Movies can be seen in more ways than one. As the world has progressed technologically, more ways have been revealed. Streaming services are widely available to anyone who wants them, which means it is a possibility that movie theaters could be dying. Is the art of theater entertainment truly lost?
Let’s hear what Keene State students think.
A common theme in student responses to this question is that going to the theater provides an experience that viewing movies at home does not.
Junior film major Onix Owens said, “It [streaming] is convenient, but you get a better experience at the theater.”
Junior construction management major Padraic Cook agreed, and said that going to the theater is “a whole experience,” making it more preferable to watching a movie at home.
Nick Waterman, who is a triple major senior in computer science, cybersecurity and graphic design, also prefers the theater, but for a slightly different reason. He said that going to the movies “feels more exciting,” but it also “depends what movie it is.”
First-year psychology major Miley Parisi said she would rather go to the movie theater “to get out of the house,” while first-year psychology major Kenzie Soper said, “It is a bigger screen, it gets people together.” However, Soper also mentioned that it is “easier to stream.”
Other students had similar ideas, such as Sam McKay, a first-year environmental studies major, who said she would rather watch movies at home because it is “more convenient.”
Undecided sophomore Alexia Allard said that when you stream at home, there is “no money needed,” which makes it an easier way to access movies.
River Pitts, a transfer student majoring in communications with a focus on philosophy, wanted to watch movies at home, but for a different reason. They said, “I don’t want to move most of the time, the outside is terrifying.” Another point they made was, “I talk over movies if I’m around people.”
There was a pretty even split with this question about whether Keene State students would rather go to the movie theaters or stream at home.
Some students said they like the theaters because it provides a bigger screen, brings people together and involves moviegoers in a certain type of experience.
On the other hand, a lot of students said streaming at home is more convenient, cheaper and easier overall, whether it is because they simply like being at home, or they don’t want to spend money on something they could do without the extra cost.
Despite the convenience of streaming services, Keene State students still thought the movie theater experience was important.
Alex Perry can be contacted at
alex.perry@keene.edu
