A Night Out With The Piracy Cops Or How To Watch a Movie Chinese Style. Are We Next?
 

Yikes!

By JOSEPH KAHN NYT

HENZHEN, China, Oct. 30 — When the members of the preview audience showed up at China's fanciest new movie theater here this week, they were treated to much more than just the first look at Zhang Yimou's big-budget martial-arts film, "Hero."

Viewers had identity card numbers inscribed on their tickets. They were videotaped as they entered the theater's foyer. They handed over all cellphones, watches, lighters, car keys, necklaces and pens and put them in storage. Before taking their seats, they passed through a metal detector. Then they got a welcoming address.

"We are showing this preview for your enjoyment tonight," announced Jiang Wei, an executive with the film's Chinese distribution company. "I plead with you to support our industry. Please do not make illegal copies of this film."
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/01/business/01PIRA.html

They even watched the audience with night-vision goggles!

"Now all of you! Sit back and relax!!" :eke:

Gee, talk about added value for my 30 bucks. I know that’ll get me out of the house and into my theatres much more often. :N:

- js.

Hey, if you like being strip-searched by the guy that checks your ticket, go right ahead. Be my guest.

*shudder*

Stoepsel

yeah, most of those ticket-rippers are teenage guys or in their early twenties. wait.. nevermind.. :S: