And although most of us bring diversions to pass the time, we also expect the airline to entertain us. Inflight entertainment has come a long way.
Most airlines work with media production companies that help select and edit the movies they show.
In general, movies are released for inflight viewing two to three months after theater release. Airlines select from about 30 movies each month, usually changing lineups every one to two weeks. Movies are edited to television standards, unless they will be shown on individual seat devices. The edited version must be approved by the film's producer and director, who have final artistic authority. Occasionally, new footage is even shot for use in the airplane version.