(Please note: All images from Google Gemini – Thank You!)
It seems very odd to me that seemingly most people (based on the exhaustive and completely comprehensive research and polling tools derived from my own personal experience and completely biased opinions.) don’t fully appreciate the most effective method of watching a horror movie.
The surroundings and environmental specifics of a venue may be irrelevant for some, if not all other artistic forms. A straight drama probably doesn’t benefit from seeing it with a group of people. But there’s little doubt that the surroundings and particulars have some great affect for comedies. Seeing a comedy with a large group of people can certainly enhance the experience.
It’s the same with horror with some specific differences. As I happen to be the universe’s unrivaled expert in all things horror movie related, (I was completely unable to type that with a straight face.) here’s my (totally biased and subjective) suggestions for watching a horror film to full, terrifying and potentially traumatic effect.
See it in the largest theater, packed full of people. Obviously, this isn’t an option for most movies. But we live in a gloriously wonderful time to be a horror film fan. Great new horror films are released nearly every week. Unfortunately terrible new horror films are also released nearly every week so choose with care. And many theaters do a pretty good job of featuring many great classic horror films on the big screen in limited engagements. Alamo Drafthouse in particular does a pretty good (if inconsistent overall) job of bringing classic films in general to the big screen. Some area locations in particular participate in a fantastic series called “Terror Tuesday” featuring some really great and esoteric selections. The downsides are not every Alamo Drafthouse location participates and the ones that do generally show the films at 9pm, not the most optimal viewing time for anyone with a real life.
The next best thing is to see it at home, with like minded friends, on a big screen TV, and a dark room. This experience mixes the joys of social interaction with the delicious thrill of visually and aurally created terror.
This is how most of us end up watching most horror films and it’s still an effective choice. A dark room, a comfy chair, the snacks of your choice, and the endless and infinite streaming options available.
We really do live the the best time in history for the horror film fan. Classic films are being restored, in most cases to visual and aural quality better than when they were released. Movie theaters nowadays have the technical specs to provide near perfect movie experiences. So get out there or stay in there and watch yourself some deliciously dangerous horror!
See you next time.
