VIP Class Notes (Vicki)

watch “inside out”

Are you a movie­goer? If, like me, you’re a fan of film, then there’s no better place to watch something than on the big screen at the cinema. You enter the dark auditorium and take your seat, ready to be entertained. But while you engross yourself in some movie magic, many others are now getting their film fix at home.

Over the last few years, cinemas have seen a resurgence. Customers have been enticed by comfortable seats, and lots of choice of things to watch. Multiplexes in particular can screen up to twenty films at the same time, catering for all different tastes. In addition, 3D and even 4D movies can give the audience an extra immersive experience. So, what’s not to like about a trip to the cinema?

One answer to that question is convenience. Rather than going out, it’s so much easier to stay in and watch a romcom or action movie on a high-definition TV screen via a streaming service such as Netflix or Amazon Prime. There’s plenty of choice, and it’s relatively cheap as well. But, personally, I find there are too many distractions, and watching at home is not such an event. I miss the trailers too!

But the coronavirus pandemic has put the future of cinemas under the spotlight. Some have had to close because of reduced ticket sales.  And in the UK, it’s brought about a surge in TV watching and online streaming, according to media watchdog, Ofcom. It also found that half of UK adults will keep and continue using their new streaming subscriptions.

This isn’t great news for cinemas. They rely on the release of a big blockbuster to bring the crowds back, but the launch of new films, such as James Bond: No Time To Die, are being delayed. And Disney has released its $200m blockbuster, Mulan, online instead of in movie theatres. But John Fithian, from the National Association of Theatre Owners, told Variety magazine: “This idea of waiting out the pandemic to make your movies more profitable doesn’t make sense to me. There won’t be as much of an industry left to play your movies in if you do that.”

Vocabulary

knit – make strings together

profitable (adj.) – able to earn money

profit = price – cost

blockbuster – a movie with big budgets and famous actors
i.e. Marvel movies are blockbuster movies.

subscription (n.) – VIP

subscribe (v.) – to become VIP

pandemic – a disease that can spread very fast and very broad
i.e. We are in a global pandemic.

trailer – preview of the movie – teaser

distraction (n.) – something that keeps you away from your focus
i.e. I can’t study in the coffee house because there are so many distractions.

HD – High Definition

romcom – romantic comedy

auditorium – a big room with surrounding sounds and chairs that line up by steps
i.e. We had our graduation ceremony in the auditorium.

engross – to focus
i.e. Before the exams, I engross myself in the books.

resurgence (n.)- a repeat increase
i.e. We are seeing a resurgence of coronavirus cases in China.

surge (v./n.) – a rapid increase
i.e. The stock surged last night.
i.e. There was a surge in the stock market.

entice (v.) – to attract
i.e. The woman is trying to entice me.

multiplex – a movie theatre with at least 10 rooms

immersive (adj.) – feel like you are inside
i.e. 3D movies are immersive experiences.

immerse (v.) – to dive in
i.e. I want to immerse myself in the Chinese culture.