Is home entertainment gaining ground over movie theaters?

JAKARTA (JP): In a bleak survival of the fittest scenario bandied about by fearful movie theater owners, home entertainment will mean bankruptcy for all but the most competitive.

But do people really prefer to stay at home? Have the big screens and powerful sound systems lost their attraction? The Jakarta Post interviewed a cross-section of the Jakarta populace to find the answers.

Wimar Witoelar, a talk show host: I love watching movies in the theater even though I rarely have the time to do it.

The atmosphere inside the theaters here is comfortable and not too different from those overseas. The sound system, seats and even the popcorn are alike.

I think watching movies is the most entertaining past-time. Some movies are better watched in theaters instead of at home because of the better sound system.

Despite plenty of home entertainment facilities, movies have their own place within the society.

Inside the theater, people are isolated from noise, they get dressed up nicely and, sometimes, they have to struggle to get tickets. I do not mind having to line up because the theater is fully air-conditioned anyway.

Guruh Soekarno Putra, a noted choreographer: I go to the movie theater frequently as I am a great movie lover. In fact, if I had the opportunity, I'd like to produce, or direct, my own movie.

I have loved watching movies since my childhood. At that time, I watched movies with my parents, who would carry me in their arms.

When I was a child, I used to watch movies at the presidential palace theater -- an average of two movies consecutively -- and the habit continues until now.

There is plenty of satisfaction in watching movies at the theater. The sound system is good and the atmosphere cannot be duplicated by sophisticated home entertainment equipment.

I believe there is a need to renovate old theaters which have historical and architectural values, such as Megaria theater, Metropole theater and those in Senen market.

Agnes Kusumawardhani, a university student: I'd rather go to a movie theater than watch a laser disc alone at home. Inside a theater, I can concentrate on the movie, become absorb in the story. Sometimes a film will make me cry.

A movie theater's system is also among the reasons why I prefer theaters, even though my parents have the latest home entertainment equipment. Besides, I can go to movie theater with friends, instead of being at home alone.

Mooryati Soedibyo, Chairwoman of the Mustika Ratu Group: My movie theater is in my home. Every time I go to a theater it always seems really cold and by the time the movie is over I feel so tired. At home I can watch movies while I lay down or eat. Besides, home entertainment movies are equally good.

Ida Ruwaida, a social researcher at the University of Indonesia: There are three factors which draw people to movie theaters: atmosphere, satisfaction and socialization.

The atmosphere in a theater is very different from at home. It's more alive because you are surrounded by people. It's certainly fun and relaxing.

And watching a movie with good sound quality on the big screen is more enjoyable and satisfying than sitting at home watching a movie on a small screen.

Besides, one can get together with friends and go to a movie, and then later decide whether to go to a cafe or somewhere else, which you cannot do at home.

I go to the theater twice a month, and now it is becoming part of my routine leisure activities.

Memes, a popular singer: For me, watching movies is pleasant and refreshing because once I am inside a theater, I do not remember anything else, I just delight in the film.

Personally, I prefer watching movies in theaters rather than watching a laser disc, or video compact discs, because I can concentrate and the sound system is much better.

If I had more time, I would go to the theater two to three times a week. But usually I only get to see a movie once a week, usually at Pondok Indah Mall or Plaza Senayan. And at least I can read the subtitles in a movie theater.

Compared to movie theaters overseas, theaters here are much better, even in sound quality.

When I was a child, theaters here followed very strict rules, they would not allow anyone below 17 years old to watch adult movies. But now, they are slack and let in underage people.

Irwan S., an employee of a private firm: I go the theater at least once a week.

At home, I have my own laser disc player, but it is completely different from watching a film in the theater, especially the sound and atmosphere.

Even though I prefer going to theaters, it doesn't mean I'd go to any theater. I only like theaters which are comfortable and offer good security. For instance, I wouldn't feel secure watching a movie in lower-class theater.

Opii Sri Widjayanti, medical student: Basically, I am not too crazy about movies. But if I had to chose where to watch one, I would go for a theater, because it could hold my attention better than a TV screen.

Paulus Wirutomo, a sociologist from the University of Indonesia: People should find a balance between the need for high tech and high (social) touch. People have become obsessive about high tech and are saturated with it.

At times one needs a social touch, such as the need to socialize and mingle. That's why people still go to theaters because they can express their needs, and naturally, people like being surrounded by warmth and a sense of fun, such one can find in a theater.

Personally, I prefer watching films at the theater to watching them at home because I can concentrate more on the film, while at the same time spend quality time with my family.

Albert Mukidjam, a 28-year old businessman: I watch almost every new movie at the weekend.

I watch almost every movie available and I don't really care whether the film is old or new because the most important thing is that I can watch it with my loved ones.

It's better to go to the cinema because I can't possibly watch TV. I'm too tired and most of the time the programs are really boring.

I think the quality of the theater here is good, but the seats are sometimes too small, especially at Djakarta Theater. I got a cramp after I sitting through the 3.5 hours of Heat (an Al Pacino movie).

People still go to movies, especially premieres. You cannot possibly experience the feeling of laughing, or screaming together, if you watch Jurrasic Park or Mr.Bean alone at home. That's why people still enjoy going to the movies. (ste/10/07/das)