Cinema is more than just the loss of a business

Before I accepted the job here at the Express, my wife and I spent our wedding anniversary in Red Oak, checking out the town.

We drove around the square, a couple times the wrong way on the seemingly numerous one-way streets, and eventually made my way to 410 East Coolbaugh.

There we saw the Grand Theatre. With only one movie listed on the marquee, it was clearly a one-screener, and the outside appearance belied how nice it was inside.

Regardless, my wife and I both expressed a degree of satisfaction knowing at least Thursday through Sunday, we could go see a movie in town.

Of course, with her seven months pregnant at the time, we bemoaned the fact it would be a long time before we actually had that opportunity.

Needless to say, I was saddened to learn last week that opportunity may never come as the theatre closed Thursday.

When I interviewed the owner the day of the final showing, I was surprised at how nice the facility was on the inside.

I’ve been in towns where the theatre closed. Usually, there is a moldy smell, torn carpet and seats, and bats flying around the theatre. Not this time. The building was remodeled less than 15 years ago, and while it looks rough on the outside, the inside is nice.

But theatres are like any other business in the sense they aren’t judged on appearances, they are judged by the money they make, or in this case, don’t make.

I haven’t been in town nearly long enough to judge the business practices of the theater’s current owner in determining the cause of the closing. I do know though it’s becoming tougher and tougher on theaters, especially small ones, as more consumers opt to spend money on “in-home” theatre systems, complete with giant screens, surround sound, and even theatre seating. Shoot, you can even buy “movie-style” popcorn that can be ready to go in 4 minutes, fresh from the microwave.

For me though, and many others, nothing beats the visceral experience of actually seeing a movie in a real theatre. The screen is bigger, the sound is fuller, the popcorn is butterier (not sure that’s a word, but you get my point.)

It’s like going to a ballgame in person. Sure, you can watch it from the comfort of your home with cheaper sodas and hamburgers, but there is an element of excitement of sharing the experience with others.

It’s the same with a good movie. Much like a sporting event, I can remember booing villains, cheering heroes, and laughing aloud along with other “spectators.” And yes, I can even remember standing and applauding at the end of certain movies.

I can’t ever remember doing that at home.

And now, I may never be doing that in Red Oak, and that’s sad on more than just a personal level.

While a theatre is essentially a business, it means more than that to the community. It adds a lot to the quality of life we enjoy. And when prospective businesses or industries come to town, they want to know there is recreational opportunities available for their employees and families.

Now, there is one less.

This presents a unique challenge to the community. Finding someone to reopen that theatre would be invaluable not only to current, but future residents.

Red Oak prides itself on being a “shade better.” And in my short time here, I have found that to be more true than not. But without a theatre in town, Red Oak is now a “shade off.”

Gregory Orear is the General Manager/Editor of the Red Oak Express. He can be emailed at publisher@redoakexpress.com