Your Favorite Movie theatre/Cinema

[Flash3000]

This is the 1st thread I have ever made so if it is in the wrong section or has been talked about before, please feel free to remove/delete it.

I thought I might start a thread about local independent theatres/cinema's. I think the huge multiplexes are boring with no character. They call their cinemas by numbers whereas my favourite cinema gives them names.

The Sun Theatre is my favourite where I live in Australia (Melbourne). My mum grew up in the area and used to go there as a teenager (she is now 68) The Sun Theatre originally opened in 1938 as a single-screen cinema seating 1,050 patrons. Today, the Sun Theatre seats 700 patrons in eight boutique cinemas. Following its reopening in 1995, the Sun's large auditorium was divided into four cinemas, and another two were added to the rear. All of the new screens have the original architecture of the theatre. A popular feature of the current cinema is the original club seating which has all been fully refurbished with suede upholstery. A coffee table is shared between all seats in each group, which are noted for their ample leg room. You can sit out in the street on the grass covered street before or after the movie and eat and drink food from the surrounding cafes and restaurants and because everybody treats the experience with respect they allow you to take beer/wine etc. in to the movie with real wine/beer glasses: rock: It just a great experience to watch a movie in such a beautiful theatre and besides current new release films they are also showing the H8ful Eight, Lawrence of Arabia and Dunkirk in 70mm!!!!!!!!!

Does anyone else have or enjoy visiting an old-school boutique cinema near them and if you do, please post pics.




The Grand

Named after the last cinema to close operations in Footscray, is the Sun's largest cinema. It was run by Yarraville’s very own Yoda - Brian Davis, who before that was a projectionist at the Sun, as he is again today! Our largest cinema, utilizing the original stalls and proscenium area of the Sun. The Wurlitzer organ is from the original Grand and has been kindly donated by Brian Davis. Another feature is a large screen and outstanding 4k Digital projection.


The Barkly

The once fabulous Footscray cinema, is the new name for the current cinema, based in the dress circle of the original Sun. Fully refurbished with our new seats, tables for your drinks and more spacious aisles for comfort.

Also, Tarrentino was in town and surprised the public seeing his 70mm H8full Eight in The Barkly theatre with a Q.A and introduced the movie with co-stars



The Trocadero

The long closed Hoyts cinema in Footscray is the inspiration for the new 95 seat cinema, featuring parts of the original plaster where possible, and new sections created from a mould created off an original section made by Pictons and Hopkin of Fitzroy. The main curtain is unique with an opening mechanism that we have made just for this room.




The Lyric

Originally planned to be our private screening room. We have instead put in 45 luscious leather lounge chairs in couch and single combinations....with coffee tables of course, and despite the extra comfort and leg room, the same price as the other cinemas. Call it First Class, Le Premiere, Gold, Platinum, whatever… it's comfortable, inviting, fun.




The Davis

Named after the cinemas principal benefactor who was a projectionist at the SUN in the 50's and for some time owned and operated the GRAND cinema in Footscray. All of our Bauer B-14's, the Wurlitzer organ, the telegrams and many more precious items of memorabilia have been donated by Brian and we dedicate this 100 seat cinema to his generosity. An art deco rose motif is included in the detailing of the illuminated side wall panels, the stunning lead light oval shade in the centre, the appliqued curtains and the foyer lighting.



La Scala

Named after the Barkly Street Italian cinema where Gina Lollabrigida and La Dolce Vite were on screen regulars. Luxurious comfort is the feature of this auditorium. Fifty-two very comfortable leather couches and singles are generously spaced for your viewing pleasure. A local artist, Esther Ruiz has created 2 triptych's, Red Girl and Fur Girl which create an atmosphere of sophistication capped on with a hand painted gold curtain.

[Dubstar]

AFI Silver: even though it seems to have less 35mm screenings, having a 70mm projector on screen 1 is great. Great selection of old and new movies. THX sound on all three screens as well 7.1 surround sound, 4K projection and 3D. Pricing for concessions is very reasonable and not price gouging as the chain theaters do.



Avalon Theater: eclectic new, indie, mainstream foreign movies on two screens. Weekly DC Embassy themed movies, doc series, children's performers. Has a beautiful ceiling art design in auditorium #1.



impressive 7.1 sound system on the main screen.

~~

even though the East Building of the National Gallery of Art underwent a major renovation I don't think it's auditorium got the makeover but in terms of movies, the programming is on par with New York City's Film Forum. Oddly while every format can be presented: 2K DCP, 35mm, 16mm - it can't do 70mm or 3D, nor surround sound.

[Flash3000]

That first pic looks beautiful as does the ceiling art design in 2nd pic. Exactly what I'm talking about. Thanks for posting mate

[The Debts]

I unfortunately live in bumf**k Maine, which doesn't have much in the way fancy places like what's on display here. Luckily, there's a lot of theaters to choose from around where I live and my top three I like to go to are the Flagship in Wells, (the next two are in NH) Barnz's in Barrington and the Cinemagic in Portsmouth.




