On 16th St Mall at Tremont Place
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 454-9086
I saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button on 12/29 at 7:40 in Auditorium 6.
The screen was large, about 50-55 feet wide, with side masking. Projection was steady and bright.
The auditorium was sloped, with good sight lines.
Sound was good, with a wide front sound stage and deep bass...
However, at least one front speaker (right?) distorted during loud, high notes.
Auditorium 6
590 Downing Street at 6th
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 733-9939
8300 E. 49th Avenue
Denver, CO 80238
(720) 374-3118 532
Saw Quantum of Solace in the Cine Capri auditorium on 11/15/08 at 7:10pm
Five theatres operated by Harkins feature a "Cine Capri" auditorium, with a notably larger screen than the standard multiplex. Harkins is to be commended for building these auditoriums, and for doing an excellent job of promoting them. Their newspaper and internet listings always specify which film is on the Cine Capri screen.
Denver newspaper listings refer to the Northfield Cine Capri as "Colorado's Largest Screen." This seems to be a case of false advertising, as a 2005 press release indicates the screen is 70' x 30,' more than 10% smaller than the 78' wide screen at the Continental. Managers at the Northfield refused to provide any information about the screen size... almost as if they had something to hide. To my eye, the Cine Capri screen, while impressive, is not as big as the Continental's.
Nevertheless, the Cine Capri provided an excellent presentation, with a giant, immersive screen that puts most multiplexes to shame. The image was well framed, bright, rock-solid steady, and free of dirt or scratches. The focus may have been a tad soft, but that might also have been the film.
The soundtrack was loud, clear, and enveloping. No outside sound was audible.
Seating was comfortable and the audience was respectful.
On the down side, movie-goers were subjected to annoying pre-show ads.
Cine Capri Auditorium: Cinema Grade = B+
Saw Bolt in Auditorium 10 on 11/23 at 5pm in Disney Digital 3D.
There was a small mark on the screen right in the center. The image was dim, which was made worse by the dark glasses. Otherwise the image was well-framed and steady. Sound was satisfactory.
Auditorium 10: Cinema Grade = C+
5415 Landmark Place,
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(303) 352-1992
Review by Anonymous on 07/27/08:
I saw "Mamma Mia" on Sunday afternoon in Auditorium 5. The screen size wasn't the biggest I have experienced, but was passable. The presentation was good.
Sound was great, except for Pierce Brosnan's singing. OMG!
Due to the unexpected crowd, we sat further away from the screen than my husband usually lets me, but I still found the view acceptable. The audience was full of ABBA fans who enjoyed participating and clapping.
I am no theatre expert, but I am a sucker for a good night out and a great deal. For my $12 admission, I enjoyed free popcorn and a good sized fountain drink. I will be going back!
Cinema Grade = C+
2000 South Colorado Boulevard at I-25
Denver, CO 80222
(800) 326-3264 529
I saw The Dark Knight (IMAX) in Auditorium 9 at 9am on 07/27/08.
Watching The Dark Knight projected in IMAX is a thrilling experience. Christopher Nolan has created a real event with The Dark Knight (more details), and it works. Thanks to his efforts, the 35mm sequences look spectacular, and the IMAX sequences are overwhelming. The hard cuts from one sequence to another are barely noticable.
However, the UA Colorado Center's IMAX projection was painfully dim. The Dark Knight looked brighter in 35mm at AMC Flatiron Crossing 14, and that simply should not be the case.
Also, there were a half dozen small marks on the screen (or the projector lens?) that were distracting during bright scenes.
On the plus side:
The image was otherwise well projected: steady, focused, and clean. The sound was rich, expansive, engulfing, and loud (without being uncomfortable). The audience was respectfully quiet.
Prior to the show, there were no annoyiong slides or commericals. Instead, we were treated the The Dark Knight score. A manager came in at show time to welcome everyone and asked folks to slide toward the middle and turn off their cell phones. Bravo!
After the show, I spoke with a manager, and thanked her for the lack of advertisments and for the greeting. Then I politely complained that the image was far too dim and there were marks on the screen. I asked that they please get a new bulb or do something to address the problem. She listened politely but did not really seem eager to take action.
I have heard that the projection failed completely during a press screening a few weeks ago, and wonder if they are having problems with their equipment.
