In no particular order, cause I love them all equally, I’ll start with a long-time favorite (Note: these will be my own personal favorites, which may or may not be yours and may or may not be found on some slick top ten list in a magazine somewhere; which means they are highly specific and my opinion, and have nothing to do w/ top coffee towns or top recreation cities or top singles or smart people cities. Feel free to agree or disagree, or if you don’t know cause you have never been . . . Go.)
The Colony Theater
The Colony TheaterBefore Madstone, before Galaxy, before the idea of multiplex independent film cinema existed–back when the (still-great) art-deco Rialto was the only art house theater in Raleigh, the owner of the very same Rialto opened the Colony twin screen theater in an older real-type ordinary Raleigh suburban shopping center at Six Forks and Millbrook Rd, just outside the beltline (above North Hills, look for the Food Lion on your right).
The Colony is Raleigh’s unsung hero if a place can be a hero. Although from the outside it looks like the sort of theater that would have closed in some other city long ago when the multiplex giants took over, inside the Colony is an oasis. Everything from international and independent, little-known hard to find films, to popular indie sleeper films, shown on two wide screens in large auditoriums, with comfortable theater seating complete with cup holders, and most importantly excellent sound and lighting. In this theater, you will never fume because the film is out of focus, or the lights didn’t go off when the film began, making a glare on the screen so you can’t see the film, because the projectionist cares enough about film and about you, the viewer, to stay in the booth long enough to make sure everything works properly before running off (which I’m sorry to say is not the case elsewhere).
This kind of reliable care and attention over many years has been and continues to be due to the manager, Denver Hill, a former English major, a long-time fan of good cinema. He has been at the Colony for as long as I can remember, starting out as many do there, with a teenage-type job, then growing into a first-class manager who keeps his place running the way it should: brisk, courteous service, without sacrificing its unique comfy, laid back, “let’s just hang out” atmosphere. The Colony has about the most eager to please, friendliest crew I’ve ever seen in a theater, serving up draft and bottled beer, wine, and other beverages along with the usual movie snacks, and always with smiles and a welcoming attitude. There are plush arm chairs, plants, and an enormous sofa that is so welcoming, people often sink down into its softness and read from the great selection of books (yes, there’s a bookcase full of donated books with a sign that invites you to take one if you like, and/or donate one).
Other reasons to arrive early and lounge about: you will want to read the long, growing bulletin board that takes up an entire wall with community messages and happenings, and browse through the magazines and flyers on the counter below the bulletin board. Or view the art exhibited on the remaining walls by area artists. Or come early and ask that friendly crew about what is coming next; get questions answered about film, advice on what to see. They actually know lots and love to chat about movies and community events.
Which brings me to the unsung hero part (aside from just being an awesome place to see movies): what sets the Colony apart from other art house theaters is Denver’s and his girlfriend Michelle’s dedication to Raleigh’s nonprofit groups, helping their causes. For example, tomorrow night — grab your pen –
Tuesday May 22 at 7 PM —- MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW
The Colony is showing “Kundun”
– a rarely seen film by the acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, that tells the story of the Dalai Lama’s exile from Tibet. The score is by Philip Glass, the Oscar-nominated avant-garde composer. Don’t miss this opportunity to see an excellent Scorsese film you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Feel good knowing your $5 ticket price goes toward helping out the Kadampa Center, a Tibetan Buddhist community in Raleigh that needs funds for a new space.
Denver Hill has been doing this sort of thing for years, quietly, and never for his own glory, just wanting to help, welcoming community nonprofits who need space to view a film, hear speakers, raise funds; bringing together many of Raleigh’s groups around a film that ties into their cause, often packing the house, making the Colony not only a great place to gather and and view a film; but also an important force in the community.
It’s not all serious issue stuff!!
Denver loves to bring in favorite fun films, new 35 mm prints of classics, and runs movie events. Last week, we all enjoyed “Easy Rider”
Other fun films coming up:
| June 20 | The Dark Crystal |
|
July 18 |
2001 A Space Odyssey |
| August 15 | Temple of Doom |
Only 5 Bucks for these great films! You can call for other feature film showings, and prices, plus any other info: 856-0111.
One final tiny treat: if you are a lifetime lover of movies, look down at the carpet. It’s so cute.
Coming up soon —- Reason #2
