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=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: Bags on January 08, 2004, 05:54:00 pm

Title: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 08, 2004, 05:54:00 pm
I almost can't believe my eyes.  Will be perfect for after work, or before or after a meal at Zaytinya.  - bags
 
 Landmark's E Street Cinema
 555 11th St. NW, Washington,  DC   20004
 Phone: 202-783-9494
 
 Landmark Theatres, which owns and operates the popular art house cinema in downtown Bethesda, opens its second Washingon area location Jan. 9. Like all of Landmark's 57 locations throughout North America, the new theater will specialize in first-run independent and foreign films, documentaries and classics. The eight-screen movie house, located one block from the Metro Center station, features digital sound, stadium-seating in some of its auditoriums and free parking inside the building's garage. For showtime information, call 202-452-7672.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: kurosawa-b/w on January 08, 2004, 06:35:00 pm
Yeah, I went there last night for a special tour and screening. It is a really nice place! And the upcoming films all look superb. They distributed a 4 page booklet of the new releases for the Spring, and I want to see all but one. Lots of intriguing independent, art house, and documentary films. And not only is it metro accessible, but they also validate parking (3 hours free). I highly recommend checking it out!
 
 And as a special treat, Bruce Campbell will be at all evening screenings of Bubba Hotep tomorrow night (1/9). I can't go, but I know a lot of Army of Darkness fans who are very excited.  ;)
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 08, 2004, 06:59:00 pm
That free parking deal is unreal.  You even have to pay $1 at Ballston!  Hot damn, I'm excited.  More reason to hop to and get a condo down there!!  (Though I think closer to the Black Cat will be enticing...)
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 08, 2004, 07:30:00 pm
More reason to take the metro and stop fucking polluting the enviroment by driving to places when you can metro (or walk).
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by Bagster:
  That free parking deal is unreal.  You even have to pay $1 at Ballston!  Hot damn, I'm excited.  More reason to hop to and get a condo down there!!  (Though I think closer to the Black Cat will be enticing...)
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 08, 2004, 07:33:00 pm
bite me
 
 You better fucking be driving a hybrid
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: lily1 on January 08, 2004, 11:21:00 pm
i'm going to check it out on saturday as i'm hoping to see the battle of algiers. boy wants to go see bruce campbell tommorow night, which i think i'll pass on.
 
 how excited am i though about this! so thrilled. 3 metro stops from the house of lily and no more having to truck to shirlington or bethesda for a good film. visions is nice, but it doesn't always have something i'd like to see.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: kurosawa-b/w on January 08, 2004, 11:37:00 pm
Yeah, I'm really excited! The Metro is so convenient because I can take the Orange line straight over. Here's (http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/WashingtonDC/WashingtonDC_Frameset.htm) the link to the showtimes. E Street should be on there as of tomorrow.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Ikarus on January 09, 2004, 04:03:00 am
two words: bubba ho-tep (http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/bubba_ho-tep/).  two more words:  hells yeah.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: redsock on January 09, 2004, 11:02:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Ikarus:
  two words: bubba ho-tep (http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/bubba_ho-tep/).  two more words:  hells yeah.
I already bought my tickets. Been waiting for this for weeks.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 09, 2004, 11:36:00 am
Yes, I have a hybrid, a hybrid bike. After Metro and walking, that's the third option for traversing the city.
 
    Basically, DC is a small enough city that you needn't be driving around a car within, if your're a DC resident (except unless you have heavy grocery bags or something like that).
 
    If you are a DC resident driving somewhere three metro stops away, you're a fucking lazy slug.
 
