By Susan Moore
Contributing Writer
With winter gripping the area and people seeking diversions from the poor economy, one activity still seems to be a popular choice. Recently on a chilly February day, people from the area ignored the cold and wind to escape from the everyday for a bit of fantasy, comedy or action at the Southside Mall Cinemas.
With the 82nd Academy Awards Show coming up Sunday, it was a perfect time to find out how people feel about going to the movies, and if, in this era of belt tightening, their movie outing habits have changed, and in what way?
At different times in our history, factors such as the economy, political views and even war have played a part in the habits of American-movie goers. It would seem that all of these things are in play.
Until recently, there had been a steady decline in movie attendance since the end of the last world war, yet movies have been making record amounts at the box office.
Couples such as Teri Palmer, a college student from Long Island, and Ethan Feldstein, a student from Rock Port, were out for a "break from classes, and some entertainment."
Feldstein noted that he is a "big moviegoer." They mentioned a preference for comedies and thrillers. Though the last movie they saw was "not so good," they both agreed that it was still fun, and emphasized that the whole "experience of getting out" was the main reason they go to the movies. They said they generally go about once a week.
They raised the point that compared to the areas where they are from, and although the price of food or snacks at the cinema is high, seeing a show in Oneonta was a good deal. Prices from their hometowns for a movie were in the $11-range, they said.
Defying both the economy and the past slow growth of the industry (in 2006 there were 2 percent fewer people going to the movies), 2009 showed an increase.
According to The New York Times, despite the economic downturn, the movie industry is experiencing "an unprecedented box office surge. Ticket sales were up in 2009 by 17.5 percent." That translates to $1.7 billion, a staggering amount recorded by Media by Numbers, a box-office tracking company. If this trend continues, it will be the largest growth in the industry in two decades.
Amy Sokol of Hamden ventures out to the movies with her children twice a month or so, she said. She works for Hospice, and is particularly attuned to germs, she said, so tries to go to "earlier showings when the air isn't so stale."
She said she does regret that, due to work constraints, she is going less than she once did, because when out, it means she can "kick back" whereas at home she would be "answering phones and picking up."
She mentioned she enjoys the Oscars, and would definitely be watching the show, which will be shown starting at 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC stations.
Angie Ellis and Nick Tanner, another young couple enjoying an outing to the movies, said that it's a fun thing to do, and they had gotten a sitter for the occasion. They, too, said they enjoyed comedies.
They added that their movie habits hadn't changed, as they budget for it and go about every other month. They also felt that, except for the food, it was a good value. Although they often rent movies, it is a good reason to get out.
Stephen Jenkins and Natasha Crespi, more comedy fans, go for the entertainment, and to hang out, saying it's a good value and a way to get out of the house in the winter.
Linda Hall, who is in charge of marketing for an adult summer camp through the Office of the Aging in Delhi, was there with her granddaughter, Danielle Kiser. Hall said she doesn't see her grandchildren often, "so we went for a special time."
She said she often goes on her own, "about once or twice a month." She said that she prefers the large-screen, in-her-face experience to renting. Her granddaughter said she goes even more often _ venturing out in any weather "every weekend."
Hall added that she likes to "bring her grandchildren and make it an event."
Hall and her grandaughter mentioned seeing some great movies recently, laughing and joking when talking about them.
The experience of getting out and going to the movies is an ingrained part of our culture.
Over time, along with the growth of our country, the movie industry has grown, having a major impact on many aspects of our lives.
From trends and attitudes, to the economy itself.
The Oscars have become a natural outgrowth of that industry.
Beginning in 1927 on a comparatively small scale, in a more private setting, it too has become an event that many viewers "attend."
This year for the first time since 1928, two people, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin, will host the Academy Awards.
For those of you who are hard-core fans, visit the Academy Awards' website, www.oscars.com.
There you can find top-10 lists, movie trailers and much more.
There is even an application on the website in which you can print out voting ballots, and host your own "Oscars Night."
Venturing out to avoid cabin fever to spend some time having fun with friends or family, enjoying a movie still appears to be a good value.
And despite many other forms of entertainment available to us, Americans, and people around the world not only still go, but are enjoying the experience in record numbers.
