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Dear Helena,
Is it wrong to bring your own snacks into the movies? I know there are sometimes signs posted saying you can’t, but I don’t appreciate being charged airport prices for Junior Mints. Nor do I enjoy nachos slathered in cheese product.
—Popcorn in My Purse
Dear Popcorn in My Purse,
It’s not surprising that movie theaters forbid outside food: Concessions are their single biggest revenue stream, says Richard McKenzie, an economics professor at the University of California at Irvine and author of Why Popcorn Costs So Much at the Movies and Other Pricing Puzzles. Theaters must share their income from ticket sales with film distributors and studios, while snacks and sodas have a high profit margin.
Raisinets and jumbo Cokes weren’t always part of the viewing experience. In the early days of cinema, theater owners discouraged snack consumption, feeling it clashed with the elegant atmosphere they were trying to create. “They had elaborate tapestries and carpeting and upholstery and didn’t want anything like candy that could get stuck to it,” explains Ross Melnick, cofounder of Cinema Treasures, a nonprofit devoted to saving the remaining movie palaces, and coauthor of a book of the same name.
Movie theaters began selling refreshments to boost revenue during the Depression, says Melnick. After the Second World War, when many moviegoers switched to TV instead, snacks became an even more important source of profit. In 1936, concession sales at movie theaters totaled $10 million. By 1949, candy sales alone were $50 million. As McKenzie explains, the concession stand was a major reason for the growth of the multiplex, where different movie starting times ensure there’s always a line for popcorn.
You’re not the only one to bristle at the prices. Most people suffer in silence, but after learning that outside food was forbidden (and being denied entry to the sci-fi movie Cloverfield because of it), Adam Glennon, a postman in Stockport, England, last year staged a protest in the street outside the theater, pressing free candy and price-comparison leaflets on passersby.
In his Ethicist column in the New York Times, Randy Cohen argues that when a business’s rule is grossly unfair, it’s fine to disobey it, and that the high price of movie popcorn justifies bringing in your own picnic.
I agree. If movie popcorn were delicious—organic kernels drizzled with real butter, for instance—then the sticker shock wouldn’t be so bad. But the truth is, it’s often stale. McKenzie explains: “Movie managers sometimes either pop the corn off-site or buy it ready-popped, but they have the popcorn poppers going [for show] when people are coming in through door.” Processed hot dogs and corn syrup–laden sodas aren’t likely to inspire an ecstatic Chowhound post either. As Glennon points out in an email, it’s wrong not to offer “healthy options for people who may have diabetes or weight issues. Are they banning fruit even though they don’t offer any?” And if you’re ecosensitive, you may cringe to see all those popcorn buckets and nacho trays stuffed into the trash.
So go ahead and smuggle in your own snacks. Staff will probably turn a blind eye. Wayne Woeltjen, lead assistant manager of Embarcadero Cinema in San Francisco, says, “It’s at the discretion of the staff, as long as it’s not disruptive.” As with eating on a plane, avoid hot foods, which have stronger aromas. For those bringing in their own popcorn, consider adding spicy cinnamon sugar or Parmigiano and black pepper. I like mine hippie-style, with soy sauce and nutritional yeast; Chowhounds have plenty of other suggestions. Just be sure to pack your popcorn in a plastic container, not in a crackly bag.
You have a right to disobey the rules of the business, and the theater reserves the right to eject you for it without a ticket refund. =)
I sneak in food, and alcohol, to the movies. Sometimes, I smoke illegal substances in the parking lot beforehand. And yet, I still manage to live a (mostly) guilt free existence. Food that's smuggled into movie theaters is the least of our problems.
I was at a movie last week, seated in the same row as a family of four. As soon as the feature presentation started, the entire family hauled out "snuck in" Subway sandwiches and began the arduous task of unwrapping and trying to eat their gloppy, overstuffed foot longs during the film. Not only was it loud and distracting to everyone sitting around them, but they made an absolute mess. I think...+READ
I was at a movie last week, seated in the same row as a family of four. As soon as the feature presentation started, the entire family hauled out "snuck in" Subway sandwiches and began the arduous task of unwrapping and trying to eat their gloppy, overstuffed foot longs during the film. Not only was it loud and distracting to everyone sitting around them, but they made an absolute mess. I think this is where sneaking food in gets ridiculous. If you feel the need to eat an entire meal during a movie, then get some food and watch a movie at home.-COLLAPSE
"As Glennon points out in an email, it’s wrong not to offer “healthy options for people who may have diabetes or weight issues."
What a load of crap. If you don't like what they have, don't eat it. No one is forcing you to eat their food. I'm getting tired of this "everyone needs to serve healthy alternatives" BS. If you don't like the McHeartattack-on-a-bun, don't go to McDonalds. It's just that...+READ
"As Glennon points out in an email, it’s wrong not to offer “healthy options for people who may have diabetes or weight issues."
What a load of crap. If you don't like what they have, don't eat it. No one is forcing you to eat their food. I'm getting tired of this "everyone needs to serve healthy alternatives" BS. If you don't like the McHeartattack-on-a-bun, don't go to McDonalds. It's just that simple.
Honestly, if you can't go 2 hours without eating, you have bigger problems than food prices to deal with.-COLLAPSE
There is nothing wrong to put Snacks and Popcorn scenes into the movies. Ratatouille is the movie where a cat sorry mouse runs behind the food like cakes and bread. It was animation movie and being awarded for Oscars.
Actually businesses are private property and have a right to their own set of rules, as long as they don't conflict with laws. So you don't have a right to bring in food or drink if it's against the theater's rules.
why the emphasis on corn syrup in sodas are you falling for the balderdash that says corn syrup is worse than sugar when if you had done your research they are almost identical. I have worked in a theatre and most of the time there is spent popping corn and what makes you think the stale corn is from off site it is freshly made in many places. It would have been much easier to buy bags of popcorn
or people could try going three hours without eating. it's not that hard!
At the theatre I work at we pop all the popcorn fresh that morning and then continue popping throughout the day. We are an independant theatre so we dont have the luxury of popping it off site which makes our popcorn nice and fresh. I think if other theatres did this then we wouldnt have people complaining about the price. Our price is cheap compared to others and we still make a great amount on...+READ
At the theatre I work at we pop all the popcorn fresh that morning and then continue popping throughout the day. We are an independant theatre so we dont have the luxury of popping it off site which makes our popcorn nice and fresh. I think if other theatres did this then we wouldnt have people complaining about the price. Our price is cheap compared to others and we still make a great amount on it (the largest popcorn is only 5.75 and it comes with a refill). And we allow outside food into ours. Just not coffee because people never clean it up and it gets sticky and smelly-COLLAPSE
Also, think of the shortages if the snacks were reasonably priced. If they were moderately priced, the theater would not be able to keep popcorn, candy etc. in stock.
Then what would the complaint be?
It is wrong because even with the price of snacks and popcorn many if not most theatres would be in the red with out the concession stand.
it is the snacks they can sell before the movie starts and during intermission that allows quite a few to make a profit...especially with the number of movie goers staying home for cable, DvD and blu ray these days.
As a former small business owner I know...+READ
It is wrong because even with the price of snacks and popcorn many if not most theatres would be in the red with out the concession stand.
it is the snacks they can sell before the movie starts and during intermission that allows quite a few to make a profit...especially with the number of movie goers staying home for cable, DvD and blu ray these days.
As a former small business owner I know how hard it can be to make ends meet.-COLLAPSE
juliachancey
Sneak is not my word. At least half the posters have used it.
If people rationalize what they are doing, of course they don't think they are horrible people. As you said, it is a luxury, not a necessity.
An act of civil disobedience would be openly walking into the theatre with your own food, telling the staff you were going to eat it and they would have to physically remove...+READ
juliachancey
Sneak is not my word. At least half the posters have used it.
If people rationalize what they are doing, of course they don't think they are horrible people. As you said, it is a luxury, not a necessity.
An act of civil disobedience would be openly walking into the theatre with your own food, telling the staff you were going to eat it and they would have to physically remove you.
