‘In the Heights’ Isn’t Just Better on the Big Screen — It’s the Only Way You Should See It

The summer is here — and so is “In the Heights.” After the musical extravaganza was put on hold for a year by Warner Bros., the adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit finally opened the Tribeca Festival this week, one day before it hit theaters and HBO Max. As the lively Tribeca premiere proved, “Heights” is a crowdpleaser that plays best on the large canvas of a big screen in front of a packed house. But now audiences have options: They can have that experience at their nearest movie theater or stay at home and enjoy it on TV.

In this week’s Screen Talk, however, Eric Kohn and Anne Thompson come to the conclusion that the big screen is really the only way to watch “In the Heights.” That assessment comes from their recent experiences watching the film at home and with large crowds. But “Heights” isn’t the only summer movie making the case for the moviegoing experience. After recapping the opening of Tribeca, Kohn and Thompson turn to “F9” and “Black Widow” as they anticipate the continuing efforts to make movie theaters relevant again.

Watch the full episode above or listen to it below.