North Carolina Cinema

Transforming your usual movie watching into a remarkable experience is a promise that some of North Carolina’s cinema houses can definitely offer. While some enter the escapist world of the cinema through shopping centers and complexes, North Carolina introduces some independent establishments that assure its viewers a unique way of viewing entertainment. Here are some of the most recommended, and probably among the most unique, cinema houses in the state.

One of this most sought movie theater is situated in the Research Triangle: the Raleighwood. Tagged as "Great Movies, Food and Spirits," Raleighwood, which is situated at Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh, breaks the traditional row after row tombstone seats into a more comfortable padded swivel chairs with tables where snacks, desserts, wines and beers will be served. Yes, you read that right: beers and wines while watching your flick in a full-sized Cinemascope Projection with enhanced Dolby Surround Sound. Smokers also need not worry in the evening because designated smoking seating sections will be opened after nine. Raleighwood proves to be not an ordinary movie house as it is also available for corporate events and birthday parties. There are also discounts for schools and senior citizen groups.

Watching films away from the usual crowd is perfect in the North Carolina State University Campus Cinema where film academics and enthusiasts converge. Located at the Witherspoon Student Center, the cinema house is popular for offering a diverse body of films, composing of Hollywood blockbusters, independent films and international releases that will cater to a wide array of audience.   The cinema is a fully functional 460-seat theater that includes a concession stand. Tickets sell at $1.50 for students and $2.50 for non-students although there are a number of opportunities where screenings are free of charge. The campus cinema also hosts the Pinwheel Film Festival, a short film festival that invites local filmmakers to screen their work.

Some of the few surviving drive-in theater in the country is located at McAdenville Road in Belmont: Bill's Belmont Drive-In Theater. With a history of more than fifty years, the drive-in theater has become a favorite movie place in the Gaston County. Some of the theater's best offerings include two blockbuster titles-in-one admission price, a FM radio broadcast of the soundtrack, a snack bar and a homey atmosphere. Bill's is housed inside a four-acre field accommodating 289 parking spaces.

Other important movie theaters in North Carolina are: Observer Omnimax Theater at Tryon Street in Charlotte, Grande 16 at Northline Avenue in Greensboro, Carolina Theatre at First Avenue in Hickory and Henn Theatre at Tennesse Street in Murphy. A number of theaters have been closed and demolished throughout the years.