Washington, D.C., isn't, and will never be, a city that has grand opening nights such as Los Angeles or New York City; but that doesn't mean film is ignored in the nation's capital. On the contrary, there are a variety of independent-minded theatres that don't cater to mainstream tastes, as well as the amazing AFI theater in nearby Silver Spring, Md., which features older films daily. Most importantly, there are a handful of theatres that are brisk walk away, if one wants to say "cram-it" to work and relax the Ebert and Roeper way.
Landmark E Street Cinema Lincoln Square Building at 555 11th Street N.W. Metro: Metro Center (red line) (202) 452-7672 Ticket Price: $6.75 matinee, $9.50 other times
Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, Md. Metro: Bethesda (red line) (301) 652-7273 Ticket Price: $6.75 matinee, $9.50 other times
For the many moviegoers who thought that a big city like Washington, D.C., would offer a chance for them to see independent films they only could hope to see on IFC late at night, their wishes come true at these two venues, run by Landmark Theatres. The E Street Cinema, located in the heart of D.C., and Bethesda Row Cinema, in nearby Bethesda, Md., both only run independent and foreign films; so don't look for any Will Ferrell flicks at these theatres, bro. Anyone who expected an old, run-down venue to be the site of a diverse movie selection will be surprised by both theatres, which feature stadium seating, surround sound and even an espresso bar. It's time to move beyond "The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys" and ascend into the upper echelon of indie film elitism, and let's just say both Landmark Theatres are the perfect place to do so.
AMC Loews Uptown 1 3426 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Metro: Cleveland Park (red line) (202) 966-5400 Ticket Price: $7.50 matinee, $9.50 other times
What many would call the best screen in the city, the Loews Uptown is a throwback theater to the golden age of film. The Uptown has only one, yes, one theatre, but it's a beauty. Going to the Uptown is all about the experience: get dolled up, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in Cleveland Park, and arrive early to get one of the best seats in the house to see a opening weekend film on the giant screen.
AMC Loews Wisconsin Avenue 6 4000 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. Metro: Friendship Heights (red line) (202) 333-FILM Ticket Price: $7.25 matinee, $9.50 other times
AMC Mazza Gallerie 5300 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. Metro: Tenleytown AU (red line) (202) 537-9553 Ticket Price: $10
Sometimes one doesn't want to travel very far away to see a new release blockbuster, and these two theatres are the closest to AU's campus. Both on Wisconsin Avenue, in opposite directions, each theatre is within walking distance, though the Mazza Gallerie is right by the Friendship Heights Metro stop, if one is truly feeling lazy. The AMC is located inside the ritzy Mazza Gallerie mall - and the $10 ticket price reflects this - but it offers all the amenities expected from a classy theatre. On the other hand, the Loews, which is a five-minute walk from the Tenleytown shuttle stop, fits the "non-descript" tagline rather well. A slightly cheaper ticket and almost as nice facility make a nice alternative to the Mazza Gallerie, although there is no Cheesecake Factory right next door.
AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md. Metro: Silver Spring (red line) (301) 495-6720 www.afi.com/silver Ticket Price: $7.50 for students
One of the greatest treasure troves for film lovers, the American Film Institute (or AFI) is only a Metro ride away. Host to three theaters, including the 400-seat Silver Theater, the AFI feels like an old-fashioned theater, even though it has everything one would want in a new theater. Not only are foreign and independent movies, as well as documentaries, shown at the AFI, but the theater also features special screenings of old films and director showcases, as varied as Billy Wilder to David Lynch to Jim Henson. Perhaps the best way to do art house cinema, students get in for only $7.50.
