AMC Annapolis Mall 11
1020 Annapolis Mall,
Annapolis,
MD
21401
1020 Annapolis Mall,
Annapolis,
MD
21401
5 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 66 comments
For whatever reason or no reason, or maybe it was the ‘force’ that prompted me to look at this venue last week and saw a limited engagement of Return of the Jedi in the BTX auditorium. Other venues have it in regular Digital projection. The thing is I’ve forever had a problem getting my Stubbs account reinstated even after using another email addy. I tried and it finally worked again after resetting, paid the $18 or so for the privilege and got my evening ticket. Didn’t realize I paid $15 for Stubbs that lasts until the end of this year. This means I’ll be going to AMC a few more times. It also seems double points are awarded on Wed.
Food fare hasn’t changed and I couldn’t believe that a small pizza and drink is as much as the admission..$40 for a ticket and food? No.
The preshow ads play in mono as if everything is spoken in whisper. The AMC ads are surround and they didn’t play the BTX or Atmos trailer. Even though I’ve seen this film a few times, this digital presentation does not compare to the 70mm or the presentation at AFI even. The transfer had no film artifacts such as the spotting but just looked dull. Soundtrack was barely there then I realized why they didn’t play the Atmos trailer is because the movie didn’t have an Atmos soundtrack. Maybe I’m wrong but I suppose they haven’t updated the film and remixed the soundtrack for Atmos.
The seats are comfy cushy and made me temporarily snooze during the Endor scenes. LOL.
The Customer Service is horrible. After trying to get someone from corporate to reinstate my Stubbs account exchanging numerous emails, the management here did nothing to help even after promising to email me after assured fixes. I’ll give them kudos for smiling widely like actors in a toothpaste commercial at me with a promise of a fix.
I have seen several movies after they opened a little after the pandemic. Just about all were in the BTX. Their recliners are far better then the AMC Tysons ones (at least the IMAX auditorium..and not busted up..so far). Unfortunately, they are TOO comfortable, I’ve found myself snoozing at the last Jurassic Park Dominion film.
The hot food fare is not as good or varied as Bow Tie was but at least they deliver to the seat.
Now an AMC. I have this bad feeling things will go down here.
Caught Terminator: Dark Fate in the BTX Atmos Theater last week. Great surrounds in the beginning and throughout. Why can’t they BTX all their auditoriums? Even if some are smaller. The $10 Tuesday rate is great. The CGI de-aging of Sarah Connor and John is the best I’ve seen, much better than Princess Leia in Rogue One. The automated kiosks reduces the need for live cashiers, which is okay but the inattentive Attendant should go. Took what felt like an eternity to recognize me and split my ticket to admit me. They should automate his job, too.
I saw Spiderman: Homecoming in BTX here today. Great sound and presentation. The preview for the next Furious movie and Terminator played surprisingly low. I’m glad I waited a week to pay only $10 today vs $19 last holiday weekend when the movie opened. Had a sense of deja vu with the films VFX. The water creature looked like the water version of the Sandman from the Tobey McGuire era Spidey films. The Spidey flybys could use more visual flair with first person-type fx.
I saw Toy Story 4 in the BTX theater with Atmos. I loved the rear voice track of the characters just as the picture opens. Excellent aural experience but I was not quite ‘feeling’ it at the much talked about ending. They have alcohol now but I opted for the mozzarella bites and cheese sandwich since they were rather cheap. Too much cheese in one sitting but served hot. The service could be better if the server would remember to bring napkins. I’m sure as long as this film makes the $, we’ll see another one as long as the story is compelling. They could reboot the thing with new kids.
BTX is Bow Tie cinemas branding of a large screen premium presentation experience. 4K, Dolby everything..Atmos. Other than the admission increase, its not much more than what they had when it was just THX and Digital. To cinephiles that may sound blasphemous, but I have had great movie EXPERIENCES here prior to Atmos and the Vision installs. The faux leather recliners are welcome but it gives reason to jack up admission prices such as the IMAX-type places like AMC. Bow Tie is a north east chain.
Is there a bow-tie there anywhere?
Whats BTX?
Had a great time seeing ‘Aquaman’ in BTX. Dolby Vision trailer is the same. Great sound and visual effects. For the $10 bargain Tues price, it is a bargain. Better than paying $18 for IMAX-lite and you still get Atmos. I have to admit, the still pics of Aquaman didn’t do much for me having grown up with the cartoons. Of course, this is probably the way with pretty much all of the Marvel and DC Comic movie adaptations. Wasn’t until Donner’s Superman, that that mold was broken.
