The way movies are consumed has changed significantly in recent decades. In earlier times, people needed to travel to movie theaters to watch movies, such places were often located at a considerable distance from residential areas. This era was characterized by the use of video tape recorders (VCRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs), where movies were accessed via rented cassettes. An illustrative personal experience recalls an evening used to convince parents to go to a nearby village to watch the famous Bollywood film "Raja Hindustani" released in 1996 - an event that made news regarding the screening of the film. In a school.
Advances in technological development have brought rapid changes in viewing habits. It was common for parents to cycle to nearby villages to fulfill their desire for a cinema experience. However, contemporary capabilities allow the fulfillment of similar desires from the comfort of one's own home, which illustrates the shift in access to movies.
The growth attributed to the digital age is remarkable, as it has changed the traditional practice for moviegoers to attend malls and multiplexes. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated changes in daily routines, leading to increased reliance on digital over-the-top (OTT) platforms for film consumption.
This discussion highlights the differences between past and present experiences regarding movie viewing. While initially, satisfying cinematic desires required travel and parental involvement, today's children can easily access movies using touchscreen devices, without the mediation of social recommendation or physical travel. Thus the digital age has introduced substantial benefits to contemporary life, warranting recognition and acknowledgment of these advances.