It would mean writing theatres about the unfairness of the policy. It would require ... effort.
And I would admire that person. It might get a lot of press and be a start to chaning the system.
But furitively sneaking something in means you know you are doing something wrong. Because almost everyone does it doesn't make it right.
What is the line? When does someone cross over into being a horrible person? How big does it have to be? So you steal a little profit from the theatre owner. So what, eh?-COLLAPSE
"People shouldn't have to give up the luxury of going to a movie because they want to much on something decent while watching. And just because they choose to bring in their own food it does not make them horrible people."
No, but it does make them self-indulgent babies. As I said above - the easiest way to not pay ridiculous prices for junk food and still be an honest person, is simply to not...+READ
"People shouldn't have to give up the luxury of going to a movie because they want to much on something decent while watching. And just because they choose to bring in their own food it does not make them horrible people."
No, but it does make them self-indulgent babies. As I said above - the easiest way to not pay ridiculous prices for junk food and still be an honest person, is simply to not eat for two hours. That's the most amazing thing to me in all of this discussion, the idea that people think their constitutional rights (or worse) are being violated if they have to go a couple of hours without snacking.
[Insert obvious comment about American rates of obesity here]-COLLAPSE
I really don't think you can blame society's downfall on people refusing to pay $10 for a $4 bag of popcorn (including real butter, not the other crap). That is just good sense. If anything, they aren't being 'sneaks' they are performing an act of civil disobedience which by definition is an "active refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, or of an occupying...+READ
I really don't think you can blame society's downfall on people refusing to pay $10 for a $4 bag of popcorn (including real butter, not the other crap). That is just good sense. If anything, they aren't being 'sneaks' they are performing an act of civil disobedience which by definition is an "active refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government, or of an occupying international power. It is one of the primary methods of nonviolent resistance."
People shouldn't have to give up the luxury of going to a movie because they want to much on something decent while watching. And just because they choose to bring in their own food it does not make them horrible people.-COLLAPSE
When an ethicist in the New York Times, argues that when a business’s rule is grossly unfair, it’s fine to disobey ... it is there any wonder what is wrong with society?
We are talking maybe $10 worth of popcorn. Is it worth it to sell your soul for that?
It is one of the first rule you are teaching your kids ... break the rules if it seems unfair to you.
Don't first try to ask...+READ
When an ethicist in the New York Times, argues that when a business’s rule is grossly unfair, it’s fine to disobey ... it is there any wonder what is wrong with society?
We are talking maybe $10 worth of popcorn. Is it worth it to sell your soul for that?
It is one of the first rule you are teaching your kids ... break the rules if it seems unfair to you.
Don't first try to ask permissions. Don't work to change the rules.
There are lots of alternate choices. Don't eat if you don't want movie food. Will anyone die?
Don't go to the movies. It is not like films can't be viewed at home.
Work to change policy or food at theatres ... the more difficult thing
Many of the posts use the word sneak ... which makes you a sneak.
Look up a sneak in the thesaurus. Is defining yourself this way worth the price of a cheap snack?
Sneak
Definition: person who is very dishonest
Synonyms: cheater, con artist, coward, cur, dastard, heel, informer, louse, rascal, reptile, scoundrel, skunk, slink, snake in grass, snake*, toad, weasel, wretch-COLLAPSE
my favorite to sneak into movie theaters are things you cannot buy there..such as ice cream, warm cookies or sandwhiches from subway (mmm), or a soda "spiked" with something original. these things make the movies more fun :) :)
@SJ Dowling: "In terms of ethics, it's unethical to charge insane prices for food inside the theater and ban people from bringing in their own."
You're there for two hours. You can eat before or after. There is nothing remotely unethical about asking people not to bring in food - or not to eat at all during the show for that matter, as is the norm in live theater (which I get to about ten times...+READ
@SJ Dowling: "In terms of ethics, it's unethical to charge insane prices for food inside the theater and ban people from bringing in their own."
You're there for two hours. You can eat before or after. There is nothing remotely unethical about asking people not to bring in food - or not to eat at all during the show for that matter, as is the norm in live theater (which I get to about ten times as often as movie theaters). If there is an ethical question in any of this, it's why do movie theaters push huge containers of empty, fat-sugar-and-salt-laden calories on their patrons, regardless of price?
I can't remember the last time I spent a nickel on junk in a theater - OR brought in any food of my own. When I'm going to eat, I want to sit at a table and eat good food, well prepared, attractively presented. To claim there's an ethical violation because your choice is between buying overpriced junk or (gasp!) not eating at all for two whole hours? As if there's some god-given right to SNACK? The mind boggles.-COLLAPSE
In the previous depression of the 1930's "theater owners started selling popcorn so they could make up for the losses they had incurred due to the deflation in ticket prices"...so OK this is a 20th century American tradition, eatting popcorn (or maybe a candy) at the pictures. Meanwhile the prices have skyrocketed and the quality has plummeted in the last 40 years, is this justification to sneak...+READ
In the previous depression of the 1930's "theater owners started selling popcorn so they could make up for the losses they had incurred due to the deflation in ticket prices"...so OK this is a 20th century American tradition, eatting popcorn (or maybe a candy) at the pictures. Meanwhile the prices have skyrocketed and the quality has plummeted in the last 40 years, is this justification to sneak a snack in? I certainly say it is a justification to complain, and on the other hand I do NOT liken it to bringing drinks to a restaurant when I have already paid $19 for the Misses and my tickets!* But I find the 'Need to Feed' at the cinema show almost as odd as those who are so repulsed by the smell of 'offending' meat and cheese like products, a little disipline or even therapy might help... Meanwhile here in Key West some film buffs in the community got together and created the Tropic Cinema and they offer quality goods for decent prices, including great beers and wines! So there are answers to corporate abuse, open your own theater or go to the movies in the winter, wear a parka, put the supermarket paperbag full of fresh popcorn (with fresh cracked black pepper, cumin, allspice and grassfed butter) under your coat, it will help you stay warm ;-) and maybe the crappy corporates will go out of business and we can have good films, snacks and venues again!
*Imagine all the restaurants in your hometown served mediocre, moderately high priced food, bad wine for outragously high prices and refused BYOBs! I guess we would all eventually eat at home...or open restaurants!-COLLAPSE
So according to the logic of some of the posts here...I'm supposed to feel guilty if I GO to the movie and don't buy the food, most of which I am physically/meidcally unable to eat anyway even if I'm not bringing my own stuff (that I can eat) in too? Why should the profit margin of the theater's food make any difference to me or my purchase of a ticket to view a movie.
The point of a movie...+READ
So according to the logic of some of the posts here...I'm supposed to feel guilty if I GO to the movie and don't buy the food, most of which I am physically/meidcally unable to eat anyway even if I'm not bringing my own stuff (that I can eat) in too? Why should the profit margin of the theater's food make any difference to me or my purchase of a ticket to view a movie.
The point of a movie theatre is to screen movies. If that has become financially impractical for theatre owners and they want to branch out into the food service industry then that's a whole different thing and they ought to either do it right or close up.
I bought a ticket to see your movie. If you are using the movie ticket as a bait and switch to sell me crummy food I can't/won't eat then I'm not going to go to your movie theatre. Pretty basic stuff as far as I can see.
Having said that, I WILL bring my own food because the movie theatres do not offer fruit (fresh or dried), sugar free reduced carb candy, or plain unoiled popcorn, soy crisps, lof-fat cheese sticks or pistachios and sugar free, non-caffinated beverage options that aren't water. And I WON'T feel guilty about it at all. They start offering that kind of stuff then the game will have changed.
I'm not going to hold my breath.-COLLAPSE
There's nothing wrong with eating during a film. It's expected to take a picnic of some kind to the opera (which admittedly does last several hours).
Pies are eaten at football matches, and food stands were an integral part of Roman games.
I don't think that chewing necessarily distracts me from a film (well, providing it's not total crap).
But I really don't understand why Americans are to...+READ
There's nothing wrong with eating during a film. It's expected to take a picnic of some kind to the opera (which admittedly does last several hours).
