Tom Fine wrote:
This must be a generational thing. I hate (HATE) movie theaters. Usually, the focus is blurry,
the sound bad and the place full of loud smelly people. So I'll sacrifice the "larger than life"
aspect of the visuals for the comfort of my own home and superb surround sound experience. As
large flatscreens get cheaper and cheaper -- and the same case with digital projectors -- the day
fast approaches when I'll have it all: a larger-than-life picture plus surround plus the comfort
of my own home. Also, going to the movies costs well north of $10 per person if you get a medium
nasty greasy popcorn and watered-down soda. And the movies made today aren't generally very good,
in my opinion. I still go to an occasional IMAX movie because that truly is a super-real
experience.
-- Tom Fine
There is another choice: a media room.
Before I became ill, I often hosted music gatherings in my otherwise modest home. For the purpose,
I had a 14x35-foot room built onto the house and installed a projector (since upgraded to DLP) and
eight-foot screen. I had to give up my Dahlquist speakers since they blocked the screen, but the
B&W's provided excellent surround to complement the picture.
In short, it's a more practical approach to a small theater or studio screening room - and since
I've been to screenings in the latter (I'm in Los Angeles), I can say that while my own version is
smaller, it's better than some of the 'pro' installations.
Since some of my friends are members of the Academy, I have the opportunity to see far more
'screeners' than time permits (and despite the protective measures of the Academy have copied some
for later viewing). More to my taste is bringing opera into my home via that room. A friend who
visits weekly remarks regularly on the convenience of attending the opera while kicking off her
shoes and putting her feet up on the table. (I listen from my recliner; they make do with the
couch.)
Mike
--
mrichter@xxxxxxx
http://www.mrichter.com/