Magic reaches maximum people

“The cinema substitutes for our gaze, a world more in harmony with our desires.” — Andre Bazin, French film critic.

Remember the first time our parents took us to a movie theatre? Initially, how strange/scary it was when the lights dimmed and how wonderful it was a when a melange of sounds engulfed the theatre? How marvellous it was, when people talking, worlds collapsing, strange creatures flying made you feel like a fragment in this universe! Well, that is the magic of cinema, rather, the magic of the cinema hall – a world in its own. Sadly, in the last couple of years, initiatives to slowly move cinema from this wonderful place into our homes directly have been taken by many influential filmmakers of this world. Thankfully, there are some, who vehemently oppose this decision.

We need to realise that as an art form, cinema reaches the highest number of people through visual and auditory media. Imagine watching something as grand as the Pandora waterfalls, or something as epic as the climax of The Return of The King on your TV screens instead of watching it in a movie theatre.

It doesn’t sound as epic or wonderful, does it?

That is what the future of movies will resemble, if the idea of syndicating cinema through TVs and websites is passed.

The prospect of the future of cinema faces a serious threat. Because, not only does it deprive the audience of experiencing cinema in its full blown beauty, but also frightens us with the idea of cinema halls turning into museums for future generations.

Shahim Sheikh, Coordinator, Class XI,Julien Day School, Kolkata.

Will lose all social interaction

How many of us have already watched Dr. Strange by now? I’ m sure, plenty of people who have watched it in theatres. Or rather, perhaps all of them have watched it in theatres.

Isn’t it amazing to watch a movie on big screen? There is indeed a different appeal to it. We find huge screens where every minute action can be watched perfectly. They are way better in comparison to that of the smaller ones at home.

With all these new television sets coming up with so many features to enhance the visual quality, one might just say that theatres are out of fashion.

The quality that one demands in a TV already exists in theatres. Though one can have fun with friends while watching movies at home, but does it imply that people will give up all social interactions?

Watching movies in theatres is always great not only for the quality or the experience but also to stay in touch with the world. If theatres cease to exist and TVs try to emulate the experience of the theatres, they will certainly fail. And quite horrendously.

Farhana Tasneem, ex-St. Xavier’s School, Burdwan.

Home is still the best

I have always been lazy by nature and fond of sprawling in my bed or lying on the sofa while watching movies. It’s cheap, easy and can be watched over and over again. The boon of internet is not unknown to us. All one needs to do is type the name of a movie and the search engine floods with options from where we can either watch it online or download it for later. The latest movies that are released are available within 72 hours. Also, the television channels, fighting for higher TRP bring the latest films to our home in no time post releases. We can buy coke or some popcorn to complement our mood or may watch movies for a particular time of the day, while still in bed, or with family, along with a self modulated AC temperature. Technology has blessed us with television which now almost occupy a part of the wall of our rooms, or the home theatre, made to recreate the ambience of theatres in our bedrooms and drawing rooms.When big cinemas can almost be brought in at home, is it important to watch a movie in a cinema hall?

Ahendrila Goswami, ex-Bishop Morrow School.

Far from the maddening crowd

Watching movies in the theatres is all time favourite among film buffs but for those who loathe going to the crowded theatres, home is the best place to enjoy a movie. Home is comfortable, silent and it is the place where one can pause, play and repeat a scene as many times as they want. One can cozily slouch on a couch, under blankets, sprawl in bed and enjoy the movie. They can be watched while eating lunch or dinner without worrying about getting up amidst intervals to buy popcorn. Watching movies at home is always better because it does not have anything to do with the old lady sniffing at a particularly tedious and uninteresting emotional mush; or with the frenzied fans shrieking and whistling every time the hero gets into action.

Luckily, it does not deal with the romantic couples who are more engrossed in chatting about their first meet than actually watching the movie. Movies at home do not come with all the uncomfortable seats and huge heads blocking one’s way in front. Most importantly, it does not have to deal with tickets running out, entering late in the theatre. Nowadays with Netflix, Hotstar and similar other sites, we have no fear of missing out on regional movies as well as international ones. All one requires is an internet pack that enables this bulk streaming. Nowadays, television sets have upgraded in a more advanced way- screens have become larger, audio quality has improved. With the emergence of technological up gradations like HD, LED, and Amoled displays, it has made watching movies a delight for those who want to avoid awkward crowds and broken seats. Also on a deeper aspect, watching movies at home enhances one’s connection with the plot; it helps the person to connect with the characters and dialogues. Back in the 90’s, going to a theatres to watch a movie was a great experience altogether, but as technology has advanced watching movies at home is always the best way.

Sayani Majumder, Coordinator, Class XI, Bidya Bharati Girls’ High School.