The Big Screen

There is a great selection of Academy Award nominated films out right now, but if you've seen them all, there are a few different movies & theaters you may be interested in checking out.

IMAX - Yeah, yeah, I know you're probably thinking, 'eh, big deal,' but they do actually have some amazing documentaries at some of the locations. Presently, at the California Science Center near USC, you can catch Wild Ocean 3-D or Sea Monsters 3-D. You can park for free behind the Coliseum (regular street parking) for up to 2 hours or drop about $8 to park in one of the lots. Parking enforcement is very strict about the 2 hour street parking zones, so I don't recommend you take a chance. http://www.imax.com/

EL CAPITAN - Okay, so this one is geared more towards kids, but I finally went last summer and I liked it. You can park across the street at Hollywood & Highland for up to 4 hours for just $2, just don't forget to validate your ticket at one of the Hollywood & Highland shops (the Nestle Cafe and Auntie Anne's Pretzels are probably your cheapest options if you're watching your wallet). http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/

FAIRFAX SILENT MOVIE THEATER - This one is interesting. 'Built in 1942 by John and Dorothy Hampton, The Silent Movie Theatre ran for decades as the only fully functioning silent movie theatre in the country. It has been fully restored to its original, vintage 1940s art deco design, along with a brand new screen and sound system, to help a new generation enjoy the pleasures of cinema in a beautiful theatre.'

Don't let the name fool you, it isn't just about silent movies at this theater. The theater has an obscure selection of movies on the calendar. If you're interested, they also offer various membership packages starting as low as $25 a month (and there is plenty of street parking available). http://www.silentmovietheatre.com/index.html

LAST REMAINING SEATS and CINESPIA CEMETERY SCREENINGS - These two unique "big screen" options are only available during the summer, so I'll be sure to write about them then.

SoCal Savings -
If you're thinking about going to Magic Mountain DON'T buy your tickets at the park! Instead buy them online and print them at home and you'll save $20 per ticket. Regular admission is $59.99 per adult, but if you plan ahead & get your tickets on the Six Flags website, you can get each adult ticket for only $39.99 and each child ticket for $29.99. For more info, visit: http://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/tickets/index.aspx