Is home entertainment gaining ground over movie theaters?

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)