thePULSEYou’ll find me in the dark of the matinee
Lose yourself, not your wallet in Central Mass’s smaller cinemas
Enjoy popcorn while watching movies at the Bijou.September 2004 – If a typical night out at the movies for you means checking out the latest mega release at the nearby googleplex, then you’re missing out. While the large theatre complexes are definitely the way to go for the biggest screens, best audio and comfiest seats, smaller theaters in the area have their advantages and usually better food and drink.
Bijou Cinema
Worcester Common Fashion Outlets – (508) 757-0900
In the early 80s, there was a General Cinema in the basement of the Galleria. The cinema, like the Galleria, was gone before the end of the decade. The theater was resurrected in 2001, but it wasn’t until Cynthia Newton took over in 2003 that the Bijou Cinema became a real Worcester destination. The theater is vibrant and active again and home to the new La Taqueria Mexican Grill.
The Bijou shows “art house” films – independents, foreign and documentaries – on three screens and features a good selection of beer and wine. The seats are old and uncomfortable, but the informal table arrangement in place of rows of seats creates a pleasant, casual atmosphere. Parking is easy in the Common Outlets garage. A fine show, but we miss the free popcorn.
Prices: $6.50/ $5 (Adult/ Child-Senior-Student); Parking: Garage, $.99 – $2; Beer/ Wine: Yes
West Boylston Cinemas
Rte 12, West Boylston – (508) 835-8888
Once a grocery store, West Boylston Cinemas shows a combination of second- and first- run movies on five screens, each showing two or three movies at different times. The theater opened in 1997, showing only second-run movies. In 1998, they had to sue National Amusements and Paramount to get first-run movies.
Unfortunately there’s no beer at West Boylston, but concessions are inexpensive and the popcorn is freshly made. First-run movies are a little more expensive, but still cheaper than any googleplex. This is the place to go if you want a comfy, new-movie theater feel.
Prices: $4.75/ $3.75, first run $6.75/ $4.75
Parking: Free lot; Beer/ Wine: No
Elm Draught House Cinema
35 Elm Street, Millbury – (508) 865-2850
The Elm feels like a VFW hall, but it was clearly built for showing movies or small live shows. This small one-screen theater is an excellent cinema to see a second-run movie and drink a beer – the perfect spot for a cheap, fun date.
Beer is served in glass mugs and pitchers, wine in glasses and carafes – much nicer than paper and plastic! The several snack options include hot dogs, burgers and pizza. Candy costs a buck and large popcorn is $2.50. And there’s no missing the movie when you order concessions as the stand is inside of the theater.
Although the walls and ceilings are acoustic tiles that are aesthetically lacking, the Elm makes up for that in comfort. Every few seats in the center have been made into low tables to hold food and drinks and side sections have rows removed with long tables.
Prices: $4.50 (all); Parking: Free lot; Beer/ Wine: Yes
The Last Strand Theatre
High Street, Clinton – (978) 365-5500
Built in 1924, vaudeville shows and some of the first “talkies” originally played at The Strand. The one-screen theater was beautifully renovated in 1995 and now shows second-run box-office hits. This comfortable, historic cinema is an excellent date destination.
The seating is similar to the Elm and very relaxing. Unlike the Elm, the concession stand has a more extensive menu that includes daily specials. They serve draught beer, bottled beer and canned “draught” Guinness. For wine drinkers, there are six house wines and “premium” Kendall Jackson Merlot and Chardonnay. It’s hard not to love the Strand.
Prices: $5/ $4; Parking: Free/ on street; Beer/ Wine: Yes