Pies are eaten at football matches, and food stands were an integral part of Roman games.
I don't think that chewing necessarily distracts me from a film (well, providing it's not total crap).
But I really don't understand why Americans are to blame?-COLLAPSE
How about 'Don't eat while you're watching a film because it ruins the cinematic experience'?
Jesus. Americans.
Well, if you are lucky you could sneak a bag of popcorn inside the theater at least if you know how in the world that particular theater operates. If you do not know the rules, the theather operations or is a first-timer, I strongly do not recommend it. While, I'll admit I snuck in bags of chips and bottles of refreshing beverages into a movie theather but I did not sneak other stuff in, just not...+READ
Well, if you are lucky you could sneak a bag of popcorn inside the theater at least if you know how in the world that particular theater operates. If you do not know the rules, the theather operations or is a first-timer, I strongly do not recommend it. While, I'll admit I snuck in bags of chips and bottles of refreshing beverages into a movie theather but I did not sneak other stuff in, just not any larger than 3 inches in depth and 5 inches in height 4 inches in width.
Mr. SBUX JavaChip
New York, NY-COLLAPSE
Just as an aside, recently at a movie at Sundance, the two women in front of us had brought in sushi rolls and were quietly consuming them. Not stinky or offensive to anyone around (at least from lack of comments) but it definitely made my popcorn seem lackluster. And began a sushi craving that lasted for a few days till I could make it to my fave place.
What do I think? It's becoming a miserable experience to go to films due--in particular--to this one problem. I'm 63 yo, and haven't really seen this as a problem until the last few years. First, I don't understand the whole business of "needing" something to nosh on during a film. Second, bringing your own food, is like going to a restaurant and saying, "I can't afford your food, but...+READ
What do I think? It's becoming a miserable experience to go to films due--in particular--to this one problem. I'm 63 yo, and haven't really seen this as a problem until the last few years. First, I don't understand the whole business of "needing" something to nosh on during a film. Second, bringing your own food, is like going to a restaurant and saying, "I can't afford your food, but table-for-two, please. I've brought a basket of goodies." You're depriving theater owners of a significant revenue. If you can't afford it, just pass eating and watch the film. But people always bring noisey sacks and now those metal bottles that clang. Please be considerate of both the theater staff and the people sititng next to you. It's not your livingroom folks. (There. I feel all better.)-COLLAPSE
Theater owners can make up whatever rules they like, but if they expect their harried, underpaid workers to enforce them they've got anther think coming.
In terms of ethics, it's unethical to charge insane prices for food inside the theater and ban people from bringing in their own.
Although I have to admit, the worst offenders in this racket are sports arenas & stadiums.
Grapes are good.
@ lone diner: is there something classy about the movie theater in the first place?
I just LOVE these posts....here's my contribution also from Toronto (as above) I used to go to the Toronto International Film Festival for many, many years...one of my very worst experiences was going to a 9 A.M film and the person next to me devoured a 'family size' bucket of KFC....turned me off forever...not the Festival, just the KFC.
p.s. I am now a senior and my husband and I always bring...+READ
I just LOVE these posts....here's my contribution also from Toronto (as above) I used to go to the Toronto International Film Festival for many, many years...one of my very worst experiences was going to a 9 A.M film and the person next to me devoured a 'family size' bucket of KFC....turned me off forever...not the Festival, just the KFC.
p.s. I am now a senior and my husband and I always bring our own coke/pepsi to the Movies...those fountain drinks taste terrible and are outrageously priced..not to mention the popcorn (but we usually buy one bag and share it!!) LOVE THIS POST!!!!-COLLAPSE
I like cinema popcorn and a big icey soda as a treat, but I'm not at all adverse to bringing a pizza in.
I've snuck them in, and I've patently walked in with it on show.
As much as I agree with those who decry the cost of snacks and tickets, I'm not one to take snacks or food into a movie theater. There's something declasse about it. On the other hand, I endorse sneaking in a little booze, which I justify on the grounds that the theaters don't provide it.
Bringing one's own food into a theater that has a concession is like bringing one's own food to a restaurant. Period.
I'm astounded that the ethics columnist from the Times determined that the rules against outside food in a theater were "patently unfair" and therefore alright to break. If movie theater snack pricing is the first thing to be determined "unfair," what's going to be next. Will...+READ
Bringing one's own food into a theater that has a concession is like bringing one's own food to a restaurant. Period.
I'm astounded that the ethics columnist from the Times determined that the rules against outside food in a theater were "patently unfair" and therefore alright to break. If movie theater snack pricing is the first thing to be determined "unfair," what's going to be next. Will it become illegal for a restaurant to charge a corkage fee for wine brought in from outside, because the 300% wine mark-up in the restaurant is "unfair?" Next someone will say that it's okay for me to bring my coffee -- made for $.25 in my home -- to the diner that would otherwise charge me $1.85 for coffee with my breakfast.
If you can't wait until the movie's over to have dinner -- stay home and rent it on video.
The movie theaters, on the other hand, have really ruined things for themselves by offering such a limited amount of low-quality snacks in theaters. If they got hip to the culture of eating in theaters, and actually offered items that were appealing and not outrageously priced, more would buy.-COLLAPSE
"Most of our cinema complexes in the Toronto area sell more things than popcorn, soda and candy. Many have outlets like New York Fries, Burger King, Subway, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, etc. So in terms of being concerned about distracting other customers with food smells or rustling packaging, I don't think they really care."
The smells of people eating these foods in the theatre completely ruins...+READ
"Most of our cinema complexes in the Toronto area sell more things than popcorn, soda and candy. Many have outlets like New York Fries, Burger King, Subway, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, etc. So in terms of being concerned about distracting other customers with food smells or rustling packaging, I don't think they really care."
The smells of people eating these foods in the theatre completely ruins the experience for me now. The smell of that yellow popcorn or that "cheeze" nacho stuff I can handle to a degree, but having to sit behind someone eating a stinky burger makes me (and hubby) feel physically sick. I don't go to theatres very often, but when I do I go to ones with just a regular concession stand if I have the choice.
On the topic, I do sneak in food, and have for years. They never have healthy options, so I sneak in fruit and a bottle of water, and maybe a little treat. Apples aren't any noisier than popcorn if you slice them first. Trail mix is another quiet one. The concession stand only offers overprocessed, hydrogenated fat and high-fructose corn syrup filled "food". So I feel no guilt in smuggling in food that they don't have on their menu.-COLLAPSE
The way they are cramming the seats in these days, food in theatres is getting more disgusting. I just went to see an IMAX movie where two huge teenage boys loomed over me way too close, and their HUGE buckets of nasty smelling popcorn nauseated me. I'm sure the "butter" was both artificial and rancid. Ugh. I can't imagine sitting next to someone who was eating more substantial food - it's...+READ
The way they are cramming the seats in these days, food in theatres is getting more disgusting. I just went to see an IMAX movie where two huge teenage boys loomed over me way too close, and their HUGE buckets of nasty smelling popcorn nauseated me. I'm sure the "butter" was both artificial and rancid. Ugh. I can't imagine sitting next to someone who was eating more substantial food - it's horrifying to imagine. Especially meat.-COLLAPSE
I find it interesting that while concessions are, apparently, a critical source of revenue for theatres, they seem to make no effort to offer appealing products. Further, I often allow my son to choose a treat because I do feel that you should follow the rules, and it can be all but impossible to get one of the dynamos working for the theatre to exchange your money for their overpriced, stale...+READ
I find it interesting that while concessions are, apparently, a critical source of revenue for theatres, they seem to make no effort to offer appealing products. Further, I often allow my son to choose a treat because I do feel that you should follow the rules, and it can be all but impossible to get one of the dynamos working for the theatre to exchange your money for their overpriced, stale popcorn.
If they would offer sparkling water, edamame and carrots & celery with peanut butter we would wait in line for 40 minute and gladly pay through the nose for them. Though finding a way to get the line to move a little faster would probably be in their best interest.-COLLAPSE
my mother used to take us to the supermarket next door to the cinema before the movie to buy lolly bags that where much cheaper yet bigger that the ones in the cinema. But I love that movie Popcorn! The only thing i would love more is if it was covered with icing sugar!
