She Likes to Watch

Whenever manufacturers advertise screening videos on the latest hand-held gadgets, I have to scoff.

Watch movies? On those tiny screens? I don’t think so.

Despite great strides in digital technology, there are few videos that look downright awesome on an iPhone screen. Skateboarding dogs and laughing babies? Sure.

Watching “Lawrence of Arabia” on my Zune, however, has a much appeal as a week-old fish wrapped in US magazine.

Bottom line: Movies are best on the big screen.*

Whether they’re big-budget epics, action flicks or intimate romances, feature films just look better with stadium seating and plenty of popcorn.

They’re made for theaters, filmed with giant screens and state-of-the-art sound system in mind. What good is sweeping scenery if it’s three inches wide? What’s the point of explosions heard on tinny ear buds?

Plus, I crave the human interaction of a live audience. The sensation of sharing laughter in a darkened cave, of watching hundreds of tears slide down hundreds of cheeks at the saddest moment in “Schindler’s List.”

Even pricey home theaters fall short.

You can catch “Lawrence of Arabia” in all its big-screen, full-color glory tonight at the Fremont. Thrill to Maurice Jarre’s thundering score. Drink in Freddie Young’s stunnig cinematography.

“Lawrence of Arabia” starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Fremont, 1025 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo, following a half-hour of trivia and prizes. Tickets are $7.50.

* I can think of only a few films I’d prefer to watch on a black-and-white, 13-inch Zenith. “Hostel” and the “Saw” series” come to mind. Also, anything starring Paris Hilton or Dane Cook. Shudder.

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“Lawrence of Arabia” poster courtesy of MovieWeb.com.