It’s not very surprising that ArcLight Cinemas has decided to team up with SeeItFirst to host an event series called “Second Screen Live!” Sherman Oaks and Pasadena, you have a chance to witness the general public playing with their iPADS WHILE THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is playing! Seats are limited, so act now!

Are you fucking kidding me? People who respect cinema to any extent should be horrified at the concept of cell phones being allowed in theatres, but fucking iPads!? To make it worse, they invite you to win prizes and “play” against other “fans” in the audience. This is ridiculous. Are the lyrics, as the damn red ball bounces, going to fucking follow along on my iPad to tell me where we are in the film? Fuck you, anyone who wants to play, let alone text, during one of the greatest animated feats on celluloid ever made!

The screenings happen on 10.22 and 10.24. Since it is free, I’m sure this is the beginning of their experimentation, but once this shit starts happening, it’s gonna fucking get worse. Imagine House 5 at ArcLight Cinemas Sherman Oaks fully packed with families, kids, people with iPads: NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, INDEED.

Let’s go on the path of SAVING the cinematic experience with people. Last night, I experienced one of my favorite audiences and double features at the New Beverly: PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE & THERE WILL BE BLOOD. Unfortunately, within most first-run cinematic experiences, we won’t always garner the best mix of an audience. However, when everyone gives their attention to the world and story unfolding in front of their eyes, they will remember why watching people and pictures move via a series of light and magic, Cinema Prevails.

Support Independence, and Support your Local Cinemas — cell phone AND iPad-Free. Thank you!