How To Catch 'Sherlock' On The Big Screen

There are always choices when it comes to watching Sherlock, and they are important ones. It used to be that you had to choose between watching a cut-down version of the episodes on PBS as soon as they aired, or wait to watch the full version on Netflix and hope your friends didn't spoil the mysteries for you. (And there was the third, even shadier option of trying to find a download of the full episodes as soon as they aired on the BBC, but I wouldn't know anything about that.) Now, PBS doesn't cut episodes of Sherlock for time anymore (and, my sketchy friends, it's airing in the U.S. and the U.K. at the same time for the first time), but you still have a choice: watch the episode on the small screen on Jan. 1, or the big screen on Jan. 5 or 6. Let's say you're patient, and that size matters to you. Here's how to watch Sherlock: The Abominable Bride in movie theaters.

The screening is a Fathom event, and, according to Entertainment Weekly, the company is expected to bring Sherlock to more than 500 theaters in the United States. All you have to do is check Fathom's website to find the list of participating theaters there. They are numerous, so there's a good chance of one being within driving distance of most Sherlock fans.

So, in this age of instant gratification, why should anyone wait even a few days for the theatrical release? The first reason is obvious: To see Benedict Cumberbatch as large as possible. I mean, who could say no to this face?

If that grin alone isn't enough of a lure, the theatrical version of the Sherlock special is going to have more material, including, according to Fathom, a guided set tour of 221B Baker Street hosted by showrunner Steven Moffat and a “making of” short feature starring Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, and other creators. If you like to geek out about behind-the-scenes stuff, the movie theater gives you reason to celebrate.

And, of course, there's always a communal pleasure in watching something surrounded by fans. I got a kick out of seeing The Force Awakens with a bunch of Star Wars fanatics; I'm anxious to have that kind of experience again. There may not be any lightsaber battles in Sherlock, but I'm sure there will be plenty of reasons to cheer.

Plus, there's the novelty factor. This episode, titled "The Abominable Bride," is the first one set in Victorian times as opposed to current-day London. Since the episode takes place in a new and different setting, it might be fun to watch it in a different place, too.

But, to take advantage of all this, you have to wait a few days. Me? I'm watching Sherlock's special as soon as it hits PBS, and might go to the theater for a second viewing. Who says we can't have both?

Images: PBS; Giphy (3); sherlockspeare/Tumblr