By MISHA BERSON
By now, most of us are very accustomed to watching films that we stream onto our television sets. Many worthwhile new pictures, in fact, simply skip the movie house altogether and are only (or quickly) available on streaming services.
But sometimes, doesn’t every film buff long for the pleasure of seeing a movie with an audience on a screen far larger than the ones in our residence? Larger, that is, for everyone except those rare folks with private screening rooms in their abode.
Several factors may be keeping us out of cinemas: Avoidance of large crowds to evade contagious illness. The lack of many affordable (and enticing) concession snacks. And (my own beef) having to sit through a long, loud prelude of preview ads for upcoming films—especially gory action flicks—that I really don’t want to see (even the trailer version).
Fortunately, the Seattle area offers alternative possibilities to chain multiplexes for catching a movie in a cozier, more comfy and welcoming venue. From Bremerton and Seattle to Issaquah, you can see first-string and revival films in independent movie houses that cater to smaller, discerning audiences—and often with a cheaper ticket price.
Since these neighborhood indies tend to run on a shoestring, your patronage helps keep them open. And they can make a night out at the flicks a more enjoyable movie date. Here are some to check out (check local movie listings for showtimes and other info):
Seattle
This venue in Seattle’s Central District bills itself as the “most fun” place to grab dinner and catch a movie.
With bistro seating and a slate of popular revival films—like the recently screened Hairspray,Groundhog Day, and Moulin Rouge—Central Cinema is a beloved local institution.
The well-priced food offerings are just as eclectic as the movie menu, ranging from specialty beers and Nathan’s famous hotdogs to Greek salads and (of course) popcorn. And none of that asking for senior discounts—general admission is usually $12 for everybody.
In addition to its own programming, Central Cinema rents out its facility for private screenings and special events.
Want to see recently released features in a neighborhood setting?
Columbia City’s movie hub presents first-run films in a historic Masonic Auditorium that’s been transformed into a triplex with three screening rooms.
Fans praise the comfortable seats and fresh popcorn and tickets range from $10-$14. The Ark Lodge was a fine place to go, for instance, to see the recent release, The Boys in the Boat, based on the bestselling book by local author Dan Brown about the famed University of Washington rowing team that won a surprise gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
If you want to enjoy this quirky little cinema spot, you better do it soon. Sadly, the Grand Illusion—titled after a classic Jean Renoir film and now in its 23rd year—occupies a building soon to be torn down for redevelopment in the next year. The nonprofit organization managing the theater plans to seek out another location and we are cheering them on.
But the Grand Illusion’s current home is special. The place has only several dozen seats, is run by dedicated volunteers, favors quirky, eclectic films that appeal especially to the city’s most rarified, and just plain curious, cinema devotees.
Foreign films, unusual documentaries, new restorations of old classics, and a run of the beloved holiday feature It’s a Wonderful Life every December are among the unpredictable offerings.
Because the venue is so small, masks are required for all weekend shows. Memberships are sold, bringing the ticket price down to a startling $6, and seniors are admitted for just $8. The house-popped popcorn is a bargain, too!
Bremerton
The Roxy Theatre and The Admiral Theatre
A ferry ride away from Seattle, these two Bremerton cinemas and performing centers are community treasures.
Fully renovated in 2018 after a long closure, and now managed by a nonprofit foundation, the Roxy has a history of hosting live performances as well as films. Back in the 1940s era when live shows often were on the bill along with movies, crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby appeared here.
In addition to first-run films, these days it is also a space for concerts, film festivals, and the excellent National Theatre Live screenings of that esteemed London stage company’s touted productions.
The Admiral Theatre, which is also run by a nonprofit foundation, is another longstanding Bremerton entertainment amenity. Built in 1942, it is just a few blocks from the Bremerton Ferry Terminal. After a long run as a commercial theater, the Admiral was renovated in the 1990s and today hosts—family-friendly—$5 movie nights, as well as live music, comedy, and children’s shows.
Thanks to a recent large grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce the
Admiral will soon repair the theatre’s marquee, restore its external mural, and make other
improvements to the spacious and popular facility.
Issaquah
This Eastside venue may seat fewer viewers (33, to be precise) on a smaller (but at 15 feet, larger than home, probably) screen. But it tries to make up in style whatever it lacks in size.
The intimacy is part of the point. The armchair seats are oversized and cushy, including “love seats” where couples can snuggle up. There’s an equally comfortable lounge/lobby to hang out in before and after the show. And did we mention the full bar, with an array of cocktails, beer, wine, and other beverages that you can take into the screening room with you?
The screen-themed menu of noshes boasts a Big Lebowski Smashburger and a Towering Inferno Chicken Sandwich, along with appetizers and flatbread pizzas. And you can order popcorn by the champagne bucket.
First-run movies are shown, and tickets are $17.25 with discounts on matinees and Tuesdays. The Big Picture is also available for small parties and private screenings.
Whidbey Island
On the less posh spectrum, this homey independent movie emporium is on the main drag in the charming island town of Langley.
Open mainly on the weekends, and showing mostly new features for several-day runs, the Clyde originally opened in 1937 as the Depression wore on—and Americans forgot their troubles for a few hours by gazing at the silver screen.
Since 1972, the Clyde has been lovingly run by longtime Langley citizen Blake Willeford. Over the years he has implemented a seismic upgrade of the building and installed new seats and digital projection equipment.
But the Clyde (named after the original owner) still has an old-timey, down-home feeling where neighbors gather. (Willeford actually apologized when he had to raise the ticket price to $10, which fans were happy to pay.)
Special events have included a program of silent Buster Keaton films with live musical accompaniment, short film festivals, and screenings of movies by Whidbey Island filmmakers.
Misha Berson writes about the arts for crosscut.com and many other media outlets, teaches for the UW Osher program, and is the author of four books, including Something’s Coming, Something Good: West Side Story and the American Imagination (Applause/Hal Leonard).
Some other On The Town stories you might like:
On The Town: Eating Out on Your Night Out in the Seattle Area