The UA Colorado Center is selling out all of its weekend and weeknight IMAX showings of The Dark Knight. Thousands of people are making the effort to see the film in IMAX, driving past other theatres with less crowded showings. Those movie-goers (and the film-makers) deserve that The Dark Knight be as bright and beautiful as possible.
Regal, PLEASE improve the brightness of your IMAX projection.
Auditorium 9: Cinema Grade = B-
36 W and Interlocken Loop
Broomfield, CO 80021
(303) 790-4AMC
Saw The Dark Knight at 2:30 on 07/18/08 in Auditorium 6.
Screen is about 50 feet wide and unfortunately features constant width masking (Scope films should always be bigger!) Projected 35mm image was rock solid and well focused but was unfortunately a little dim. AMC Flatiron - Put more light on the screen!
Sound was expansive and engaging, but not loud enough. I sometimes strained to make out the dialog. AMC Flatiron - Turn it up!
The auditorium as sloped all the way to the screen. Seats felt a bit small and rows were tight. There was a constant barrage of video advertising garbage before the film, but at least the volume was low for that as well.
Auditorium 6: Cinema Grade = B-
8300 E. 49th Avenue, Denver, CO 80238
(720)374-3118 533
Harkins Theatres
Review submitted by Douglas Monce of the Home Theater Forum on 09/13/07
The main auditorium, the CINE-CAPRI is officially the largest screen in CO. It is bigger than the more well known Continental, and it boasts a 30,000 watt surround system!
The seating is stadium, and the chairs are more comfortable than most of the other theaters in the area. The auditorium is HUGE and there is plenty of space between seats and rows.
The classic style gold curtain stays closed until the presentation starts, and there are no ads or commercials. After Harkins opening, it goes into the DOLBY DIGITAL trailer, and then right into the movie trailers, which they only show around 4, so it doesn't drag on like in most theaters.
I'm not sure if they are equipped with DTS or SDDS, because both times I was there they played the DD trailer. The sound is absolutely the best sound I've EVER heard in a movie theater. The dialogue is crisp and clear, the music sounds amazing, and the bass will knock you back a row or two, but only when they are needed. Too many times I've seen a movie where the bass was cranked so high it was unbearable. This is not the case here, as it only thumps you when it is supposed to. The surrounds are really enveloping. They are not too loud, not to soft, noticeable but not distracting.
The picture is top notch. It looks just incredible.
The staff is friendly, and the ushers wait until the last reel is COMPLETELY done before they come in!
Hands down best cinema experiences of my life.
Cinema Grade = B+
Comment from Jonesy: Bravo to Harkins for building giant "Cine-Capri" auditoriums at 5 of their locations, and for taking care to advertise which films are showing on the large screen!
14225 W. Colfax Ave.
Golden, CO 80401
303-278-1943
Fandango Page
Review by Jason Harbaugh from Home Theater Forum 04/08/07
(See also UA Colorado Mills Stadium 16, a sister theater across the street. Neither shows the same films. So new releases will be on one or the other.)
Across the street from the mall and the Stadium 16 theater sits the Stadium 12. It is slightly older and run by the same company, Regal Entertainment. This theater used to boast THX certification. Back when MI:2 was released I had never been more disappointed in a presentation before. A light in the ceiling stayed on for 20 minutes during the film that shined right into my seating area and the sound was playing in stereo instead of surround. I wrote a complaint to THX on their website and curiously enough, all of the theaters THX signs were missing a couple months later. They have cleaned up their act since then.
There are 2 screens that I try to watch films on at this theater and they are identical. Screen 8, and Screen 9. They are the two largest, with stadium seating and very good sound systems. Screen 6 and Screen 7 are slightly smaller, and most of the time take spillover from the films playing on 8 or 9. Not my first choice, but they are better than most. The rest of the screens are tiny multiplex screens that I would avoid.
Stadium seating is the theme here as well. The seats are starting to get worn, are short, and have fixed arm rests. Not as comfortable as the Stadium 16. The tiers aren't as steep, but you shouldn't have anyone blocking your view.
Smaller lobby with concessions and a few games . There are consessions outside of screen 8 and 9, but it is only open during the weekends or during popular screenings.
This theater plays the same 20 minute ad pack as the Stadium 16. The official trailers start at the time on your ticket.
I haven't had the same problems I did back when this theater claimed THX certified and I believe most of that has to do with new management. I feel comfortable knowing I will have a good time viewing a new release on any of the above mentioned screens at this theater.
