As movie lovers we have watched films both at the cinema and at home on either DVD or Blu-Ray disc. But which is better? We thought it would be fun and interesting to do a head-to-head of both to see what comes out on top.
Cost
When it comes down to choosing something to do, cost is always one thing that is looked into especially in more recent times. The average cost of a cinema ticket in 2013 was $8.13 in the US and £6.53 in the UK. Obviously these prices are only estimates but it gives us something to work with. On average a new DVD in the UK costs around £10 and a Blu-Ray costs around £15-20. These numbers will vary along with cinema ticket prices - as obviously it will cost more to watch an IMAX or 3D film at the cinema. On face value to actually watch a film it seems that going to the cinema will come out on top. There are however other costs involved, like travel and snack costs (we have a separate section on snacks). The costs for sweets, popcorn and drinks at the cinema is extortionate and is almost nearly 3 times as more expensive that if you purchase them in shop. This added with travel costs we are going to give this head-to-head to DVD/Blue-Ray. On average it would be cheaper to buy a DVD or Blu-Ray disc compared to going to the cinema.
DVD/Blu-Ray 1 - 0 Cinema
Comfort
For us, nothing beats the comfort of your own home. Your familiar surroundings - everything is how you like it. At the cinema however it isn't. You rarely get to choose where you sit. You have no control over the lighting and you are limited to your seat. It is very difficult to stretch out which can be a problem as films are generally lasting for longer and longer these days. This has not stopped movie theatre chains like Odeon trying to make the cinema experience more homely and luxurious, however this comes at an added cost. Home comforts really are the best and cannot be matched by going to the cinema.
DVD/Blu-Ray 2 - 0 Cinema
Atmosphere
There is a certain atmosphere at the cinema that is impossible to recreate at home. It's cliché but it is magical. The big screen, dimmed lights and loud speakers makes watching films at the cinema all that more special compared to being at home. Although it may be less comfortable especially when the cinema is packed but when there is a funny scene and the whole cinema erupts in laughter that atmosphere is special and unique.
DVD/Blu-Ray 2 - 1 Cinema
Snacks
We have already looked at the cost of snacks but lets look at the snacks themselves. In our eyes, cinema snacks cannot be matched. Yes, you can buy popcorn from the shops and eat it at home but it is not the same as cinema food. The popcorn, nachos and drinks albeit overpriced taste much nicer at the cinema and are worth the extra money. Of course at home you can cook your own dinner and can pretty much have anything you like but for us cinema snacks win.
DVD/Blu-Ray 2 - 2 Cinema
Quality
Now this is a difficult one. Unless you go to the IMAX a normal cinema screen can sometimes look a bit blurry. The majority of people at home will have a HD screen to watch a film on making the screen quality better but obviously smaller. At the cinema though the sound is very good. Loud and clear - it really adds an extra element to the film you are watching. You can feel the sound vibrations which really improve action films etc. At home their is a limit as to how loud you can have the sound. This is a shame and unless you have a home cinema surround system it will not be the same as at the cinema. Overall we think the cinema just edges it because of the large screen size and the sound effects are much better.
DVD/Blu-Ray 2 - 3 Cinema
Time
Watching films takes time, obviously. Films generally range from anywhere between 75 minutes to up to 3 hours. This is a long time to be out and it generally is nicer to watch longer films at home. At the cinema you do not get a break where as at home you can pause it. There is also the added bonus of saving time as you will not need to travel to the cinema. Time-wise watching a film at home is better, you will save time and can watch a movie when it suits you rather than having the hassle of getting to the cinema and having to watch a film at a set time.
DVD/Blu-Ray 3 - 3 Cinema
Release Dates
There is only one winner here in the last category - Cinema. The films at the movie theatres come out a long time before they appear on DVD or Blu-Ray which means if you wait to see something at home, you can be waiting months. There really is no arguing in that if you want to see a film as soon as it comes out you have to go to the cinema to do so.
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| Transformers: Age of Extinction can be seen in the cinema long before it can on DVD |
DVD/Blu-Ray 3 - 4 Cinema
And the winner is...
The winner is Cinema. That concludes our head-to-head and we believe that you should go to the cinema over watching a DVD/Blu-Ray at home. Of course other circumstances can change this but if you have the opportunity to go to the cinema - take it, it is a great experience and very enjoyable.
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