It's too easy to be lazy
December 26th 2007 01:21
All this technology surrounding us makes it easier and easier to be lazy. Is this a good thing?
Well, it helps us avoid the rest of society, which most would argue is a detrimental effect. In the past, if you wanted to watch the latest movie, you'd have to get dressed up, drive to the theatre and sit among the rest of your fellow primates.
Then VHS came out, and after that, DVD. You could just wait until the movie was at Blockbuster, pay a small fee, and rent the movie to watch at home. Of course, you'd still have to get dressed, drive to the Blockbuster, and wade among the rest of your fellow bipedal mammals.
We're finally nearing the point where you don't have to do a goddamn thing except turn on your computer, order the movie online, and have it stream over.
Even with these advances in technology, it still seems like too much effort. I want to watch it now, instead of waiting for it to download...
We'll get there. Video-on-demand is the next big thing, prompting the big telecom companies to start installing optical fibers to the home, giving you fast enough connectivity to download a movie at the snap of your fingers.
Are you ready to be that lazy? You're still missing out on something... the excitement of going to the cinema, of lining up to enter, picking the seats. The rumble of people around you, the big laughs, the 'ooohs'.
I've watched Hollywood comedies that were supposed to be awful - at the cinema, with an entire theatre of people cracking up, it seemed awfully funny.
And who can neglect the adrenaline rush of going to a specialist film festival, knowing that you're watching something that no one else in Australia is going to see, save for you lucky souls.
What am I saying? Certainly, I love the convenience of sitting at home and watching DVDs, especially when it's cold and rainy. I don't mind the small screen and the small sound, knowing full well that the movie would probably be even more impressive at the cinema.
But you need to get out and remind yourself that these movies were meant to be watched on a giant screen. Where the actors are 13 feet tall and every motion, every facial tic is captured in fullscreen glory.
Well, it helps us avoid the rest of society, which most would argue is a detrimental effect. In the past, if you wanted to watch the latest movie, you'd have to get dressed up, drive to the theatre and sit among the rest of your fellow primates.
Then VHS came out, and after that, DVD. You could just wait until the movie was at Blockbuster, pay a small fee, and rent the movie to watch at home. Of course, you'd still have to get dressed, drive to the Blockbuster, and wade among the rest of your fellow bipedal mammals.
We're finally nearing the point where you don't have to do a goddamn thing except turn on your computer, order the movie online, and have it stream over.
Even with these advances in technology, it still seems like too much effort. I want to watch it now, instead of waiting for it to download...
We'll get there. Video-on-demand is the next big thing, prompting the big telecom companies to start installing optical fibers to the home, giving you fast enough connectivity to download a movie at the snap of your fingers.
Are you ready to be that lazy? You're still missing out on something... the excitement of going to the cinema, of lining up to enter, picking the seats. The rumble of people around you, the big laughs, the 'ooohs'.
I've watched Hollywood comedies that were supposed to be awful - at the cinema, with an entire theatre of people cracking up, it seemed awfully funny.
And who can neglect the adrenaline rush of going to a specialist film festival, knowing that you're watching something that no one else in Australia is going to see, save for you lucky souls.
What am I saying? Certainly, I love the convenience of sitting at home and watching DVDs, especially when it's cold and rainy. I don't mind the small screen and the small sound, knowing full well that the movie would probably be even more impressive at the cinema.
But you need to get out and remind yourself that these movies were meant to be watched on a giant screen. Where the actors are 13 feet tall and every motion, every facial tic is captured in fullscreen glory.
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Comment by StarWarsGeek
Even if you order all those online and have them delivered, you'd still have the task of answer the door when the delivery guy arrives.
You can NEVER get lazy enough
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Michaelie
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Michaelie, Laziness is a blessed event, sometimes..
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
I was going to write a long and witty reply to this but I am just too lazy.
See, that is so frustrating to deal with.
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
The pop corn can be made by the computer, one would have to find someone to fill the hopper with corn, and the vat with oil, but, drinks could be delivered via tube to
mouth, again using computer, a built in toilet in the heated and cooled seat, again controlled by pooter, but, all done via voice command, no typing, too strenuous, and maybe, there could be a virtual/real audience, so a movie starts at an alloted time, and everyone is hooked up live via headphones, so we get the burble and reactions to the film...the SSSHHHH!!! and even pop corn munching!
And there could be a silence button...
cheers
fog
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
There used to be ushers in theatres; the guys in uniform with the flashlights who silently roamed the aisles and kept order. Anyone throwing food, talking loudly, having sex on the seats or otherwise disturbing those who were there to watch the movie were kicked out. Those days are gone!!
Seems like people of all ages (not just kids!) either never learned or have forgotten How to Act in Public.
I loved the interaction with other people at a movie or play or concert, and I miss it..but it's not worth it to me to go out to these things anymore because it's a sure bet that some buttbrain with a cell phone or a pack of unattended toddlers or a bad case of the horn is going to ruin it for me.
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Fog, you paint a pretty picture
damo, your comment was too lazy to make it over here on TCP/IP.
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
I will not gve up the theatre-going experience. Not for the world. I do not like renting films at all. I want to get off my ass, get in the car, fight traffic, pay 12 per ticket, get there early so that I get my choice of seat so that I can be transported to places that I might not think of going. I don't mind other patrons one bit. I have had my share of throw downs with rude patrons and frankly I don't give a shit. I loooove the movies. Feel 'ya bro!
Mis
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I know what you mean, on the plane yesterday I was waiting for the inflight film to start and internally moaning because the screen was basically right above my head so I was risking neck injury if I chose to watch anything.
Then I looked across and this little boy had a device where he could chose whichever film he wanted on a small yet amazingly clear screen with earphones. He didn't need the rubbish that Qantas were offering, he had his own entertainment...but he didn't have popcorn...and nor did I...and I didn't commit to the film...
Byeee