But apparently all is not well in the land of discount movies and cheap beer. The Contra Costa County Times is reporting that the new Cerrito Theater is having some trouble trying to get movies. El Cerrito is considered the same ‘movie zone’ as Berkeley by major distributors. So, the Cerrito can’t show a movie if it is also playing at a theater in Berkeley.
The Cerrito already has an understanding with nearby theaters in Albany to not undercut them. But the troubles in Berkeley are getting a little ugly. In particular, Landmark Theater (of “we love independent and art films” fame) is pressuring theaters and distributors to delay movies before they can get to the Cerrito. Landmark has even threatened to pull bookings. Most recently, Landmark stopped the Cerrito from showing Volver because it’s still showing in Berkeley.
However, Volver is playing at the Parkway if you want to see it for cheap. ($9.25 at the Shattuck Cinema vs. $6 at the Parkway) So we’re kind of confused by the effectiveness of movie zoning.
It seems giant-Landmark is trying to make life difficult for the little guy. Is that why there aren’t any real independent movie houses in Berkeley, besides the PFA?
The Parkway and Cerrito, both housed in old renovated theaters, play recent releases at a discount, while also throwing in some eclectic choices as well. Like this week’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Cerrito.
Of course, the best part of both theaters is the full menu, including beer and wine. We can recall with hazy fondness our own first visit to the Parkway for Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle. In addition to big old comfy seats (without that scabies feel you get with the Red Vic’s seats), both theaters also feature ‘baby brigade’ nights where parents can bring their tiny ones to a movie without fear.
The Parkway and the Cerrito theaters are one of the better finds around these East Bay parts, so we’d hate to see the Cerrito run into problems just as it was getting off the ground. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang anyone?
By Jessie, contributing
