Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema sign lights up again on Woodmont Avenue (Photos)

The vertical sign with pointing arrow directing patrons to the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema on Woodmont Avenue is now lit at night again. It was dark during the pandemic closure of the theater, and its eventual reopening. Alas, now the marquee has gone out, not displaying the current movie titles being shown at the theater. One upcoming and highly-anticipated title is displayed on a poster outside the theater, The Batman.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage showing at Bethesda Row Cinema, as comic book movie experiment continues

There is currently no mainstream cineplex in Bethesda, a rare phenomenon for a town of this size. The failure of the Montgomery County Council to mandate a replacement cineplex in the Apex Building Minor Master Plan Amendment - a power it held, but chose not to use - was compounded by the recent demise of both the ArcLight Cinemas at Montgomery Mall, and the closure of the AMC Mazza Gallerie. Now moviegoers in search of the latest blockbusters must travel afar - and those other towns and jurisdictions gain the dinner and shopping dollars Bethesda businesses lose in the process.

One occasional exception is the rare comic book film screening at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema, a new experiment since the closure of the Regal Cinemas Bethesda 10 at the Apex up the street. This has brought Wonder Woman, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to screens there so far. The experiment continues this weekend, with Venom: Let There Be Carnage. One reason may be that all three films feature actors who have appeared in films targeted to the sophisticated cinephile demographic.

The rest of the screens continue to show arthouse movies, the original focus of the two Landmark theaters in the D.C. area. One original element that hasn't been maintained is the lighted clock sign for the Bethesda Row Cinema; it remains dark over Mon Ami Gabi on Woodmont Avenue.

It will be interesting to see if the D.C. City Council presses for a replacement cineplex for the AMC when Mazza Gallerie and other adjacent buildings there are redeveloped in the coming years. A study early last decade showed that a mainstream cineplex showing blockbuster movies draws an additional 20,000 people to a neighborhood each weekend, who would otherwise go elsewhere.

Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema marquee lights up for first time in over a year

The marquee outside the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema was lit for the first time in over a year. Theatergoers were greeted by flatscreens sporting a "Welcome back" message, as they made their way to the lobby escalators to descend to the concessions and auditorium area. 

Landmark is operating under CinemaSafe coronavirus protocols. Masks are required under the Montgomery County indoor mask mandate. While Bethesda is one of the few towns of its size in America to not have a single mainstream cineplex, Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema at least gives movie buffs a chance to enjoy high-quality, arthouse films in the neighborhood in an upscale theater, after more than a year of dark screens.

VIDEO OF LANDMARK BETHESDA ROW CINEMA AFTER RENOVATION - EXCLUSIVE!

The Bethesda Row Cinema has reopened after a $1.6 million renovation. See the new bar, concessions, leather seating, automated ticket kiosks and more in this exclusive video! For photos and a review, visit my report from last night's Grand Reopening, posted earlier this morning.

KON-TIKI MOVIE REVIEW - BETHESDA ROW CINEMA

Kon-Tiki opens today in the Washington, D.C. area, exclusively at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

The Norwegian film is based on the true story of Thor Heyerdahl, an adventurous ethnographer who set out - literally - to prove Polynesia was settled by South American natives. Believing they used a raft, Heyerdahl attempted to duplicate their journey in 1947.

Directors Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg bring a Scandinavian simplicity and straightforwardness to the adventure - too simple, at times.

After an opening that gives you a sense of Heyerdahl's lifelong tendency to take risks, and maybe enjoy the attention that results, the movie races over 20 years into the future. One gets the sense that significant parts of this film ended up on the cutting-room floor.

There is little metaphor or symbolic imagery. Heyerdahl often has a eureka moment based not on his research, but on convenient, offhand remarks by other characters. While an effective plot device, it reduces the complexity of the protagonist.

And it's hard to sympathize with Heyerdahl, in this portrayal. Why is a married father leaving his family to sail on a "suicide" mission?

Taking a raft on the high seas - with a crew including an engineer-refrigerator salesman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Conan O'Brien sidekick Andy Richter - brings predictable results. What could possibly go wrong? What you might imagine often does in this movie. Filmgoers with shark phobias would be wise to skip this story.

The cast does a competent, effective job, and the natural scenery is spectacular. This won't end up on your personal Top 10 list. But you can be sure it will end up on a lot of high school and college course required-viewing lists.

If you enjoy adventures on the high-seas or historical films, Kon-Tiki is definitely worth your time. But the lack of depth will leave fans of directors like Christopher Nolan and Guillermo del Toro with little to debate afterward.