Barnz is my favorite of the three. It's not the nicest to go to, but it's the cheapest, quickest and has the absolute best popcorn. I frequently go to Wells tho, because my lady friend lives closer to that area than where I am. And on occasion, I at least go to Cinemagic once or twice a year depending on what's showing. As far as presentation and seating go, this place can't be beat. It's like the Regal that's in the same area, except you feel like you got your money's worth and your soul wasn't forcibly ripped out of you.

[imsounoriginal]

Airbus IMAX in VA.

[zorbonaut]

Marcus theater near me which has been upgraded to two large screens with dolby atmos, all leather recliners, $5 Tuesdays, and online (app) checkin.







I also love Stone Arch theater in Minneapolis which is about a 25 minute drive from me. Has a lot of good indies and foreign films.






My all time favorite though is Reading Cinemas in Queenstown, New Zealand. Small theater but has beautiful stonework on walls and leather seating with balcony tucked away on a cobblestone street.

The landscape you are surrounded by doesn't hurt either

[Dubstar]

Originally Posted by imsounoriginal

Airbus IMAX in VA.

props also to the Smithsonian's intown Lockheed Martin IMAX screen at Air & Space, with it's Sunday Sci-Fi series - they've thankfully relaxed their 'no R-rated features' policy and have shown: 'Blade Runner' 'Alien' 'Aliens' 'Predator' on their 74ft by 48ft IMAX screen - the new IMAX-laser projector really has been an eye opener in displaying a wide color range and ultra dark black levels.

[cynatnite]

It's a bit of a drive, but nice theater. It has huge screens and Dolby Atmos. The seats are reclining, comfortable and you can reserve.

Our local theater just sucks.

[jacobsever]

Just doing local ones that I can go to at any time.

Alamo Drafthouse Littleton

Before moving to Colorado, I had never heard of the Alamo Drafthouse. My town in Illinois growing up had 3 theaters total. So when we moved out here and I looked up movie times, I found some interesting showings. Older films. Weird, obscure, B-rate horror films. Random one-off showings. Decided to go to one, and I'm glad I did.

The Alamo Drafthouse is my second home. It's got everything I need. A great choice of films, really good food, and the atmosphere is second to none. I'm surrounded by likeminded individuals, that have a love for cinema. It's understood that you don't get on your phone. It's understood you don't talk during the movie. There are never any distractions at this place. Hell, it's policy that anyone under 18 has to be with a parent/adult, regardless of the movie's rating. Two 17 year olds couldn't even go to a PG movie together. Because they want to ensure that everyone there is quiet.

Not to mention their rewards program. Free food, free screenings. The number of things I've seen early is amazing. So many films from 1 week, to 1 month ahead of time, always free. Hell, I saw the first two episodes of HBO's Vice Principals there, about a month before the show aired. Then there is all the special programming like Video Vortex, Graveyard Shift, Tough Guy Cinema, Afternoon Tea, Saturday Cereal Party, etc etc. Once a month events where they show specialty films that go along with the general theme of the program. Video Vortex are all super obscure, VHS-only films. Very very bad quality. They literally hook up a VCR to the big screen and play a movie from a VHS. Tough Guy Cinema is classic campy action films from the 80's/90's.





SIE Film Center

Another place I love here in Denver. A lot more quiet and reserved than Alamo. In a shopping center/alley, next to local bike shop, local book store, and local record store. Only 3 screens inside. Home of the Denver Film Society. You'll never see a Transformers or Avengers film play here. Most of the times, I check to see what's playing and haven't even heard of the selections. Tons of indie, foreign, art house films. I've seen some of my favorite movies here. Theaters are small and intimate, with huge comfortable seating.

Their current films showing today (only heard of 1 of them):

Dawson City: Frozen Time
Good Time
The Girl Without Hands
Almodovar En Total: Volver

So yeah, that paints a picture of what they screen there. They also have special events. Scream Screen is a series where they play related horror movies once a week. They've done a Giallo event, "Journey Through a Broken Mind" series, a Cronenberg series, etc. They always have live music preface the screening as well. Either in the lobby, or down in front of the screen. SIE Film Center is also home to the Denver Film Festival, which gets semi-big. It's one of the only theaters still left in Denver that screens actual 35mm prints as well (Alamo being the other).





The Mayan/The Esquire/Chez Artiste

All part of the Landmark Theaters family. They can play some bigger name movies (Dunkirk, Logan Lucky, Wind River right now), but also get quite a bit of smaller films (Patti Cake$, Columbus, Menashe currently). I've seen so many good films between these theaters. Films I wouldn't have other wise even known about, let alone been able to see in theaters. The Mayan is my favorite of the bunch, but they each have their own appeal. Esquire does midnight movies. Lots of showings of things like The Room and Rocky Horror. Lots of engagement with the crowd.

