Saber Forum

In light of recent rumors of some theatre chains issuing a (click > "ban on costumes/props (http://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/02/star-wars-force-awakens-theaters-ban-masks-weapons)" < click) worn by fans attending the Episode VII after the shooting incident(s), I sent the following message to a local ArcLight theatre I purchased tix from for the 12/17/2015 7:30p in Sherman Oaks, CA.:

Please consider duplicating and prominently posting the policy below from your competitors on your website to avoid driving us Star Wars fans/customers to spend their money someplace other than your establishments:

http://www.amctheatres.com/movies/star-wars-the-force-awakens

Costume Policy:
"AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie-going experience. Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks or face paint. In short, bring your lightsaber, turn it off during the movie, and leave the blaster and Darth Vader mask at home."

Thanks in advance.

Respectfully,
Darth Raváge ;)
http://www.facebook.com/DarthRavage (Feel the Force)

FYI - Star Wars fans do NOT feel uncomfortable when surrounded by other Star Wars fans in celebration of Star Wars related events.



I rcvd the following response:



Dear Darth:

Thank you for contacting ArcLight Cinemas.

Thank you for taking the time to write to us and provide feedback regarding
our website. Please know our site may have something posted regarding
costumes closer to the release of the film. At this time please know it is
our policy that we will allow for costumes, but no masks or full face
make-up. Props that light up or are large enough to may potentially trip on
are not allowed. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Regards,
Melody M
ArcLight Guest Services


Consider being proactive and doing something similar in your area.

At least they were polite via response. and the feel free to bring your lightsaber, i don't quite think they meant actual props , or replicas. Regal cinema's / Cinemarks in my area have done the same, Although a let down for alot of fans out there , it in the end is Perfectly understandable,  masks, percieved weapons, etc due to the times we live in , its a shame really, to me my thoughts, it wouldnt matter either way, Because Anything can be used as a weapon, carkeys, pens etc etc, so they should just say no masks, but it is what it is

Hell down here in Texas my lightsaber group was hounded by theaters to come and put on a show/interact with the crowd. We are doing IMAX opening day for 6 hours then an Alamo Drafthouse Saturday for 6 hours. Another theater wanted us Sunday but we are doing a pre-release party at a YMCA for kids on Thursday so we need a break.

And the theaters want full costume, masks and sabers!

We are getting paid with free passes to be used at a later date which is excellent as I am sure in IMAX this will be outstanding.

Thankfully not a problem here. The cinemas often encourage such things and work with a few of the local costuming clubs. They have been known to have costume comps etc for certain release events.

Course I'll be in costume anyway coz we are trooping the event beforehand :)

Why must people spread dumb rumors when the movie isn't even out yet. Just wait for a few more weeks and have FUN u.u

Not sure which rumor you are referencing as being dumb in this post, Zren, so please click a few links you may have chosen to overlook in the "original" post from the Google search result directly below and perhaps become more enlightened on the topic.  ::)

http://www.google.com/search?q=banned+Star+wars+costumes&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

yeah, its not a rumour, it is about theatres wishing to protect themselves and their patrons. Enforcing rules like this might seem stupid and annoying but they are doing it for security purposes and I can understand that.

I called our AMC just to clarify what they meant by "bring your lightsaber, but turn it off during the show" and they didn't seem to care about the lightsaber at all as long as it's not glowing during the show.  They were just very firm on the "no blasters and no masks/face paint" rule, which I understand.  I also asked if the robes were a problem and they said the Jedi robes were fine. 

110% full Anakin it is, then!

I never realise so many people got dressed up in costume to go see the movie. I always thought that was something that just happened in tv shows. Living in the U.K. (London to be precise) the only time I have seen people,dress up to go watch a movie is for something at the Prince Charles Cinema, where they only show cult classics. They always have a movie theme (sci-fi, western, arnie, rocky horror, whatever) as well as movie marathons. As this tends to be for hardcore movie fans and geeks, that is where the costumes come into play. At mainstream cinemas for "regular" movie releases, I have never seen it; the most you will get is a comic book t-shirt during a comic book movie.

Are we missing out in the UK? Probably. But there does tend to be less issue with people talking or whatever during the movie.

