North Oaks Cinema 6

Reviews 6

JA

Jason McMillon

First a little background history: This is an original AMC theatre build of the late 70s (I do believe it opened in 78, but possibly 79). Eventually, AMC opened up theatres in Deerbrook and Willowbrook, and converted this theatre into a discount house sometime in the 80s. AMCs mindset during this time period was "build it cheap". There is nothing really outstanding about this theatre. It never had great projection, it never had great sound. In fact, a majority of the auditoriums were mono sound when AMC originally built the theatre. Over the years, they seem to have been upgraded to stereo (or at least a front channel and mono surround). In the 90s, I worked for AMC for a number of their theatres. This was one of several sub-runs that AMC ran at the time. When the larger theatres (Meyer Park, Town and Country, etc) had equipment upgraded, the hand-me-down equipment would go for repairs to the sub-run houses. Sadly, AMC never really showed this theatre much love, and even less once it became a sub-run. The ORC lamphouses were never the brightest, but the Century projectors run like a tank and keep a steady image on screen (important when youre blowing the image up using multiple mirrors to bounce the image to the screen instead of using a direct throw). When I first arrived at the theatre, typical of slow theatres during the weekdays, I had to bypass the box office and purchase my ticket at the concession stand. I approach the concession stand and have to wait while the girl with blue hair sitting on her stool finished playing with her cell phone (lovely first impression) before she greeted me. This theatre still uses the ground floor 35mm projection using mirrors (most 35mm presentations use direct-throw for the projectors.. why AMC decided to do this when they built the theatre is beyond me, as you have an incredibly amount of clarity and light loss as you bounce the image off each of the two mirrors). Surfaces are old, begging to be painted. The screens, however, were in remarkable condition for them being between 33 and 35 years old. The images on the screen are represent of the dirty mirrors (the projectionist really needs to clean them better, they were VERY smeared and caused significant focusing issues), the tired 30 year old lenses, dirt trapped in the aperture plates; along with tinny analog sound, and foul smelling auditoriums. The theatre truly looks just like it did when I last saw it in 1994, just in worse shape. I don’t think anyone has put any money into the facilities at all. The seats are the same seats AMC put in to replace the original 1970s seats, circa early 90s. In fact, they still say "AMC ENTERTAINMENT" on them, just the AMC logo has been somewhat sanded off. It was nostalgic for me to see the place again. Last time I was here was 1994 for a screening of Pulp Fiction. Heres the long and short of it: for $1.50 you can see a movie on a real movie screen. Its dirty, the sound is late 70s to mid 80’s technology (no digital sound here), and youll never get a crisp, sharply focused picture because its not a direct-throw. But hey, it IS $1.50. Its very expensive for a theatre to upgrade a screen to digital projection, even using used equipment. The day is coming (and soon) where movie theatres will not be able to get new movies on 35mm. Im almost convinced that the condition of this theatre is based on the fact they simply dont have the capital to upgrade to digital and are just riding it out as long as they can while spending as little as possible. There are two other sub-run theatres in the Houston area. Ive got it on good authority one of them will be upgrading to digital projection shortly after the first of the year. I hope this one can also keep up, I really do. Sub run theatres are important, and Houston is lacking in them substantially. It would be a shame for this place to close, but it desperately needs some love.

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C

C bone

My husband and I decided to go and see Man Of Steel since we didnt catch it in theatres. We did enjoy ourselves and the movie. We didnt have a problem with the focus or what was on the screen. Everything showed clear. The sound was a little loud and did irritate my ears after a while so that is something that is noticeable. The seats are not that comfortable and if you are looking to cuddle with your significant other you can forget it! LOL but that was what to be expected. I can say for $1.50 you cant beat it. I would recommend the upgrades for the seating and maybe a paint job if the equipment is to expensive and also a better sound system. But like I said for $1.50 you cant beat it. Also the area isnt bad we did have an issue with some guy who decided to bring his young children in that cried most of the movie but people seem to think that is a norm ..I would recommend they take those babies to the morning shows so everyone else is not interrupted but you cant control everyone. The snacks are still top movie prices so Im guessing they make money off of their concession so be prepared to still pay almost $4 for popcorn and drinks.

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CH

Charnee Francis

Being a single mom on a tight budget can be hard! I love this cinema because it gives me the relief of having a family night out at very low costs! The movies that just left the main stream cinema play there and at a reasonable price! My kids love it and so do I! Its not the fanciest place ever but it still gives off that good old movie night out feel without all the bells and whistles. $2 for standard shows and $4 for 3D CANT BEAT THAT! My kids arent looking at the price or seats or design of the theatre! We go to get out of the house and watch a good movie, point blank!

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CO

Coleco Co

This place can be gross sometimes. Dirty, old, smelly bathrooms. Sticky, pitch black rooms and yet I LOOOOVE this place!!!!! Where else can you go and enjoy a movie for $1.50. Six quarters and thats it! So what if the movie sucked? Better than spending 4-6 times that much at a regular theater for a matinee. Hell even those tickets are around $6. Ok so maybe Im being a cheapass but theres a certain charm to this place. If I wanna see a blockbuster, I pay the money and go to a fancy theater. For everything else theres Cinema 6.

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BO

Bobbie Slocum

We went to the movies we were a mess we sent these pictures in stead the chairs is in lake Charles Louisiana July 4th 2017,.the wone with me alone went t milo clips to get hair cut in the hights in hou.tx.faverit place. New clean and conversation also fast.cinama 6 been going their since I was 11 now 51 took my kids took their kids my grand children its a 2.00 dollar movie they get all new releases old theater but confee .rate cinema 6 a 10 for age and family friendly.

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AN

andrew mott

Ive been coming here since I was a little kid. I havent been here in a long time, like 15 years. I remember it being a little bit better back in the day. Doesnt look like the staff does much upkeep with the place, or give any care about their job, but honestly the movie tickets are only two bucks, and you cant beat that. Concessions is pretty expensive, but remember tickets are only two bucks. Great place if your looking for something to do on the cheap.

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