Metrograph — Movie Theater Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like? Located on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side, Metrograph is an independent movie house and a New York City cinema destination. When you walk in, you’ll notice that the decor is trendy, artsy, and has almost nothing in common with an AMC. You might overhear film buffs opining on French directors you never heard of, but hey, it’s all part of the charm. What kinds of events can we see here? Metrograph shows a curated roster of films that includes exclusive archival screenings, special premiers, and Q&As with notable filmmakers. A few of the films playing on the current lineup include The Wall , a 1990 documentary about the Berlin Wall with vérité-style footage; Bill Cunningham New York on 35mm film, introduced by director Richard Press and producer Philip Gefter; and the classic Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf , starrring Elizabeth Taylor. How are the seats? Metrograph has assigned seats, and to choose you have to book online. In person, tickets go on sale s half hour before showtime. The seats have red velvet cushions and are pretty comfortable. Good for kids? Well-behaved, mature kids with good attention spans are okay, but this venue is not at all tailored to kids. Anything in particular that makes this place special, from the programming to a unique feature it has? The theater has a legitimate restaurant on site called the Metrograph Commissary serving brunch and dinner, where movie-goers can extend their outing with a meal or a round of drinks. You won’t find your typical movie theater slushies here—espresso martinis, steak tartare, and duck with rosemary are on the menu. If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for? Best for: A singular can’t-get-it-anywhere-else movie experience; geeking out; rainy afternoons." - Alex Erdekian