Living in LA, it was a normal occurrence to see "die hard" SW fans in costume on the local news networks whenever a new SW film was released...especially at the world-renown Manns', er Grauman's um, "TCL" Chinese Theater in Hollywood (the name keeps changing due to high dollar-value "marketing rights" corporate bidding wars).

I think the fact that new directors will be used for the new forthcoming SW installments over the next several years have generated a renewed interest among the faithful and created a buzz even the fringe fan(s) couldn't ignore. Admittedly, the artistic/creative vision that G. Lucas released during the "Prequel" phase alienated many as well.

Moreover, I'm convinced the increased availability of affordable high quality costumes and props along with the increased awareness of Cosplay Conventions have made it possible for many more to indulge while giving adults a relatively unknown "playground alternative" outlet without having to wait for Halloween to "dress up".

One thing though, do people in costume actually sit quietly while watching the movie, or does the whole Cosplay excitement boil over and result in people talking at the screen, clapping etc? (I'm one of those people who like to watch the movie in silence unless it's a comedy or something really funny happens).

I would suggest then seeing it a few weeks after release if you want silence. I have a feeling there will be a ton of screaming and clapping. And that is not just on the cosplay side/

Maybe it's just the area I live, maybe it's the movies I choose, maybe it's because it's the UK, but that doesn't really happen (and I go to the cinema A LOT). The only times I've heard people screaming and clapping at the cinema is when there are groups of teenagers in.

That is interesting.  Things like Star Wars and the Avengers films are mostly seen in the first few weeks by hardcore fans and I have always seen people cheering and clapping at certain parts.  It's part of the experience.    The Opening fanfare of course gets the loudest applause.  I remember seeing Episode II on opening day  when Yoda drew his lightsaber the whole theater was on their feet cheering...it was awesome.  I had to see Episode III a month after it's release because of...things and it was quite weird being around what were obviously casual fans, average movie goers or people who had seen it multiple times.  When the respirator kicked in for the first time I wanted to cheer (an I know from friends people did on opening night) but all around was just dead pan emotionless silence.  As you said, different places and cultures...but no, people don't talk or cheer over the film during important parts..in my experience.

I saw the first Avengers opening night and the biggest cheer was when the Hulk grabbed Loki. People were laughing so much that we all missed what was said for the next minute. But it was a damn funny scene, so I didn't mind.

Only time I've experienced people clapping at the fanfare was the last Indiana Jones movie (at the first showing) but again no noise throughout the rest of the film, except for the odd groans and sighs of disbelief at certain parts (I think we all know which parts they were). And there was an audible gasp from everyone during Age of Ultron when the Vision picked up Thor's hammer.

I agree that hardcore fans tend to go see these type of movies in the first week. Must definitely be a cultural thing.

I'm planning on seeing the movie again with a few friends who've moved away upon their return for the Xmas holidays, so even if fans get a little reactionary with excitement on pre-opening night (12/17/15 7:30p), I don't think I'll mind missing some of the dialogue as I will be attending specifically to be a part of the celebratory event with my fellow costuming SW brothers, sisters & younglings. ;D

Moreover, if some idiot(s) is intent on injuring or causing harm to us in the theater, we will collectively beat them into submission with our lightsaber blades and pummel them senseless with our "aircraft-aluminum" anodized hilts to defend ourselves (they are designed for sparring after-all...& of course, I am a Sith Lord)! ;)

Part of the fun for me IS the clapping and excitement of the other fans.  :)   I love to be a part of that.  The energy is amazing. 

My feeling as well

I guess because I spend a lot of my time in the cosplay community that I don't really 'notice' people in cosplay the same :P

Usually here it's mostly people in the appropriate geeky t shirt. I've never been to a launch before so I can't say, but I know some local cosplayers got involved with  the local cinema at a particular screening of the 2nd attack of titan live action movie and i could bet ya ppl turned up to that in costume (we just saw a couple of the cosplayers as they left). I also know friends in the costuming world who have gone to sessions in costume, often as a group, and we do a lot of social events in costume as well- its just getting bigger and bigger here in Perth. Its absolutely awesome! For the SW movie marathon a few years back several ppl went in costume. Theee was a lot of cheering and fanfare at that- cept it didn't really matter, I mean we were all there because we all love SW and seen the movies godknows how many times so it was kinda appropriate. Often during normal movie sessions you'll get laughter at funny bits and the odd cheer but again, its usually appropriately placed and most the time it isnt 'rude'

I don't have this problem where I'm going. In fact they are having a cosplay costume contest during the event so it's encouraged. I was planning on going with just a blade plug in, but now I just don't know. In either case I'll be rocking my entire Sith outfit.