Rating: ***

PG-13
118 minutes

LANDMARK BETHESDA ROW CINEMA REOPENS AFTER $1.6 MILLION RENOVATION (PHOTOS)

The Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema officially reopens today, after a massive, $1.6 million renovation inside and out.

Last night, the theater held a VIP reception to mark the grand reopening. The new bar/concessions area did live up to the designs promised in renderings before the theater closed.  However, the "shimmering screen" that hangs above is more subtle than you might have expected.

Speaking of concessions, the new bar is nicely-designed to accommodate a crowd. The bartenders - or at least, the bartender who made my drink - know how to mix drinks properly. I had the Signature Cocktail, the Bethesda Row Fizz. This consisted of Buillet Bourbon, ginger ale, Cointreau and a fresh - organic! - navel orange slice. Quite refreshing.

They also had sliders, and catering by their neighbors, Mon Ami Gabi and Haagen-Dazs. The latter supplied ice-cream cupcakes designed to resemble popcorn bags, with real popcorn on top.

I took the opportunity to test the seating, to find out which rows and seat numbers are the best. That's good to know, as all seating is now reserved. I also did a test run on the automatic ticketing machines in the lobby.  This I got on video, to show you it's so easy, a caveman can do it.

There was a screening of new film Kon-Tiki at 8:30, and I found the new screen to be pristine and error-free, which can't be said about other local theaters.

The popcorn was above average, but not life-changing. I got movie theater butter on mine.

One celebrity in attendance was legendary Washington movie critic Arch Campbell. It was an honor to meet him, after watching his reviews since I was a child. Arch said the renovated theater is a great addition to Bethesda Row, and he certainly knows movie theaters!

I can also report that the Phillips Crab Pretzel is still on the menu, as well as Phillips Crab Cakes.

The leather seating is the widest I've encountered in the region, and there was a wonderful "new car" aroma in the air.

Any issues? The air-conditioning could have been turned up a bit higher. And maybe I did subconsciously expect the Mark Cuban connection to score at least one movie star for last night's event. I was a little disappointed there weren't searchlights out front, as they used to be synonymous with movie premieres.

But, to paraphrase the hipsters, don't let perfect be the enemy of the great, as this makeover is great.

There's a full set of brand-new movies debuting today, with stars like Pierce Brosnan, Robert Redford and Kate Hudson. So give the new Cinema a spin while it's still got the new car smell!

More pics to come!

BETHESDA ROW CINEMA RENOVATION: NO EXPENSE SPARED, SAYS LANDMARK THEATRES CEO

The CEO and President of Landmark Theatres is excited about the renovations at the Bethesda Row Cinema - and wants you to know you should be, too.

Ted Mundorff says you'll notice the difference before you even reach the front doors.  “From the minute you approach the theatre and see our stunning new marquee," Mundorff said Tuesday, "our hope is that our guests notice the attention to detail in every facet of the theatre, and share our excitement as we begin a new chapter at the Bethesda Row."

Mundorff assures Bethesda cinephiles, "we have spared no expense to give our patrons the best movie-going experience in town."

The box office is now fully-automated, but there are no additional charges to order your tickets online, and print them out at home.

All seating is now reserved. New, luxury theaters at Westfield Montgomery Mall and Pike and Rose have promised reserved seating, but Bethesda Row Cinema will be the first area theater to actually offer it. It will be interesting to see how it works out. Reserved seating will require extra attention to cleaning, as patrons will be locked in to a specific seat. Should that seat have food and drinks, etc. spilled on it, for example, you will not be able to just move over one seat.

On the technical side, the new Bethesda Row Cinema will have Real 3D projection, new wall-to-wall screens, and all-new sound systems.

The centerpiece of the redesign, is the new bar/concession area with relaxing seating, modern design, and new menu offerings. Adult beverages will include local craft beers and movie-themed cocktails.

When the theater reopens next Friday, May 3, new films will include Academy Award nominee Kon-Tiki and arthouse movies with stars like Pierce Brosnan and Kate Hudson.

Given that The Great Gatsby is #3 on my personal Top 5 Novels of All Time list, I'm looking forward to the new movie adaptation, opening May 10 at Bethesda Row Cinema.

BETHESDA ROW CINEMA RENOVATION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

The famous, glowing blue Cinema sign atop the marquee of the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema has been removed.

Renovations continue inside and outside, including the construction of a new bar and cafe that will serve adult beverages.

