“Welcome to the Best Little Art House Between Seattle and San Francisco.”
For many out-of-town visitors, that quote means nothing. For University students and Eugene residents, however, there is no question that it describes the Bijou Art Cinemas, one of the most distinctive film venues around.
The Bijou is located at 492 E. 13th Ave., only four blocks from campus. As its Web site states, “You can’t miss us”; just look for the large, off-white, “Spanish Mission-style building.”
It is not only unique but provides some history as well. The theater was designed in 1925 by the first dean of the University’s school of architecture.
The Bijou is known for showing a lot of independent and less mainstream films that range from domestic to foreign and is a very popular choice among students because of the low prices. Shows that start before 6 p.m. are $3, and general admission is $4.50 Sunday through Wednesday, and $6 Thursday through Saturday.
Another appealing quality of the Bijou Theater is the late-night shows that are provided, which sometimes begin as late as midnight.
The prices for the late shows are $2, Sunday through Wednesday, and $3, Thursday through Saturday.
For another enjoyable experience, you may want to introduce your family and friends to the McDonald Regal Theater.
The McDonald Theater is located at 1010 Willamette St. and is one of the oldest movie houses in the Eugene area. Inside the main theater, there is regular seating on the floor, and for a different perspective, there is an upper balcony that is very popular for many movie goers.
Prices range depending on the time of the show, and children and seniors get in for a discounted price.
If you prefer the large theater atmosphere, with digital sound, then perhaps you should check out Cinemark 17, located at Gateway Mall, 2900 Gateway St. in Springfield. Although, Cinemark 17 is located in Springfield, it is only a 10-minute drive from campus.
Built last year, Cinemark 17 offers full surround sound and stadium-style seating for all of its theaters. Matinees start before 5 p.m., with prices ranging for seniors, students and children.
If your bank account is hurting, you can catch an inexpensive movie at Cinemark Movies 12. Movies 12 is also located in Springfield at 2850 Gateway St.
Movies are priced at $1.50 at all times and with 12 theaters, there are a wide variety of movies to choose from.
Other movie theaters include Regal Cinema World and Regal Movieland 6. Regal Cinema World is across from Valley River Center, located at 10887 Valley River Way. Discounts are available to seniors, students and children.
Regal Movieland 6 is on 808 Seneca in Eugene and also offers discounts to seniors and children.