Latecomers to screenings and other cinema nuisances

[ejwrank]

Anyone been to a preview screening at Cineworld Wandsworth? I found it very strange. Security made everyone turn off their phones at the door (and they all turned them right back on once they got inside) and would literally go running if they saw someone so much as check the time. It was very disruptive.

I understand the need to combat piracy, and maybe they've been having problems in the past, but the guard was very patronizing towards me, and really was incredibly disruptive during the film if someone even went to check the time.

Well personally I find it very disruptive when people check their phones for the time during a film. They usually also have to check their emails, send a couple of 'quick texts' etc. And then when you tell them to turn off their phones, they look at you with astonishment. For goodness sake, leave your phones off when the film starts. The world will continue without you for a couple of hours.

[caitlinmorton]

Anyone been to a preview screening at Cineworld Wandsworth? I found it very strange. Security made everyone turn off their phones at the door (and they all turned them right back on once they got inside) and would literally go running if they saw someone so much as check the time. It was very disruptive.

I understand the need to combat piracy, and maybe they've been having problems in the past, but the guard was very patronizing towards me, and really was incredibly disruptive during the film if someone even went to check the time.

Well personally I find it very disruptive when people check their phones for the time during a film. They usually also have to check their emails, send a couple of 'quick texts' etc. And then when you tell them to turn off their phones, they look at you with astonishment. For goodness sake, leave your phones off when the film starts. The world will continue without you for a couple of hours.

It can be annoying if they make a big deal about it, yes, but in this instance I didn't even notice until the guy went running. THAT was far more disruptive than anyone checking their phone was.

[newdot]

I find the light from phone screens way more distracting than people talking or the rustling of food wrappers. The only thing more annoying is having back of seat continually tapped (in my younger / wilder days, this did lead up to me emptying a litre of pepsi over a persistant tapper)

[caitlinmorton]

Anyone been to a preview screening at Cineworld Wandsworth? I found it very strange. Security made everyone turn off their phones at the door (and they all turned them right back on once they got inside) and would literally go running if they saw someone so much as check the time. It was very disruptive.

I understand the need to combat piracy, and maybe they've been having problems in the past, but the guard was very patronizing towards me, and really was incredibly disruptive during the film if someone even went to check the time.

Well personally I find it very disruptive when people check their phones for the time during a film. They usually also have to check their emails, send a couple of 'quick texts' etc. And then when you tell them to turn off their phones, they look at you with astonishment. For goodness sake, leave your phones off when the film starts. The world will continue without you for a couple of hours.

It can be annoying if they make a big deal about it, yes, but in this instance I didn't even notice until the guy went running. THAT was far more disruptive than anyone checking their phone was.

Also I should make it clear he wasn't being patronizing towards me for checking my phone in the cinema. He was being patronizing when asking me to turn it off at the door.

[canadian_turtle]

Anyone been to a preview screening at Cineworld Wandsworth? I found it very strange. Security made everyone turn off their phones at the door (and they all turned them right back on once they got inside) and would literally go running if they saw someone so much as check the time. It was very disruptive.

I understand the need to combat piracy, and maybe they've been having problems in the past, but the guard was very patronizing towards me, and really was incredibly disruptive during the film if someone even went to check the time.

Well personally I find it very disruptive when people check their phones for the time during a film. They usually also have to check their emails, send a couple of 'quick texts' etc. And then when you tell them to turn off their phones, they look at you with astonishment. For goodness sake, leave your phones off when the film starts. The world will continue without you for a couple of hours.

I am with ejwrank on this one.

I really dislike use of phones in the cinema, period. Even if it's "just" to check the time as the screen will light up and disrupt at least the people close around you.

[Beate]

I can understand both sides of the argument. Security guards right next to me distract me too. We had some on the balcony last time I was there and while they weren't pouncing on anyone, they were continuously walking up and down right next to me, then one would open the door and walk through, thus creating more light pollution than 10 phones at once. Yes by all means leave your phones in your pockets during a film, it's annoying, but when you are security you should also make sure not to disrupt the viewing too much.

[canadian_turtle]

Yes, security can be disruptive too.

Just remembered I had someone behind me last week who was actually talking on her phone during the film! WTF? At first I thought she was loud whispering to the person next to her but when it continued for at least 5 minutes I turned around to shush her and saw she was just talking on the phone

[ejwrank]

I agree with you that security can be distracting and they should know better. But people checking their phones during a film are a constant annoyance -- and if you turn your phone on near me during a film I will tell you in no uncertain terms to turn it off -- I will not be polite!

[caitlinmorton]

I'm not saying people should be able to check their phones in the cinema. Mine stayed firmly in my pocket the entire time. But when they're being more disruptive than the dozens of children present its an issue.

On that note, I have to commend the children at that screening. They were incredibly well-behaved. Must have really enjoyed it!

[Rainey]

I think its disruptive to have people checking their phones in the cinema, even if its a glows up for only a few seconds, it takes you attention away from the screen, especially for children who can be easily distracted.

The security are a nuisance, but if people wouldn't keep checking their phones they wouldn't be up and done the aisles, I think if they have been warned and still persist checking their phones they should be removed!!