Kinda off the subject but back in the good old drive in days my mother used to pack a cooler full of food. It usually contained egg salad and bologna sandwiches. Oh the horror! I remember begging my dad for 4 dollars for a couple of slices of that delicious cardboard pizza they used to sell at the concession stand.
When I was a kid, the movie theater we went to was in the same shopping center as a dollar store, so we'd always walk over and get some cheap candy to sneak in. I'm sure they knew all the kids were doing it, but they always turned a blind eye.
Now my theater of choice has a full service restaurant menu, so I have no problems buying food. While a little bit pricey, an $8 burger & fries still...+READ
When I was a kid, the movie theater we went to was in the same shopping center as a dollar store, so we'd always walk over and get some cheap candy to sneak in. I'm sure they knew all the kids were doing it, but they always turned a blind eye.
Now my theater of choice has a full service restaurant menu, so I have no problems buying food. While a little bit pricey, an $8 burger & fries still feels like a much better deal than a $5 box of popcorn. And the $4 you'd otherwise waste on a tiny cup of soda can go towards a pint of tasty beer.-COLLAPSE
In montreal Ive never been stopped bringing anything in whether food or alcohol (in saq bag)
Can this be any worse than the person who brings a full chicken dinner onto the subway and proceeds to eat it during the ride?
Recently, my daughter came home, for a vacation, w/her husband who is notoriously late. They had planned on a movie and he was running late as per usual, and they met at the movies and his first words to her were "Is that a pannini in your pants, or are you just happy to see me?" OF COURSE she had a pannini in her undies in a plastic zip-lock bag!
At the AMC theater near us (and everywhere else??) the extra large popcorn comes with a free refill. I buy it (paying the outrageously high price) AND I bring brown paper lunch bags in my pocket. As soon as we get into the theater I empty the first large bag of popcorn into the smaller bags, which I hand to my kids. Then I go back for the refill before the movie starts, which allows me to give...+READ
At the AMC theater near us (and everywhere else??) the extra large popcorn comes with a free refill. I buy it (paying the outrageously high price) AND I bring brown paper lunch bags in my pocket. As soon as we get into the theater I empty the first large bag of popcorn into the smaller bags, which I hand to my kids. Then I go back for the refill before the movie starts, which allows me to give the kids each a second small bag during the film. Makes life easier...
When it comes to the candy, at the current prices I can't afford NOT to cheat...so whenever possible we make a quick stop at the store before heading to the movies so we can enjoy a snack without breaking the bank.
The smaller local theater is much stricter about outside food...BUT last year we brought our own kosher-for-Passover treats when we went to a movie during the holiday. A quick explanation to the ticket taker was all it took to take it in with us. A friend whose child is diabetic and another whose child has celiac diease had similar experiences.-COLLAPSE
it really depends on the theatre we go to. we usually go to a small indie theatre who actually have good prices (on tickets and the snacks) and their popcorn is fresh.
the other mega theatre we go to when the indie doesnt have our film... crappy. tickets are twice as much and a small popcorn (about the size of a coke can) is $7.95. no thank you. and to make it worse, it always tastes like...+READ
it really depends on the theatre we go to. we usually go to a small indie theatre who actually have good prices (on tickets and the snacks) and their popcorn is fresh.
the other mega theatre we go to when the indie doesnt have our film... crappy. tickets are twice as much and a small popcorn (about the size of a coke can) is $7.95. no thank you. and to make it worse, it always tastes like cigarettes. blah. i've known too many kids that worked there in highschool too... too many bad stories about that stuff. we'll bring our own popcorn there. i'll still get a soda but i feel like it evens out in the end then.-COLLAPSE
I remember many years ago the small indie theater in our college town would show midnight adult movies for the students. They we're allowed to bring in pizza and sandwiches from the nearby pizza house, and they we're allowed to bring in full cases of beer. The place was always packed late at night, but mostly guys.
A few years ago, on a date, we brought in a thermos full of Mudslides. (her...+READ
I remember many years ago the small indie theater in our college town would show midnight adult movies for the students. They we're allowed to bring in pizza and sandwiches from the nearby pizza house, and they we're allowed to bring in full cases of beer. The place was always packed late at night, but mostly guys.
A few years ago, on a date, we brought in a thermos full of Mudslides. (her favorite) That was fun.
Another gal and I brought in a flask of Irish whiskey during
"The Blair Witch Project". We were pretty loud at the end,
laughing at all the people screaming at the stupid ending.
Now days I rarely go to the theater. They killed it for me with
all the jerks talking on their cell phones, crying babies, kids kicking the back of the seats, sticky floors. Just not worth it to me.
I’ll watch the movie at home, eat my own food, and relax.
If the film stinks, I just turn it off. They’re always free on
the Internet, so why pay the high prices.-COLLAPSE
Due to high prices of movie tickets we usually only go to the theatres 2-3 times a year for particular movies. Otherwise we just stay at home where the food is cheaper, there's cheap booze, having the ability to pause the movie is good and there's no annoying people talking, getting up, eating loudly, cell phones going off and all that annoying stuff.
I never buy any food or drinks at theatres...+READ
Due to high prices of movie tickets we usually only go to the theatres 2-3 times a year for particular movies. Otherwise we just stay at home where the food is cheaper, there's cheap booze, having the ability to pause the movie is good and there's no annoying people talking, getting up, eating loudly, cell phones going off and all that annoying stuff.
I never buy any food or drinks at theatres due to the high prices and rarely sneak anything in. I usually eat ahead of time either at home or out wherever. Getting older it's getting harder to make it through a movie without a bathroom break so I don't bother drinking anything during the movie. Like many other posters, I'm not sure why people feel the need to consume something during a movie (unless at home.)
My better half usually buys a small popcorn and sometimes a drink. Sometimes she smuggles a drink in.
As with most things in life just don't be an ass about it.-COLLAPSE
While I have no problem with people bringing in "extras" to the movies, if you really want your own popcorn or made to order meal, why not just stay at home? Sounds like a pain in the butt to me. I don't expect to bring my own meals to a restaurant. Besides, I disagree with the mention that movie theatre popcorn is or can not be delicious. I love the stuff.
As for alcohol or full meals, I wish...+READ
While I have no problem with people bringing in "extras" to the movies, if you really want your own popcorn or made to order meal, why not just stay at home? Sounds like a pain in the butt to me. I don't expect to bring my own meals to a restaurant. Besides, I disagree with the mention that movie theatre popcorn is or can not be delicious. I love the stuff.
As for alcohol or full meals, I wish there were one of those Movie Taverns or the Cineplex places that serve meals and drinks.-COLLAPSE
There's no diabetics in our family; however, my daughter routinely gets Diet Coke/Pepsi from the concession stand when we go to the movies -- and if you get a large diet pop, the refills are free. I can see where it might still be medically necessary for diabetics to bring in suitable snacks (and our non-diabetic family normally sneaks in dollar-store candy anyway), but getting diet soda at the...+READ
There's no diabetics in our family; however, my daughter routinely gets Diet Coke/Pepsi from the concession stand when we go to the movies -- and if you get a large diet pop, the refills are free. I can see where it might still be medically necessary for diabetics to bring in suitable snacks (and our non-diabetic family normally sneaks in dollar-store candy anyway), but getting diet soda at the theater shouldn't be a problem.-COLLAPSE
I'm diabetic - so when a movie runs longer or our schedule gets wonky on a movie day, I have to have something to eat that isn't sugary, carb-heavy or fat heavy. Clearly, I'm not eating movie concessions, nor are my fellow diabetics.
Bringing candy into a restaurant is not comparable to bring food into a restaurant. The primary business of a theater is the movie. snacks are just a side convenience. Now if you brought another movie into a theater then your analogy would be correct.
Perhaps the reason producers keep most of the money that a theater collects is because they can. Maybe if theater owners said that they need to...+READ
Bringing candy into a restaurant is not comparable to bring food into a restaurant. The primary business of a theater is the movie. snacks are just a side convenience. Now if you brought another movie into a theater then your analogy would be correct.