Ordered a $13 pizza thinking it was a huge..Costco-like big slice, but it was enough for 2 or 3! Its more of a flat bread pizza like CA Pizza Kitchen. I wish they had a drink order option at the kiosk, they don’t. Delivery service is friendly, but they don’t think to give you napkins. Should have worn long sleeves tonight.. :)
I caught Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom here, as usual in the very nice BTX auditorium. Being Discount Tuesday, the $7 admission price is excellent. Fortunately, the self service kiosks were running correctly but the seat selection part took a few attempts to take hold. I took advantage of the concession food offering of hot Mozzarella sticks at $6 only because it was the cheapest offering. Why they don’t offer the traditional popcorn/soda/candy items for seat delivery is a mystery.
This time around there was an usher who asked if help was needed to find a seat. Didn’t need it, so it was declined. The plaque at the entrance to the auditorium indicates a 232 seat capacity. This amounts to..I’m guessing 1/3 of what the original capacity probably was with the regular seats in the beginning.
Previews had already started with what appeared to be curtains bunched up on either side of the screen. Not sure if the place now has curtains in use and I forgot to stay after to see if they closed after the movie ended. Will have to arrive much earlier to find out next time.
Movie presentation was excellent as usual. The Atmos trailer is the outer space one that mimics the Star Destroyer sound effect, from the first Star Wars, starting from behind and overhead. Very nice. The movie scene that composes the T Rex head shot and roar brought back memories of the same horrific roar in the original 1994 Jurassic Park at the Hollywood Loews Cineplex in the large DTS/THX auditorium…just loud, crystal digitally clear rumbling sound.
My six piece Mozzerella stick order arrived about 10 minutes into the movie. The guy just laid them at my tray, didn’t say a word. No napkins either. But, they were some of the crispiest, non greasy sticks I’ve ever had. I wonder if they used an air fryer for them. Definitely, will consider ordering them in the future. The other offerings get into the $10 price range, but for $7 all day admission Tuesdays, they look a little more palatable. I wish they had better drink offerings like smoothies and coffee drinks.
I saw Star Wars: The Last Jedi in the BTX theater buying tickets online. I’m disappointed they don’t waive the online fee like AMC does. The nice thing about the reserved seating is to choose the best seats as opposed to going early and taking your chances. The seats chosen were in decent shape unlike some other venues with similar recliners.
The $19 per price is hard to swallow given the fact the screen appears to be the same size not even AMC IMAX-lite or Cinemark XD sized. Upon entering we received 3D glasses even though the show was listed as non-3D.
Movie started and then broke down twice at about the same mark when Poe starts his attack on the Star Destroyer. Upon the reboot, the 3D kicked in. Then the movie cut off the frame at the top, which brought laughter to some in the audience. Eventually, the picture got corrected. Sound was excellent, especially the surrounds when Kylo and Rey were doing their force communicating. Nice Visual FX for the most part but the Red Guards of Snoke’s looked too video game-ish. Smoke himself, his head looked like an undercooked oatmeal cookie with the crack on top. John Williams score mixing new and the familiar; Luke and Leia’s theme, especially brought back that nostalgia feeling not heard since Return of the Jedi. On top of that is the resonance of the orchestral score..assumably with the London Symphony..quite epic. :)
Their upscale concession fare is now available. They had people distributing the menu cards. Maybe next time, I’ll give it a try.
Saw Blade Runner 2049 in the awesome BTX Atmos Dolby Cinema #1. Excellent presentation with some very strong sound booms and other sound fx from the newer spinner cars to the bullet hits. The original opening listings had partial 3D showings but there are none now. The move opening music drum or sound effect was so strong that the jerks in my row stopped talking. :)
In buying my ticket, they blocked out many seats and tried to assign me a seat. Ridiculous! I ended up sitting too far up. It wasn’t bad as the film was still immersive but the paneling they put up to obscure the seats below lines up to the screen sight line. Again, the D Atmos trailer plays off the screen. I bought a refreshment item to be picked up in the express lane. Just as I was approaching, the lady decided to leave. Great. Waited..waited..got frustrated and went to the other end. I was about to explode but kept my cool. I should’ve just cancelled the sale as it was overpriced anyway. Remodeling efforts still continue.
I hope to catch the movie again in 3D before it goes.
