Do You Think Netflix Is Damaging The Traditional Theatrical Experience?

Do you think watching films released on Internet streaming sites like Netflix is damaging the traditional theatrical experience? I don’t, but famous film director Steven Spielberg does and wishes to prevent future films like recent Oscar darling Roma from being considered during the awards season, unless they have an exclusive theatrical window first.

I’m sure many haven’t even heard of the movie Roma, given it’s such an artsy type of film, and subtitled at that. But if you are an avid moviegoer like me, then you probably know it was produced by Netflix, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, and garnered ten 2018 Oscar nominations, even though it was only released for three weeks in theaters at the same time it began streaming.

I did not watch Roma in its limited three-week theatrical release and instead opted to stream it. In all honesty, I’m glad I did because I simply couldn’t relate to the material, even though most critics and other artsy moviegoers raved about it. With prices of movies these days continuing to rise higher and higher each year, it’s movies like Roma that I’d rather save money on and watch it from the comfort of my own home.

Add in the fact that each of our local Toledo cinemas have seats that are relatively uncomfortable for me (i.e. no plushy recliners), seats aren’t reserved either, concessions are exorbitant, sound quality is often at a lower decibel then I prefer (even though my hearing is just fine), picture quality is often slightly blurry as well (even though my vision is just fine too), people constantly are on their phones, and many continue to talk during the movie, I find streaming to be a much better alternative for many smaller known movies.

Don’t get me wrong, I still love the theatrical experience and usually see plenty of films throughout the year, but what Spielberg doesn’t understand is the average moviegoer would rather save money these days and be in the comfort of their own home and furniture, where they can pause a film at any point if they need to (like to go to the bathroom), where they have total control over the sound and picture quality, where they have access to much wider varieties of foods and beverages for far cheaper, and where the only talking or phone use is when they do it themselves.

That’s precisely why I thought watching Roma at home on Netflix was great, as I got to crank the volume during it because I like to do that for all the movies I watch. I also colored in my coloring book at certain points while watching it, paused it a few times for bathroom breaks, and was able to enjoy my $1 bottle of water rather than one for $4.50 and eat far healthier snacks than anything the local theaters offer. And I saved $12+ doing it!

Sadly, I think Spielberg is having trouble accepting the fact that the moviegoer world is shifting. More and more people are growing weary of the theatrical experience and are choosing to stay in the comfort of their own home because that experience is far better overall for many. Of course, people are still going to go see the huge Christmas and summer tentpole releases at theaters, like those Marvel movies and such. But for smaller films like Roma, it’s just not worth it for a growing number of people these days, especially those who are trying to be more and more cautious of how they spend their time and money.

The bottom line for me is that I disagree with Spielberg and don’t believe Netflix is ruining the theatrical experience for the average moviegoer at all, nor do I believe that Netflix should be forced to have a theatrical release for awards consideration either. Netflix is simply making it far easier for those who are time-pressed or economical to see films they probably would never make it to in a theater.

Personally, it’s my hope that one day all films will be released simultaneously to streaming and theaters, where the choice is left in the viewers hands on the format they wish to watch it in. Maybe in doing so, Spielberg and the rest of Hollywood may actually see more of their films, especially the lesser known ones, getting watched…

Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson

Silly Joke Friday

Silly Joke #1

One Sunday a pastor told the congregation that the church needed some extra money and asked the people to prayerfully consider giving a little extra in the offering plate. He said that whoever gave the most would be able to pick out three hymns.After the offering plates were passed, the pastor glanced down and noticed that someone had placed a $1,000 bill in offering. He was so excited that he immediately shared his joy with his congregation and said he’d like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate. A very quiet, elderly and saintly lady all the way in the back shyly raised her hand. The pastor asked her to come to the front. Slowly she made her way to the pastor. He told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much and in thanksgiving asked her to pick out three hymns. Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation, pointed to the three handsomest men in the building and said, “I’ll take him and him and him.”

Silly Joke #2

An attorney got home late one evening after a very frustrating day trying to get a stay of execution for a client, named Clarence Wright, who was due to be hanged for murder at midnight. His last-minute plea for clemency to the state governor had been denied and he was feeling tired and depressed.As soon as he got through the door his wife started on about, “What time of night do you call this? Why didn’t you call if you were going to be late? What am I supposed to do with your cold dinner? Where the hell have you been?” and so on. Too upset to even respond to her harangue, he poured himself a very large whisky and headed off to the bathroom for a long hot soak. He could still hear her continuing diatribe until he closed the bathroom door. While he was in the bath the phone rang. The wife answered to be told that Wright, her husband’s client, had been granted a stay of execution. She went upstairs to give him the good news. As she opened the bathroom door she was greeted by the sight of her husband’s posterior as he was bent over naked cleaning the tub. “They’re not hanging Wright tonight,” she said. The attorney turned his head and said wearily “My God, woman, don’t you ever stop?”

Silly Joke #3

A man had to attend a large convention in Chicago. On this particular trip he decided to bring his wife. When they arrived at their hotel and were shown to their room, the man said: “You rest here while I register – I’ll be back within an hour.” The wife lies down on the bed… just then, an elevated train passes by very close to the window and shakes the room so hard she’s thrown out of the bed. Thinking this must be a freak occurrence, she lies down once more. Again, a train shakes the room so violently, she’s pitched to the floor. Exasperated, she calls the front desk, asks for the manager. The manager says he’ll be right up. The manager (naturally) is skeptical but the wife insists the story is true. “Look, lie here on the bed – you’ll be thrown right to the floor!” So, he lies down next to the wife… Just then the husband walks in. “What,” he says, “are you doing here?” The manager replies: “Would you believe I’m waiting for a train?”

Bonus Silly Joke

Harry, after his retirement volunteered to entertain patients in hospitals. He would go from one hospital to another in the city and always carried his guitar with him. He would crack jokes and would sing some funny songs at patients’ bedsides.When he finished at one such hospital, he said to an old man, “I hope you get better.” The elderly gentleman quickly replied, “I hope you get better, too.”

Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson

Thought For The Day

Quote #1

“The inner emptiness is the door to God.” (Swami Dhyan Giten)

Quote #2

“Become totally empty. Quiet the restlessness of the mind. Only then will you witness everything unfolding from emptiness.” (Laozi)

Quote #3

“Moments of suffering are meant to empty us so that we may have the potential to tap into our truest depths.” (Kamand Kojouri)

Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson