Using Cleaners' Lights During Public Performances

[Brighton Bourne]

In the past year or two I have often walked out of the cinema because of the intolerable public noise factor and/or disturbances. As a result, I rarely go to the cinema these days, preferring to watch DVDs at home without any distractions. On being advised that my local cinema had installed infra red CCTV in each auditoria, so they can keep an eye on the audience whilst they are watching a film and can (allegedly) deal with any disturbances, I decided to pay them an overdue visit.

Despite the installation of the CCTV, the chatting and crunching, and kicking and crinkling and rattling and ringing and texting and screaming and stinks were all present, and seemed to have got worse. But there was a new, very annoying distraction. The cinema turned on the cleaners' lights shortly after the adverts and trailers started, keeping them on until at least five minutes into the start of the main feature, and again before the end credits started.

Feeling just like Michael Douglas's character in 'Falling Down', I complained to the management. I was taken aback when he said they always use cleaners' lights when popular films are playing, so that latecomers can find their seats and people can leave without falling over for 'health and safety' reasons. I asked why they could not use dimmed house lights, which would less distracting, rather than the harsh, bright cleaners' lights which came on very suddenly. I was told that as the house lights are automatically controlled from the projection box, the ushers can only use the cleaners' lights. Otherwise they must summon a projectionist, and it may take a while before he appears since he is now operating several boxes!

I told the manager that if "health and safety" was a reason behind using the cleaners' lights when there was an image on the screen, they might as well turn them on every time someone gets up to go to the toilets/concession stall/change seats etc. Better still, why not keep them on throughout the whole film, as at any moment someone might get up and could easily fall over? I pointed out that speakers can catch fire, so can the projector etc, so why not disconnect them to avoid any accidents and then we can all sit safely in a brightly lit cinema without any picture or sound? I also pointed out that the cinema could be breaching their contractual obligations with the advertisers by not dimming the lights when the adverts were playing.

The manager could not see any problem. He said this policy had been operating for months and it was the first complaint he had received on the matter. I subsequently wrote to the cinema's head office (Odeon Cinemas, UK) and despite two reminders, I have not even had the courtesy of an acknowledgement let alone a reply.

Is it any surprise that moviegoers are being driven back home to their own couches and DVDs? Or have I become a cantankerous old man being annoyed that cleaners' lights are turned on during adverts/trailers and during the end credits?

[CineSight]

I don't know about your being a cantankerous old man, if so, join the club, but your post clearly indicates what is seriously wrong with today's moviegoing experience. It's been SO dumbed-down, as have the staff, that there seem to be no standards and none expected... Back to my idea of building a very nice private theatre and renting it out...

[Brighton Bourne]

I would have thought Odeon Techincal Operations would have been horrified to learn that cleaners' lights are regularly used during public performances but it seems from their total lack of response they simply do not care, so yes everything had been dumbed down and standards are today almost non-existent.

If I had the money, I would build the ultimate private cinema with top of the range equipment and THX certification. It would offer the most relaxed viewing arena ever built, superb comfortable seats with ample leg room, and have a huge curved screen with tabs, curtains (2 sets) and a feston curtain. There would be no pop corn or hot food - instead patrons could visit the bar and have canapes before the show and during the interval. Staff would be professional and suitable attired, and patrons would be expected to dress suitably. However, once open I would not admit the public - only members who have been vetted, proposed and seconded and agree to abide by the rules of cinema etiquette, as published on this site. Now that would be a dream. Any welathy investors interested please email me!!

[CineSight]

My fantasy is even more specific... see the amazing private theatres in that section?? Imagine a building full of them... like a little cinema district... too many details to list here.

Have you considered writing a letter to one of the local newspapers? Maybe tell a TV station you're starting a boycott?

[zanygang]

In the past year or two I have often walked out of the cinema because of the intolerable public noise factor and/or disturbances. As a result, I rarely go to the cinema these days, preferring to watch DVDs at home without any distractions.

I find it very sad that some people have given up going to the cinema because of other people's inconsiderate behaviour.