Cinema Paradiso @ Wanaka - Day 36
;)
There is a movie theatre in the little town of Wanaka with such a reputation, that it’s known as a must see in the area. Reservations are recommended. Being such a film fan, and feeling like I’ve been missing out just as my favourite time of the year for film was upon us, I had to go. Leaving Queenstown, I made a call for reservations and the wheels were in motion shortly thereafter. Really, I had to drive from Queenstown...
It’s Saturday night on January 2nd, 2010 and the film is Avatar. Arriving 30min early I soon realize why reservations are so important, as the film sold out hours earlier and there is already a line-up just to get in.
Now what makes this place so special that it’s such a hot spot in the area you ask? Well I say that’s a great question. First off let’s talk about what it’s not. It’s not the biggest theatre, with the best video or sound. What it has in abundance is character. It's like watching a movie in your buddy's giant garage. The theatre seating is comprised of 2nd hand couches, lay-z-boys, a couple of old theatre seats strewn about, and even a VW Beetle. In a throwback to the old days of film, there is an intermission at the ½ way point of each film for refreshments including drinks, freshly baked cookies, or even meals.;)
My Comfy Seat
In the line to get in, you can tell people are antsy. When the small door to the theatre opens, it’s a free-for-all to find the best seats. Near the end of the group, and not sure what to expect, I scramble for a piece of couch.
The film begins and all is well. No crappy trailers or commercials, just the movie. I’m living in a dream here compared to the 25min of ads and 25min of terrible trailers that I’m used to in most major theatres. All is well when right on cue, the movie stops and the lights come on. We all rush outside as the theatre is quite warm on this summer evening and the lasagne I had ordered earlier is waiting for me. I head back in minutes later with my dinner and the movie starts back up.
;)
VW seatsFilm aside (it was OK), this is all about the theatre. I’ve been to dozens of theatres over the years and no seat has been nearly as comfortable as the 2nd hand, well worn leather couch I sat in. This is a funky theatre, with food made on site, and a totally different vibe than the usual big box theatre near you that is normally killing cool theatres like this every day. In Wanaka this place not only survives, but flourishes. If we didn’t already have a pair of struggling independent theatres (Broadway & Roxy) back home in Saskatoon, I would be opening a place like this.
Going to Wanaka? You can find out the films and show times here. I’d recommend calling in advance for reservations as there is no cost for this and they just take your name. For the full experience I ordered lasagne for dinner, but it was bland so pass on the dinner options and opt for a freshly made cookie instead.
March 13, 2010 by Dustin Main in Journey | tagged Food, New Zealand, Reviews | 6 Comments | Email Article 
Reader Comments (6)
Too cool! Better yet, give the Broadway Theater this idea. I think it would do really well. You probably missed the cool thing The Roxy did for it's anniversary. They had the Saskatoon Symphony come in and had them play the live score for the silent film Metropolis. It was very cool!
Looks like a blast!
Corey
ps. Your dad told my mom who in turn told me about your blog. I leave on my trip from Saskatoon end of November.
Hey Corey,
I actually stumbled upon your website checking my site stats and referrals last night. TKS for the Bootsnall mention!
I did hear about the Roxy event, and I got my Mom to go in my place, even though it's not really her thing. We need more things like that happening in Stoon.
Nice work on the trip BTW, leaving a year plus a day after I started! Let me know if you have any pre-prep Q's. Small world :)
Sounds awesome, I'll be checking this place out when I get to Wanaka for sure!
Hey dude who is the girl?
Chad. :)
Polish Couchsurfing gal named Dasha I met up with in Christchurch. We traveled around the South island of NZ together for 6 weeks. She was smart enough to bring her camera to the theatre, else I wouldn't have any photos from there!
This looks great! If my NZ pushes through next year, then I will try my best to go. :)