RE: Six Degrees of Press Screenings
You get to watch three films for free in one day (how many films do you review in a typical week?). You take notes in the dark (why don't you whisper into a tape recorder?). You have to get someone to save you a seat (are there that many NY film critics?). You don't have time to eat (concession stands must be closed during press screenings).
RE: I Achieve DVR Nirvana
I just got my DVR from the cable company last month. I turned in my two cable boxes for one DVR (didn't need the one in the bedroom anymore). It was a good thing I waited so long since I ended up with a dual tuner DVR with a 160 gigabyte drive. Now I can watch one channel while recording another or record two channels while watching a recorded show.

"(how many films do you review in a typical week?)."

I'll attend anywhere from two to seven per week.

"(why don't you whisper into a tape recorder?)."

You're kidding, right?

"(are there that many NY film critics?)."

Screenings are often attended not only by actual critics but other members of the media (editors, producers, etc). So yes, screenings can be very crowded.

"(concession stands must be closed during press screenings)."

Screening rooms don't have concession stands, and many of them forbid you from bringing in any outside food (they're worried about messes). But I was talking about real food, not junk.

I can't imagine sitting through seven films in a week! Do you find people falling asleep during these screenings? I've obviously confused media screenings with test screenings. I thought they were both held in actual movie theaters. Sounds like these media screenings are held in post-production/film company screening facilities. Small scale theaters without the usual amenites found in actual theaters. That probably accounts for the limited seating. I still can't imagine taking notes in the dark while screening a film. Don't they supply you with media/press kits? Too bad they can't mail out DVDs encoded with special proprietary DRM software so that film critics can view them in the comfort of one's home. It's kind of strange that film companies aren't willing to supply film critics with a free meal or glass of wine/beer for a decent review of their multi-million dollar film.

I can't imagine sitting through seven films in a week! Do you find people falling asleep during these screenings?

No. Do you usually fall asleep at your job?

I've obviously confused media screenings with test screenings. I thought they were both held in actual movie theaters. Sounds like these media screenings are held in post-production/film company screening facilities.

Some of the screening rooms in NYC are associated for postproduction facilities, but not all of them.

Small scale theaters without the usual amenites found in actual theaters. That probably accounts for the limited seating.

The screening at which my friend was holding a seat for me took place at a big multiplex, in probably the biggest theater in that multiplex, and it was packed.

I still can't imagine taking notes in the dark while screening a film. Don't they supply you with media/press kits?

Yes, they do. Unfortunately, the press kits do not come ready made with my own personal reactions printed up in them.

Too bad they can't mail out DVDs encoded with special proprietary DRM software so that film critics can view them in the comfort of one's home.

But they're movies, not DVDs. Movies are meant to be seen on a big screen. Some don't suffer as much as others when they're transferred to the small screen, but the experience is not the same. There is no substitute to going to the movies.

It's kind of strange that film companies aren't willing to supply film critics with a free meal or glass of wine/beer for a decent review of their multi-million dollar film.

That could come close to feeling like a bribe. And even if the studios did do that, it wouldn't have changed the fact that I had absolutely no time between screenings to eat anything.