Cinerama

Seattle’s Cinerama (one of three theatres in the US still capable of playing three-strip Cinerama films) is THE place to see any sort of cinema on the west coast. This is a fantastic place with one of the largest screens in the nation. The Cinerama was renovated in ’99 via Paul Allen. The retro ’60s interior is fun, and the twinkling “star lights” in the ceiling draw you right into the magic of the theatre.

The Cinerama plays new films on a slightly smaller screen, but check out their website for events where they show older films on the true Cinerama screen (read up on the process). I had the opportunity to see “Lawrence of Arabia” there on a cleaned up print, and it was nothing short of amazing. This is a great theatre, a wonderful place to visit, and for any fan of the movies, a must-see!

Though there was a big effort to recover this theater, there are quite a few details that need polishing —yet I didn’t get the impression they’re working on them.

What I liked:

1. Being able to watch the movie from the balcony. I love that splendor from older theaters; you really feel you’re going to the movie theater :)
2. The sound quality —although it was rather high in decibels
3. The popcorn

What I didn’t like:

1. The fact that they let children in to an R-rated movie… and that their parents come in and out to quiet down their crying babies
2. The filthiness: it seems there are still soda residues on the floor prior the renovation
3. The seats: I think they used the original ones. They’re narrow and dirty and squeaky and uncomfortable… especially when you have to endure the too-long, too-bloody, too-bad “300” movie :S

Definitely worth the high ticket price – make sure to get there early; seats fill up quickly. Opening nights are really fun, when it’s packed with fans (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc.).

Best place to see a geeky movie on opening weekend. The only place I’ve seen to dudes dressed as Star Wars characters get into a fist fight over the “best seat.”