Tweet18-08-2010 om 11:03 by Amanda Potter

(Yes, I know this is the wrong sort of theater.)

We’re in the last few weeks of summer and now is the time I start itching to go out to the movies. The summer blockbusters are out, and the greying weather makes me want to dive into another world for awhile. Luckily for me, and other English speakers like me, many American films 1) make it abroad, and 2) are subtitled in Dutch rather than dubbed.  They don’t always get here immediately, but usually the big films are only slightly delayed.  Here are some other unique things about Dutch cinemas:

1) Many Dutch theaters sell beer and coffee in addition to the typical soda and popcorn fare of movie theaters.
2) An, often unexpected, intermission is added to the middle of films at most theaters.
3) Mainstream cinemas play films primarily from the Netherlands (in Dutch of course) and from the USA (in English with subtitles). Big films from other countries occasionally make it in too.
4) Art Film houses, like the Lumiere, will give you the chance to catch independent and foreign films. Brush up on your Dutch, the subtitles will be in the local language.
5) Prices aren’t as bad as in the US. Many cinemas in the Limburg area charge around 7-9 euros for a regular adult ticket. If that’s still too much for you, you can sometimes find coupons at the VVV.

The Maastricht region has several cinemas where you can check out the latest offerings, and some seem to have a little something extra.  Try these cinemas next time you want a movie night.

Minerva Maastricht: Located in Maastricht, Minerva is a pretty typical, modern movie theater. It's where I usually go for my action films.

Filmtheater Lumiere: Also in Maastricht, the Lumiere is an independent film house and shows movies from all over the globe. They have a small selection of English-language films in addition to their Dutch subtitled fare.

Royal Echt: The Royal theater offers a unique Dinner & a Movie deal for 15 euros and several special “film club” showings as well as a Ladies Night.

H5 Theater: Located in Heerlen, this theater looks like a typical, modern theater from their website and promises something for “every taste”.

Royal Servicebioscoop: Heerlen’s Royal theater advertises 3-D films heavily on their website, and has a variety of seating including love seats and a VIP section (for a price).

Did I miss your favorite movie house? Share it in the comments.

Comments

Leave a reply