Back to the Future is one of the most beloved and iconic movies of all time. Even after over 30 years since its original release, it remains a hugely popular film that continues to charm audiences today. Naturally, when given the chance to see Back to the Future on the big screen, you’ll want to make sure you get the very best seats possible to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Where are the best seats in a movie theater?
When seeing any movie in a traditional movie theater, there are some general guidelines to follow when picking out seats:
- The center seats in the middle rows are usually considered the prime spots. This gives you the best vantage point to see the entire screen straight on.
- Don’t sit too close to the screen or too far back. The very front rows can lead to neck strain looking up and the rear seats make details harder to see.
- Try to avoid the aisles which have more distractions from people walking by.
- If possible, go for seats at least halfway back from the screen to be fully immersed in the picture and audio.
However, it also depends on the specific layout and shape of the movie theater you are in. Some key factors like stadium tiered seating, IMAX screens, or surround sound can impact the optimal seats too.
Stadium seating
Many modern movie theaters have stadium seating which is tiered rows placed at higher elevations the further back you go. This gives every seat a clear view over the seats in front of them. In theaters with stadium seating, the prime spots are usually in the center of the middle rows.
IMAX screens
IMAX screens are much larger than normal movie screens and have a more immersive experience. As such, the common advice for IMAX theaters is to sit at least halfway back, even in the back third of seats, to fully appreciate the large screen.
Surround sound
Theater surround sound setups with speakers placed around the room perform best in the middle center seats. Sitting too close or too far to one side can make the audio seem imbalanced.
What are the best seats specifically for Back to the Future?
When seeing a classic movie like Back to the Future, you’ll want the optimal viewing. Here are some tips for getting the best seat for this beloved time travel flick:
- Aim for the center seats around halfway back. This allows you to appreciate the full scope of the movie projected on the big screen.
- Being in the middle also gives you the ideal vantage point for iconic moments like seeing the DeLorean time machine take off down the street.
- Don’t sit too close. While upfront seats may work well for action blockbusters, Back to the Future benefits from sitting back a bit to take in the entire scenes.
- Try to get seats in the middle of a row to avoid distractions from people passing in the aisles.
Here is a diagram of a typical movie theater showing the approximate best seats to aim for:
Screen | ||
---|---|---|
Aisle | X = Best seats | Aisle |
Of course, you may need to make adjustments based on the specific theater. Stadium seated IMAX screens or surround sound may shift the ideal seats further back or more centered.
Are there any seats you should avoid for Back to the Future?
There are some seats that are considered poor choices when seeing Back to the Future:
- The front row is too close and leads to neck strain looking up.
- The side aisles may have people walking back and forth which is distracting.
- The far back rows make details harder to see.
- The far left or right seats give you a skewed viewing angle.
Try to steer clear of these zones when picking seats. Also be aware of any obstructions like columns or handicap seating areas in a particular theater that can impede your view.
Avoid the front row
Sitting in the very front row is one of the biggest mistakes you can make for Back to the Future. Trying to look up to see the whole screen for over 2 hours will quickly lead to neck pain and discomfort. key details and visuals are also harder to appreciate from this vantage point.
Avoid the far sides
Sititng far left or far right can give you a skewed viewing angle for Back to the Future. Iconic scenes like the DeLorean time machine taking off could lose some impact from the sides. You also may need to strain your neck looking back and forth to see the full width of the screen.
Avoid the back rows
The last rows in the theater are less than ideal for Back to the Future. From this far back characters’ facial expressions and other details are harder to make out. The immersive experience is also diminished from so far away.
Any other tips for the best Back to the Future viewing experience?
Here are some other quick tips to optimize your Back to the Future viewing:
- See it in a theater for the full big screen and surround sound experience.
- Go to an early matinee or late show to avoid crowds.
- Turn off your phone to avoid distractions.
- Buy tickets early to ensure you get your seat of choice.
- Use online theater maps to find the prime viewing spots.
Following these guidelines, you’ll be able to zero in on the perfect seat to see Back to the Future in all its glory. When you sit down to watch this legendary time travel adventure, you want to make sure nothing gets in the way of the experience. By picking one of the central, middle rows in the theater, you’ll see Doc Brown and Marty McFly’s iconic journey in the way it was meant to be seen.
What are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn, hop in your imaginary DeLorean, and get ready for an unforgettable trip back in time, right from the best seat in the theater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the middle rows considered the best seats?
The middle rows in the center provide the ideal viewing angle and distance from the screen. You can see the entire screen straight on without distortion. Sitting centrally between the side walls also balances the audio from theater surround sound.
How close is too close when picking seats?
It’s generally advised not to sit in the first 3-5 rows in a movie theater. Any closer and you have to crane your neck too much to see the entire screen. Key details are also harder to make out when you are very close to a big screen.
Should you recline your seat for the best view?
Most experts recommend keeping your seat upright rather than reclining it. Reclining distorts the optimal viewing angle and can make the image seem distorted or smaller. Sitting upright with your eyes level with the center of the screen gives the proper alignment.
What if someone tall or with a hat sits in front of you?
If your view ends up blocked by someone tall or wearing a hat, politely ask them if they can slouch or remove their hat so you can see. If they refuse, you can ask an usher to find you different seats.
Should you see Back to the Future more than once in theaters?
Absolutely! Back to the Future is a classic worthy of repeat theatrical viewings. Many fans see it multiple times to catch details they missed before. Every showing may give you a new appreciation of this iconic film.
Conclusion
Seeing a beloved movie like Back to the Future in a theater is a one-of-a-kind experience. By targeting the center seats in the middle rows, you can fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds. Avoid sitting too close, too far on the sides, or behind obstructions. With the ideal seat, you’ll feel like you’re actually riding along in the DeLorean time machine, enjoying one of the greatest movies of all time to the fullest.