My Family Just Discovered the Best Movie Experience in Billings

There's been some drama on local Billings social media chatter pages lately about movie theaters. Specifically regarding the mega-chain theater with 14 giant screens in Shiloh Crossing.

We don't know the factual reasons why this relatively new theater complex is temporarily closed because of an "outage", but moviegoers in Billings have been sharing lackluster experiences about the movie house for weeks now on Facebook, mentioning filthy restrooms, limited soda flavors, no straws, no lids, extremely long lines from understaffing, etc.

Check out another awesome theater in Billings.

The theater business is certainly a challenge, perhaps more so over the last decade as huge TVs have become cheap, and streaming films at home is so attractive for many movie buffs.

I do hope that the mega theater on the West End gets things straightened out.  However, there's at least one awesome theater in Billings that has it figured out.  Arthouse Cinema. 

Our Art House movie outing was a fantastic experience.

My family of four rarely goes to the movie theater. Barbie was the most recent. But we were swept up in the yearlong hype of Wicked; a film that screams, "Must see on the big screen!"

A recent expansion made Art House twice as nice.

Art House Cinema has been open since 2015, and I'm somewhat embarrassed to say this was our first visit. I can't believe we waited so long. Ticketing for Wicked was a breeze for our Friday 4 PM showing. We arrived early and parked right out front. Many of the moviegoers likely found convenient spots in the parking garage a block to the north.

Real butter, real glassware, and stainless steel popcorn bowls.

Doors opened and the line moved quickly through concessions. Smiling staff were pouring drinks, and serving popcorn, candy, and snacks. We thought it was fun that the popcorn is served in small, medium, or large stainless steel bowls (and waste-friendly).

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Beer and wine are served in glassware or cans, and sodas (just $2!) come in cold aluminum cans. On your way out of the theater, simply put your glassware and popcorn bowls in the appropriate bins and drop your pop cans in the recycling bin.

Can you see the latest films at Art House Cinema?

Yes, and no. With just two screens, you won't be able to see all of the latest releases at the same time at Art House. They often feature fun retro films, indie movies, and other, less-than-mass-appeal treats.

A more intimate movie experience, with food!

I would guesstimate the screen where we watched Wicked seats around 120 people. The back few rows of the theater feature high-top tables, a nice option for those who choose to order food from the on-site restaurant.

We didn't order food, because we had dinner plans later. During the 4 PM showing, the menu appeared to feature a handful of appetizers. When we were exiting and guests were lining up for the 7 PM show, the restaurant portion of Art House Cinema was full of patrons, and the expanded menu looked and smelled delightful. My spouse and I will be back soon for dinner and show.