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Bagster:
  bite me
 
 You better fucking be driving a hybrid
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Celeste on January 09, 2004, 11:38:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
   Basically, DC is a small enough city that you needn't be driving around a car within, if your're a DC resident (except unless you have heavy grocery bags or something like that
I agree...and heavy groceries don't stop me, either...
 
 
 hybrid bike...ha ha...that's good!
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 09, 2004, 12:01:00 pm
Watch it Celeste, someone will call you my little "Yes Girl".
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
   Basically, DC is a small enough city that you needn't be driving around a car within, if your're a DC resident (except unless you have heavy grocery bags or something like that
I agree...and heavy groceries don't stop me, either...
 
 
 hybrid bike...ha ha...that's good! [/b]
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Dandy01 on January 09, 2004, 12:23:00 pm
I have mixed feelings about this new location for Landmark; on the one hand, it's great in terms of choices and convenience, but on the other, it'll cut even further into the patronage for already-existing smaller art houses such as Visions.  An article in the City Paper brought this to my attention and made me think twice about where I should see my films.  There was also a mention about Landmark being a big bully and phoning distributors to get films contracted to other theatres in the area.  I guess having been a loyal Visions goer, I'm concerned about their future.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Random Citizen on January 09, 2004, 12:33:00 pm
Hmm...I think Visions needs the competition, though. Maybe they'll clean up those sticky theatre floors better. Honestly, this city will do just fine with both theatres, especially since Visions offers special events that the Landmark may not choose to do (i.e. special midnight movies, etc.).
 
 So much in DC is "all or nothing." Why not have two arthouse movie theatres?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Dandy01:
  I have mixed feelings about this new location for Landmark; on the one hand, it's great in terms of choices and convenience, but on the other, it'll cut even further into the patronage for already-existing smaller art houses such as Visions.  An article in the City Paper brought this to my attention and made me think twice about where I should see my films.  There was also a mention about Landmark being a big bully and phoning distributors to get films contracted to other theatres in the area.  I guess having been a loyal Visions goer, I'm concerned about their future.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: lily1 on January 09, 2004, 12:36:00 pm
interesting dandy. quite often, the location in bethesda and visions did not offer the same films, i wonder how the e street location will handle it.
 
 though i still think visions handles more adventurous films and has other outlets--local filmmaker nights, the sing along sundays, viewing of classic films. and they take more risks--like the french erotica film they showed in november and having movie/director nights like when they showed amandla. so it'll be interesting to see if visions business is greatly affected.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 09, 2004, 12:51:00 pm
Dandy -- good point.  However, I've seen all the other art movie houses in DC close (without competition) over the last 10 years, and they haven't been replaced, so, hence, I'm looking forward to Landmark.  I'm not sure how to insulate Visions, but to me, the rest have all caved or gone under already.  I think Dupont will always be alright because it's in such a good location for people to pop in.
 
 I saw this with independent bookstores in the 90s -- my dad's profession.  Outside of the largest cities, they're gone.  It's all Borders, B&N, etc.  It's a good point, and I've been conscious of it in the past.  But, alas, I have to admit I'm probably feeding into it these days (though I still shop at Olsson's whenever I can).
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: mankie on January 09, 2004, 01:00:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Bagster:
  bite me
 
 You better fucking be driving a hybrid
Hybrids are gay...so he may very well be.  ;)
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: mankie on January 09, 2004, 01:03:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
 
Quote
hybrid bike...ha ha...that's good! [/b]
On the subject of bikes (I didn't bring it up so not guilty of topic change...sonick!)
 
 I got my new roadbike yesterday so very excited, especially now my arm is out of the cast...wonder what I can break this time?
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Celeste on January 09, 2004, 01:05:00 pm
I thought you hated cyclists...
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Dandy01 on January 09, 2004, 01:05:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Random Citizen:
  Hmm...I think Visions needs the competition, though. Maybe they'll clean up those sticky theatre floors better. Honestly, this city will do just fine with both theatres, especially since Visions offers special events that the Landmark may not choose to do (i.e. special midnight movies, etc.).
 
 So much in DC is "all or nothing." Why not have two arthouse movie theatres?
 
   
2 arthouse movie theaters in the city is completely fine but there are several more right outside its borders, such as the Bethesda Landmark. It was noted that patronage had already dropped 25% after this particular opening, along with other new theater openings in town.  But if they can survive on their uniqueness, more power to them.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: skonster on January 09, 2004, 01:06:00 pm
Dupont should be ok, but Janus was in a similar position until it closed a couple of years ago (granted the screening rooms were hilariously bad - but they did show good stuff; it's last week they showed the rereleased 'last waltz'), and I really don't see inner circle being open much longer.  
 
