Just wondering about the movies ON the trains. I read they show them at night in the sightseeing cars? Are they current movies or oldies or what? Any info is appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
Posted by Charles Reuben (Member # 2263) on :
The movies are generally pretty up-to-date, popular and sometimes "first run." I've never seen an "oldie."
For example, the last time I was on the train, they showed, "School of Rock."
The monitors are small and worn out, the sound is horrible but by far, the worst problem is that most of the seats don't pivot to face the screen: Expect a sore neck.
However, despite all the problems, the movies do have a way of breaking up the evening and if you listen very hard, you might be able to make some sense of what's going on.
Just pray the attendant doesn't forget to bring the tapes along for the trip.
[This message has been edited by Chucky (edited 05-11-2004).]
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
If you can, try getting downstairs to watch the movies. It's quieter, there are no end doors opening (=track noise), and there is no through traffic except to the snack bar. There are only a few seats that are in a good position to see the TV though.
Geoff M.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Now that Amtrak is smoke-free systemide, I wish the #31500 smoking cars (after, of course, a deep, DEEP cleaning) were converted to "movie cars". This would enable the Lounges to become what they are intended for - a place to meet your fellow passengers and, in the process, sell high profit beverages.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
Chucky, the seats are supposed to swivel. The release latch is a lever underneath. Sometimes the release actually works. More often, it doesn't.
Posted by Nirvanagurl (Member # 3229) on :
the first summer me and the kids went there was no movie it was broken or something, the second summer ..last summer they played the xmen and most of the time there was interferance like on the screen and we could not hear it at all, I mean no sound at all. If your bringing kids make sure they understand that they will not be able to hear it other wise they tend to throw a fit right then and there..lol depending on their age but my 3 year old made sure everyone on the train knew she could not hear the movie and was not happy about that Posted by UncleBuck44 (Member # 2049) on :
I've never had a problem with movies on trains.
Movies I ve seen that I remember: City Slickers 1 and 2 Remember the Titans- twice Sweet Home Alabama
I like to look inside the sightseer lounge when its stopped in STL and see what the movies is.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
Movies are shown in the Sightseer lounge during the day as well as in the evening, but during the day they are hard to see because of all the "daylight interference" coming in through all sides of the car. You can see the screens better at night. Usually, no matter when they show the movies, though, they are typically played WAY TOO LOUD for me, so I have to retire to my sleeper if I want to do things like narrate my trip video.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
I certainly respect Ms. Nirvana's likely disagreement, but it seems like we got along without 'em just fine during "railroad days" (two exceptions: ACL and B&O).
The on-board movies are an intrusion so far as I'm concerned. I can't count the number of times over the years I have been having interesting conversations with fellow passengers all of who0m were PURCHASING high-profit drinks from Amtrak, when it abruptly becomes "showtime; the party's over".
I have no more use for them in-flight. I recall a few years ago, 1998 to be precise, flying LAS-ORD on a perfectly clear day where I had a winddow seat with an unobstructed view. I picked off an excellent aerial view of The Meadows, then Hoover Dam. But just about when Grand Canyon should be coming up, "it's showtime, close you shades" so announced "Queen Witch", followed by her "inspection tour" to ensure compliance.
In that instance, I must acknowledge the movie "The Apostle" proved to be an interesting character study. However, I only found that out in my living room when that flick made the rounds of the various movie channels.
Posted by dilly (Member # 1427) on :
Amtrak's movie choices aren't always recent releases.
When I traveled on the Coast Starlight eighteen months ago, the tiny theater on the Pacific Parlour Car's lower level screened "Top Gun."
Needless to say, the theater was completely empty.
(For those too young to remember, "Top Gun" was released in 1986).
Posted by jdplawman (Member # 3098) on :
Thanks for the info. I'm not sure if we'll take in a movie or not. I was just curious in case we can't sleep at night.
