Oh, you came back? 😊 I’m genuinely glad to see you again! Let’s go even deeper into the past together and uncover more memories. It’s always more fun reminiscing with company.
The shift from single-screen cinemas to multiplexes has, in my opinion, been a game changer, especially for someone like me. Allow me to explain. Back in the day, when single screens ruled, there were typically three shows a day 12 to 3, 3 to 6, and 6 to 9. Saturdays, however, were a delight, with the first show starting at 9 AM, and, to top it off, tickets were half-price. I’m sure you can guess why that was.
It was an ideal timing for me then, as I had morning classes at college, leaving me free to catch any of the shows during the day. But looking back, I realise how different things would be now. With a full-time job, those three showtimes would have been almost impossible to attend, leaving the weekend as my only option. And we all know what happens if you miss the weekend show you’re out of luck.
Enter the multiplexes. They’ve completely disrupted the rigid showtimes. Now, you can catch a film at 6 AM before heading to the office or at 11 PM after work, without ever being late. I’ve taken advantage of both early morning and late night shows, which means I no longer have to wait for the weekend to enjoy a movie. For me, this has been one of the best things to happen in the world of cinema.
We used to rush through the gates, eager to grab the best seats. Now, it’s a mad race online, crashing servers in our excitement to score those tickets. The thrill’s the same, but the race has changed it’s not about being first through the door anymore, it’s about being the fastest click
Well, in today’s world, comfort in Theaters comes at a price a hefty one at that. This takes me back to the days when we were essentially paying for our proximity to the screen, rather than the luxury of the seats. Back then, seats were often made of plastic seats strapped onto metal bars you had to sit uncomfortably close to strangers, or in some theatres, you might find bamboo benches, no armrests, no headrests, and certainly no back support. To be honest, we did not bother about those luxuries that much. Because as far as my memory serves, it was the sheer excitement and the cultural experience of watching a film that drove us to the theatre. And perhaps the fear of missing out knowing that if you didn’t catch the film in the cinema, you’d be waiting ages to see it again.
The term ‘houseful’ back then didn’t just mean all seats were taken; it meant there wasn’t even standing room left. Fast forward to now, and we have recliner seats, recliners with massage functions, and in some theatres, seats so luxurious you can practically lie down and enjoy the film. What a delight!
In those days, no matter how big the hall was, you’d typically find just two large speakers behind the screen. I remember some theatres with speakers on the sides, too. If you sat close to the screen, you were in for the loudest experience because sitting close meant you had the cheapest ticket. Nowadays, we’re spoiled with Dolby sound systems, and most theatres boast Dolby Atmos. Kathmandu has even seen the introduction of Auromax. The evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. With all these luxuries, watching movies at home just doesn’t give me the same thrill anymore, once I witnessed the Dolby technology at theaters. It’s hard to replicate that level of infrastructure at home, and, let’s be honest, you simply don’t get the same vibe at home, especially when it comes to big-budget, action-packed dramas. I know it’s a sin to compare 70mm Dolby Vision and Sound with a Laptop/TV Screen and sound.
Thank you QFX Birtamode for keeping this safe. I have watched innumerable movies from this projector. I felt so good to see this gem. ❤️❤️❤️
Back in the ’90s, the go to movie snacks were simple yet satisfying think “Paapad” and “Samosa” paired with a cold Coke. Small time vendors would roam the seats, carrying buckets filled with these treats, stopping by each seat to see if you wanted anything. It was a straightforward, no fuss service that added to the charm of the movie going experience.
Fast forward to today, and the snack game has completely transformed. As soon as you step into a theatre, you’re hit with the irresistible scent of popcorn, nachos, and coffee treats, all strategically placed at the entrance to trigger your cravings. Despite often costing more than the ticket itself, it’s hard to resist especially when everyone around you is happily indulging. You don’t want to be the odd one out, right? That subtle social pressure, combined with the sheer joy of having a snack during a movie, makes it easy to spend money. To top it off, we can now pre-order available snacks and they will bring food to your seat. Push of a button and a waiter come to your seat to take food/snacks orders. Can you imagine some theatres even selling alcohol? I think, for theatres, snacks have become a major moneymaker, with profit more than from ticket sales. This shift is part of the broader evolution of the movie experience, where comfort and indulgence are key. As we look to the future, it’s fascinating to wonder if this tradition of grabbing snacks before a movie will stay the same or if new trends will change how we enjoy our cinema treats.
One of my favourite evolutions must be 3D movies. 3D movies were typically viewed with red-and-blue (anaglyph) glasses, the result was not so amazing because of the blurry images and limited colour accuracy, however, the experience of 3D movies was no less than today.
As I reflect on those 90’s theater days, it feels like stepping into a different world. From chasing rickshaws for movie updates to sitting through the mechanical hum of old projectors, the entire experience was raw, unpredictable, and full of excitement. Every trip to the theater was an adventure, with real struggle for tickets, shared film reels, and the thrill of watching the story unfold on the big screen. Fast forward to today, and while comfort and technology have made things easier, something about those simpler times still tugs at the heartstrings.
To those of you reading this, maybe some of you can relate, while others might find this hard to believe either way, it’s clear how much things have changed. The journey from hard plastic seats to recliners, from crackling sound to Dolby Atmos, and from struggling for tickets to booking them online has been swift and surreal.
But the big question remains: where does the future of movie watching go from here? As we’ve witnessed, change is inevitable, and with AI stepping into almost every industry, it’s bound to impact the way we purchase tickets, (from voice-assisted ticket booking or purchase? Chatbots?) experience films, personalized recommendations and even interact with the movie world itself. Will the future be as exciting as the past? Or will it feel like a disconnect? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure I’ll be there, popcorn in hand, ready to embrace whatever comes next. Because movie is BAE.
Wow so beautifully written …. It was a time travel 🧳 for me 👏🏻👏🏻