movies would not be made. The theatre industry would suffer greatly if they had to change the start times of movies.

If Gothamist makes it to LA, make sure to try out the Bridge Cinema experience. If you catch a flick at the Director's Hall, you get to have assigned seating in big plush leather seats. Yes, there are still previews, but with assigned seating, you can go and get yourself a martini and stumble in to your seat when you're ready.





Then you can see whether or not that's worth $16 a seat. Better be a good movie!

I actually second Gothamist's opinion on early arrival time. If you actually want the best pick of seats, you need to show up about 35-40 minutes ahead of time to be first into the theater. Think of the time spent getting your ticket from the ticket machine, having them take your ticket, riding escalators to your particular theater (especially at AMC 25, yikes)...it adds up.

If there's one thing I really hate at movies, it's those people who come in 5 minutes before the movie and start asking everyone in a particular row if they can all rearrange themselves for their convenience. I always smile when someone stands up to these dorks and says, "No, I got here first and you came late, so why should I have to move?"

What about when the movie DOES NOT START even though all the pre-show stuff is over? The screen is blank. People just sit there. So I get up and go to the ticket booth and say THE MOVIE STILL HAS NOT STARTED. I think everyone should get a free pass to any show of their choice if this or any other stupid thing occurs.

what about legislation eliminating the ridiculous rise in going to the movies?? can't there be some rent-controled movie prices? Regal Union square now rapes us with a ridiculous $10.75 and Loews E-Walk is $10.50. Who can afford this??

shouldn't the City Council be focusing efforts on more important things?

Advertisers have the freedom to advertise. And because their targets are constantly moving now; seeking information and entertainment from a variety of sources, the communications will logically follow. What will make or break a message (and brand indirectly) is the "permission" aspect of it; in other words, is the invasiveness welcomed by the audience. Hopefully only the truly creative, relevant, and intelligent will survive.

Legislate, no. But you have every right to tell theaters that they're pissing you off.

The Loews policy is one of the things that makes 29/29's new release platform -- simultaneous releases in theaters, on PPV and on DVD -- so darned attractive. (Gabby theatergoers is another.)

Manhattan theaters are more stress than they're worth. If I can sneak my $1 bottle of water in, I'll feel better temporarily, until I have to sit through those 15 minutes of ads. I already f'in paid a crazy amount to get in, and have to put up with all the beasts they call "teenagers," so why should I be subjected to even more crap?

Why do some people think it's ok to barrage people with advertising EVERYWHERE? They're the same ones who get upset with "government interference." Clearly we need some.

I'll stick to the Brooklyn bargain matinees, with a few retired people alongside me, thank you.

Nah Dork just mean's a Whale's Penis. Most Dork dorks still have tiny packages.

Yeah only the biggest Star Wars Geeks will camp in front. I guess im there

So that means most dorks are well hung?

I think for Star Wars we'll all need to camp out the night prior for tickets and then just sleep in front of the cinema.

Catherine> R-I-G-H-T O-N!

Personally, I dig the R Kelly music and pre-movie trivia. Gets me in the mood.

The best was this cinema in DC I used to go to back in the day that showed moving liquid color on the screen before movies. Psychadelic.

Yeah 40 Minutes is a little extreme. But for Star Wars Episode III, its better get there at around an hour before, especially if its openning day or openning weekend. It all depends on the movie.

Did you know that the word Dork means Whale Penis? Like I just found that out weeks ago and im still amazed.

i call bullshit on gothamist's ridiculously early arrival time. up to 40 minutes early is insane. 20 minutes early should be plenty for a normal movie; 25-30 for a really hot one early in its run. don't be such a movie dork, gothamist!

Isn't the extra time there for the groundlings to settle down?

Previews are fine. Commercials obscene especially given prices charged.

Knüt, first, not everyone knows about these ads running so long. I sure didn't the last time I went to a movie and think the annoyance contributed to the fact that I haven't been to a theater in several years. The experience was bad beyond what was on the screen (this was at a theater on E86th Street -- too loud, too long previews/ads, too expensive for what I got.)

Second, it's wrong to equate engaging in a conversation online, or reading a fairly interesting weblog with passively viewing ads that I haven't even agreed to to see. Reading and certainly writing have higher value in scheme of things. And more to the point, even if viewing an ad was generally as enjoyable as writing, the difference is that I choose to spend time here, whereas the 15 minutes of my life taken by movie ads I had no choice and no knowledge about -- the movie listing gave a certain time (which I naively assumed was when the movie would start), I got there a few mintues ahead, sat down and my time was robbed. I can understand your saying this is not a very important issue for the city council, but to say that somehow I deserve it or should no better is way out of line.

I 2nd K's 'W-O-R-D'

I don't mind the movie starting late. I want to know what kind of laws we can pass to make people stop talking during the movie.

Knut> W-O-R-D!