I saw the Kingsman sequel in 2D BTX #1. The theater renovation seems complete. It is a Dolby Cinema venue with Atmos. They played the Atmos trailer, which I have never seen before. It starts on earth and progresses to outer space showcasing various theater sound effects heard side to side, front to rear and up. Very cool, BUT the Dolby Atmos letters played OFF the bottom of the screen :P
What is surprising to notice about their best auditorium is the fact the left entrance is now sealed off. I had thought the last time I was there they were recarpeting and putting in new doors. If the house is packed and there’s a mass evacuation, you’ve got only the right entrance and the front right exit and upper level door. Not a good thing. There’s going to be too much congestion if there’s a rushed exit. I suspect it passed firecode inspections as it stands now.
Movie was very good, as good as or better than the original. Cool visual FX. Although, the British accent on the lead character sometimes seemed muddied, the rest of the cast was effective. Halle Barry seems out of place, with her soft voice and no accent.
The rest of the venue is still being worked on. The right two hall auditoriums are the last to be refitted. I suspect they’ll be done within the month or so. A curious construction piece is a curved glass enclosure that looks more like an exhibit-type enclosure with outlets. Previously, the space was a second concessions stand.
Looking forward to the Blade Runner 2049 opening here this week.
VFX= Visual Effects, Howard. You’re right about it not being filmed in 65mm. What I was trying to say is that the Visual Effects Supervisor, Doug Trumbull, was known to film visual effects in 65mm. 2001, this film, Star Trek and Blade Runner’s VFX were shot in 65mm..done by Trumbull.
I was thinking about seeing the CE3K rerelease at the Uptown but judging by the posts, the venue isn’t what it used to be nowadays. :(
JodarMovieFan, what does VFX mean? Close Encounters original release was 35mm blown up to 70mm, not filmed in 65mm.
1 has reopened as a BTX auditorium. I was able to experience it today with the booking of the 40th anniversary release of Close Encounters. Even as I walked in, the place is still undergoing renovations the most being a new upgrade concessions area. The left entrance is still being worked on.
The auditorium appears to be the same size but I could swear the screen has a slight curvature to it now but am not sure. There are led-type lights attached to the speakers in the ceiling. The side speakers are turned in but angular facing the audience. I was thinking before they were just flat on the walls. The seats are the new faux leather recliners and the swing out enumerated trays. Very nice. Cup holders hold their largest drink. I know since I used it :P
They play the Dolby cinema trailer. No 7.1 sound trailer like #6. I’m guessing there wasn’t time. There wasn’t a BTX trailer though I don’t know if one exists. The sound is loud and booming, screen is clear with no artifacts. They played the Blade Runner 2049 trailer and it blows the AFIs 70mm version away. Jared Leto’s character looks more menacing in the 4K crispness but he’s too good looking to believe as the bad guy. Tuesday $10 prices is a bargain. As feared, the normal adult price is now $15 :P
The movie seemed squished. The spaceship didn’t look quite right because of the seemingly squeezed picture. John Williams score comes through stirringly but not modern day crisp. The soundtrack is clear no doubt but its as if you’re listening to an old fashioned LP. Having not seen it in its original release, I can’t say if its better now then it was then. I’ll defer to the comments of others who have seen it in 70mm in its original release. I’m wondering with the recent NEW films in 70mm, why they didn’t just re-release it in fresh 70mm prints. I could be wrong but since Trumbull filmed the VFX in 65mm, I’m thinking they may have transferred over to the actual 70mm release print instead of being blown up from 35mm.
Lastly, the THX plaque that proudly centered the entrance wall is down, hopefully temporarily, while they continue construction. :)
I caught ‘Birth of the Dragon’ in the remodeled #6. The new faux leather seats are quite comfortable though not as wide as Brandywine. They have numbered swing out trays for what I assume will be table side service. With the new seat installs, there is reduced capacity. The seats have that flip switch on the left that extends the foot rest. I’m just wondering how soon it will take for these seats get broken.
Unfortunately, it appears they didn’t do anything with the screen. With the decent sightline and raised floor level, one would think a larger, immersive screen would’ve sealed the deal even in this smaller auditorium. They played the Dolby 7.1 trailer but the sound didn’t seem as strong as before. Not sure if it was just a volume thing or the plusher, larger seats may be more sound absorptive?
The movie was quite good. I had missed seeing what I wanted to see but was pleasantly surprised how this movie turned out. The fighting styles show its influence on more recent flicks such as Star Wars and the Matrix series.