[UltraMario9]

Prince Charles Cinema






Peckham Rooftop Cinema Club




Not independent (or small) but I also love the BFI IMAX

[SethRex]

The Beacon theater near me. It's nothing fancy, but it has a GTX theater, and it has the 'FlashBack Cinema' screenings.

[sandman slim]

We've got decent theaters here, but nothing like what you guys are posting. No IMAX, no laser projection, no Dolby Vision, hardly any 3D screenings anymore, no classics except for the nationwide TCM series, no Alamo Drafthouse... Man, I would give blood to get an Alamo in Memphis.

[kylec123]

Originally Posted by sandman slim

We've got decent theaters here, but nothing like what you guys are posting. No IMAX, no laser projection, no Dolby Vision, hardly any 3D screenings anymore, no classics except for the nationwide TCM series, no Alamo Drafthouse... Man, I would give blood to get an Alamo in Memphis.

ayye Memphis represent.

We don't have anything. Local business is cool, but in this industry, I wish we had access to something that could afford the newer tech.

[Flash3000]

Jacob...2 beautiful cinemas and I love the steepness of the seating in the Mayan Cinema.

Ultra....The Prince Charles looks beautiful as well.

Thanks for the replies guys. Good to see such beautiful looking cinemas/theatres still around. It will be a sad day when/if they have to close their doors.

[GLaDOS]

Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

This place has a lot of sentimental value in it being the first IMAX theater where I watched a major blockbuster (Interstellar). I also had the pleasure of seeing Rogue One in IMAX 3D Laser, as well as the Dunkirk prologue for the first time.



Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

(Now formerly) the largest Smithsonian IMAX screen. This theater also holds a lot of good memories, most notably for watching Interstellar in IMAX 15/70 twice and watching the Nolan prologues (TDK, TDKR, Dunkirk). It's still a damn shame that they're closing it down to make room for a f*cking cafeteria.



AFI Silver Spring Theater

One of the few places in Maryland where they have a 35mm and 70mm projector. Also very quaint inside, and they show some nice limited releases and re-runs there as well.



Cinemark Egyptian 24 and XD

I just love the overall look and theme of the place, plus the reclining seats are comfy as hell. Haven't been to an XD showing, but the regular theaters are pretty large by themselves.





EDIT:

Airbus IMAX Theater

Ah, the place where I had my first IMAX Laser showing with Batman v Superman. My friend and I came in pretty late during the premiere so we had to seat near the front and I had to look up the screen the entire time (which hurt my neck pretty bad ). Still, I'd love to go there again soon.

[Blumacaw]

Lido Teatret Vejle the old location until the 1990's.

[Dubstar]

GLaDOS - the picture of 'Airbus' is actually the Samuel C. Johnson auditorium - the give away is the walls.

of the newer installs Angelica Mosaic is a sleek looking building:



their programming runs the gamut of mostly new big budget movies, select indie, documentaries, classic, foreign movies, anime features. 'opera, ballet, live theater' and 'late night cult Friday' movies.

7.1 sound in all auditoriums, 4K projection on screen 2, screen 1 is quite massive in height. Dolby 3D.

Concessions tend to be rather high, but first morning screenings of the day are $7 Mon-Thurs. 'Cry-Baby' matinees for parents and their babies on Mondays. Wednesday 'Date' night pricing

~~

A little shout out to Arclight Bethesda - I practically live here, mostly at their premier 'widescreen' screen:



the best calibrated Dolby Atmos system in the DC metro area bar none. The screen vertically drops down to feature 'scope' movies. There's more screen under the black masking as in the picture the screen is set to scope.

excellent 7.1 sound in all the auditoriums.

no commercials, three trailers only, and then the feature - that's how going out to the movies should be, not some 20+ minutes of trailers and such before the movie.

[GLaDOS]

Originally Posted by Dubstar

GLaDOS - the picture of 'Airbus' is actually the Samuel C. Johnson auditorium - the give away is the walls.

Whoops, you're right. I remember the Airbus having different walls. Screw you, Google Images.

A little shout out to Arclight Bethesda - I practically live here, mostly at their premier 'widescreen' screen:



the best calibrated Dolby Atmos system in the DC metro area bar none. The screen vertically drops down to feature 'scope' movies.

excellent 7.1 sound in all the auditoriums.

no commercials, three trailers only, and then the feature - that's how going out to the movies should be, not some 20+ minutes of trailers and such before the movie.

Man, you MoCo guys are lit. There's kinda nothing here up in Baltimore County. I miss going to DC to watch movies at the Smithsonian as a UMD student. It's only a train ride away.

[Dubstar]

Literally a 'pop' up - it's temporary as Angelika actually constructs a new building, the intown DC theater has a lot of weird unique charm - because there is no projection booths, the DLP projectors are literally in the auditorium with the audience and they are quite audible.

[Dubstar]

just came back from Denver and saw 'Wind River' at the Mayan - which while not on the main screen - I had to peek in and see it - wow! very unique and ornate.