By DYLAN SHACKLETT/ Talon Contributor
In the rows of empty seats, a lone viewer embraces the old-fashioned tradition of watching movies on the big screen. Bathed in the soft, fading light of the projector’s beam, they take in the beauty of a cinematic tradition which is on the verge of changing. Where once theaters drew crowds of audiences, now the past has met the digital future, and the magic of cinema is slowly fading before the convenience of streaming.
“I just don’t understand why you’d pay a small fortune to sit in a dark room with a bunch of strangers,” said Victor Cade, a devoted streamer. “With streaming, I’ve got the whole world of movies at my fingertips, and I can watch them whenever I want.”
Few people go to movie theaters anymore, erasing the movie watching experience that has been around for nearly a century. Though some like what movie theaters have to offer, prices seem to be a main factor in determining viewing options.
“I’ll admit, the picture and sound quality at the theater were better,” admits Cobi Stein. “But it’s so expensive, and I can’t watch it in my pajamas.”
As one tradition withers away, another one emerges. Binging, comfortable clothes, and personalized snacks are more inviting to many than the expensive communal experience. With streaming, there is more independence compared to movies at theaters. Viewers can pause, rewind, and savor every moment at their own pace. The endless choices offer a buffet of genres and titles to explore.
“I love the freedom streaming gives me,” says Jason Cagle, a busy worker. “I can watch what I want, when I want, without worrying about schedules or ticket prices.”
Streaming services offer a treasure trove of cinematic gems waiting to be discovered. For many, the ability to access movies from different eras and genres at the click of a button is worth the loss of going to a movie theater.
However, even with all that streaming has to offer, something is lost. Movie theaters’ personality and history hold a unique charm compared to its preferred counterpart.
“There’s a nostalgia to it,” says Ava, a movie theater worker. “It can be a link to the past, a reminder of the golden age of cinema. Streaming is great, but it can never replace the feeling of stepping into a movie palace.”
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