Why I Don’t See Movies On Opening Night Anymore

I love movies. I watch a whole gambit of genres - thought provoking documentaries, hilarious comedies, gripping dramas, and imaginative science fiction. I try and stay aware of new work coming out from my favorite actors, directors, film franchises and even occasionally scope out the independent film scene in NYC. My mind is naturally focused on the future, and I indulge myself in the anticipation of new films - which can be years in the making.

Today is May 4th, otherwise known as Star Wars Day. Even though the next Star Wars movie is 7 months away, just seeping in all the Star Wars talk today increased my already high level of excitement surrounding the new film. Back when the prequel trilogy came out, I was sure to go opening night to each one. But for Episode 7, I will not be attending opening night.

This is not because I’m any less excited to see this new movie. In fact, I’d say my level of excitement surrounding Episode 7, and new films in general, is higher than ever. In the past few years, I’ve made it a point to rewatch previous films in a series immediately before seeing a sequel. For a movie like the new Avengers movie that came out this past weekend - that means I’ll be rewatching 10 movies in the week or so leading up to me actually going to the theater! For the new Star Wars movie, that will mean rewatching all 6 previous installments. It’s a big time investment, but I find it very enjoyable and rewarding.

If I had to guess why, despite being more excited than ever to see new movies, I choose to delay when I go, I’d chalk it up to being more mature and better at delayed gratification.

Simply put, opening night is a bad experience. In order to get good seats, you have to show up an hour or two early, stand in line, and then sit through the endless loop of commercials in the theater before the movie comes on. For midnight releases, you watch the movie dog tired, and won’t get home until 3 or 4am. The movie theater is also very crowded, which means lots of cellphones, side conversations, and odd odors. Opening night also draws out lots of overly enthusiastic and extroverted moviegoers, who will be sure to gasp, boo, groan, or clap - and sometimes will even add in their own commentary for everyone to hear.

Because I’m able to control my own desire to see a new movie right away, I get to avoid all of the downsides associated with the opening. I go to the theater when it’s almost empty, don’t have to show up early because there are always plenty of prime seats, and even save money because I’m seeing a matinee! In the grand scheme of things, this superior viewing experience more than makes up for the delay in seeing new films, and is a change I’m happy to have made.