Where is this a big problem? I go to the theater maybe once a month, maybe a little less. Anyway, I've yet to hear a cell phone in the theater.
I very seldom hear a cell phone but if they really want better service, bring back the sound proof areas for crying babies and fussy kids. Stop selling refreshments during the show too. I hate when people come in late and then we all have to let them out for drinks and popcorn. Then they have to go to the bathroom. What'happened to get there early and go before the movie starts.
I agree. A lot of people probably turn their cell phones down to silent or vibrate anyway. Theater owners are really grasping at straws here.
We to to the movies about once a month as well. I have heard cell phones ring many times and it didn't bother me in the least. some people go completely bonkers at the sound of a cell phone, one man climbed over a seat and was ready to attack. He was obviously a little tightly wrapped.
Loud talking and laughing have kept me from hearing lots of good movie lines. I remember a great comedy a while back where the people behind me must have seen it before and they started laughing before the funniest lines and blocked them out completely. I would have moved but there was nothing left but the front row.
Happened several years ago to my husband. Al Pacino was the star and when the cell phone went off, he insisted on answering it. "This is Al Pacino and I'm in the middle of a play. Call back later." It's one of my husband's favorite theatre memories!