The Uptown Experience

Today, in fact, a thunderstorm is supposed to roll through. It's a perfect day to stay inside and catch a movie.

I hear, in fact, that The Perfect Storm is playing at The Uptown.

The Uptown Theater, operated by Cineplex Odeon, is hands-down the best place to see a movie in the Washington, D.C. area. This is one place where the screens haven't been chopped up to accommodate economics—here the seats are all for the same show, and the floor-to-ceiling screen is a giant.

The theater tends to show first-run blockbusters, particularly if there's action involved. Those are the movies that pack in the crowds, and the large screen makes the special effects all that much more appealing. I went to see Twister there, in fact, even though I would have never gone to see that movie on a smaller screen. But the flying cow was all that much more impressive on the Uptown's wide screen, and the Dolby Digital "moo" was all that much more real. Movies like Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Gladiator are just some of the ones that were even more spectacular at the Uptown.

My husband and I saw The Perfect Storm there right after the movie opened, and we watched it from the front row of the theater's balcony, which we think is the best place to sit. From our vantagepoint just behind the railing, it felt like we were on the bow of our very own boat climbing the giant wave. It was an exhilarating experience that cannot be duplicated at other theaters in the area.

The art deco-style theater also pays homage to its Golden Age of Hollywood roots from time to time. When the theater was remodeled in 1996, it reopened with a screening of Vertigo. The re-released version of The Wizard of Oz ran there, as well. Those movies don't stay long at this theater, but it's great to feel like you've walked back in time just for a little while.

The Uptown is a little pricey—the adult tickets are $8 apiece in the evening, which is slightly higher than many of the other theaters around town. But true bargain hunters recognize the potential for the Great Uptown Date Night. Hit the bargain matinee in the late afternoon for $5.50 apiece, then head to one of the myriad restaurants around the theater to linger over dinner. Within walking distance of the Uptown are plenty of options. In warm weather, feast on chips and salsa and margaritas at Alero while you wait for big plates of Mexican food. If you like your chips to come with fish, head to Ireland's Four Provinces or Nanny O'Brien's for authentic Irish food and some of the best Guiness in the city. If you're looking to dine with the trendy folk, head to Ardeo for New American cuisine.

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