As a SLF, I do take note of where all the nearby exits are, and how they open, and how I'll get there if I can't see them (it's not just smoke: I'm blind as a bat without my specs on). I figure, if anyone's faffing around with a door that I need to be on the other side of, I'm going to get that sucker open :-) I look at the card, too.
But I also think some of the demonstrations border on pantomime-like, and so are not taken seriously. It might be worth making the first use of the in-seat entertainment system show a safety video with a "yes, I understand" button between scenes. The technology's there on the newer systems.