Naro Expanded Cinema

Related:	apple store crocker park
Address:	1507 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
Phone:	+1 757-625-6276
Site:	narocinema.com
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 16

Thomas Ellis

The Naro is not only a first-rate art theatre that consistently shows top quality movies--it is also the ONLY independent film theatre left in Norfolk, or indeed, in all of Hampton Roads. In other words, this is not a place where you will be constantly bombarded with noisy video games, junk food ads, corporate or military propaganda ads, or noisy shoot-em-up film previews that you dont want to see. Rather, your quiet time before the film starts is the way it was in the good old days of independent theatre--a time to chat with friends (and most of my friends in Norfolk also frequent the Naro), or read film previews, or scan the list of local activist literature and weekly or monthly news magazines in the corridor. You can still get your junk food if you crave--coke, popcorn, et al--but you can also get delicious homemade pastries, and fresh local tea and coffee. Finally, the Naro is not just a theatre--it is a cultural institution, a "third place" other than home or work, where you have provocative and educational weekly documentary films (that youll NEVER see on CNN or Fox or in any other corporate-owned megaplex theatre) followed by expert guest speakers from the local area, and even prominent guest speakers from out of town, like Vincent Bugliosi, Jeremy Scahill, General Anne Wright, and Amy Goodman--Ive seen and met them all at the Naro. For film aficionados, there is also a number of classic film series, featuring the venerable and nationally known film critic Mal Vincent, as well as a monthly Sunday morning "First Look" Film series (with a delicious bagel brunch thrown in) where you can view and discuss brand new films that have yet to be released to a mass market. The Naro is thus one of the last remnants of a once-vital institution of true (non-corporate) democracy--a theatre that is also a venue for community engagement, entertainment, and public education.

Joe Hamm

Go get a Naro Video! Best video store on the East Coast, and right here in Ghent Norfolk. This place has tremendous value! Online, cookies are used to predict what you like based on your search results. BUT what if you want to discover something new? Or happen upon something you didnt know you would like, which could inspire you to like something NEW youve never heard of before? Not as easy to do this on streaming services. When our prepaid card runs out, we fill it back up. Full disclosure, Paige and I have a Netflix account, but we LOVE Naro Expanded and the neighborhood wouldnt be the same without them. Also the people are fantastic. Ive had great conversations about films I liked and didnt like. Its sort of the equivalent of barista for films. This place has everything and is one of our favorite spots. Especially for classic science fiction and quirky international films. #EnjoyLocal #Film #Documentary #Video

Andrew Harris

Buy a $7 seat in this theater and you wont regret it. A historic theater that has catered to the Norfolk art scene for decades. Art house films and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, on special nights, with devotes acting out the scenes on stage while the movie is shown. Seats are smaller than modern ones and the sound system is not phenomenal, but the only spot for 100 miles like it. Not quite The Byrd, but close as you can get in Tidewater.

Chris Mitchell

I would go to NARO constantly when I lived in the Larchmont area of Norfolk they are one of the few remaining movie cinemas that have a balcony. Also one of the few cinemas around that show The Rocky Horror Picture Show on a regular basis not just when it gets to be close to Halloween. They have local film festivals from time to time . It is one of the few places us locals can go to and still have a good time.

Linda PriceKing

I saw The Embrace of the Serpent last night. It was a life changing film and one that would not be in the other theaters. Only the Naro gives you the ability to see films that are impactful and artistically done. It does not matter how much this film makes at the box office- it only matters that it has touched lives. Thank you Naro for being a shinning star of cinema - may you be there forever. Linda

Hannah Campen

I went to the Naro theatre a couple days ago for my first time to see the movie "Loving" and I had such a pleasant visit! The aura of the place is just lovely. The restroom was clean, which is a major plus for me. The concession stand offered popcorn, drinks, and even baklava, all for a reasonable price. I had a great time and I will definitely be back!

Susan Waldron

My favorite theatre. I love the staff and especially love the popcorn. Often, I just go down there without even looking at the movie line up. All the flicks are so carefully chosen that I know it will be worth the trip. In 20 years of attending this venue, I have only walked out 1 time. Thst cannot be said about the Megsplexes.......

Mark Kolodziej

The first movie we saw here was The Grand Budapest Hotel. We felt like we were sitting in the movie! Reminds me of the theatre from Last Action Hero. This is how a movie theatre is supposed to be! Original style ticket booth. Usher with the cool hat. Movie posters. Its just about perfect. Great place for a getaway from the ordinary.

Gabriel Palacios

I was there only to see one movie about a mathematician. The movie was good, the venue is a classic one, the seats are uncomfy and the popcorns tastes great. They invited specialists to speak about the movie but it was a bunch of people that new almos nothing related to the character, director or subject, which was disappointing.

Thomas McNeil

Bit of a technical difficulty with the film equipment while watching Paterson. Got a bit frustrating. But I have to say, as a small theatre the cleanliness of the theatre as well as the attentiveness of the staff is fantastic. If you havent tried it, check out the video store next door. Quite the selection.

Cody Phelps

Its so different from any other movie theater in the area that it has its niche. The atmosphere is very old theater-ish. They play many movies that arent (mainstream?) enough to go to the large theaters and they play documentaries as well. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is very popular there too.

User bosco

A regional treasure!! Specializes in indie/counter culture films that no other cinema will show. Old school seating with a mezzanine seating area above, wonderful snack counter (with beer and wine), and great staff. Worth driving to for a night out in ORF. Uber it!! :-)

Bruce Garraway

Old-style neighborhood theatre run by two great guys with laudable ideals. Shows films others dont (and some that others do) from pure entertainment to what are justifiably called art movies, documentaries and movies about art. Local treasure.

Sonny Pascale

The fact is those curtain / drapes lining the perimeter of the theater are disgusting and phenomenally dusty. "Old time" classic theater doesnt mean you have bring back old time dinginess either does it? How about gettin on that one Naro?

Jeff Frith

The Naro is a great locally owned movie theater that show many independent movie that the big chain theaters wont show. Great concession stand offers bake goods from local restaurants at reasonable prices. Great place for a date night!

Kayla Morgan

Wonderful place to see the movies that AMC and Regal never get. The tickets are reasonable and concessions are cheap, plus its right in the heart of Ghent, so theres plenty to do after the movie lets out. Cant say enough good things.