Perhaps the reason producers keep most of the money that a theater collects is because they can. Maybe if theater owners said that they need to keep more of the ticket money, it would happen. If no theater was to show movies of greedy producers, what would the producers do? I mean why not have the theater owners pay 110% of the ticket prices and the owners then markup the candy even more. This is all the greed of the producers. It has to end soon.-COLLAPSE
I've been bringing my own for decades (beer, wine, sandwiches, popcorn). Every once in awhile, however, I'll get their popcorn because it's hard to pop at home and still be warm when the movie starts. This is not only for movies and it's the only time and reason I carry a purse! Your socks and boots come in handy as well.
About the concession prices--it stinks, but that is really the only way theatres make any money. Everything from the ticket sales go back to those invested in the film.
If you're a popcorn worrier, go to Regal. I used to work at one, and we popped our popcorn fresh every day, and we'd have to start a batch before the next rush started.
We would bag leftovers from the night before, but would...+READ
About the concession prices--it stinks, but that is really the only way theatres make any money. Everything from the ticket sales go back to those invested in the film.
If you're a popcorn worrier, go to Regal. I used to work at one, and we popped our popcorn fresh every day, and we'd have to start a batch before the next rush started.
We would bag leftovers from the night before, but would only use it if the kettle was acting up. (Which happened. It was an old machine.)
Eat Regal Popcorn.-COLLAPSE
Most of our cinema complexes in the Toronto area sell more things than popcorn, soda and candy. Many have outlets like New York Fries, Burger King, Subway, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, etc. So in terms of being concerned about distracting other customers with food smells or rustling packaging, I don't think they really care. The prices are definitely higher than what you'd pay for outside food, but...+READ
Most of our cinema complexes in the Toronto area sell more things than popcorn, soda and candy. Many have outlets like New York Fries, Burger King, Subway, Baskin-Robbins ice cream, etc. So in terms of being concerned about distracting other customers with food smells or rustling packaging, I don't think they really care. The prices are definitely higher than what you'd pay for outside food, but not ridiculously so, since these outlets are also accessible to people who are not attending movies, even though they are inside the theatre. Also, I think it would be pretty hard to stop someone from bringing in any other kind of fast food (except, perhaps, a pizza in a big box or a bucket of KFC). If you really wanted to be sneaky, you could save empty bags from the outlets in their food area, and sneak in your outside fast food inside one of those.
I recently tried to bring in a bottle of water that I'd filled at home from my Britta jug. I guess the lid didn't fit tightly enough (perhaps was from a different bottle), because it leaked out into my purse and I literally had to up-end my purse over a garbage can and dump out most of the water that had been in the bottle. So it isn't always practical to bring stuff from home. It probably wouldn't stop me the next time, though...I'd just make sure the lid was sealed better or put it in a Ziplock.-COLLAPSE
Am I just there to see the movie? Yes. Would I like to see the theatre survive so I can see movies there again next year? Yes.
As a relative who works in the bankruptcy industry explained it to me, most theatre chains operate on the edge of insolvency, and their concession sales are critical to their survival as they get little to no cut of the ticket sale.
So I go to matinees on the weekends...+READ
Am I just there to see the movie? Yes. Would I like to see the theatre survive so I can see movies there again next year? Yes.
As a relative who works in the bankruptcy industry explained it to me, most theatre chains operate on the edge of insolvency, and their concession sales are critical to their survival as they get little to no cut of the ticket sale.
So I go to matinees on the weekends to keep the ticket cost low, and try to patronize the concession stand whenever possible. No, I won't buy stale popcorn (here's a hint: If you're going to the theatre on a Monday because you have the day off, the likelihood is it's yesterday's popcorn - avoid it), but where I know the popcorn's decent, ask for no "butter" because we Know it isn't any kind of dairy product.
If the only water they're selling is Dasani or Aquafina, I'll take a pass in favor of a soda, or, if I must, bring in a bottle of Poland Spring. I'll buy some snack I can enjoy to make up for it.
I've never brought what anyone would call "real food" into a movie theatre; I save my appetite for afterward, and do a low-end restaurant lunch nearby following the movie.
Both the movie and the lunch are far more enjoyable when done separately. :)-COLLAPSE
Can't you people go for two hours without eating anything??
I used to work in a theater and once in a while we would smell 'real' food. That meant the ushers had to go into the theaters and see who smuggled in Hardee's or what not. And when I worked concessions, it was hard to get people to understand that it is the cup you are paying for, not the soda. We had to charge the full price for a cup, even if they only wanted to use it for water.
Myself, I...+READ
I used to work in a theater and once in a while we would smell 'real' food. That meant the ushers had to go into the theaters and see who smuggled in Hardee's or what not. And when I worked concessions, it was hard to get people to understand that it is the cup you are paying for, not the soda. We had to charge the full price for a cup, even if they only wanted to use it for water.
Myself, I usually purchase the kids combo as my snack. A small amount of popcorn, a drink and a tiny bag of candy. Usually the candy sucks but the popcorn and drink are fresh.
On the Air Force base I would purchase my candy at the BX. The theater didn't care because they and the BX are both owned by AFFES and the money goes to the same place.
We used to go to Cinema Cafe in Virginia Beach where you pay a very small price for the movie but a little more for the food. They serve pizza, burgers, that sort of thing. It is a great night out. But the last time we went the bathroom was completely filthy from one end to the other. I alerted the staff who assured me they would get right on it. Later when I had to go again, the bathroom was even worse if that is possible. Seriously people, I've seen Port-o-potties that were cleaner. We haven't been back.-COLLAPSE
In addition to the chatty, cell phone talkers that currently pay $14 a head to talk to their friend, there's a new crop of loud eaters. Why do some people insist on shoving as much popcorn as possible in their mouths and chewing with their mouth open? I've actually moved because of it. On the smuggling front I've actually seen a family the brought in a bucket of fried chicken, slurped it down and...+READ
In addition to the chatty, cell phone talkers that currently pay $14 a head to talk to their friend, there's a new crop of loud eaters. Why do some people insist on shoving as much popcorn as possible in their mouths and chewing with their mouth open? I've actually moved because of it. On the smuggling front I've actually seen a family the brought in a bucket of fried chicken, slurped it down and left the bones on the floor. I've actually moved because of loud eating or stinky food since it distracts me from my $14 movie. I don't have a problem with asking someone to stop talking but have not figured out how to tell someone with a straight face how to not be disgusting.
I've snuck my fair share of things in but rule of thumb should be consideration for other movie goers. Nothing stinky or loud or anything you generally wouldn't imagine eating in a friend's living room.
A half pint of rum usually goes really well with a $5 pop. If the theatre offered beer or coctails I'd gladly buy em but most don't.-COLLAPSE
I usually do buy a small popcorn at the movies but I always bring my own bpa free water bottle from home and often stop at the dollar store before the movies and buy a $1 box of Whoppers and put it in my purse. I love salty popcorn with the malted milk balls. Although nearby is a smaller theater that has a real kitchen and tables to eat at.
I have been known to bring in Chinese food (lo mein is a very quiet food) and also ice cream sundaes, another quiet food. I have to say that I would never take popcorn to a movie and I think it should be banned from movies. Nothing is more irritating that someone being you chewing crunchy popcorn with their mouth open! Why such a loud food?
I used to bring my own toppings and forgo the nasty butter substitutes - often including ingredients like rancid turkey fat. Ick!
However I never thought to bring my own popcorn until the day I put a moldy kernel in my mouth at a movie theater. I didn't see the mold but that taste - ugh. I did not actually throw up - but there are few theatres I'll buy popcorn at after that experience. I don't...+READ
I used to bring my own toppings and forgo the nasty butter substitutes - often including ingredients like rancid turkey fat. Ick!
However I never thought to bring my own popcorn until the day I put a moldy kernel in my mouth at a movie theater. I didn't see the mold but that taste - ugh. I did not actually throw up - but there are few theatres I'll buy popcorn at after that experience. I don't even want to speculate on how that could have happened.
