to the editor: Cultural critic Mary McNamara's column about Netflix's attempt to absorb Warner Bros. included a section highlighting my concern: “Don't contribute more than you already have to the demise of movie theaters” (“A plea to Netflix's Ted Sarandos: Don't ruin Warner Bros. and HBO”. December 5).
Many homes have really nice television screens at home. However, sometimes it's nice to get out of the house and share experiences with other people, even people you don't know. And watching some movies on a big screen with surround sound is an enhanced experience. Watching movies like “2001: A Space Odyssey” or “The Shining” on a home computer is not the same. Additionally, arthouses are still fighting to get us to go see independent or foreign films that can break us out of the mold of conventional film production. These art houses are not getting rich, but God bless them and continue to help keep the culture alive.
I would regret that one day we can only experience what a giant corporation decides makes the most money.
Ken Hense, Los Angeles
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to the editor: Paramount, Warner Bros., Netflix and their followers are fighting elephants (“Paramount launches $78 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros., backed by Trump's son-in-law”. December 8). We, the consumers, are the ants that will be trampled.
Ivan Goldman, Redondo Beach
