Mayhem at the movies

YESTERDAY, a year after my last visit to the cinemas of Ster Kinekor at Maerua Mall, I went back there to watch the latest Harry Potter film.

During the past year, I’ve read with interest letters, articles and debates in the press regarding the quality of the above cinemas. I did not, however, take part actively as all the issues mentioned were exactly my complaints as well: out of focus film, poor sound quality, no assistance from staff, etc.The film I saw at the end of 2004 was the epic ‘Alexander’ and after the intermission, the picture on the screen was cut in half for 20 minutes, during which I tried to get to the projectionist, but to no avail.In fact, I did discover a friend who was visiting the projectionist, with a bottle of beer in hand.I relayed my message through him.Like I said, it took 20 minutes.The only thing that has changed in 12 months is that movie tickets have got more expensive: N$38 per person.If one divides the screen into 10 vertical strips of equal width, the first tenth on the left was the only part of the picture in focus.The hiss and distortion on the speakers were unchanged and I found it difficult to understand the dialogue at times.I find it utterly disconcerting that nothing has been done to improve conditions at these cinemas.And I find it ironic that films with production costs of millions get mauled (no pun intended) at a venue which has no interest in satisfying the customer and in fact, makes what should be entertainment, a despairingly frustrating experience.I also do not understand why the public seems to accept this lack of basic standards.I, for one, will never put myself through that ordeal again.I will boycott these cinemas from now on until the owners get their act together.Pierre van der Westhuizen ErosI did not, however, take part actively as all the issues mentioned were exactly my complaints as well: out of focus film, poor sound quality, no assistance from staff, etc.The film I saw at the end of 2004 was the epic ‘Alexander’ and after the intermission, the picture on the screen was cut in half for 20 minutes, during which I tried to get to the projectionist, but to no avail.In fact, I did discover a friend who was visiting the projectionist, with a bottle of beer in hand.I relayed my message through him.Like I said, it took 20 minutes.The only thing that has changed in 12 months is that movie tickets have got more expensive: N$38 per person.If one divides the screen into 10 vertical strips of equal width, the first tenth on the left was the only part of the picture in focus.The hiss and distortion on the speakers were unchanged and I found it difficult to understand the dialogue at times.I find it utterly disconcerting that nothing has been done to improve conditions at these cinemas.And I find it ironic that films with production costs of millions get mauled (no pun intended) at a venue which has no interest in satisfying the customer and in fact, makes what should be entertainment, a despairingly frustrating experience.I also do not understand why the public seems to accept this lack of basic standards.I, for one, will never put myself through that ordeal again.I will boycott these cinemas from now on until the owners get their act together.Pierre van der Westhuizen Eros