There has always been the debate on whether a movie is more enjoyable in the movie theater or in the comfort of one’s own home. Personally, I never really accredited the success of a movie to the place where I watched it, but I was given the chance to put this to the test. 

In the past, various movie theatres scheduled classic movies that were well before our time to be played in the theaters, so that people of our generation could experience what it was like to watch these movies in the atmosphere of the theatre as if we were watching it the first time they came out. Some examples include “Back to the Future,” “Batman” and “Jaws.” 

Having watched the movie almost a decade ago, I saw “Jaws” for the first time in the theater. I found the theater did make a difference in the movie watching experience.

The suspense was increased tremendously, especially when you hear all around you the famous Jaws theme song as the shark approaches. Even though I saw the movie already, it still made me tense with anticipation. The suspense would only increase further where there was silence in the movie theatre. The only thing you could hear was the slow, rhythmic lapping of the water. It felt as if you were really there with them in the boat waiting for the mighty beast of the sea to come. 

Even the classic pop-ups that all suspense or horror movies usually favor had a different effect in the theater. While watching this at home, I wouldn’t even flinch at such scenes, but the theater had me flopping like a fish out water.

The atmosphere of the movie theater not just heightened the suspense of the movie, but I found I was more emotionally invested in the movie than I was when I watched it at my own home. I was more annoyed with the incompetence of the mayor and people of Amity, who cared nothing more than keeping their precious, money-making beach alive. This could be attributed to the huge screen and surround sound of the theatre making you feel as if you were in Amity surrounded by the beach-goers and townspeople.

I found that the atmosphere of the movie theater enhances the movie, making it more realistic because you are more engrossed in the film. It pulls you into the story, making you feel more emotionally and physically involved. Besides, never underestimate the effects of the big screen, surround sound and the aroma of movie theater buttered popcorn.