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Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

blogs.smithsonianmag.com

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Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#41

Post by dinkumthinkum »

kleiba wrote: post #11

It's interesting to learn that movie theaters originally tried to establish themselves as highbrow institutions that drew inspiration from actual theaters. Sadly, not much is left of this ambition today. The introduction of popcorn may have been one of the first steps of movie theaters to "open up to wider audiences", but as another thread points out, the artificial flavor and smells that surround the product today h…

On some level this seems like sn interesting debate but the realist in me sees this a useless navel gazing. Why don't you go to a movie theatre, see that there are, in fact, many people there regardless this death of sophistication or whatever you're talking about. :)

It's a bit like reports of Mark Twain's demise.

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#42

Post by caf »

kleiba wrote: post #11

It's interesting to learn that movie theaters originally tried to establish themselves as highbrow institutions that drew inspiration from actual theaters. Sadly, not much is left of this ambition today. The introduction of popcorn may have been one of the first steps of movie theaters to "open up to wider audiences", but as another thread points out, the artificial flavor and smells that surround the product today h…

In recent years there's been the rise of "premium lounge" type cinema products, with features like large recliner style seats (and many fewer of them), in-seat wait service, less or no advertising and a separate pre-show lounge serving restaurant-style food. With of course a pricetag to match.

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#43

Post by dinkumthinkum »

jaredmcateer wrote: post #36
methodin wrote: post #15

I can never eat popcorn at the movies because it's gone by the time the previews are over. Am I the only one?

I found a way that forces me to slow down when eating popcorn is to use chop sticks, it also keeps my hands free of grease. I usually have a pair of the disposable wooden ones on me.

That's pretty serious. :)

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#44

Post by saraid216 »

mwilcox wrote: post #39
lobster_johnson wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

At least in NYC cinemas, the person who takes your ticket will demand to check your bag for drinks (not sure about snacks). You're not allowed to bring your own. Feels a lot like going through a TSA security checkpoint.

Wow, seriously? That's ridiculous.

It's really that the movies are something of a loss leader. People don't come to the movies to buy snacks, but snacks are how theaters really make money. Which means that you're ripping them off worse by sneaking snacks than you are sneaking a video camera in.

Though with the way the prices of movie tickets are going up, I've begun to suspect that this is no longer true.

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#45

Post by saraid216 »

fatjokes wrote: post #33

Isn't the Smithsonian shutdown along with the rest of the gov't? Or is Smithsonianmag.com not affiliated with the museums?

Well, I clicked on http://www.smithsonianmag.com/about/internships-employment.h... and an interstitial ad popped up that I couldn't close.

I don't think they're federally funded.

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#46

Post by noonespecial »

johnbm wrote: post #38
enraged_camel wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Popcorn by itself actually smells good - it's just fried corn. It's the ridiculous amount of butter Americans put into it in movie theaters that makes it smell terrible.

Nope, it's a specific chemical that smells like buttery popcorn, it's what they put on microwave popcorn. It also destroys the lungs of the factory workers who produce it (or people who eat too much of it): http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57516710-10391704/col...

Whoa. There's a truth stranger than fiction for you. It lures you in by smelling like tasty popcorn but its really a diabolical chemical that kills you if you breath it for too long? Seriously? That sounds like something that kills people in red shirts on funky planets with numbers in the name.

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#47

Post by 8ig8 »

jeltz wrote: post #16
crazygringo wrote: post #10

> Popcorn wasn’t widely eaten in homes, mostly due to how difficult it was to make: consumers needed a popper, oil, butter, salt... That's wrong, it's insanely easy to make. You don't need a "popper", just a pot with a lid. Any pot. And what kitchen doesn't have oil, butter and salt around? But since TV wasn't around yet, what were you going to eat it to? ;)

I have never actually seen a popcorn maker in anyone's home. Either people have used pots or microwaves, and it is very easy to use a pot.

We've got the Whirley Pop. It's fun to use with the kids. Popcorn tastes great.

http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/...

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#48

Post by pbhjpbhj »

crazygringo wrote: post #10

> Popcorn wasn’t widely eaten in homes, mostly due to how difficult it was to make: consumers needed a popper, oil, butter, salt... That's wrong, it's insanely easy to make. You don't need a "popper", just a pot with a lid. Any pot. And what kitchen doesn't have oil, butter and salt around? But since TV wasn't around yet, what were you going to eat it to? ;)

You can make it over an open fire - two sieves wired on to a metal rod will do the trick.

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#49

Post by pbhjpbhj »

saraid216 wrote: post #44
mwilcox wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wow, seriously? That's ridiculous.

It's really that the movies are something of a loss leader. People don't come to the movies to buy snacks, but snacks are how theaters really make money. Which means that you're ripping them off worse by sneaking snacks than you are sneaking a video camera in. Though with the way the prices of movie tickets are going up, I've begun to suspect that this is no longer true.

>Which means that you're ripping them off worse by sneaking snacks than you are sneaking a video camera in. //

You're not "ripping them off", you pay for your seat. They're welcome to advertise at the payment desk that people who may have food with them aren't welcome however.

Not being a persons most profitable customer is not the same as ripping them off.

Re: Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

#50

Post by mmagin »

Keyframe wrote: post #32
crazygringo wrote: post #10

> Popcorn wasn’t widely eaten in homes, mostly due to how difficult it was to make: consumers needed a popper, oil, butter, salt... That's wrong, it's insanely easy to make. You don't need a "popper", just a pot with a lid. Any pot. And what kitchen doesn't have oil, butter and salt around? But since TV wasn't around yet, what were you going to eat it to? ;)

You don't even need butter (that's a US thing). A pot, lid, bit of oil, popcorn seeds and salt. It's done in few minutes, you just have to shake a pot a bit to prevent burning and that's it. I plough through popcorns regularly, movies or not. Hot air popcorn maker is shit though, popcorns are dry and it takes a long time to make a decent amount.

You especially don't need butter if you cook it in something tasty like lard or duck fat :)
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