The theater is scheduled to reopen in less than 20 days, on Friday, May 3.

LANDMARK BETHESDA ROW CINEMA CLOSED UNTIL MAY 3 FOR RENOVATIONS (PHOTOS)

The popular Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema has temporarily closed its doors for extensive renovations, and the construction of a new cafe/bar area. Alcohol will be served when the theater reopens, and it will be the first theater in Bethesda - and maybe the county - to offer reserved seating.

Bethesda Row's arthouse theater is scheduled to reopen May 3. While there's no good time to close, this is probably the only "off season" BRC has. The rest of the year is either summer, or Oscar season.

FIRST IMAGES OF FUTURE BETHESDA ROW CINEMA BAR AND CAFE (PHOTOS)

EXCLUSIVE!

Check out these very cool renderings of what the new bar and cafe area will look like at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

Click on the images to blow them up for the fine details. The renderings are very detailed, showing the sweeping, wraparound "shimmer screen" that will play off of the new pendant lights high above the space.

Wall sconces, high-end finishes, and lighted cabinetry will enhance the modern feel.  You can also see where TVs will be installed.

This is all in relation to the theater's acquisition of a liquor license, allowing beer, wine and spirits to be sold in this cafe, and at the bar.

I've included a photo of how the space looked yesterday, so you can compare it to the future design.

The new space, which the theater calls the "Bethesda Row Cafe," should be ready to go by the summer season at Bethesda Row.

I like the design, and the soon-to-be-realized concept proves the County Council doesn't get out in Bethesda very often. Last time I checked, we already are "hip" over here.

KRIS KRIMINAL? ROBBERY, ASSAULT ON CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA - BETHESDA CRIME REPORT

Criminals celebrated Christmas their own way in downtown Bethesda this year, and Santa Claus has some names on his Really Naughty list already for next December 25.

According to crime data, a robbery occurred Christmas Day in the 4900 block of Battery Lane.

An assault was also reported at the Bethesda Row Cinema, of all places. It's important to note that the address from which an assault is reported is not always the location at which the assault took place.  Remember, for example, the jogger who was assaulted on the Capital Crescent Trail; the crime was listed in data as having been reported from the nearby home where she sought help afterward.

LINCOLN BETHESDA ROW CINEMA EXCLUSIVE! TICKET LINKS AND SHOWTIMES

Steven Spielberg's epic Lincoln opens today in the Washington, D.C. area, exclusively at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.  Honest rexaminations of Lincoln's term can spur even Lincoln fans like myself to ponder his actions in office.  Some things he did certainly stretched the rules and principles of the Constitution.  But was that a time and a cause for which the ends truly justified the means?  Now there's a conversation starter for after-movie conversations over hot meals at Bethesda Row restaurants!

But first you need your tickets!

Click the showtime to order, these are sure to sell out tonight!

7:00 PM

8:00 PM

9:00 PM

9:30 PM

10:15 PM

LED ZEPPELIN CELEBRATION DAY WEDNESDAY AT BETHESDA ROW CINEMA!

"LED ZEPPELIN

WEDNESDAYS!"

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

If only the legendary Anton Fig were here to give that the proper audio announcement.

Led Zeppelin fans, you are in for a treat at Bethesda Row Cinema this Wednesday night:  the long awaited and much-discussed concert film of the band's 2007 concert at London's O2 Arena is showing in hi-definition digital, with audio you simply haven't heard on your old CDs at home.

There will be two screenings Wednesday night, at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM.

You could have dinner nearby, or enjoy the many options on the theater's hot concessions menu, including chicken fingers and the original Phillips Crab Pretzel.

Some interesting facts about the movie:

This was the first, only, and possibly last full-length Led Zeppelin concert since 1980.

20 million fans attempted to order tickets, but only 18,000 were able to obtain one!

Director Dick Carruthers used 14 cameras, capturing not only every angle, but incredible close-ups of Jimmy Page's fretwork.  If you ever wondered, "how did he play that," your question might be answered Wednesday night.

Have the best seat in the house Wednesday night at Bethesda Row:  tickets are $12.50.  Click on your preferred showtime to order:  6:30 PM or 9:00 PM

BETHESDA ROW CINEMA ADDING BEER, WINE AND LIQUOR TO MENU

ALCOHOL COULD

BE ON SALE

BEFORE HOLIDAYS

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive

Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema has applied for a Montgomery County license to sell beer, wine and spirits during its movies.  The movie theater's hearing is scheduled for November 15, at 9:30 AM.

