I have to agree with TM2-Megatron. Under the proper conditions, there really is nothing like the big screen experience, because that is (or at least
used to be) where films are meant to be seen. Unfortunately, due to the advent of television and home video, films have become egregiously mass-produced, and many of the rushed theatrical releases are little more than a grand advertisement for the eventual DVD released 3 months afterward.
But if one is wise in their decision of which films to see, the money spent is well worth it! I don't see many films in the theatre these days simply due to the large amount of junk that's released. So that's the first step - pick good films to go to.
The second step is to select a good theatre to attend, because you'll have more of a chance of seeing the film projected and presented correctly. This is certainly not
always the case, but your chances are better at some slicked-up theatre chains than most others. Third, on a similar note, try to seek out digitally projected and IMAX/large format films when you can. Even if it's just nature documentaries, IMAX films are an incredible experience! There's nothing like a giant
Harry Potter!!
Fourth, and most importantly,
seat yourself correctly!! If you sit way in the back and the screen is little more than a TV set from your perspective,
move forward!! Theatre screens are not like television viewing, people!
These are simple steps to make your viewing of a theatrical film better. Unfortunately you can't control stupid monkey projectionists, who may possibly present the film incorrectly, but hey - that's the hazard of living!
I agree in part that the Oscars ceremony was a little too ham-fisted on the "big screen" campaign last night (and it most likely was monetarily motivated), but their point was still true. Unfortunately, gone are the days where film was an
experience, complete with whole programs of shorts, newreels, and serials before it. Where do you think the term
feature film came from? Because it used to be the
feature presentation of a visit to the movies!! (Similar with the term
trailer - because film previews used to
trail the feature after credits!
) Nowadays it's mostly a chore, and an unpleasant experience for a good number of people. No wonder the art of cinema is dying.
For all its hazards, however, theatrical films are still worth it over a DVD on a 27" screen any day of the week!! ^_^
Do they truly have a clue as to where the big bucks come from to finance these big budget blockbusters and the over the top paychecks 
