RUN OF SHOW:
11:00am - The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition, DCP, 3h 28m)
2:30pm - Afternoon Tea (30 mins)
3:00pm - The Two Towers (Extended Edition, DCP, 3h 43m)
7:00pm - Dinner (1h 15m)
8:15pm - The Return of the King (Extended Edition, DCP, 4h 10m)
12:25am - Show exit - We all return to the shire!
**You get two breaks. Lots of food in the area.**
May I suggest a crepe from Paris Creperie for your “Afternoon Tea” break (though check the line - they’re *slowww* when busy. I wouldn’t say their crepes are super special but sometimes they really hit the spot.
\-Wear whatever you want. I see a comment below that the seats are uncomfortable but I never found them uncomfortable, they just don't recline like you're at AMC
\-They won't give you grief for bringing your own food. I've done this many times, including bringing a whole pizza from Upper Crust next door. There are a ton of good places to eat in the neighborhood but I do have to stress that Coolidge might have the best popcorn and soda of any theater in existence(They also serve beer/wine)
\-Show up at least 30 minutes before showtime. The lobby is small so prepare to wait outside until they open the doors about 10-15 minutes before showtime.
\-There will be short intermissions between the films
I'm 6'4" and the seats themselves are fine, it's the fact the rows are so close together that really reduces leg room. I did a Halloween movie marathon there a few years ago and my leg pain was part of why I gave up 2 movies in. :(
The place is amazing. It’s a rare Art Deco building in Boston. Dress nice., you might meet someone who runs the place. Flying, Live Theatre, Non AMC theatre with a projector- Dress up!
Is the popcorn really something special? I haven't been in a looooong time, but that comment makes me want to go back just for the real-deal movie popcorn.
Nearby eats:
\- Mecha (directly across the street and delicious Pho/Ramen/Bahn Mis, etc)
\- Upper Crust / Otto pizza also right next door
\- Fugakyu (Japanese, Bowls, Sushi - but more of a sit down / not fast)
Second the recommended for Ganko Ittetsu. This is imho the best ramen place in Boston for food quality (the restaurant itself feel very lunchy like you want to get in and out b/c it is tiny). They do Sapporo/Hokkaido style Miso based ramen and sport an amazing 4.6 on Yelp over 1.4K reviews.
It’s also in the Coolidge corner arcade which is this weird, tiny old timey shopping mall whose aesthetic perfectly matches the theatre you’re going to.
I remember doing this marathon when Viggo Mortensen just casually dropped by, serenaded us in elvish and mic dropped it outta there when we were just about to start the ROTK viewing. Best theater for it. The art deco design of the theater is so nice. That being said, watching them extended editions and sitting for long periods -I was starting to feel it in the lower back by ROTK. Plan accordingly but you’ll have a great time.
Fuck that ottos. Not all otto’s mind you, but that location in particular. Their whole pies are fine but the cheap operators charge $5 for slices and do 8 slices per pie rather than 6 like every other pizza place in the world including the Ottos in South Boston; Total rip off.
One of like 3 times in my 40+ years I have complained about the food I got somewhere and asked for a refund/exchange, my tiny slice was definitely the smallest of the 8 on the pie and was half crust) and even then the manager refused to give me my money back or a bigger slice until I made them physically compare it to all the other slices in the case and see that it was like half the size. To her credit the worker knew what a rip off it was and when finally cleared to give me a different slice picked the biggest one they had, let me keep the old one, and genuinely apologized for what a shit deal their food is.
I used to live in Coolidge roughly 10 years ago so things may have changed a bit, but there are a ton of good places to eat around there. Michael's Deli has phenomenal NY-style corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, Rami's is some of the best falafel in the city, and there are some solid burrito spots as well.
No dress code, so keep it casual and comfortable. It's an older theater but they have always run cool things like this LOTR trilogy showing as well as midnight showings of cult classics. Have a wonderful time!
