Films

Your first opportunity to see a newly-released film is to go to the cinema.  Although this can be expensive, particularly if you buy the inevitably over-price buy food and drink, the film is usually more memorable than watching it at home.  The environment and atmosphere are conducive to your immersion in the plot, with few distractions. 

Once upon a time it took up to two years for cinematic films to make their way onto video or DVD for home-viewing.  The first release was once for rental only, but things have changed.  A cinematic release is now available for rental or purchase as little as six weeks after the first showings of the film.  Films can still be rented on DVD or Bluray disc for a lower price than purchase, and there are now several services which will post the discs to your home, saving the need for a trip to the DVD rental store.  Films are increasingly less expensive to purchase for those who wish to watch films more than once.

There are now ways to watch films at home without ever touching a disc or using transport to get to a cinema, shop or rental store.  It is possible to legitimately download or stream films on the internet, although illegal downloading is more widely available and often very poor quality.  Most digital television services, including cable and satellite providers, offer a service where you can choose the film you want to watch and view it at your convenience.  This service is often free for older films or included in a package with movie channels.  More recent releases are available at a fixed price which is added to the monthly bill when the film is activated on the TV or box.