Best local theaters?

[Marc G]

So after spending what I have on my home systems and knowing what theaters were like when I use to go to them, I can't really bring myself to paying for a ticket to see a movie with poorer quality sound and picture than my basement. However, given:

a)that there have been advancements in theater equipment and standards

b)the value of the movie-going experience that goes beyond picture and sound

and most importantly

c) that when my sister comes into town, all of my siblings and I will be bringing our kids to see Madagascar (and my theater doesn't seat 14),

I'd like opinions on what local theaters are decent these days.

THX.com lists Mayfair as THX certified and the Marcus West Point (West Town?) which is closer has stadium seating and digital sound, but like our own home systems, these things may not add up to much without proper use, calibration and upkeep.

So, any suggestions?

[sp44again]

The Ridge in New Berlin and West Town (Ultrascreen) in Waukesha.

[picopir8]

I agree that the ridge probably has the best theaters in the area.  I dont like West Towns ultrascreen.  In fact, I try to avoid going there.  All they appear to be doing is supersizing the picture. All the inperfections get blown up and it drives me nuts.  Also the picture is not very sharp; everything looks fuzzy.  Granted, I pick up on audio/visual inperfections easily.

Milwaukee theaters seem to be a bit behind the times.  If you want a good viewing experience you pretty much have to go to Chicago. We dont have any theaters in SE wisconsin with digital projectors and only one theater, Mayfair, is THX certified (and I think that they only have 1 screen that is certified).

[mrmike]

The Showtime in Franklin is also good, although it's also pretty new so I don't know how well they'll maintain stuff as time goes on.  My default is the Ridge  these days.

-MM

[Matt Heebner]

I have seen movies in Mayfair's THX theater, and to tell ya the truth really wasn't impressed. Didn't sound any better or worse than any other Dolby Digital theater I've been in.
However...if you are looking for an excellent, non traditional theater to catch a movie in, check out the Rosebud on North Ave. I had an excellent time there !!! They have tables with chairs and couches to lounge around in. You can also grab a pizza and a pitcher of beer while you are watching the movie. The wife can enjoy a nice glass of wine.

The picture and sound are theater standard, but it really is like watching a movie in your house.

Matt

[Joseph S]

Ridge has more movies, but outdated equipment, small screens, and projection issues. AMC is the best I've been to here, but I wouldn't say it's anything special other acceptable. All three Star Wars came and went and not one theater in WI has shown any of them or other first runs digitally. :td: :td: The best Wisconsin theaters are in Illinois.

[kevbeck122]

Menomonee Falls is alright I guess.  The last movie I saw, though, was on one of their smaller screens right by the food area.  Picture quality wasn't the greatest and in the middle of the movie there were issues with sound.  Basically anything in their "better" theater rooms satisfies me, but I don't have a home theater to compare it to.  Other than that I've only been to local no name theaters around the state which weren't the greatest.

[Paul S.]

Another vote for the Ridge.


Nothin beats The Rosebud for comfort and coolness. You get to drink Guinness and Hacker Pschorr while watching a movie  :guitar:

[Marc G]

Thanks for the responses. I guess the consensus is: the best local theaters are private.

[Ralph Kramden]

The best theaters ARE in people's homes. I haven't been to a theater since I bought my projector, and don't plan to. Too expensive, too many idiots talking, laughing, kicking the back of your seat, stepping on sticky floors. Silly me, but those things don't appeal to me.

[picopir8]

I agree, my homesetup surpasses the theater experience.  However, the viewing options are limited to HD channel offerings.  Theaters still beat out SD channels and DVDs, but not by much.  Once you consider the ability to pause when nature calls and having the dog laying next to you, I think I still prefer SD channels/DVDs.

[Marc G]

...too many idiots talking, laughing, kicking the back of your seat...

And don't forget, as they say in the AVIA intro: "and people smoking who knows what!"

[Talos4]

You get to drink Guinness and Hacker Pschorr while watching a movie

Guiness and a movie, Can't be beat. {glug}

[tazman]

However...if you are looking for an excellent, non traditional theater to catch a movie in, check out the Rosebud on North Ave. I had an excellent time there !!! They have tables with chairs and couches to lounge around in. You can also grab a pizza and a pitcher of beer while you are watching the movie. The wife can enjoy a nice glass of wine.

Hi Matt

Where abouts on North is the Rosebud located?  That is a rather novel idea.  I think that is something that the larger theatre chains should consider doing with at least one room of their mega-plexes.  Remodel it into a casual dining restraunt with a theatre screen.  All dining and food orders to be taking 20 to 30 minutes before show time.  All orders served just before or during previews.  Then sit back and enjoy a good meal and a movie.  A new twist to the old phrase, going out to dinner and taking in a show.

[Matt Heebner]

Rosebud, 6823 W. North Ave

You can get food and beer before and during the movie. My wife and I went there to see Lord of the Rings:The Return of the King. Man...what a fantastic way to watch a three hour plus movie. Before the movie started the owner came out and thanked everyone. He then offered everyone a free big bucket of popcorn. My wife had a couple glasses of wine and I grabbed a picture of beer. It really was a fun and unique experience. We got to share a pretty plush loveseat complete with a little coffee table to set your stuff on.

Definitely check it out.

Matt