How do you usually watch movies?

[Razor X]

I gave up renting DVDs a few years ago in favor of watching On Demand movies.  I haven't done that in quite a while, either, mostly because of a lack of new films that I'm interested in.  And when there's something new that I'm anxious to see, it usually comes out on DVD before it hits On Demand.  Nowadays I usually just buy the Blu-ray disc, if it's something I'm pretty sure I will like.  I also check the listings for channels like HBO and Turner Classic Movies and DVR any older titles that look interesting.

I've never gotten into services like Netflix because I tend to watch movies sporadically; I'll go through a period where I watch a lot and then I might not bother again for several months.  I've never tried streaming movies, because I don't have internet connections in any of the rooms that have TVs.   I also like the flexibility of being able to choose to watch a DVD/BD in either my living room or bedroom.

For those of you who stream movies, are they offered in standard or high definition?  And with the DVDs that are sent by mail, do you get to choose between "fullscreen" and widesceen?  I couldn't find any info about that on the Netflix website. 

[TheSlyBear]

I mix it up a bit. I'll buy some DVDs or blu-ray discs for a movie or documentary that I know I'll want to repeat watching. I'll also purchase movies or TV series from Amazon Video for down-loading to my TiVo. I have a Netflix subscription and get DVDs in the mail, and sometimes I'll stream from Netflix to my PS3.

Frequently, the Netflix DVDs will be two-sided: one side has the full-screen movie, one side the widescreen. That's not available for all of them though.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Well we almost always rent DVD's, blue-ray if available.  I don't think we've ever done an on demand bc they're usually in the rental stores before they go that way, plus, I like the control of when to watch, stop, come back, etc.  We've bought two or three DVD's, but I haven't seen many movies in the past 5 years I'd want to keep. 
I need to get a new computer and internet connection for the house, we've cut the cable in favor of DishTV so I'm thinking ATT dsl since we don't need a kids' line anymore.  I'm pretty slow in doing that sort of stuff, however. 

[Mikekoz13]

I usually buy them so I can watch them again in the future easily.

[Tommi]

Cinema. The best way. Then propably on DVD's. But usually I enjoy the the wider scale of colors and lighting that the theater offers. I hardly ever will buy a DVD that I haven't first seen at the cinema.

[Razor X]

I don't think we've ever done an on demand bc they're usually in the rental stores before they go that way, plus, I like the control of when to watch, stop, come back, etc. 

On Demand films can be stopped, rewound, paused, etc and watched again within a 24 hour time frame.  I don't think the technology is available with satellite TV, though.   I can just never find much that I'm interested in among Comcast's offerings, though.  It also costs more to order high definition films -- about $5.99.   Sometimes the blu-ray disc is only $10 to $15, and seems like a better deal since you can keep it indefinitely, loan it to a friend, etc.

[Rob]

...with my eyes!!!!   Sorry: somebody had to say it

If I really want to see a movie then at the cinema first, and if I really liked it, or didnt catch it at the cinema then I buy the DVD so I've got it to keep.  I'm a big film nut and have a large DVD collection.

[mangosink12572]

Rob  - - -I have a big collection also  - -I buy all movies that I want to see- - - -to go to the movies here (for two people) costs from $16 to $20 so you are much better off buying the DVD - - - -

[Ming the Merciless]

How do I look at movies?  Mostly lying in bed, staring at the now old-fashioned tube-based screen on the stand at the foot of the bed.  Quite frankly, guys, a tube screen still provides the best color, and at the short distance between my eyes and a screen, a 27" screen is big enough.  I have five-speaker "surround sound," to help things out.

I either take DVDs or VHS out of the library, or occasionally buy one at places like Blockbuster.  I've quite a collection of VHS tapes, since my library has de-accessioned a lot of them at sales for 25-cents apiece.  What's not to like about that price?

Most of what I watch is trash.  If it's got a car chase or an explosion in it, I'll give it some attention.  Am fond of the "Die Hard" series, which provides plenty of both kinds of thrill.

I go to projected movies quite rarely--maybe two or three times a year.  Last one(s) "Avatar," seen twice in two different 3-D modes.  I've no need to ever see it again.

[tomgallagher]

I'm big on Netflix delivered or else Netflix streaming video. Other than that it's all sports.

[bartman]

It's not the format, it is the experience.
I usually get HD off of Dish network, do not do dish on demand. Had netflix, did not watch it enough to justify the expense. I usually buy rented movies from blockbuster or Hollywood.
If it is really good I might buy the DVD from walmart at $15. Don't go to theaters that often except for movies like Avatar which are 3d/Imax
Don't buy blue ray, had a HDDVD but after seeing the HD movies, yes, I did try a couple ondemand HD as well, it is not worth the extra expense for Blue ray disks IMHO.
Once the price of BlueRay players drop and the movies (same price as standard DVD and players, then I will buy it and them. Until then standard dvd with DishHD (and broadcast) suits me just fine.

[Razor X]

Once the price of BlueRay players drop and the movies (same price as standard DVD and players, then I will buy it and them.

Prices have dropped for both.  Blu-ray players can be purchased for under $200 now and I've gotten some catalog titles for as little as $7.99.

Nice home theater, BTW.   

[bartman]

Prices have dropped for both.  Blu-ray players can be purchased for under $200 now and I've gotten some catalog titles for as little as $7.99.

Nice home theater, BTW.   

Thanks, I guess I am looking for a player in the around 99 bucks. The titles for 7.99 are for movies I already have on dvd, usually older titles and I am not goint to be upgrading those movies, kind of a move forward thing. I am talking about new titles, like the ones at walmart for $15 bucks. Movies that have been out for a year are still pretty pricy. I agree the prices have dropped and am sure it won't be too much longer, perhaps next Christmas, but I am still going to wait a little bit. Blue Ray for the computer has dropped as well, may look into that at some point as well.

[Paul]

I'm strictly a DVD viewer.    My taste is pretty narrow in what I like so I hit the category of film I like in Amazon and if I have heard good things or like the summary I buy it.  I have a large collection that I rewatch when I am in a movie mood

[-Doug-]

Netflix here. It's great especially since they have more and more movies available to stream.