I go with the Indiana Kettle Corn if I can, it's widely available and is made with good stuff and the bag is not crackly. I just bring it in a big purse. I have also been known to pop a bunch of my own and bring it in a big ziploc.-COLLAPSE
Man. I can't stand the prices at movie concessions. I can't remember the last time I even purchased something in one, the prices are as bad as the movie tickets themselves!
I tuck a couple of tootsie pops in my purse, or some gum, and I am good to go. I'm not going to the movies to eat 1000 calories, but to see a movie. Besides, I am usually knitting during the movie anyway (yes, I can knit in...+READ
Man. I can't stand the prices at movie concessions. I can't remember the last time I even purchased something in one, the prices are as bad as the movie tickets themselves!
I tuck a couple of tootsie pops in my purse, or some gum, and I am good to go. I'm not going to the movies to eat 1000 calories, but to see a movie. Besides, I am usually knitting during the movie anyway (yes, I can knit in the dark, it keeps my hands busy so I don't fidget), so who wants greasy fingers?
Movie theaters, if you actually found a way to ban cell phones and texting (argh, the person in front of me is quiet but their cell phone lights up like a freakin' lighthouse every 10 minutes), and have enough ushers to kick out obnoxious kids throwing popcorn, then I'll consider the movie experience enough of a pleasure to pay your highway robbery prices. Until then, I'll bring my own treats, thankyouverymuch.-COLLAPSE
A few "rules" I use for ethically bringing in food.
1. don't make a mess
2. nothing obvious
3. support reasonably priced concession items you like.
4. no alcohol
Basically most of these rules are to keep managers from cracking down on outside food in their theater. In my experience most cinema managers are extremely difficult, and the less you deal w/ them the better.
I have been to a few...+READ
A few "rules" I use for ethically bringing in food.
1. don't make a mess
2. nothing obvious
3. support reasonably priced concession items you like.
4. no alcohol
Basically most of these rules are to keep managers from cracking down on outside food in their theater. In my experience most cinema managers are extremely difficult, and the less you deal w/ them the better.
I have been to a few independent theaters that have been ran more like restaurants than theaters. Waitresses get your drinks, and food orders. The food is actually prepared in a kitchen, and it's real food like pizza and burgers. Unfortunately then normally rely on 2nd run films, and don't tend to stay in business very long.-COLLAPSE
Many years ago, I carried (smuggled?) in a small bottle of juice and a sack of See's chocolates, to consume while watching Flashdance. While watching, I was a bit distracted by the most wonderful aroma. Apparently, some other patron(s) were eating Italian Sub sandwiches. How I envied them. Later, I had to lift my feet, to let their empty wine bottles roll down front.
And of course, no midnight...+READ
Many years ago, I carried (smuggled?) in a small bottle of juice and a sack of See's chocolates, to consume while watching Flashdance. While watching, I was a bit distracted by the most wonderful aroma. Apparently, some other patron(s) were eating Italian Sub sandwiches. How I envied them. Later, I had to lift my feet, to let their empty wine bottles roll down front.
And of course, no midnight movie showing experience was complete without the popping of dozens of beer cans.-COLLAPSE
I buy lots of things there (for my grandson and his friends) because I don't want the theater to go out of business. I try to spend at least $30, twice a week. I bring things I can't buy there, like coffee drinks. We ALWAYS carry out our trash.
Speaking as a movie theater employee here, I can tell you that concessions aren't just a big source of profit, they're the primary source of income. Movie producers, as a general rule, prefer to keep the bulk of the ticket sales their movies have earned. Thus concessions are necessary today in order to insure that movie theaters don't go under.
Now, do I think the current pricing of concessions...+READ
Speaking as a movie theater employee here, I can tell you that concessions aren't just a big source of profit, they're the primary source of income. Movie producers, as a general rule, prefer to keep the bulk of the ticket sales their movies have earned. Thus concessions are necessary today in order to insure that movie theaters don't go under.
Now, do I think the current pricing of concessions is ideal? Not really. There is that whole "economic equilibrium" thing that says to me that the industry could lower prices some and actually make -more- money as the lower prices attract more customers. However, I'm not (yet) in a position to suggest this.
That said, can I advocate sneaking food into the theater? Professionally, no. Personally, if I can't see it, I can't stop it, so if you must bring something in, keep it hidden. But if you're going to be inconsiderate of the other customers and try to bring in an entire meal, I'm not going to allow you to go through.-COLLAPSE
I can recall smuggling in a foot long sub and several beers under my coat when husband and I were both poor college students. Normally, he would have done the chivalrous thing and handled the smuggling, but since one of us was going to look pregnant, I got the nod.
If your local theater doesn't have a posted policy about outside food and drink, I think it's perfectly fine to bring in your own!
@Ima, I'm not sure what the policy actually is at our local movie theater but my children nor I have ever been asked to put our ziplock bag of snacks away or had it taken from us. Nor have I seen a food contract written on my ticket stub. I go to the movies for the movie and prefer not to buy or pay for the concession offerings. If I was taking my children to a restaurant, I wouldn't bring the...+READ
@Ima, I'm not sure what the policy actually is at our local movie theater but my children nor I have ever been asked to put our ziplock bag of snacks away or had it taken from us. Nor have I seen a food contract written on my ticket stub. I go to the movies for the movie and prefer not to buy or pay for the concession offerings. If I was taking my children to a restaurant, I wouldn't bring the food now would I. A snack at a movie is not the same thing as eating in a restaurant. Many theaters that offer chips & melted cheese, coated popcorn, ice cream, hot beverages, hot dogs and the like are already accepting a messier, more aromatic theater before anyone brings in something of their own liking or price range. So, as much as I respect your point of view, I don't agree it's unethical or bad manners to bring food, which in our case is a small snack, of our own. We use the garbage cans, we eat quietly and we pay to watch the movie. Enjoy!-COLLAPSE
There's nothing wrong with bringing in your own food and drinks if the movie theater allows it. If their policy is to disallow outside food and drink, then don't bring any in with you.
jlgarret said, "But, as this isn't an ethics column, but an etiquette column, I suppose the only thing to really worry about is annoying other guest."
I disagree. First, the members of the audience aren't...+READ
There's nothing wrong with bringing in your own food and drinks if the movie theater allows it. If their policy is to disallow outside food and drink, then don't bring any in with you.
jlgarret said, "But, as this isn't an ethics column, but an etiquette column, I suppose the only thing to really worry about is annoying other guest."
I disagree. First, the members of the audience aren't guests; they're customers. They have agreed to purchase an item (the movie) from the theater. In agreeing to the exchange of money for movie, they've also (supposedly) agreed to the rules of the establishment.
Would those of you who think it's okay to bring your own snacks to a theater also think that it would be okay to bring your own appetizers to a restaurant? What if yours were tastier or less expensive than those the restaurant provided? Is it okay to sneak your own bottle of wine into a restaurant to avoid the markup or the corkage fee? In a jackets-required restaurant, is it okay to strip down to a muscle-shirt and shorts after you've been seated? Augment your beverage at a bar from a flask in your pocket? It all seems rather dishonest to me and not in keeping with the implied contract between the customer and the business owner.
I completely understand not wanting to pay the astronomical prices for sub-standard product. There are options that are neither unethical nor bad manners. Don't eat at the theater. Watch movies at home after they've come out on DVD.-COLLAPSE
To EWSFlash re drinking in movies: It's now about 35 years ago that my friend, a high school history teacher, took her class on a field trip to see "Ivan the Terrible" (I assume the class was studying him). The kids found the movie boring but, not to worry, they had prepared. Afterwards 5 empty Southern Comfort bottles were found on the floor of the theater. Complaints were made and when the bus...+READ
To EWSFlash re drinking in movies: It's now about 35 years ago that my friend, a high school history teacher, took her class on a field trip to see "Ivan the Terrible" (I assume the class was studying him). The kids found the movie boring but, not to worry, they had prepared. Afterwards 5 empty Southern Comfort bottles were found on the floor of the theater. Complaints were made and when the bus returned to school my friend was met at the door by the principal. To her dying day she swore she never knew the kids were drinking (or drunk).-COLLAPSE
I'm sorry to hear that theaters are forbidding bring-your-own-candy as this situation used to serve so well as a child's first lesson in consumer economics when he/she figured out that instead of paying $1.50 for it (then) at the movies, he/she could anticipate need by buying the same box of candy at the drug store for a quarter.