 I think the Post article about the new theater mentioned that it was going to focus on 'edgier' stuff than the Bethesda one and was planning on starting up midnight movies, eventually, as well.  I do think the Citypaper article was pretty good; I worry that this Landmark could push visions under and then flip over to just playing the more mainstream 'independent' stuff.  I haven't found much need to go up to Bethesda because it's usually not playing anything I can't find at Dupont or Inner Circle.  
 
 The movie-watching scenes in Chicago and then Toronto spoiled me, and one of my favorit pastimes is to complain about the movie scene here, so I do hope it works out and all.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: mankie on January 09, 2004, 01:08:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
 [QB]    Basically, DC is a small enough city that you needn't be driving around a car within, if your're a DC resident (except unless you have heavy grocery bags or something like that).
 
    If you are a DC resident driving somewhere three metro stops away, you're a fucking lazy slug.
 
 
 
Quote

 I would love that lifestyle...it's what I grew up with. I really miss walking the dog to the corner shop in the morning for a paper...and choccie bar of course, and "popping out" to the supermarket to get something for dinner, or nipping out to the pub for an hour in the evening. Just the simple things like that...unfortunately I can't justify paying the same to live in a cardboard box in DC as I did for a nice sized house in the burbs, so a car it is for me..until next year of course.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 09, 2004, 01:11:00 pm
But you know, Janus and Inner Circle are/were AWFUL theaters.  I know a lot of people who would not go to the Janus no matter what.  I ended up going a lot, but it's near my neighborhood.
 
 As for Visions, that place is really quirky and tends to show *super* offbeat stuff.  I'm not sure how the competition will really pan out...
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: mankie on January 09, 2004, 01:14:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
  I thought you hated cyclists...
Oh not at all, just those messengers who think they own the roads and are above the law evidently...and the militant cyclists who think they are superior to cars etc....I think Eddie or someone and myself had a to-do one time, and he assumed the same thing.
 
 In fact I was in a bike shop on Tuesday and they gave me a flyer about a movement to close Rock Creek Parkway off to cars 7 days a week instead of just weekends...I told them they're fucking nuts. And after a commute like today, they are!
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Celeste on January 09, 2004, 01:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by mankie:
 I would love that lifestyle...it's what I grew up with. I really miss walking the dog to the corner shop in the morning for a paper...and choccie bar of course, and "popping out" to the supermarket to get something for dinner, or nipping out to the pub for an hour in the evening. Just the simple things like that...unfortunately I can't justify paying the same to live in a cardboard box in DC as I did for a nice sized house in the burbs, so a car it is for me..until next year of course.
that's how I feel, too...
 
 so, what's happening next year?
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: mankie on January 09, 2004, 01:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
 
Quote
that's how I feel, too...
 
 so, what's happening next year? [/b]
The summer of 05 we're getting the hell out of Dodge and moving back to Ireland.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Random Citizen on January 09, 2004, 02:17:00 pm
Yeah, but even though I live in Takoma Park, it's still a lot more convenient for me to come into DC than over to Bethesda. So the location/metro accessibility wins out. I have a feeling there are a lot of people who will take advantage of that as well.
 
 If they can't survive on their own uniqueness, then the market has spoken. That said, the E Str. theatre is just opening today. Maybe in another 6 months, it will be easier to see which business is affected (if any)...it's rather too soon to speculate.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Dandy01:
 2 arthouse movie theaters in the city is completely fine but there are several more right outside its borders, such as the Bethesda Landmark. It was noted that patronage had already dropped 25% after this particular opening, along with other new theater openings in town.  But if they can survive on their uniqueness, more power to them. [/QB]
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: ggw on January 09, 2004, 02:20:00 pm
Rhett drives a Saturn.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 09, 2004, 02:25:00 pm
1995, bluish-green. An SL-2, not an SL-1. Gotta have that extra power boost.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
  Rhett drives a Saturn.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: ggw on January 09, 2004, 02:31:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
  1995, bluish-green. An SL-2, not an SL-1. Gotta have that extra power boost.
 
