From the Editor's Desk: Watching Films at 35,000 Feet
Filed under: Fandom, From the Editor's Desk
People tell me I'm nuts, but I absolutely adore long plane rides. Mainly because, over the years, the wife and I have assembled quite an electronics arsenal. I have the personal DVD player, the PSP, the iPod -- not to mention (in the non-electronics department) books, pillows, blankets and -- most importantly -- a big bag of Twizzlers. It doesn't get much better than that. Prior to traveling, I also map out which seat I want (and then bother whomever to make sure I get it), and do plenty of research on which films will be playing on the flight. The other great thing about long plane rides is that no one (except a flight attendant with crummy food) is allowed to bother me. No emails. No phone calls. No taking the dog for a walk. Nothing. Just me, my electronics, my pillow and my movies. This is my heaven.
I mention this because, on Saturday, I leave New York City for a two-week trip to Australia. My cousin is getting married. And I'm so there. Today I started to assemble my movie playlist, which include the actual DVDs I plan to bring, as well as what I plan to watch (all edited and whatnot) on the plane. Since I like to be diverse, here's what I have so far: A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Wristcutters (a LEGAL copy, mind you -- I'm no pirate), Tale of an Osaka Love Thief (a doc I've heard wonderful things about), The Boys of Summer (another festival-ish doc), Freaks and Geeks: The Complete Series, Weeds: Season 1 (for the wife) and Battlestar Galactica: Seasons 1 and 2.0. (Damn you Heroes for not being out on DVD yet!) I'm also planning to watch Fracture and Zodiac on the plane, although I'm not crazy about them being all chopped up. I'd like to add a tad more comedy and a really great thriller to the lot, so feel free to offer up suggestions. Are you as ridiculous as I am with regards to your in-flight movie planning? How does your inner movie geek go about prepping for a long trip at 35,000 feet? Do tell ...
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-13-2007 @ 8:15PM
Dave said...
I wouldn't leave without "Swingers" or "Love & Sex!"
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8-13-2007 @ 9:05PM
Peter said...
I've been on some lengthy travel for work lately, but I've never planned out any movie watching routines. On a plane, its either sleep, books or whatever is on tap for me.
Battlestar Galactica is a great bet, but no screen contained within a plane is going to do it justice - which is a bit conflicting since it is made for the small screen. If these conditions are your first time watching, I beg you to hold off.
Me, I'd bring other, less serious series. Sports Night and Wonderfalls come to mind. And you can never go wrong with some Joss Whedon.
Again, however, if some of these are your virginal undertakings, I personally would wait until I was under less mobile and elevated circumstances to give them the attention they deserve. I'd stick with things you know all too well and listening to their commentaries.
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8-13-2007 @ 10:48PM
Scott Weinberg said...
Arrested Development, Futurama, Simpsons, Firefly. Done.
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8-13-2007 @ 11:58PM
Christopher Campbell said...
You should watch Weeds when the wife is done with it. Oh, and lend me Wristcutters when you get back.
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8-14-2007 @ 4:14AM
bongo123 said...
I got a 7hr flight to Toronto to catch in several hours, I'm bringing a book, a healthy dose of boredom sprinkled with a liberal dose of alcoholism
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8-14-2007 @ 8:20AM
Jonathan Lapper said...
Hey, what's with the guys who work here (Campbell and Weinberg) commenting on articles by Davis. Guys, he just got the job as editor, he's not going to give you a raise right out of the starting gate. Besides, you don't want to look too eager.
Here's a suggestion: Go for the subliminal kill. Example: "So, Erik, loved your piece on planes. You really RAISE the bar. But I'll see your Zodiac and RAISE you a Futurama. Anyway, enjoy the wedding and don't RAISE the roof too much."
Go ahead and use it. Seriously. I don't even want a kickback. I wouldn't want you guys thinking my writing talents couldn't be EMPLOYED in your comments or that I'm that I'm right on the MONEY but you feel awkward using it. It's okay. So SEND my regards to Erik, he's totally MONEY in my book, but NOW I have to go.
Jonathan Lapper
http://cinemastyles.blogspot.com
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8-14-2007 @ 10:25AM
Jim said...
Ugh. Portable DVD and video iPod fell into my price range just as I was acquiring a different form of in-flight entertainment that I can't ignore: my daughter. I hardly bother to bring a magazine anymore. Please watch a few discs for me.
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8-14-2007 @ 10:35AM
Captain Obvious said...
In a recent flight to New York, I spent more time converting video files from DVDs to my iPhone then the entire time I would be in the air. I wasted about 10 hours the weekend before the trip converting video; the flight was only nine hours. I would have been better off watching the movies at home and just staring at a computer screen on the flight!
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8-15-2007 @ 7:39AM
Lyon said...
Depending upon how old you are....I find the DVDs of the TV Soap hysterical! Definitely great for a long plane ride!
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