I ordered a pizza (sausage) from my cell phone during a lull in "Grand Torino" with Eastwood. No problem.
agentphunk, in my youth we could see a movie only in a commercial theater and then it was usually a double feature. My parents sent me with a few bucks in my pocket for a ticket and a bag of candy. Today movies are avail in a variety of visual mediums and delivery methods. My kids rent movies, d/l movies, buy movies and go to the theater. I can't change the movie industry or the people working in...+READ
agentphunk, in my youth we could see a movie only in a commercial theater and then it was usually a double feature. My parents sent me with a few bucks in my pocket for a ticket and a bag of candy. Today movies are avail in a variety of visual mediums and delivery methods. My kids rent movies, d/l movies, buy movies and go to the theater. I can't change the movie industry or the people working in it but I sure can save a dollar on the concession and sleep well at night.-COLLAPSE
I agree with everyone on the BYOS and BYOF (and the BYOB!), but here's how someone in the theater biz explained it to me (and granted this was more than a few years ago, but I doubt much has changed):
Film Distributors negotiate with the theater chains for each new movie release, and most of contracts for the Big Releases are written such that the studios/distributors get 100% of the the ticket...+READ
I agree with everyone on the BYOS and BYOF (and the BYOB!), but here's how someone in the theater biz explained it to me (and granted this was more than a few years ago, but I doubt much has changed):
Film Distributors negotiate with the theater chains for each new movie release, and most of contracts for the Big Releases are written such that the studios/distributors get 100% of the the ticket sales for the first weeks of a release (where xx is usually 1-3 weeks), and then gradually the theater will see 10% of the ticket sales, 20%, 30%, etc. The only profits a theater will see from a particular movie during that initial period are from concession sales, which is part of the reason why they jack prices up so high. They need to make more than the standard .50 cents profit on that bag of Sour Patch Kids.
I'm sure part of this is because of the absolute crap that Hollywood releases nowadays - they know that most movies won't make it past a few weeks (or less), and are ensuring they maximize profits before word gets out that a movie stinks.-COLLAPSE
I'm not a frequent theater-goer, but the last few times I've been to the theater, the popcorn was terrible--stale, cold, and chewy instead of crunchy. I've decided to not purchase popcorn there anymore. The candy they have there absolutely doesn't appeal to me. I will buy a soda from the theater and bring my own snacks. They're not losing any money from me since I wouldn't buy their food anyway....+READ
I'm not a frequent theater-goer, but the last few times I've been to the theater, the popcorn was terrible--stale, cold, and chewy instead of crunchy. I've decided to not purchase popcorn there anymore. The candy they have there absolutely doesn't appeal to me. I will buy a soda from the theater and bring my own snacks. They're not losing any money from me since I wouldn't buy their food anyway. Now, if they were to improve the quality, that's another issue.-COLLAPSE
One movie chain - I think it's AMC - has announced that they are going to forbid bringi in "outside" food completely. They're gonna have a fine time enforcing it, too.
But the dumping trash as you leave the theater is something that's a fairly recent occurrence in movie history. It's only been in the last ten or twenty years you see the trash bins there. For years, the floors were covered with...+READ
One movie chain - I think it's AMC - has announced that they are going to forbid bringi in "outside" food completely. They're gonna have a fine time enforcing it, too.
But the dumping trash as you leave the theater is something that's a fairly recent occurrence in movie history. It's only been in the last ten or twenty years you see the trash bins there. For years, the floors were covered with sticky spilled soda and dead popcorn, along with the candy wrappers.-COLLAPSE
How about sitting for about 2 hours without eating, enjoying the film and then going out for a good meal or an ice cream cone?
My best "sneaking food into the theater" memory is when a friend and I were looking at the grocery store before the movie started and decided that a baguette and brie cheese would be the perfect movie snack. So how do you sneak a baguette into the movies? I tore it into smaller pieces and put it back in it's bag, which now fit into my purse. We bought some plastic knives for the cheese and we...+READ
My best "sneaking food into the theater" memory is when a friend and I were looking at the grocery store before the movie started and decided that a baguette and brie cheese would be the perfect movie snack. So how do you sneak a baguette into the movies? I tore it into smaller pieces and put it back in it's bag, which now fit into my purse. We bought some plastic knives for the cheese and we were good to go. Best movie snacks ever.
Unrelated: Lately I find myself being irritated that I have to remember to order the junior or kids size popcorn. If I just order a small I still end up with too much.-COLLAPSE
When there is a Dollar store directly next door to the theater (like in my nabe) it just begs you to buy your gummi bears there. Kid you not... same box as in the theater for $3.00 less. And $1.00 bottles of soda.
We buy pop & popcorn at the theater, but we almost always sneak in our own candy (f.ex. bags of Hershey's Miniatures or gummy worms from the dollar store or Walmart).
I think the theaters have ultimately shot themselves in the collective foot by seriously gouging customers for food and drink in ever-escalating spirals. That seems to be underscored by the fact that nobody here thinks twice about bringing their own snacks.
I'm kind of on the fence about this. I haven't been to a theater in a while, and I buy popcorn there if I'm buying it, and then i have to...+READ
I think the theaters have ultimately shot themselves in the collective foot by seriously gouging customers for food and drink in ever-escalating spirals. That seems to be underscored by the fact that nobody here thinks twice about bringing their own snacks.
I'm kind of on the fence about this. I haven't been to a theater in a while, and I buy popcorn there if I'm buying it, and then i have to have a drink if I get popcorn (no ersatz butter, please) and then I feel robbed. Maybe I'll bring a drink next time, since I'd rather have a can or two of UCC oolong or green tea than a crappy diet soda. And still buy popcorn there. I can't see sneaking popcorn into a theater for some reason, coals to Newcastle etc.. If I don't get popcorn I wouldn't bring any drink, since I'd just have to go to the restroom at probably the best part of the movie if I had something to drink only.
One more thing- what's with those of you who bring liquor? Have you ever sat somewhere for two hours next to somebody who was drinking when you weren't? It's horrible. Don't get me wrong, I did it in my youth, but in my youth I rarely went anywhere sober so I felt like I had the invisibility cloak over me or something. But the first time I went to a movie with somebody who was drinking next to me, HOLY CRAP- it was like sitting next to a stuck car horn- you can't turn it off (unsmell it). Alcohol is excreted out their noses, mouths, and pores (eventually) and frankly you dont' smell a w hole lot bettter than the drunk tank at the county jail.-COLLAPSE
I love going to the movies: I go see between two and three movies a week on average. (I work from home and thus can go to see movies in the middle of the day, avoiding the obnoxious crowds and getting my choice of seating.) Seldom, though, do I bring anything to snack on, nor do I buy snacks there. If I do bring something, it's usually just a bottle of (fabulous tasting) Odwalla Pomegranate...+READ
I love going to the movies: I go see between two and three movies a week on average. (I work from home and thus can go to see movies in the middle of the day, avoiding the obnoxious crowds and getting my choice of seating.) Seldom, though, do I bring anything to snack on, nor do I buy snacks there. If I do bring something, it's usually just a bottle of (fabulous tasting) Odwalla Pomegranate Limeade. I don't drink pop and the concession stands here charge an unbelievable $3.50 for a bottle of water, which is highway robbery.
I never really understood the urge to snack while watching a movie, to be honest. I get completely engrossed and snacking, I feel, would just be a distraction.-COLLAPSE
It's funny, we all feel obligated to bring something to snack on while watching movies. I do it too.
It's as if we couldn't possibly conceive of spending that particular two and a half hours or so without eating. I wonder why that is.
My friend and I always bring in Taco Bell. We have large purses. My thinking is, I'm paying astronomically for the movie and concessions are wildly marked up that it's fine to do so.
