http://www.landmarktheatres.com/market/washingtondc/estreetcinema.htm
Support Mark Cuban and the only truly decent "big house" cinema in Washington, DC, downtown no less. The theaters are small, and the entirety is subterranean, and still this is my favorite theater. I can safely say I've spent most of my favorite film moments in DC in this theater. In addition to special events like the annual Oscar Short Subjects showings, and the pre-holiday trailer showings, their normal slate of offerings balances perfectly between the indie edges of big Hollywood and the most palatable of small time art house films. Maybe it is because I've worked with their staff so often in Filmfest DC's past, but they have some of the most knowledgeable and best trained people at their theater.
The Canadian Embassy:
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/washington/index.aspx?view=d
I've seen a bunch of random stuff at this Embassy and while it seems like an odd choice I really like their theater space. It's more of an auditorium, and I've seen a bunch of speakers there as well, the acoustics of the space, and its serviceable conversion to a movie theater, make this a rare treat in Washington. Every year they host at least 1 showing of the Environmental Film Festival and every event I have been to they have always had a pretty solid wine and food reception afterwards. Check their website and calendar of events for showings. Yes you have to pass through a magnetometer to enter but it's worth the added hassle.
McEvoy Auditorium: Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery:
http://americanart.si.edu/calendar/
In my entire time at the Smithsonian there was no place I liked visiting more than the McEvoy Auditorium for classic films. The actual theater space could be a bit better, particularly in their screen, but the relative modernity of the space works pretty well for seeing films acoustically and visually. I have seen many classic films here for my only viewing on a big screen ever, Stranger on a Train, Shadow of a Doubt, true favorites of mine. The showings are rare, usually only once a month, but well worth the effort to make it down for. It's location also makes it perfect for a pre happy hour drink(s) beforehand or after.
Movies at the embassies are always a good time! But you really need to check out the big theater in the West Wing of the National Gallery, it's gorgeous: green velvet seats, stadium seating, a beautiful triangle pattern ceiling that probably has some acoustical function, but is worth a visit alone! Oh and they hold some cool events and screenings!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the feedback, and I did think about including the NGA in this list, and still may as it's a work in progress. I agree the space is pretty amazing at NGA but my issue is both with their offerings, and moreover with their showtimes. It may be more biased but I used to work at the Smithsonian close to the NAG, and I worked every Saturday, and it always seemed like the shows I wanted to see were at like 2:30pm on a Saturday. I know their hours of operation prohibit later films but I would like to see more offerings at better schedules in the future. This past month has a perfect example, I would have loved to see the Eames film on the 12th, but Sunday at 4:30pm just isn't convenient to my schedule. Again, I really appreciate the feedback and thanks for reading, I'd look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
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