Landmark's other Washington area theater, E Street Cinema, already offers alcohol at its concession stand.  Adding alcohol sales at Bethesda Row will almost certainly boost that theater's profits; as any restauranteur can tell you, most dining establishments take their biggest profits from liquor sales.

The move comes after a revamped concessions menu, including the delicious Phillips Crab Pretzel.  But the theater is referring to the new menu and adult beverage selections not as a "snack bar," but as the Bethesda Row Cafe.  Of course, regulars are already used to Landmark's more upscale concession and coffee offerings not usually found at the average cineplex.

What will be on the list?  Montgomery County's liquor regulations make it costlier and more challenging to put together beer and wine lists than in the District.  Having said that, there is little on E Street's list that I haven't already found in Bethesda.

As an example of what's coming to Bethesda Row, E Street is currently offering a "Scotchtober" tasting menu of scotches, bourbons and whiskeys.  They also have a Beer of the Month, which for October is Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale.  And DC Brau is on their beer list.  As an upscale touch, wines are available both by the glass and bottle.  Spirits range from Captain Morgan to fairly-affordable single malt scotches.

Fair warning:  prices will be higher here, due again to jurisdictional policies.

And Landmark will be checking your driver's license.

Is this a plus for you, or do you think alcohol will change the the currently staid atmosphere for the worse?  Leave your thoughts in a comment below.

Personally, I think the theatergoers at Bethesda Row Cinema tend to be mature - not so much in age, as more commonly, in behavior.  I can think of many times when intoxicated people have come from nearby establishments into the Regal Bethesda, so in-house Prohibition doesn't necessarily stop poor behavior.

But I'm definitely curious to hear people's reactions to serving alcohol at the theater.

RUBY RED TUESDAY AT BETHESDA ROW MEANS FREE STUFF FOR YOU!

Today is Ruby Red Tuesday at Bethesda Row.

Thanks to you being such a smart person - and thereby reading this blog - you'll be one of the few who knows how Ruby Red Tuesday can equal FREE stuff!

Just go to the box office at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

Wear red!

Show them you're wearing red, buy one or more tickets to Ruby Sparks, and say the password, "Ruby Red Tuesday."

Et voila, you'll get free Ruby Sparks mystery gifts.

Ruby Sparks is a romantic comedy about a writer whose dream girl character he invented suddenly appears in real life.

All kinds of quirky, arthouse, Bethesda Row Cinema-style antics and mayhem ensue.

And thanks to you reading this blog, you'll get free swag to boot!

HOT TICKET: BRIT MARLING TO APPEAR IN PERSON AT BETHESDA ROW

Actress and Co-writer of

Sound of My Voice to

Answer Questions After

Friday Night Screening

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

The celebrity appearances at Bethesda Row never end!  This Friday night, Brit Marling will be at Bethesda Row Cinema for a Q&A session following the 7:25 PM screening of her new movie, Sound of My Voice.

This is Georgetown alum Brit Marling, who is known as an actress/writer/producer/director/Sundance Festival It Girl.

Her first big movie release, Another Earth, also ran here at Bethesda Row last year, and I remember writing about it at the time.  Like Another Earth, Sound of My Voice is the kind of movie where you don't want to talk about it with others before going to it, because of the surprise twists and ending.  Or at least, that's the advance word.  But there will be much to discuss afterwards, if it is like Another Earth.  Marling's films, like Christopher Nolan's, don't define the meaning of everything for you; everyone will have their own interpretation of what happened.

So it could be a good date movie.  On the other hand, the trailer does make the film seem a little... weird.  If you think that might be a problem, better to go around the block to Regal for The Lucky One.  

But if it's a unique, unpredictable and intellectual movie you want, Sound of My Voice could fit the bill.  And it always makes for an enhanced and memorable movie or date night experience, when the actual movie star is in the house.

I'd recommend pre-theater dining at Bethesda Row.  Mon Ami Gabi is steps away from the theater.  Across the street, you have Raku and Tandoori Nights.  Further down the street on Woodmont Avenue, you have Mussel Bar, American Tap Room and Jaleo.  Or just grab what might be the best burger in downtown Bethesda, The Matiz at Kraze Burger.

Remember to allow extra time to find a parking space, as Lot 31 and 31A are now closed.

Does this sound like a plan for Friday night?  If so, CLICK HERE to buy your tickets for the 7:25 PM show Friday night in advance.

Until next time, save us the aisle seats.