Thursday Theatre Review: ArcLight Sherman Oaks

Weekly to a returning weekly feature here at Movies with Abe, Thursday Theatre Review. I had the chance to spend a few months in Los Angeles, and though I’m now back in New York City, it’s worth recognizing the good and bad theatres I attended while in L.A. 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 L.A.


ArcLight Sherman Oaks

Location: Part of the Sherman Oaks Galleria, this Valley-set theatre is embedded within a pretty fantastic shopping mall. Parking is free for 4 hours with validation and then runs about $7 per hour after that.

Pricing: This is where it gets crazy. “Non peak” shows are $13.50, and if you come to see a movie on a weekend, a time when most people show up, it jumps up to $15.50, and that doesn’t even account for 3D, which on a weekend will run you $19.

Film selection: It’s mainly the big blockbusters, with a few more independent choices mixed in. I saw both “Silver Linings Playbook” and “Lincoln” here, and indie choices “Mud” and “The Place Beyond the Pines” are both currently playing in addition to more mainstream fare like “42,” “Iron Man 3,” and “Pain and Gain.”

Seating: Each auditorium is large, and, like other L.A. theatres, all seating is reserved before the film.

Bonus features: Because this is part of the ArcLight chain (which also has four other locations), you can become a member of the chain and save $1 off each ticket purchased online, among other perks.

Worth the trip? It’s not a bad location for those not in the heart of the city, but this theatre is expensive and often crowded, so it wouldn’t be my first choice if I had a pick of the theatres I’ve been to in L.A.