It has no stadium seating, no state of the art digital screen, and is located in a mall that pretty much contains...well, nothing. Yet of all the high-tech, fancy theatres around Northern VA, it is easily my favorite place to watch a movie.
Why you may ask? Well, to put it bluntly, Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax, is basically what the name says it is...a theatre of artistic cinema. While the latest theatres focus on huge cup holders or high-end cushioned seats, Cinema Arts keeps it simple. Though small, the seats are quite comfortable and best of all they recline. The sound system and the picture quality of the movie screen are more then decent, and the concession stand offers a nice variety of menu items (even sushi).
Now if you're more into mainstream movies (which I also love, don't get me wrong) then this theatre might not be the place for you. But if you're into high quality low budget indie films or critically acclaimed forgien masterpieces then this place is the place to go. It's rare that I find an oscar nominated film not have come through here. Best of all the previews are what they say they are...previews.
No television ads.
No frills.
No junk.
Just good movies at good prices (college ID gets you in at matinee prices - $5.50 all day). Now isn't that the way movie houses should be?
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