Arnold at 20,000 feet; flicks provide spring break passengers fun relief

By LARA HYDE
Collegian Arts Writer

Some students headed to warmer locales will be sitting back in reclineable airline seats, sipping airline cocktails looking for a way to alleviate airplane-induced boredom, when a voice comes over the intercom and offers them the opportunity to view an experience like no other.

They are about to embark into the realm of the in-flight movie.

"They go along with my airline beverage," said Chris Shiring (senior-finance), adding that in-flight movies definitely make the time go faster.

In an attempt to appease bored customers looking for something to do within the confines of the coach of an airplane, several airlines offer in-flight movies and entertainment for the viewing pleasure of the traveling masses on long flights.

"Definitely passes the time," said Gina Sabric (senior-aerospace engineering). She said she will probably be watching one when she heads to Cancun next week for spring break.

USAir has been offering movies for a little more than 10 years, said Rene Cosnotti, manager of cabin services and systems for USAir. Cosnotti views approximately 20 movies a month in search of the few that will appeal to the air-traveling audience.

And those movies are picked in a very meticulous way.

"Dart boards," Cosnotti joked, laughing.

On a more serious note, she said film distributors send her a copy of the film that provides a clinical view -- heavily edited and choppy. She bases her decision on those clinical glimpses.

"It's very demanding on your personal time," Cosnotti said, pointing out that she rarely sees movies in the theater.

Movies are screened 90 days before they make it to the on-board televisions. The selection of the actual movies to be shown is done about 60 days prior to the anticipated date on which they will be shown, Cosnotti said.

"The majority of people are traveling on business," Cosnotti said. In this case, the majority wins -- films that would appeal to the traveling businessperson are chosen. They are then edited by the movie producer so that they are acceptable for the general viewing audience.

Pat Graham, in-flight programming manager for United Airlines, said she selects movies based on box-office revenue, name recognition and their overall entertainment value.

Graham usually views movies approximately 60 to 90 days after their theatrical release. She views 20 to 25 movies within a month, choosing the movie approximately 45 days before it will air.

"It's really extremely difficult to try and entertain the wide section of customers," Graham said, adding that some portions of almost any film have to be cut. Graham also pointed out that editing for in-flight viewing is more rigorous than even network television.

In addition to in-flight movies, both airlines offer other programming. Cosnotti said USAir usually airs about one hour of short programs on various subjects. For example, those traveling over spring break may see anything from a clip on how menswear sales are skyrocketing to a piece on smoking in China or the World Pinball Championships.

United also offers short programs in addition to movies, including clips from NBC news and sports to segments from situation comedies such as "Cheers"and "Mad About You."

Danielle Mendik (senior-accounting) said she last watched an in-flight movie on the way to the Rose Bowl, watching Forrest Gump and True Lies.

"I loved it because I was in first class. I got to pick from amongst five movies," Mendik said. "They didn't cut a lot out."