By The Virtual Tourist

Even with the endless profusion of giant, mall-sized multiplexes and on-demand at-home movie viewing, for some, nothing beats the experience of the independent movie theater. Whether we're talking about an historic landmark or an avant-guard art house, these gems transport the visitor in every possible way.

1. KINO-PIONIER; SZCZECIN, POLAND

Once listed as the oldest continuously operated cinema in the world, not even two world wars managed to stop its projections. Although immortalized in poetry as "the best little cinema where one can forget everything," this theater is totally unforgettable.

2. EROS CINEMA; MUMBAI, INDIA

Take in a Bollywood or Hollywood flick in this beautiful Art Deco building that was first opened in 1938. The white-and-black marble foyer creates an elegant ambiance but take note: the samosas don't get good reviews.

3. BYENS LYS; CHRISTIANIAS, DENMARK

Located in the hippie community of Christianias, Byens Lys is a unique theater with a sand floor and wood-burning stoves. The local cinema functions on a film club basis and serves ice cream, apple pie, coffee, tea, and cocoa. Not surprisingly, documentaries are the norm.

4. HOOSIER THEATRE; WHITING, INDIANA

The renovation of the Hoosier Theatre was a two-and-a-half-year passion project that required removing giant icicles, refurbishing seats and rebuilding a stage badly charred in a serious fire. It was well worth it as today the theater is a historic landmark. Try not to miss the live piano music before weekend screenings, when kids sing and couples dance before the show.

5. MUSIC BOX THEATRE; CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

If you're scared of ghosts, the Music Box may not be for you. "Whitey," the manager of the theater from its opening night in 1929 to 1977, is known to pace aisle four and block the alley door where kids used to sneak in. It seems the only thing sneaking into the theater these days might be patrons smuggling in a little deep-dish pizza.

6. AGNES B. CINEMA!; WANCHAI, HONG KONG, CHINA

The Agnes b. Cinema is an original within the Hong Kong Arts Center. It's a French-meets-Japanese cinema space infused with the designer, Agnes b.'s, love of design and film. Blockbusters aren't de rigueur; the theater shows cutting edge indies, as well as classics.

7. EMBASSY THEATRE; WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

An immaculately restored 1920s picture house that hosted the premiere of "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," this theater is a Mecca for Tolkien fanatics. But even if you're not a huge fan of Frodo Baggins, you can still enjoy the theater and its relaxed jazz bar, Blondini's.

8. CASA DA CULTURA LAURA ALVIM; RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Directly opposite the beach, the Laura Alvim Cultural Center is hard to miss. When you need a break from the sunshine, just walk across the street and take cover in the cinema's cozy screening room, which seats 72.

9. ASTOR THEATRE; MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Presenting a different double feature most evenings, the Astor never leaves you wanting more. Its classic, more recent and re-released films reflect its mix of old school charm and modern state-of-the-art facilities.

10. AVRORA CINEMA; ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

Remodeled in a neoclassical style with gold mosaics and renaissance statues, the grand lobby of the VIP Hall at Aurora can look and feel out of sync with its modern luxuries. But after sinking into the theater's reclining chairs and full bar, the timing feels just right.

 

© VirtualTourist.com, Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

Travel | Ten Great Movie Theaters Across the Globe