Movies at Montgomery Mall

7101 Democracy Boulevard,
Bethesda, MD 20817

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Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on August 18, 2015 at 9:03 pm

The correct name of the architect of The Movies at Montgomery Mall is James Thomas Martino. It was one of his earliest projects, his practice having been established in 1983. The house was originally operated by K-B Theatres, opening on January 18, 1985, according to Robert K. Headley’s Motion Picture Exhibition in Washington, D.C.. The K-B chain went under in January, 1994, and this house was closed, but it was reopened in March of that year by Cineplex Odeon.

Scott Neff
Scott Neff on March 28, 2015 at 8:52 pm

I was just at this mall tonight and took a picture of the boarded up space where the theatre used to be. After peering through the cracks in the boarding, it looks like the theatre has been partially gutted and is being used for storage.

Giles
Giles on October 27, 2014 at 7:10 pm

from the video you provided thebrat it sounds that there are two auditoriums that can showcase 35mm presentations. I also like the fact that the representative states that the lighting is up to spec and in my opinion will supercede the crappy renovations that Landmark did to their downtown Bethesda location, which throws so much light from off the walls during the actual movie thus diminishing the pop and light from the screen itself.

Giles
Giles on October 27, 2014 at 3:06 pm

there are TWO Atmos systems – when the manager told me that – I think he noticed my jaw had dropped to the floor.

thebrat
thebrat on October 8, 2014 at 7:28 pm

One of the screens at the new Arclight may have Dolby Atmos. There is a video of an auditorium in the new complex, and it looks like it has room for five stage speakers, extra front surrounds, and overheads. Here is the video, starts at the 9 minute mark.

http://youtu.be/ezJCzbynvUE

Giles
Giles on January 29, 2014 at 8:37 pm

White Flint maybe losing it’s theaters, but actually the IPic theaters over at Mid Pike Plaza is now up and listed on their website: https://www.ipictheaters.com/ipic-locations.aspx no actual date, but it’s coming…

nextinline
nextinline on December 25, 2013 at 12:29 pm

This place unfortunately will close when Arclight opens. Silverspot pulled out of the deal so it looks like that’s not going to happen. Also it looks like White Flint is losing major tenants (Cheesecake Factory closed and moved to Montgomery Mall) and it appears that the theatre there will close at some point too.

JodarMovieFan
JodarMovieFan on April 29, 2013 at 7:23 am

I feel sorry for the people who currently operate this venue. They spent probably $50K for each digital projector..$150, plus more for the carpet and seating upgrades.

Maybe they should stay there and offer counter programming, or maybe second run movies at a discounted price and NOT close.

$5-$7 movies as opposed to $15 at the Arclight wouldn’t be too bad.

JodarMovieFan
JodarMovieFan on April 29, 2013 at 7:17 am

The expansion raises the issue of sufficient parking space. I used to work there for several years and parking is at a premium especially during the holidays. If you’ve got a 16 screen plex, with seating for a few thousand..where are they going to park if you don’t build a new garage?

On the other hand, it would be very nice to have an Arclight here where the presentations supposedly exceed THX standards. But..I’d be reluctant to pay more than $15 for regular fare. Then again, if its THAT good, I’ll have to drive there regularly since my friend is closer to that theater than to come to where I am. :P

Giles
Giles on April 28, 2013 at 10:24 pm

just the clarify the iPic theaters are opening up at Mid Pike Plaza (where the Toys R Us is) for some reason I was thinking White Flint ‘mall’. I’ve seen NO construction on the complex where the Silverspot cinemas are supposed to be. In terms of the Arclight there will be 16 screens and hopefully like the La Jolla theater have a specialty ‘wide-screen’ auditorium with Dolby Atmos sound(fingers crossed). As of February this year, there’s this new story and web video simulation of how the theater and the new food court will look: http://rockville.patch.com/articles/montgomery-mall-unveils-video-simulation-of-new-cinema-food-court

McFly
McFly on June 27, 2012 at 9:55 pm

Interesting, this is supposed to open at the same time:

http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2012/05/08/luxury-movie-theater-silverspot-headed.html?surround=etf&ana=e_article

Just an 1/8th of a mile away from the Mall. With I-Pic theaters building at White flint, it seems Bethesda will be swimming with new screens.

Giles
Giles on June 14, 2012 at 9:29 am

no, I mean when the new Arclight theaters open in 2014, is it replacing these auditoriums or will they exist in tandem of each other.

Giles
Giles on June 13, 2012 at 8:00 pm

so I’m confused, Arclight just announced that is opening it’s debut East Coast theater here at Montgomery Mall in 2014 – is this theater closing? are they building a larger adjunct theater? It’s all speculation at this point, since the news was made last week, but this exciting news since these auditoriums are on the antiquated side.

JodarMovieFan
JodarMovieFan on May 18, 2010 at 6:57 pm

The Wheaton ‘mall’ was originally Wheaton Plaza, an outdoor shopping center that was eventually ‘enclosed’ in the 80s (?). I do not recall if Montgomery Mall (Bethesda) was a single screen venue.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on May 18, 2010 at 4:50 pm

Wait I just had a thought. My Montgomery Mall was in Wheaton,MD. My screw up. Just didn’t see Bethesda,must be a popular name up there in Maryland.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on May 18, 2010 at 4:48 pm

I know this was a SINGLE screen unless there are two MONTGOMERY MALLS in that area. “WHO IS HARRY KELLERMAN? AND WHY IS HE SAYING THOSE TERRIBLE THINGS ABOUT ME?” what movie title and and it alone I know was playing there in the early 70’s.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on May 18, 2010 at 10:35 am

Wasn’t this a single screen in 1971?

JodarMovieFan
JodarMovieFan on May 18, 2010 at 7:40 am

I was at this mall yesterday (5-18-10) and the theater is closed for renovations.

JodarMovieFan
JodarMovieFan on March 25, 2009 at 10:32 pm

Shouldn’t the name of this be P&G Mongtomery Mall 3? Its listed that way on their website.

JodarMovieFan
JodarMovieFan on March 7, 2009 at 12:03 pm

The first and only time I’ve ever been this place was way back in 1986. It was run by KB at the time and was, yes, “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.” and it was shown in glorious 70mm. I believe the film had a wide opening in several 70mm venues in the area and I’d like to believe I caught all of them. #1 is probably the largest one as it had the 70mm movie here. The screen size wasn’t very large..I’m guessing it was less than 40 feet for sure..maybe 30? But the 6 track surrounds were there that I was expecting based on the masterful THX cert presentations at the then, newly opened, state-of-the-art National Amusement Arlington and Alexandria multi’s. I’m thinking this place may have showed the Untouchables here in 70mm, too after the Cinema had its run. Not sure though.

JackCoursey
JackCoursey on December 26, 2008 at 5:02 pm

Here is a 2008 photo of the P & G Cinemas.