Prepare To Be Watched While You Watch a Movie

BussyB writes "Gaining entry to some movie theaters lately gives patrons an experience that is on par with going through a TSA security checkpoint at the airport. Then once you've gained access, there are cameras strategically positioned that record your every move. Unfortunately, the extent to which these companies monitor movie-goers is only going to get worse."

Comments

even more reason to wait for the dvd

[DynamoJoe]

On the upside, Hollywood keeps turning out crap so I feel like I'm not missing much by waiting for the movie to come out on video.

Re:even more reason to wait for the dvd

[BeanThere]

There are still movie theaters? I stopped going long ago. From all the people talking on their cellphones and talking to one another during the movie, to sticky floors and sitting on someone's old dirty popcorn etc., I'd much rather watch at home, I have a decent screen and sound system, I can pause whenever I want, watch whenever I want, I can rewind if I accidentally missed something or stopped concentrating, and I don't even have to get my ass out my chair and get dressed and sit in traffic etc. Not to mention the prices, and the overpriced snacks and limited snack choices. Perhaps if I cared about being more social and wasn't basically a hermit it would be a different story.

The bigger problem

[mwvdlee]

The bigger problem we're facing with corporate practices like this is that, when the revolution comes, we won't have a wall big enough to put all these marketing departments against. We should really start to prioritize who will be first, and who goes second, third, etc.

Just wrong

[symes]

This is a gross invasion of privacy - I would expect to be informed of any recording at the time I purchase the ticket, who was making the recording and to what purpose they were being used. I would also expect that I could opt out at that time and at any time in the future without penalty. If the only choice I have is to no longer visit cinemas, then so be it. Either that or I might have to find a certain mask to wear.

Re:Just wrong

[bmo]

There are typically signs that say that there are cameras. Indeed, in the Wallgreens down the road, there is a TV monitor facing the doors as you walk in just to say "Yes, if you shoplift, we've got tape"

This? This isn't about shoplifting. There are also no signs or any indication that this is going on.

That's the difference.

--
BMO

Re:Just wrong

[Seumas]

And those security tapes are usually rotated rather than archived, sold, distributed, analyzed, etc.

Re:That won't be on the evaluation form.

[quacking duck]

Instead of noticing that we loathe any and all of the ads, they are going to ask: "Which one did you enjoy the most?"

This assumes that we enjoyed any of the ads.

We don't, but that's not what they're measuring is it...

Elections usually run on the same principle. Why should marketing surveys be any different?

Re:Heh

[mcgrew]

Well, I don't fly because of the TSA, I guess the movie theater owners down't want my money any more than the airline industry.

Stupid cowardly people...

Re:Heh

[E IS mC(Square)]

I used to go to theaters almost every week. But past 5 years, it's just once or twice. Getting a nice projector and having patience for DVD/BD release works for me.

And I can drink beer from bottle straight up.

My problem was not (just) theater owners, it had more to do with mobile loving teens.

use the cameras to identify the A-HOLES

[newdsfornerds]

Have the cameras identify the a-holes who can't stop talking during the movie and deliver a painful jolt of electricity to their seat until they stfu.

Re:That AND the cost. I'll stay at home thanks

[ElectricTurtle]

I hope you're lying about being a LEO. Threatening some minimum wage jackass just trying to do his job for the property owner with murder and a cover up as a legitimate use of deadly force is heinously irresponsible and in fact criminal.

You have no right to access private property on terms other than those of the property owner. If the property owner wants all bags searched, you comply or piss off. That's how trespass law works. It's not a right to search bags, it's a condition for entry. You don't want to meet that condition, the property owner has the right to deny you entry. The end.

I am not a lawyer and the previous should not be construed as legal advice.

Re:Heh

[nabsltd]

It doesn't matter how good or bad the items being advertised are, I don't want my attention distracted from the story the film is telling.

Basically, as long as the characters don't "advertise", I think the public is fine with it.

For example, if Q says to Bond, "now, let me tell you about the 'additions' to the BMW Z3...", and that's the only mention of the make or model of the car in the movie, it's probably OK. But if Bond were constantly asking people if they "want a ride in my BMW", it'd be too much (like the mentioned Omega watch example).

Re:Heh

[ImprovOmega]

And Bond wore a Rolex Submariner traditionally

I suppose it's how you define "traditionally." OO7 hasn't worn a Rolex since 1973's "Live and Let Die." In fact, aside from the early Connery films Bond has usually *not* worn a Rolex.

Hence "traditionally" all other Bonds other than Connery are pretenders to the throne.