Do Inmates Really Get to Watch the Latest Movies in Prisons?

The portrayal of movie-watching in the film The Shawshank Redemption may paint an inaccurate picture of how inmates typically watch movies in real-world prisons. The experience can vary significantly depending on the country and the specific prison system in place.

Prison Conditions in New Zealand

Personal experience with New Zealand prisons indicates a different reality. Years ago, inmates had access to movie rooms, but these were discontinued long ago. Nowadays, inmates are permitted to rent a small 14-inch television for $2 per week, but the selection of channels is limited compared to what is available to the general public. Additionally, there are no DVDs or USB sticks that can be plugged into the televisions, and there are no sports channels. The only available channel for sports broadcasts is limited to a Sunday afternoon.

Peer Education on Prison Movie Watching

According to other sources, the experience varies widely. In private prisons and some federal institutions, such as ADX Florence, television viewing is strictly regulated. Inmates are only allowed to watch educational content. There is no freedom to choose movies based on individual preference.

Prison Conditions in New York

In New York, the situation is different. Inmates have access to a wide range of movies via an inmate liaison committee that purchases DVDs. Viewing is organized on movie night every weekend with airing times posted on the door of the special movie room. While the system may have some control over the content, the inmates do have some choice and are often allowed to vote on which movie to watch. Inmates also have access to cable television, which provides a broader selection of channels.

Obtaining and Scheduling Movies in Prisons

Some prisons receive movie DVDs from the public and the library. Cable television may also be available, depending on the prison's facilities. However, inmates have limited control over what they can watch. For example, thousands of inmates sharing a few televisions at the same time can lead to logistical challenges in organizing movie nights.

Conclusion: Realities of Movie Watching in Prisons

The landscape of movie watching in prisons is shaped by various factors, including budget constraints, security concerns, and the institutional culture of each prison. While some private and federal prisons offer more freedom in selecting movies, most prisons strictly control what inmates can watch. The experience is far removed from the glamorous depiction in movies, reflecting the harsh realities of incarceration.