I saw Guardians of the Galaxy 2 in #9 during a matinee. Very good presentation and sound separation. This is one of the 3 formerly THX cert auditoriums.
They’ve begun upgrades to the left side of the theaters, starting with #1 the big THX house. Looking at the showtimes for the upcoming May blockbusters, it appears the remodeling will not be complete by the end of May. :( I was hoping to see Alien: Covenant in #1 but will probably see it in one of the IMAX-lite venues when it opens.
While the recliner seats are nice in any theater, over time, they will break due to use and abuse. I hope this isn’t a means to jack up admission prices. Ads tout future full food menus. Given the fact, the food court is just downstairs, I wonder about the wisdom of presumably overpriced food at the theater.
Caught Star Wars: Rogue One in #1 on a Tues matinee ($6!). Nothing special to report since this is a Star Wars flick and sound effects; explosions, music, dialog were first rate. Picture was sharp, non 3D. Need to see it in IMAX 3D. :)
They have reclining seats in the lobby to inform patrons of an impending remodel. I hope this does not mean a steep price increase. They need to make the screens bigger now. Maybe put in their version of IMAX by combining the end auditoriums.
The other night I saw the Madea Halloween movie in #1. The sound mix was terrific. At the start of the frat party scene, I could’ve sworn that the people to the left of me were chatting. I kept looking at them and they were silent. After listening more closely, it was the sound effect that the characters onscreen would be experiencing with people talking beyond a wall. The ‘ghostly’ sound effect of someone speaking could be heard rear left and then travel right. The best sound effect was the sudden ‘boom’ thunder clap during the scene when the lights went out. It was a 1-2-3 punch of surround sound multiple effect and deep bass boom for the thunder. After the ‘scare’ I began to think it could’ve been made better with a more thunderous crackle like the real thing.
I think this is the first or second time I’ve seen a Madea movie in the theater. It never really appealed to me much but after seeing the rotation of movies on cable, over the years, and the funny preview, it seemed worth a viewing. I think the frat boys were wrongly cast. They look more like 30something then late teen or early 20something fraternity brothers. Then there’s the preachy subject matter(s) that went too long, imho. As usual, the outtakes during the credits were funny and of the usual flubbed lines and ad libs. :)
I caught the latest Star Trek: Beyond the other week in #2. I missed opening weekend due to work commitments, the first time I’ve missed a Trek movie opening weekend ever..some 37 years. :P Since 2 was one of the original THX cert auditoriums, the experience was great. The 3D presentation didn’t seem to work right, not from a technical sense, but from the experience. Since a good portion of the movie takes place in a darkened destroyed Enterprise, whats the point of 3D?
Tonight, I saw the ‘Ben-Hur’ remake in #8. Though not a favorite auditorium, the sound and picture were excellent, if only the movie was better.
I can’t believe my drink cost about as much as my movie ticket. At least the concession stand person was friendly, the ticket taker was not. They may as well replace him with a robotic idiot to just tell me where my movie was going to show. That, I can see on my ticket.
I can remember 10 years ago the place was converted to digital projection. No spots, flickering or other film detractions today.
With the proliferation of self service kiosks, I can see the coming end of the traditional ticket booth. The kiosks are right there so there’s no need to go to the other end of the food court to buy your tickets.
After a long break, I’ve started going to the movies again. I saw Deadpool in #1, my favorite auditorium. Sound was great as the movie was in 7.1. The auditorium was surprisingly attracting FAMILIES. I know the R rated movies will allow kids with an adult, but there were a number of under 6 kids that I saw going up the stadium seats. Given the amount of violence, nudity and spicy language, what parent would have their young kids in tow to see this, other than the low $6 club price.
The new popcorn is quite good, if pricey. I like the cheesy one as opposed to the sweet sticky one.
I don’t know about the ‘family’ run blurb that they’re running. Customer Service still is lacking. You need better greeters, more REAL hellos and thank you for comings. Maybe they mean to say Bow Tie gives you that dysfunctional family experience. :)
Sadly, but predictably: no curtains.
Dot, that was my sentiment when I posted. As you know, film usually will have the scratches, shake and judder you describe. The thing is if it is handled properly, those things should be at a minimum. I am just wondering if they hired a professional projectionist or had one of the teen aged guys read a manual and ran the movie. :)
Did they use the curtain to open and close during the overture and intermission?