when does the movie really start?

Frustrated with lengthy advertisements and previews that delay movies and chew up viewing time, a state lawmaker wants theaters to be honest about when a movie actually starts.

State Rep. Andrew Fleischmann is proposing legislation to force movie listings to print the time the previews start, and when the movies start.

“We’re being robbed of our freedom of choice because we’re not told when the actual movie will begin,” said Fleischmann, a Democrat.

Read more…

(via techdirt)

Comments

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  1. Someone sued a theatre, I think in Chicago, a couple years ago for this. Their issue was you are paying for a movie and the advertised start time is false and you are paying to watch ads which is ethically wrong.

    I don’t mind previews but even those are too numerous now. At the AMC theatres in town, I will be stuck sitting through about 25 minutes of ads and previews before the movie starts. I time it.

    Comment by Renee on January 15, 2005 @ 9:32 pm
  2. Unbelievable…you would think that elected legislators would be able to find something a bit more relevant/important to worry about.

    Comment by david on January 16, 2005 @ 5:07 am
  3. Renee: I’ve found it varies with the movie. It seems like the more popular movies can have lots and lots of ads, while those that are less popular can almost start right in.

    David: I feel the same way.

    Comment by dan on January 16, 2005 @ 9:02 pm
  4. One of the few good things about France is that they advertise both the start time of the previews, and the start time of the actual movie. There’s a short break between the two, so you don’t have to come in with the lights out. Good idea.

    Comment by Justin on January 17, 2005 @ 8:55 am
  5. I think this is a wonderful idea. It is too bad that it has to be initiated from a legislator. Just once, I would like to see an industry make an ethical change because it is the right thing to do.

    Comment by Babs on January 17, 2005 @ 5:40 pm

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