Other Winners and How to Win!

Winner Feb '00

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The Single Screen Theater

Posted by: Milhouse

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Hey folks,

This week I finally went to see The Insider. The interesting part about this movie-going experience didn't necessarily involve anything on the screen. The Insider is no longer playing at the large cineplexes, so I went to see it at a 'new' theater that opened here in my hometown about a month ago. It's called "The Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse". They, so far, appear to be showing movies after their initial run, but before they go to the 'budget' theaters(They also have plans to show classic and foreign films on occasion).

The interesting part of this is the fact that it's a SINGLE SCREEN theater. Even the local 'arthouses' have two and three screens each. A local gentleman purchased what was an old theater, renovated it, and is now commited to proving that a single-screen theater can survive in the age of the multi-plex. Even more interesting was the fast that there were NO rows of seats. The Rosebud, instead of putting in rows of standard movie seats, placed tables and sofas throughout the theater("...feel free to move them around and make yourself at home", as the owner said before the show).

This theater also offers a wider variety of food, drink, and snacks than the average cineplex...cheesecakes, stuffed pizzas, bratwurst(it's Milwaukee, bratwurst is VERY popular), beer, wine, and other assorted goodies...I know that some of these things are common to many theaters across Europe, but it wasn't until very recently that certain American moviehouses started to offer these specialty items (namely beer and wine)at the concession stand. It's also different than the "Luxury" theaters that have recently opened here, as well. Even though the plush leather seats at the "luxury" are very comfortable, it's not the same as taking away theater seating all together. The ability to grab a love-seat for me and my date, and make myself at home was a real treat.

I have to say, it was a great experience. I felt like I was in a much more intimate environment. The Rosebud offered me a unique movie-going experience, and I do plan to give them more of my business in the future(by the way, a ticket for the show was $5 U.S.)

The question, though, is "Can a single screen theater make it in the world today?". Before the show started the owner had a few comments and talked about how difficult it was going to be to prove to studios that he could be profitable with only one screen. As I said, I plan to go back(and most likely bring many of my friends)...but can it survive? Is there a single-screen theater in your town? Do you go? Would you go if there was one? Do you prefer the large cineplex vs. the smaller moviehouses?

- Milhouse

The Single Screen Theater? Other Nominees: Best opening scenes • • • Favorite non-Disney animated movies • • • Adapted Screenplay Noms (Oscars® 00) • • • Best Picture Nominees (Why No Full-Length Animations) • • • The Beach,Lord of the Flies for the 90's • • • What is Humor?/What Makes a Movie Funny? • • • Kevin Smith-Director