Overall, these two theaters, under current management, are quite good and remain my first choice when checking out a new release.
Screen 8 & 9 Cinema Grade = B - (Adjusted after comments below)
UA Colorado Mills Stadium 16 & Giant Screen
14500 West Colfax Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80401
303-590-1630
Fandango Page
Review by Jason Harbaugh from Home Theater Forum 04/08/07
(See also West Village Stadium 12, a sister theater across the street. Neither shows the same films. So new releases will be on one or the other.)
This is the newer of the two theaters and was built along side the new Colorado Mills mall in Lakewood, Colorado. It is a large 16 screen theater with 3 very distinct screens that almost always guarantee a good time at the movies.
Screen 10, their biggest screen is the 70mm (Imax) screen. While they can play Imax features here, it isn't the same as a true dedicated Imax cinema. The screen is smaller, and they can't boast the same sound capabilities. Most new features play on this screen and it is a wonderful theater. I happened to see the very first film and screening ever in this particular theater. It was Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers. 100% packed house, the picture was gorgeous and the sound rocking. Needless to say, this theater had me at hello. The screen is a constant width, variable height. So 2.35:1 films will be smaller than 1.85:1, and then of course it opens up to its full height with Imax films. It is a very nice sized screen overall. The projector is quite bright and I have never had a complaint from anything I've seen there.
Screen 9 serves a dual purpose as it has a stage as well for kids productions. The screen in terms of 2.35 and 1.85 films is the same as the Imax screen. These two screens are their largest and what you want to see your movie on, with the exception of the 3rd recommended screen.
Their DLP screen is a tad smaller than screen 9 and 10, but the image quality is incredible. This screen is also possible of 3D.
All these screens have stadium seating from top to bottom. The seats are all tall with folding arm rests. Turn two seats into a cozy love seat with your date if you wish. No chance of anyone blocking your view as the stadium style seating is quite steep.
Sound quality is the same throughout most of the screens. I refuse to watch a film on the smaller screens so I can't compare them.
The lobby is quite large with games, customer service and of course concessions. Parking is available in the mall parking lot or in 4 story parking garage next to the theater.
20 minutes before the time on your ticket, an entertainment segments and commercials play. These range from trailers for tv and film, behind the scenes stuff, and other paid for ads. As soon as the ticket time hits, the official trailers start.
I can't think of a time where I was disappointed with the presentation of any film at this theater. Everything is in focus, sound levels are appropriate and the patrons are usually respectful. It is also one of the few theaters in town that will play catalog titles.
Overall, this is my number one choice for seeing a movie in the Denver metro area.
Screens 9 & 10 - Cinema Grade = B
I-25 and Hampden,
Denver, CO 80237
(303) 758-6732
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NOTE: The Giant Screen Auditorium will be closed beginning Monday 07/28/08 for renovations to the seating. The Giant Screen will reportedly be un-modified.
The Auditorium will re-opening in November. Tickets are currently on sale for Madagascar 2 on the Giant Screen and Quantum of Solace is booked as well.
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Jonesy: I saw Wall-E on 06/30/08 in Auditorium 5, the main house. The Continental proudly retains its Grade A status. The image was bright, clear, sharp, well-framed and HUGE. The sound was robust and immersive. I really was not aware of the presentation; I was lost in the film.
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Comment by Jouissance on 11/25/06:
This theater rocks!
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The main house at the Continental is the best auditorium I've found. The D150 screen is enormous (78'x35') and curves to envelop the viewer. It is equipped for all 3 digital sound formats and excellent sound reproduction. The presentation is usually excellent.
869 comfy recliners are set in wide rows. Seats are staggered and the auditorium features a gentle slope, ensuring great sight lines.
The Continental books appropriate big screen films, and runs a terrific revival series of past favorites on the giant screen (Wed PM & Sat AM). More info here: Giant Screen Flashback Series NOTE: The Flashback Features series is NOT on the big screen year round.
Waiting patrons are subjected to annoying slides and videos. The Continental would benefit from the use of its curtain.
The other auditoriums feature typical standard, mini-plex screens. Fortunately, newspaper, marquee, & internet sources always mention which film is on the big screen.
The Main House is not to be missed.
Main House:
Cinema Grade = A
Auditorium 9:
Current Grade: Cinema Grade = C - (report)
Old Grade: Cinema Grade = B (report)
