Daisy Gutierrez

There's a lot that goes into the production of a film; visuals and sound being two main components. Directors, cinematographers, editors and audio engineers work together to create a successful product. But WHERE and HOW you watch may be just as important in your overall movie watching experience. Whether you watch from a phone, computer, or on the big screen, your environment will make a big difference. While there are some things (such as TV shows) that you may prefer watching in the comfort of our own home, there are some films that MUST be watched at the theater to get the full experience. For me, one such movie is Coco. The very first time I watched Coco was at a movie theater and it had such a huge impact on me that I went back to watch it a second time. I was simply mesmerized! It instantly became my favorite movie and I couldn't stop recommending it to everyone I knew. Everything from the visuals to the sound and environment had to do with making my experience so memorable.

I have to say that the visuals in Coco leave me in complete awe. The technicality and art that went into the making of this film are simply genius. The textures, color, and lighting harmonize so well that you just can't help but feel captivated when you see it. These details are so much more prominent on the big screen. The screen's scale in relation to you has a lot to do in defining how grand your experience will be. When everything is enlarged it makes you feel as if you are immersed in the film. Watching at the theater also takes away all distractions, focusing your full attention on the feature film. Watching on your phone, on the other hand, makes the content miniscule. It takes up a small amount of space in your surroundings and in your attention.

The sounds in Coco are just as captivating as the visuals and the way you listen to them will surely impact your experience. Certain songs brought out a range of emotions out of me. Some made me smile while others made me cry. It made me sad, happy, excited, and grateful all at the same time. And hearing these sounds in surround sound with all the excitement of watching something at a movie theater intensified these emotions.

Watching Coco on the big screen just hit differently. There was a completely different vibe than watching something at home. It was the whole ritual of getting ready, making our way to the theater in anticipation, arriving and seeing the promo posters, getting our snacks at concessions, and then walking down the aisles to our seats. It's also exciting to see other people who are just as excited about something as you are. At some point in the movie, I turned and looked at the people in the theater and it was evident we were all feeling the same emotions. There was a shared energy of warmth and community. You can't simulate that on your phone.

Just about everything about this film, from the story line to the visuals and soundtrack make me so happy. And even though watching it on a phone or even on my 55 inch TV may still be enjoyable, it definitely is not as impactful as watching it on the big screen. Like I mentioned before, it was so impressive that I went back to watch it a second time. I have since then watched it at home about a dozen times but it doesn't compare to those first two times at the theater. And don't get me wrong, I love getting home from work and putting on my favorite show on my phone or TV. It's one of my favorite ways to relax. But as far as having a remarkable experience, there is nothing like watching a movie at the theater.

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What movie has provided you a life lesson that you use today? What was the lesson and how have you applied it?

 

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