Turns out Cinemark does allow costumes just not weapons and such so I'll be going in costume =] Not sure which though

Local Regal says yes to costumes and sabers, just no masks or blasters. Orbi-Wan will be there opening night.

Actually if its all here by then I will be going in my Luke inspired costume :) If not then the one I have now. Everything should be here by the weekend though same with my new in coming Archon saber

ArcLight recently posted this on their SW: Episode 7 (https://www.arclightcinemas.com/movie/star-wars-the-force-awakens?lid=100) page(s):

"STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (PG13)

Cast: Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill
ArcLight Costume Policy: We do not allow masks (including face paint) that cover the face and/or props, including those that are illuminated, that would be a safety or trip hazard. A continuation of the saga created by George Lucas set thirty years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983). Run Time: 138 mins. "

Turns our local Cinemark does allow sabers after all just not on during the movie until someone ruins it of course which I can see happening

Unfortunately yes, there always seems to be "that guy" that gets a kick outta ruining things for the rest of us and will no doubt make it a point to show up at the theatre explicitly looking to be a sphincter.

"Misery loves company." ::)

I don't actually have a costume to go in, but I'm planning on ordering a Chewbacca onesie, that I'm 110% wearing to the midnight showing if I can get it by then(I have a ticket to the first showing at 7:30, but I'm gonna likely have to race straight there from work). That might be shocking in completely different ways though....

Be sure to post some pics here (http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=438.0) with that as Chewy w/a saber would be a fun/interesting twist.

I WAS considering bringing a lightsaber. I'm going to be wearing pajamas, so maybe I should get a Hasbro to complete the "giant kid in an adult body" look. And also because I'm 5.

Talk about getting into character!...lol

Post photos either way as a good sense of humor is always appreciated.

I will, don't worry!

Okay, so ArcLight Cinemas just texted me the following official response after I lobbied them a few weeks ago (see prior chain post below):


We look forward to celebrating film with you during the holiday season. The safety of our guests and crew is extremely important. We are constantly assessing the changing environment and taking measures to address security in our theaters.

Accordingly, please adhere to the following bag and costume policies. For the comfort and safety of our guests, we will not permit large bags into the building including but not limited to backpacks, luggage, and large shopping bags. All bags are subject to search and we reserve the right to refuse admittance. We do not allow masks or face paint that covers the face. We also do not allow props (including those that are illuminated) that would be a safety or trip hazard.

Please note that ArcLight Cinemas has the sole and absolute discretion to interpret and enforce these policies to promote safety, comfort, and peace of mind. We realize these policies may cause some inconvenience during the holiday season, but we thank you for your patience and understanding.

We look forward to seeing you at the movies.

Thank you,
ArcLight Cinemas

Boo to Regal Cinemas. After weeks of stating that light sabers were welcome, apparently this past week they banned them. Which is odd, because several employees had their pictures taken with me yesterday when I first arrived...

(http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr203/orbiwantechnobie/Orbi-Wan%20Technobie/RegalOrbiWan_zps29bfm0wl.jpg) (http://s484.photobucket.com/user/orbiwantechnobie/media/Orbi-Wan%20Technobie/RegalOrbiWan_zps29bfm0wl.jpg.html)

Then I was told by no less that three that I would have to put my saber in the car. They also said NO HOODS UP at all, even in line.

Movie was great, though. I was first in the theater for our screening, and got the exact seat I wanted.

I went full Anakin to AMC (hood up and saber included) and it was fine with them.  A shame other places aren't allowing it!

It's just fear caused by the shooting incident. I think by the time rogue one hits cinemas next year, they will have relaxed the rules a lot. Alternatively, you could all come over to the UK and watch the film here as there were no such restrictions.

I experienced the same reaction only 4 people in 2 minutes came to tell me that my sabers would have to be returned and I couldn't wear my hood (2 weeks prior the website clearly said it was okay per my earlier post here).
I missed the 1st 15 minutes of the film because the parking garage is a 14 minute round trip walk to get back to the theatre...needless to say I will NEVER see a SW film at this chain again!!! >:(