Other theaters we love....
Icons of the Seattle movie scene...
SIFF:
Dedicated to fostering an informed, aware, and vibrant community of film lovers
The granddaddy of the Seattle independent film scene, and the operators of the iconic Uptown and Egyptian theaters. The hosts of the Seattle International Film Festival, plus exciting, engaging independent film the whole year ’round.
We’ll be writing more about SIFF in the coming months, so stay tuned and check out what’s on now at https://www.siff.net.
Landmark’s Crest Cinema Center
There was a time when a movie ticket cost $4. For most theaters, that time was around 1988. At the Landmark’s Crest Cinema Center, tickets sold for $4 until 2019.
This Shoreline theater has been a devoted provider of low-cost, high-quality entertainment since it opened in 1949, and still sells tickets for about half the cost of its larger competitors ($8 for a matinee; $10-$11 for evening showings).
The budget pricing at the box office pairs well with the Crest’s old-school aesthetics. ’70s wood paneling lines the hallways, framing the rows of black-and-white portraits of silver-screen icons. Popcorn is always dressed with real butter, and any size above a medium is refilled for free. The Crest screens the essential new releases, alongside a selection of carefully picked films from independent or foreign distributors.
Explore showings at https://www.landmarktheatres.com/our-locations/x00mt-landmark-crest-cinema-center-shoreline.
Ark Lodge Cinema
Independently owned and operated in Seattle's historic Columbia City
Housed in a historic building on Rainier Ave., Ark Lodge Cinemas serves the Columbia City community as both a theater and a gathering space. The theater is an outspoken advocate for its community; in addition to screening new-release films, it regularly hosts events showcasing or supporting neighborhood residents.
In February, part of the theater was transformed into the “Call to Conscience” museum to share the rich history of the black community in Seattle. In September, the space hosted councilwoman Sara Nelson as she announced the creation of the Seattle Film Commission – a group dedicated to advancing the city’s film industry.
In addition to the events and films, Ark Lodge offers a variety of local snacks and multiple popcorn options – including vegan (salt, coconut oil and seeds) and classic (butter) toppings.
Learn more about the Ark Lodge at https://www.arklodgecinemas.com/.
Majestic Bay
We make drama a good thing
Majestic Bay is the charming Ballard triplex whose glowing blue spire is the defining landmark of Market Street, and whose name could easily be confused for the winner of this year’s Triple Crown.
The three-screen theater has been lovingly maintained, and pays homage to both the classic glamor of cinema and the seafaring character of old Ballard. A waterfall curtain rises before each movie begins, infusing the showing with a necessary dose of drama (the Majestic Bay motto: “We Make Drama a Good Thing”). Throughout the theater, small nautical touches and art pop up – a pirate-ship wheel on the stairs, jellyfish-shaped blown glass on the ceiling. The theater runs new releases and supports hosting the annual SIFF.
Long-time attendee Ema Sheehan remembers, “I used to sneak out of my movie to visit the giant pig statue on the third floor. Standing there, looking over Market Street lit by the blue neon lighting of the spire, it felt like you were in on a wonderful secret.”
To discover the secrets of Majestic Bay for yourself, check out https://www.majesticbay.com/.
