Please make art better!!
I went to see Mirrormask tonight with JasonT. What an amazing movie. It was truly one of the most visually arresting movies I have seen in a long time. So much imagination went into that and it was a blessing to see. I only wish it wasn’t playing at the Lagoon.
I am not opposed to “art house” films. As a matter of fact, I wish I went to see more of them. I catch the random film here and there when it plays at Southdale, but I have a hard time seeing one in the theaters that currently play these types of films in the TC. There are only a few theaters that take the time to play cinema that is a little of the main stream. Most of them are not very good. In fact, the Lagoon is one of my least favorite theaters in the TC. I haven’t had a really great experience there. Something always seems wrong with the movie. First off, the seats are not very comfortable. The sound is never very good. Case and point, the movie tonight was hard to hear the dialog in whenever music was playing. They had blown their speakers and I guess have decided to not do anything about it. Also, the picture quality is often far from crystal clear.
Why would you charge more than most other theaters and expect people to pay for it when your theater is crap? Hopefully, not all is lost. There is plans for a brand new building to be built housing a completely redesigned Lagoon Theater. It would have state of the art sound, picture, and finally have stadium seating. I can’t wait!! I can finally know that my movie going experience is going to be a pleasant one. Here’s to hoping…
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I wholeheartedly agree. Both the Uptown and the Lagoon have disappointed me on numerous occasions. Which is unfortunate since the midnight movie at the Uptown tends to be kick-ass. But if I’m seeing an “art house film” or just a plain ol’ regular movie, I’m going to one of a handful of places:
– the Riverview over off of Hiawatha (home of the most delicious popcorn I have ever eaten!)
– Oak Street Cinema at the UofM
– St. Anthony Main theater near downtown Mpls
– the Heights Theater on Central in Columbia Heights
– the drive-ins, Vali-Hi and Cottage View, when they’re open
– the Landmark Edina theater
– OR, as a last resort for a popular movie, AMC Southdale, which has great seating and pretty big screens.
Okay, movie goers. Where in the Twin Cities can you find the best projection and sound? I’m new to town and have sampled the Har Mar (not so great), Block E (okay) and The Uptown (pretty typical for art house).
I was pretty spoiled by my favorite theater back home — The Arclight (assigned seating, no commercials and near perfect screenings)– and would like to scope out the options here. Any suggestions?
I agree that the Lagoon is a marginal mall-style multiplex excuse for an arthouse joint, but the Uptown kicks ass. A little “used” perhaps, but one of the few theaters left of this scale. With a useable balcony no less.
My hands-down favorite in the TC is the Riverview (riverview.org). Partly because of one of the oldest theater popcorn poppers in operation in Mpls (read: incredible stuff with real butter), partly because of the amazing intact (not merely re-created or restored) architecture and ideal lines-of-sight. Hell, the RIverview’s had stadium style seating since 1949. Digital sound and cheap tickets, too.
For multiplexin’ bigness, I’ll hit the Regal aka: Brooklyn Center 20. Nothing terribly special, but good all-around stadium seating and rarely full.
To answer Gus: I like any of the Kerasotes Theaters locations or Carmike Cinemas for their sound and projection quality. I’m not an expert, but I find these to be good experiences. Most of the locations are in the outer suburbs, however.
And I’ll throw my vote in for the Riverview, as well. It’s close to me, cheap tickets, real butter, retro style and terrific seating.
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll check them out this week.
I agree with everyone. I really prefer Southdale because of it’s location and clientel.