Bijou Art Cinemas

Address:	492 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA
Phone:	+1 541-357-0375
Site:	bijou-cinemas.com
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 54

Reviews 19

A Private User

As Eugenes only independent cinema, Bijou Art Cinemas is a disappointment. Of course they show movies you wont find showing in the larger corporate cinemas, but this is the case of most independent cinemas, so it is unfair to judge them on that basis alone. I will instead judge them relative to other independent theaters. Ive lived in many towns, large and small before settling in Eugene, and I can say that almost all Independent theaters have novel buildings, so again, yes, the appropriated church is great, but it doesnt make Bijou a better cinema. What does, then? The scheduling? Absolutely not, the scheduling is the worst aspect of Bijou. Its erratic, inconsistent, and only available at the barely navigable website. This makes it difficult for anyone with a busy schedule to plan ahead for films at Bijou. What next? The diversity of film selection? Having only 2 theaters, I cant say if selection could be a strong point, but they do at least attempt to make up for a dearth of theaters by trying to pack as many films in as possible. They also switch the films up frequently. Both of these factors would be huge pluses if they could just maintain coherent scheduling. Since they dont, their showing of more films actually makes for an even bigger inconvenience - if you know something you want to see is showing, you should drop what youre doing and see it immediately, not matter the inconvenience, or it will be gone before youve had the chance. Other factors: pricing is standard, staff are friendly, premises are clean, and the theater is conveniently located, at least for those in the downtown area. All in all, I will continue to attend Bijou, but not as often as Id like as the scheduling is too hard to work around. Ill go when I can and Ill go because theres no better alternative.

Terry C

What an interesting place. It looks like a church from the exterior, but the interior has been converted into a concessions area and a single movie theater. I went here to watch Elf with my family for a company family movie day during the Christmas season. The concessions area is small and seems to be run by one person. Once all drinks and popcorn or served, that individual then runs upstairs to start the movie. Theater chairs are of an older style and somewhat comfortable. Do to the non-dynamic content of the movie I was watching, it is not easy to assess video and audio quality. It did look like they have a decent digital projector that would be found in a large movie theater with high definition capability, and either 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. for many audiences this would not be a noticeable problem. Overall a great experience with the family.

A Private User

If it wasnt for that, this theater would barely make the marks. - Prices: standard - Projection quality: the projection lights are really dim, sound is OK. - Cleanliness: sub-par. Musky odors and the feeling that rats might be crawling around by your feet. - Concessions: popcorn is always cold and not fluffy. They do have nutritional yeast as a topping as if that would make it better. - Movie selection: decent, but erratic scheduling. Movies leave on the fly. Staff: Friendly. Most of the time because of the quality of the projection systems, I tend to just want to wait until the films come out on DVD for me to watch them, rather than support this so-so theater. At the risk of being flamed, Id like to see it get replaced by a more traditional and updated indie theater.

Lisa L. Burtraw

The Bijou Theater on 13th, is an old favorite. Ive been a movie goer there since my high school days in the 80s. They have a great atmosphere, and have a romantic courtyard with a beautiful fountain with little tables and chairs to sit and have a drink or snack at, in one of Eugenes historical buildings, the Wilcox building; located on the U of O campus. Set up a massage with several therapists upstairs in the office section upstairs and adjacent to the theater before or after your movie! Lots of fun shops, restaurants and walks nearby.

"Asa" Downing

This building is gorgeous and full of History. Seeing things from the inside is a real treat. The concession stand is quaint and all of the times Ive been there so far, the staff was more than just friendly they were jovial. They seem to like to make your smile. This place is hip, but not youth culture. Its quaint without being hokey. Modern but with a classic old feal.

Miriam Lipton

Located in an old Church, this movie theater is a Eugene staple playing the best of independent theater. Every movie they play is great, and I try to make it a point a go to the Bijou every time I am in Eugene visiting. Staff are friendly, and the concessions are surprisingly delicious, varied, and well priced. They even have vegan ice cream as a food option!1

Scrub Jay

A classic cinema house, now with beer and wines. Wonderful ambience that is a bit creepy (yes the bldg used to be a morgue). Ive seen some great films here: nosferatu (3 times on Halloween w/ live music), rear window, double indemnity, its a wonderful life, and countless great indie films! I love the bij.

Cameron Wiggs

I lived in Eugene for a little less than a year while I was in grad school and this little theater is one of the very few things I miss. The building is very cool, they get all the best indies, the prices are incredible, and the staff is extremely friendly. I went to this theater as often as possible.

Carolyn Shawgo

I am loved and care for in so many ways when I attend this theater. My mind is stimulated with thoughtful and sometimes unusual movies. However, my senses are stimulated by the extension of kindness and the demonstration of graciousness in action....

Marilyn Kerins

The Bijou is an Eugene classic and had the best prices and popcorn in town. They also sell beer and wine. They show independent movies, docs and winners of Sundance movies. The building is an old church or undertakers. Go if you can!

Chase Williams

Beautiful cozy cinema that imparts a more thoughtful and personal aura to the films that are shown there than your average franchise theater.. They also sell quite relatively decent drinks and snacks as well!

A Private User

You dont even have to read a movie review to know that youre going to see something great. The sanctuary theater is a little more comfortable than the "ski slope", but youll always see a great film here.

Carolyn Horn

For over 20 years the Bijou has been my favorite place to see interesting films with my friends. And I Always buy their large Popcorn with delicious brewers yeast added on top. Yum..

Steve Newcomb

The Bijou Theater is a Eugene Landmark. Go to it if you havent been. The Bijou has been a cultural wellspring for many years. The new ones downtown are also worthy of your patronage.

Emily Garrett

Bijou is unique and charmingly eerie. The small bar selection was a nice surprise and the theater is cozy but space maximized. Very cool, not-to-miss place.

Pam Garrison

My favorite Eugene movie theatre. Welcoming staff, artsy movies and popcorn with nutritional yeast. My favorite place to spend a rainy afternoon!!!

Joanna Brook

The classic small art house movie theater in a converted church. Already friendly staff and a pretty courtyard to wait in if you arrive early.

Brian Wright

Great theater to see indie films. The place has a nice hipster feel and the staff are movie enthusiasts which makes a movie here feel special.

Patrick Dehler

I saw a very beautiful film here and it was enhanced by the smaller size of this theater coupled with the historic feel of the building.