Thursday Theatre Review: Landmark Sunshine Cinema
Weekly to a new feature here at Movies with Abe, Thursday Theatre Review. As a resident of one of the world’s foremost movie capitals, I’ve been to a number of movie theatres in New York City and have developed preferences. There’s no perfect theatre, but there are a few things that can make or break a movie-going experience. In no particular order, this is a guide to movie theatres in Manhattan.
Location: At 143 East Houston St in between 1st and 2nd Ave, it’s not the most accessible location, reachable only by the orange line and 6 trains. On the other hand, it’s right down the street from Katz’s Deli.
Pricing: This is definitely the least appealing aspect of this theatre. Tickets are currently $12.50 at all times, and no discount tickets are available. Even Landmark Theatres chain passes are void in New York City. Joining the film club only means more e-mails to your inbox and an invitation to a free screening once every few months.
Film selection: Excellent. This is the premiere destination for independent cinema in New York City, and it’s often the only theatre in New York (and only of the only theatres in the U.S.) playing a given film. Before I started attending press screenings, I was at this theatre very regularly. I enjoyed the chance to see the Guy Pearce film “First Snow” on opening day when the film was only out in three venues worldwide. Currently playing: “Agora,” “Babies,” “Exit through the Gift Shop,” “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” and “Holy Rollers.”
Bonus features: One of the auditoriums has speakers in the bathroom. Don’t worry about missing anything if you need to run to pee during the show – you can still hear the audio in the restroom. That’s pretty damn cool. Also, the theatre plays new and old classic films at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Worth the trip? Yes, but you may not be able to make it a regular thing if you’re crunched for cash. But otherwise, grab a knish from Yonah Schimmel’s bakery next door and enjoy some independent cinema!
1 comment:
$12.50 for a movie? If I lived in New York, I'd be waiting until they come out on DVD and spending that money on a Broadway show instead.
It sounds like a nice theater, though. One thing I'd recommend: add a section where you discuss the sound and picture quality. It can vary. For instance, when I saw "Avatar" they pumped the noise in way too loud.
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