And lower fuel-economy -- fucking polluter.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 09, 2004, 02:34:00 pm
I'm working on being perfect, not nearly there yet.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
  1995, bluish-green. An SL-2, not an SL-1. Gotta have that extra power boost.
 
And lower fuel-economy -- fucking polluter. [/b]
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: mankie on January 09, 2004, 02:43:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
 [QB] 1995, bluish-green. An SL-2, not an SL-1. Gotta have that extra power boost.
 
 
Quote

 See, he doesn't drive a car!
 
 All Saturns should be called the SL-O
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 09, 2004, 03:19:00 pm
So my Escalade might drive right over Rhett's Saturn?  That would be ashame.  I might scratch my bumper.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: twangirl on January 09, 2004, 05:45:00 pm
so, back on topic, I went to the Landmark E st. last night.It's very comfortable, and much bigger than I had expected. But I can see that parking scenario becoming a real clusterfuck. They only have one exit lane, and it's really slow. Last night was invite-only, with only one film being screened and we still had to wait, with the inevitable jackasses trying to butt in line. On a weekend, with all 8 screens going, even with staggered showtimes getting out of that garage won't be fun. Metro/cab will probably be the most stress-free way to go.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Celeste on January 09, 2004, 05:54:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Bags:
  So my Escalade might drive right over Rhett's Saturn?  That would be ashame.  I might scratch my bumper.
Escalade? Tell me you're kidding, please!
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 09, 2004, 06:05:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Bags:
  So my Escalade might drive right over Rhett's Saturn?  That would be ashame.  I might scratch my bumper.
Escalade? Tell me you're kidding, please! [/b]
Hmmm, nah, that's one I'd like to leave dangling out there as a mystery...  :D
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Celeste on January 09, 2004, 06:08:00 pm
oh, you're such an intriguing enigma, bags   :roll:
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Jaguär on January 09, 2004, 09:13:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
  Rhett drives a Saturn.
Rhett, do you have rings around your car?
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 10, 2004, 12:53:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
  oh, you're such an intriguing enigma, bags    :roll:  
The point is, what do any of us know about each other at all.  We end up thinking we do, but no friggin' way.  Actually, I use the Escalade to tow my beemer 'cuz that's a cooler car, but I like to sit up high above traffic and I want to be safe when I run down to the grocer downtown.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Ikarus on January 10, 2004, 05:38:00 am
this is reading like a bp advertisement...too funny.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Jaguär on January 10, 2004, 11:04:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Bags:
   
Quote
Originally posted by Celeste:
  oh, you're such an intriguing enigma, bags     ;)
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Got Haggis? on January 11, 2004, 11:44:00 am
bubbahotep is playing there! i need to see that movie! (bruce campbell rules)
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Celeste on January 12, 2004, 11:32:00 am
Quote
Originally posted by Jaguär:
 Nothing beats my Hummer.    ;)  
I'm sure there are a few board memebrs who wouldn't mind seeing you go head to head with Samantha.  ;)
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 12, 2004, 12:28:00 pm
So did anyone check it out this weekend?
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 12, 2004, 12:31:00 pm
the Post panned it.
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Got Haggis?:
  bubbahotep is playing there! i need to see that movie! (bruce campbell rules)
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer on January 12, 2004, 02:20:00 pm
Is that the only vehicle you can fit into?
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Bags:
  So my Escalade might drive right over Rhett's Saturn?  That would be ashame.  I might scratch my bumper.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: mankie on January 12, 2004, 03:06:00 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Rhett Miller:
  Is that the only vehicle you can fit into?
 
   
Quote
Originally posted by Bags:
  So my Escalade might drive right over Rhett's Saturn?  That would be ashame.  I might scratch my bumper.
[/b]
Is bags tall?
 
 I know a lot of basketball players drive them,  and hippity hoppity and (c)rap singers too...but they drive them to fit their egos into them.
 
 We had some Wizard player's Escalade here because he rimmed the tire and we have the only machine in the area that can install 24" (yes I said 24") tires.
Title: Re: Downtown art movie house!
Post by: Bags on January 12, 2004, 05:13:00 pm
yeah, it's an ego issue with me as well, mank.