Landmark Theaters West End Cinema

Address:	2301 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Phone:	+1 202-534-1907
Site:	landmarktheatres.com
Rating:	4

Location

Photos 58

Reviews 18

A Private User

Not recommended for cinephiles. The fact that they show great movies and sell good alcoholic drinks does not make up for the fact that, at least for the movie I saw (Melancholia), they were projecting standard def (i.e. non-HD) video, NOT FILM. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING. You could actually see the pixels if you looked closely at lines on the screen; and even if you werent looking that closely, it was obviously much blurrier than a projection from a film print would be. As far as cinephiles are concerned, this is an ABSOLUTELY UNFORGIVABLE offense for a cinema. I would be unhappy even if they were projecting 1080/24p video (the most film-like video presentation I know of) because I prefer the look of film to that of video in general, but projecting a pixelly image simply ruins this cinema for me. Also, note that the screens are very small -- the smallest Ive seen at a cinema by a huge margin. The size of the screen wasnt a deal-breaker for me (if they used 35mm film on the small screen I wouldve been happy), but it will be a deal-breaker for many. I suspect that the reason they use such small screens is to make the poor image quality less noticeable. If they used film instead of low-quality video, I would really like this theater; and if they both used film and quadrupled the size of their screens, I would absolutely love this theater.

Garner Marshall

I enjoyed this little theatre. I went to go see The Internets Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz. The prices for the food and drink were higher than other higher end theatres. The staff was friendly and the theatre seats were comfortable. They werent as spacious as other theatres that ive been to. I personally love the theatres where you can raise the hand rest to get closer to your date. All in all, great movie theatre, I had an excellent experience and I was able to see a movie at this location that I couldnt see anywhere else. I recommend this place if you want to go and see an indie, independent, or foreign films and still have that movie experience. Normally youre stuck watching these types of films on a computer streaming off of the internet. Its nice to have the movie theatre environment.

A Private User

Love the West End: superb film selections, hard to find outside Europe (& in VO); coziness of theatre size and wider, healthier choice of food & drink fare. So glad it has reopened!! Appeals to the discriminating cinephile so those who want big screen & noise can just go elsewhere, thank you. The only drawback is the multipurpose room, used for movies or other (presumably standing) events. The folding chairs lack lower back support, a dangerous distraction regardless how engrossing the film is. My sits bones and lower back have been sore for nearly 2 weeks, so Id check out in advance if your film is shown there. If so, do as I am this week, taking a folding stadium or meditation seat, w/ support for the lower back area.

A Private User

I love this place. I get that some reviewers have had legitimate problems, although I have never experienced them. This a great small cinema and a fantastic date or night out place. They have great films here and while I appreciate the advent of large screens and stadium seating, there is still something special about sitting in a small theater with a glass of beer or wine and watching a great movie. Reminds me of europe and I hope this place is able to stay in business. Its definitely worth the trip. Oh, and there is definitely something to say for skipping the crowds and lines at the major cinemas.

Matt R

I give this place props for representing the indie movie scene. Aside from E Street, this is really the only other place in the city. They shut down for awhile and then opened back up under new management. The theaters are small but perfectly fine. They have these weird folding seats that are kind of like recliners. They are comfy but they give the place a sort of temporary vibe. Whoever picks the movies does a good job, they show some interesting and fun movies. My only complaint is that their last showings of the night are always sort of early (around 8 pm). They serve booze, which is a plus.

Brionne Griffin

While I do enjoy visiting on occasion, I have a hard time dishing out $11 for an independent film Im not sure Ill like. The theaters are small, accompanied by a small video screen, and they never fully dim the lights which I find distracting. As for concessions, they really just have your run-of-the-mill movie candy. Apparently, they also offer sandwiches, but theyve been out every time Ive asked about them.

Laura Lyon

Last night I went to the West End Cinema for the first time and I loved it! The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere was enjoyable. I was a little surprised at the size of the theater, but I liked the coziness. Im used to the mammoth theaters out in Leesburg and Tysons Corner, so it was a comfortable change. This cinema is definitely more my pace and I look forward to catching more shows there!

Benn Thomas

Saw a film there this evening and you could hear the staff and everyone arriving in the foyer throughout the film. Very distracting and very annoying. Staff came into the screening room several times, flooding the cinema with light. A real shame when there are a limited number of places to watch decent films in DC. Id rather wait and watch the film at home than watch anything here again.

A Private User

I have no respect for a place that cancels movie showings without prior notice (happened twice - and I found out only when I went to the box office to purchase tickets) and forces me to pay $11 to sit in a small theater with popcorn on the floor. Thats not how you treat customers or run a business.

Jon Ayscue

I loved this theater! Just went for the first time to see La La Land there (perfect theater atmosphere for that movie - they just fit together great!) The staff are friendly and personable, the theater is small (in a good way) and intimate, and great seats. Definitely plan on going back!

nancy breslin

Two tiny theaters (40-50 people each?) that show independent films. Very comfortable new seats were installed (spring 2016). Interesting selection of concession food/drinks (not just soda/candy/popcorn).

Martin Cordiner

Excellent microplex cinema with small, cosy theaters and the top pick of arty films. Good selection of snacks and drinks available, including adult beverages. A truly intimate film-viewing experience.

sparkyjaf

Sometimes this is the only theater that is showing a film I want to see, but its so badly set up that I generally decide Ill just wait until I can watch the video at home. Its a shame.

Dave Miller

Small screen of mostly independent films. Sometime its the right venue for a film, other times it can feel like youre watching a movie in someones home theater. Great popcorn.

A Private User

Bah - for a recently (re)opened theatre I would expect better seats. For a place that touts itself as an indi/foreign/doc film setting, I would expect much better cinema.

A Private User

Saw ultrasonic last night, our first time at the theater. Loved the atmosphere, the snacks and the film. Previews for the other films looked great, well be back soon!

Charlotte Lewis

A bit expensive for essentially a large projection screen. But, the popcorn IS THE BEST IN THE CITY! And the customer service was extremely friendly.

Geet Jeswani

So glad they brought this back under an awesome company. Miss the old management but theyre doing a great job keeping that art house vibe.