I am behind this statement as much as I can be. Good theater sound is quintessential to the experience. Engulfing yourself in the monstrosity of a scene, or being picked at by subtleties, sound takes the image and the writing and gives it a roundness that you can't find elsewhere. I love films, especially in the theater.
Movies do not, and are not intended to, compete with books. Though they may rely on literature for their stories, and sometimes bring a novel into very convincing life, they're not meant to have the same affect or fill the same desire. When I was growing up, television was seen as a threat to movie houses, though at the time, a little grey box in the average living room really couldn't compete with a movie screen in a big dark romantic theater. (Which made the movies an ideal venue for dating couples.) It did, however, offer cheap popular family entertainment. So the cinema had to go bigger, brighter, more spectacular, more glamorous. And they had to splash out on publicity to attract an audience. I think that's where the crazy runaway budgeting started. But then, television screens grew larger and acquired excellent picture and sound definition, while, with diminishing demand, movie screens and theaters shrank. They've converged to where, now, the home experience is superior - if only because the viewer has control. The most recent production I saw in a [medium-sized, fairly decent] movie theater was Andre Rieu's anniversary concert (not my idea!). Yes, it was colourful and big - but far too loud. In an attempt to 'immerse' the viewer, they very often go too far and assault the viewer's senses. I can honestly say it was less enjoyable than the Sunday afternoon symphonic offerings on public TV.
I think it's probably better to read a book, since this is not a passive experience and I think it's richer and more rewarding. But I'm addicted to movies. I suppose it's like an opiate. Seeing it all come together the writing, the acting, sound and direction can really take you out of the real world. I enjoy the storytelling in movies. 'Parasite' blew my mind as much if not more than any book I've ever read. It was an original and moving story with humour. Sometimes I feel they're a waste of time, but I look at say, watching 'The Godfather' or the films of Woody Allen as a valid use of my life. But like with books, many times I'm just sat there staring at a shape and not taken in at all.
It adds up quickly. A 1-gallon sauce pan of popcorn takes about 1/3 cup oil for the best pop. 12 batches of popcorn is 2L right there. Further, if I'm too lazy to warm butter, I drizzle more olive oil on top along with other necessities such as yeast flakes. That's just popcorn. Hash browns and sautees for sauces/soups also soak up a ton. ~2.5 L is a reserved estimate. I've got the Mediterranean blood though, so I need that much to live.
You're making popcorn with olive oil? Guess that would explain the volume, haha. Kind of expensive though, no? You'd be spending more on olive oil than I do on Scotch.
That's some disturbing imagery. Edit: You do know that Radon (ラドン) is the original Japanese name for the monster we know in the West as "Rodan", right?
I get a 3L off-brand tin for 21 loonies. I stock up when it goes on sale, as low as $16.25. If I was buying those 750mL bottles I definitely would be over spending.
