A New York tradition is back...sort of!

[John in Covina]

Does the ability to own every movie on dvd ruin the fun of seeing these films that used to be shown once a year?

Perhaps for some it might, but for some films being shown on TV as a yearly event, it's the sense of tradition and the annual nature that creates the occasion. One could make a traditional Thanksgiving meal anytime of the year but the special occasion goes beyond the meal to other things like getting together with family & friends.

Pre- VHS, DVD or Netflix and streaming movies there were mainly 2 places to see films, the movie theater and what was shown on TV. Rarely you might be able to see a movie at school or the home town library as an event. So when a favorite film was scheduled to play on TV arrangement, planning and anticipation all worked into the viewing.
Snacks & Beverages maybe, friends or family participating at commercial times. Think Superbowl party but not as intense. As a little kid knowing that classics like "The Wizard of Oz" was coming up next week would have me all excited. later I'd look forward to Marx Bros., WC Fields or every Easter / Passover time seeing "The Ten Commandments" would be a thrill.

I don't know if others sometimes experience the lack of thrill when you can see a film any time and wind up being un-enthused because it's become too easy, it does happen to me. But traditions, special occasions and having friends or family to share the occasion with makes it much different perhaps because of the sharing aspect of the event.

 

[scottyrocks]

I think you quoted the wrong person......

Yeah, youre right. I mess that up occasionally. <shrug>

 

[MrBern]

Once again, WPIX has brought back CHILLER Theatre for Shocktober!
http://www.wpix.com/about/pressroom/wpix-press-shocktober,0,6490809.htmlstory

Chiller Theatre, which returned to PIX11 in 2008, originally aired on the station from 1961-1978 and again from 1980-1982. PIX11's Chiller Theatre weekend will feature the original franchise opens: "The Six-Fingered Hand" and the "Monster Montage."

On Saturday, October 30th PIX11 will air a Bela Lugosi double feature, White Zombie (1932) from 7-8:30 pm and Bride of the Monster (1955) from 8:30-10 pm.

On Halloween, Sunday, October 31st, PIX11 will air Dolls (1987) from 2-4 pm and Child's Play (1988) from 4-6pm.

The Chiller Theatre presentations of White Zombie and Bride of the Monster on 10/30 will be hosted by PIX11 reporter Jill Nicolini, and will feature an online costume contest. During the movies, Jill will be featured in several Halloween costumes; viewers can vote at wpix.com for their favorite and the winning selection will be worn by Jill at the Village Halloween Parade on 10/31 where she will be the host.
PIX11'S SHOCKTOBER SCHEDULE:

Saturday, 10/30
7pm Chiller Theatre: White Zombie
8:30pm Chiller Theatre: Bride of the Monster

Sunday, 10/31
2pm Chiller Theatre: Dolls
4pm Chiller Theatre: Child's Play
6pm PIX News at Six
6:30pm Friends (Halloween episode)
7pm-10pm PIX11 broadcast of the 38th Annual Village Halloween Parade

 

[Tomasso]

Yeah, youre right. I mess that up occasionally. <shrug>

[bad] If you ever do that again I will have women in negligees beat you with feathers!

 

[Wally_Hood]

Ruin may be too strong a term but I do think that easy everyday access diminishes the experience to some degree. Imagine if you had Thanksgiving dinner anytime you pleased.

Excellent analogy, Tomasso. I agree.

 

[Wally_Hood]

Perhaps for some it might, but for some films being shown on TV as a yearly event, it's the sense of tradition and the annual nature that creates the occasion. Exactly: I remember watching Wizard of Oz with my cousins as an annual treat; it was the only way we could see it, and it made the event special. One could make a traditional Thanksgiving meal anytime of the year but the special occasion goes beyond the meal to other things like getting together with family & friends. Ditto: it is special because it doesn't happen all the time.
Pre- VHS, DVD or Netflix and streaming movies there were mainly 2 places to see films, the movie theater and what was shown on TV. Rarely you might be able to see a movie at school or the home town library as an event. So when a favorite film was scheduled to play on TV arrangement, planning and anticipation all worked into the viewing.
Snacks & Beverages maybe, friends or family participating at commercial times. Think Superbowl party but not as intense. As a little kid knowing that classics like "The Wizard of Oz" was coming up next week would have me all excited. later I'd look forward to Marx Bros., WC Fields or every Easter / Passover time seeing "The Ten Commandments" would be a thrill.

I don't know if others sometimes experience the lack of thrill when you can see a film any time and wind up being un-enthused because it's become too easy, it does happen to me. But traditions, special occasions and having friends or family to share the occasion with makes it much different perhaps because of the sharing aspect of the event. Along the same lines, I own all my favorite Christmas movies, but only watch them at Christmas time. That heightens the enjoyment.

Well put, John-

 

[flat-top]

It's also the thrill of having to be there, right then to see these movies (or whichever).There is very little "event television" anymore. I remember the Halloween night oh so many years ago, that "KISS Meets The Phantom" was premiering on TV. If you missed THAT, well that was it! One chance.
These days, I have such little extra time that even owning these films on DVD, I can literally make it an event and watch them just once a year.

 

[flat-top]

I was hoping that this Thanksgiving my favorite giant monster movies would be on somewhere.
So far I can't find anything. AntennaTV may be my best bet, but their schedule seems to only go a week at a time.
I DID read somewhere that AntennaTV will be broadcasting the original Yule Log on Christmas, since they are somehow affiliated with New York's legendary WPIX.