Super-size that dinner-and-a-movie date -- to the iMax
When it is cold out, there is one activity that is a staple in dating entertainment - the picture show. It is a standard, an oldie but goody, that is as reliable as the sun setting. Yet that reliability can also be a bit humdrum.
What makes for a more exciting, fun movie date? Take your moviegoing up a notch, and keep your date from yawning, by checking out IMAX movies or a local theater that offers something other than the big blockbusters.
IMAX, short for Image MAXimum, is a film format created by Canada's IMAX Corporation that has the capacity to display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film display systems. Most of the time these theaters are also accompanied by higher-grade sound systems.
So what does this mean to you? Way cooler sound and a bigger, sharper and better picture is what all that mumbo jumbo equals! So get a little more bang for your buck and treat your date to the IMAX experience.
Regal Cinemas Lincolnshire 20 & IMAX
Facts: 300 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, (847) 215-2803, moviefone.com
Before or after eats near Regal: The IMAX in Lincolnshire is surrounded by many restaurants of different grades. You can hit Red Robin for a quick burger, dine at Cheesecake Factory and flirt over some sugar or grab some noodles at Big Bowl.
Cinemark Imax
Facts: 6500 Route 53, Woodridge, (630) 434-2629, cinemark.com
Before or after eats near Cinemark:
• Blue Ginger - sushi
6320 Route 53, Suite 100, Woodridge, (937) 684-5050
• Clara's - consistently satisfying Italian food
6740 Route 53, Woodridge, (630) 968-8899
Small venues
The small-town, downtown movie house is a dying breed. Some were left to decay or were torn down while few others are being restored. Granted most older theaters do not have all the bells and whistles that the larger ones may have, and they may even appear a bit run-down, but they have their specific ambiance and charm. It is kind of like vinyl records verse CDs - take your pick.
So for something a little more intimate and nostalgic, give your date a night at a movie house.
Evanston Century 12 & Cinearts 6
Facts: 1715 Maple Ave. (between Church and Clark streets), Evanston, (847) 491-9751, cinemark.com
While this theater is technically of the large, mass-owned type, it shows a great deal of indie, foreign and arts films. This theater has pretty much everything you would want, from validated garage parking to the art house drama to a nice bar to chill in before or after your show. There are nice dining and shopping areas within a skip. It is also super close to the El and Metra stops.
Wilmette Theatre
Facts: 1122 Central Ave. (between 11th Street and Wilmette Avenue), Wilmette, (847) 251-7411, wilmettetheatre.com
Foreign and arts films, free popcorn, cute ushers and pretty cheap tickets - what more could you ask for?
Before or after eats near Wilmette
• Kamakura Japanese Restaurant - sushi
1116 Central Ave., Wilmette, (847) 256-6783
• Depot Nuevo Restaurant - Mexican
1139 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, (847) 251-3111
• Tomato Head Wilmette - pizza
1162 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, (847) 853-0055
Glen Art Theatre
Facts: 540 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, (630) 415-1976, glenarttheatre.com
The Glen Art is your best bet for independent films in the Western suburbs. Cheaper than a first-run theater and not as repulsive as many second-run theaters, the Glen Art is a good place to see a movie. Do arrive early - as they can sell out on Friday or Saturday nights way before you would expect them to. They usually have a fine mixture of independent films, blockbusters and kid-oriented movies.
Before or after eats near Glen Art
• Thipi Thai Restaurant
530 Crescent Blvd. #A, Glen Ellyn, (630) 469-9001
• Mykha's - Vietnamese
476 Forest Ave, Glen Ellyn, (630) 469-6243
• Cab's Wine Bar Bistro
430 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, (630) 942-9463
Whichever movie experience you choose, remember that you have options beyond your everyday movie theater. Why not throw a little flavor into it and head to one of these independent venues?