Completely agree about picking up the trash. Folks who don't are awfully selfish. Cellphones, chatter and rude people with or without food from home should be sent packing imho. But I still see nothing wrong with bringing in snacks/drinks of your own. And, I believe the price of a movie and the price of concessions is why most people ARE bringing in their own food/drinks.
I have brought wine in at times, which I think is fine. Once I even brought a bag of chips in, which was obviously a bit too loud. I have thought about bringing in cheese to go with the wine, but it probably smells too much.
My rule is don't bring anything that's louder than popcorn. Apples are loud.
Cuccubear, Good point, though I think people should take their garbage to the trash cans regardless of whether they bought or brought their own. Leaving trash for someone else to pick up when you could easily carry it to the trash by the exit is rude.
When we used to live in a place with an indy theater, I never would have brought my own. At the megaplex with popcorn popped off site, I wouldn't...+READ
Cuccubear, Good point, though I think people should take their garbage to the trash cans regardless of whether they bought or brought their own. Leaving trash for someone else to pick up when you could easily carry it to the trash by the exit is rude.
When we used to live in a place with an indy theater, I never would have brought my own. At the megaplex with popcorn popped off site, I wouldn't have a problem with it.-COLLAPSE
We always bring in PB&Js for the kids and maybe a bag or box of candy from the market or a treat from home for the grown ups. I see nothing wrong with it. It's the same as bringing your own food onto an airplane. You COULD pay $10 for a disgusting sandwich that was made 3 days ago, but why WOULD you?
I don't drink pop and the theatre I go to only has Dasani water, which tastes like crap, so I bring my bottle of tap water (frozen ahead so it's nice and cold). I do buy popcorn, cause I just can't resist lovely hot, fresh popcorn with butter. But I get a small.
And if I want chocolate, I buy it ahead at the grocery store near the theatre.
When I was at university, we would go as a big group...+READ
I don't drink pop and the theatre I go to only has Dasani water, which tastes like crap, so I bring my bottle of tap water (frozen ahead so it's nice and cold). I do buy popcorn, cause I just can't resist lovely hot, fresh popcorn with butter. But I get a small.
And if I want chocolate, I buy it ahead at the grocery store near the theatre.
When I was at university, we would go as a big group for cheap Tuesdays, armed with grocery bags full of air popped corn from home.-COLLAPSE
Having worked in the movie theatre business for eleven years, I rarely enforced this rule, unless the offender was obvious about it, like carrying in a pizza box. I felt if it’s in your pockets, fine.
One thing we very much minded, was sneaked-in food and drinks that were left behind for us to clean up. I didn’t mind cleaning up popcorn buckets and drink cups, but all the trash from food we...+READ
Having worked in the movie theatre business for eleven years, I rarely enforced this rule, unless the offender was obvious about it, like carrying in a pizza box. I felt if it’s in your pockets, fine.
One thing we very much minded, was sneaked-in food and drinks that were left behind for us to clean up. I didn’t mind cleaning up popcorn buckets and drink cups, but all the trash from food we didn’t sell made our between-show clean ups take even longer.
Ok, now that I don’t work for the theatre any longer, I sneak in food. I’ll buy some popcorn because I like it, but also sneak in a burger or sandwich in my jacket pockets.
I never bring anything that makes a mess or a stench, and I _always_ , ALWAYS, pack my trash out.-COLLAPSE
I bring in my own food and booze, they don't make jack and cokes at my movie theater.
I suppose the question isn't can you (obvious you can) but should you (that's trickier). I'm not sure if the high prices are a grave enough injustice to condone bringing in your own food. I mean, yeah, I do it. But I'm not sure I SHOULD.
But, as this isn't an ethics column, but an etiquette column, I suppose the only thing to really worry about is annoying other guest. Do not, for example, lean...+READ
I suppose the question isn't can you (obvious you can) but should you (that's trickier). I'm not sure if the high prices are a grave enough injustice to condone bringing in your own food. I mean, yeah, I do it. But I'm not sure I SHOULD.
But, as this isn't an ethics column, but an etiquette column, I suppose the only thing to really worry about is annoying other guest. Do not, for example, lean over and taunt the people in front of you with descriptions of how delicious your spicy cinnamon and sugar popcorn is in comparison with their stale, popped-off-site, transfat bucketful. That would just be rude.-COLLAPSE
I've been bringing in my own food and drink to movies for years--lately it's been nuts in a Ziploc and and a bottle of water but I've done chips and even ice cream (buy a pint of Ben and Jerry's at the market right before you go to the theater, it'll be soft enough to eat when the lights go down). I've never had a problem.
My parents sent us off with a ziplock bags of candy and I've done the same with all my kids. I don't see it as sneaking in anything. If food weren't allowed that's one thing but since food is permitted I'm not wasting money on snacks I can buy for alot less. I'm sorry if this takes from "the house" but we all need to be smart with our money. $33.00 for 3 kids to see a movie is more than enough to...+READ
My parents sent us off with a ziplock bags of candy and I've done the same with all my kids. I don't see it as sneaking in anything. If food weren't allowed that's one thing but since food is permitted I'm not wasting money on snacks I can buy for alot less. I'm sorry if this takes from "the house" but we all need to be smart with our money. $33.00 for 3 kids to see a movie is more than enough to pay for a 2 hour movie.-COLLAPSE
I have noticed a few theaters evolving into more lax concession rules. I recently visited a theater at the Grove in Los Angeles where the allow movie-goers to bring in food and drink from other Grove restaurants. And in Healdsburg, CA the movie theater has one theater that serves wine.
That being said, I'm a sneaker. If I want a snack, I try to buy something from the concession but as far as...+READ
I have noticed a few theaters evolving into more lax concession rules. I recently visited a theater at the Grove in Los Angeles where the allow movie-goers to bring in food and drink from other Grove restaurants. And in Healdsburg, CA the movie theater has one theater that serves wine.
That being said, I'm a sneaker. If I want a snack, I try to buy something from the concession but as far as beverages go, I BYOB. That's right. I bring wine. Just be sure to uncork that Champagne before you go in!-COLLAPSE
There are a couple independent theaters I go to that make great popcorn with real butter at not-too-bad prices, and show non-blockbusters or second runs that probably don't make big bucks, so I buy snacks there. (Not to mention one of them has beer.) Otherwise I'm definitely a smuggler. It almost makes up for the 1/2 hour of commercials we have to sit through before the movie.
In a way, I have the best of both worlds. I get a small popcorn (hold the butter or facsimile thereof, please) and a small soda, but I also discreetly bring in a snack-size zipper-lock bag of my own gluten-free goodies. When I'm seeing films at our local independently-owned arthouse theater or second-run theater (a gorgeous vintage theater that's been declared a landmark), I don't mind paying the...+READ
In a way, I have the best of both worlds. I get a small popcorn (hold the butter or facsimile thereof, please) and a small soda, but I also discreetly bring in a snack-size zipper-lock bag of my own gluten-free goodies. When I'm seeing films at our local independently-owned arthouse theater or second-run theater (a gorgeous vintage theater that's been declared a landmark), I don't mind paying the high price of soda and snacks because I know these indie folks really need the money.-COLLAPSE
The Twizzler and Sour Patch Kids (sold by most chain theaters) come in bags that crackle like a sonofab**** when opened. I usually wear cargo pants with big thigh pockets to bring in my own treats.
i almost always order the kid size. it is about the same amount of popcorn as one of those individual bags. and it is super cheap!
it can get kinda annoying when people bring noisy treats. if u r gonna pack a snack, you could always put it in a zip lock. those pre-packaged chips bags are so loud.
I appreciate the movie theaters that don't hassle you for bringing in things they don't sell. It always sucks being told to throw away a fresh $4 latte when the theater doesn't even sell coffee.
It's only wrong if you're blatant about it... or if you insist on bringing something that is going to stink up the movie theater and spoil the picture for the people around you. Take a pass on the kimchee and liverwurst please! If your snack is quiet, and small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, who's going to know?