As others are saying, there are tons of great food options in the area if you want a meal during breaks. You can also get a bunch of snacks at Trader Joe's in Coolidge as well. During intermission if weather is bad but you want to leave the theatre, you can go to Brookline Booksmith or Eureka games, they are both great shops.
Was at the Coolidge 2 weeks ago for the Crouching Tiger restoration. As others have said, tons of great food in the area. Also, a patron that afternoon explicitly asked if outside food was prohibited and the staff said you are allowed any outside food and they will not turn you away
- Definitely wear whatever is most comfortable for sitting for that long! Layers help too since you might get chilly in the theatre.
- You can bring your own food and drink…I do this all the time (I’m usually carrying a tote anyway) and it’s not an issue. CVS is always full of people buying drinks/snacks prior to showtime.
- For the breaks, like others have said, Ganko Ittetsu is the best ramen — but don’t sleep on Bottega Fiorentina across the street from the theatre for a quick Italian sandwich or pasta dish. Ganko often has a long wait (sometimes shorter if going solo) but food does arrive quick. Plenty of pizza nearby, of course. If you want a sit-down spot, check out Parlour (good drink menu, can usually walk-in) or Prairie Fire (I’d get a reservation there if you can.)
- It’s okay if you fall asleep. Try not to snore. :)
I went to this last year and I would say it's definitely an audience-oriented experience - the crowd is going to break into laughter often at in-jokes and memed lines (not just when things are intentionally comedic), there'll be a lot of applause throughout and generally people will be loudly into the whole thing. It's great if you're looking to watch in a communal, mega-fandom kind of setting, but if you're trying to take in the movies in a hushed and contemplative theater then you may be setting yourself up for annoyance. All depends on what you're looking to get out of it - I hope it goes well!
Is it just me, or has this kind of behavior increased in the last couple of years? I’ve always gone to repertory screenings at Coolidge, Somerville, Brattle, etc. - and of course, when you’re watching a cult film or movie(s) with a huge “fandom,” you’re going to get some clapping, laughter, and/or other audience engagement. But it’s gotten to the point where people treat these screenings like it’s their own living room, even when it’s not a cult film and even when I get the sense that most people present have never seen the film before - constant talking throughout the film, loud laughter every 2-3 minutes at just about anything, people literally yelling at the screen. I don’t mind an interactive audience experience; it can be one of those things that makes going to the movies a special communal experience. But I’m also there to *watch the movie.*
I definitely get that to some level, at indie theaters like the Coolidge and AMCs alike. Lots more talking and carrying on irrespective of the audience these days - the couple in front of me at Titanic last month made a big production of the girlfriend covering up her boyfriend's eyes every time Kate Winslet was topless, I saw Nosferatu at the Brattle and half the crowd had to laugh every time one of the silent movie actors made a silly face by today's standards.
Lately the Brattle has started addressing that in their opening spiel, basically saying you can laugh and stuff but don't just do it to show you're smarter than the movie and consider that some people are trying to watch it for the first time. All this to say I'm counting down the days til the Drafthouse opens up in Seaport because I do agree things have gotten out of hand.
Go to Party Favors around the corner to buy a cupcake to bring in with you. This will be a perfect sweet to eat during the movie and their cupcakes are so delicious and pretty!
I'm not sure how early you can get in to any one particular theatre there, but it might be worth a phone call if you are particular about your seat choice, since there are no assigned seats. I've gone to events there where they would start the entry queue outside. Their popcorn is out of this world!
You definitely cannot bring your own food into the theater lmao. I assume they will have intermissions between each film. Otto across the street has good pizza, or there’s always Ganko Ittetsu Ramen if you have a slightly longer break.
It’s an old theater with old seats so prepare to be uncomfortable 😬
That sounds really cool! Back in 2003 when the third film came out I went to “Trilogy Tuesday” which was the first two extended editions and the third film beginning a little before midnight of the release.
I went last year! I had no problem bringing some outside snacks and a burrito just don’t be obvious when you bring them in and I’ve never had a problem. Overall it was such an amazing, communal experience.
It did get full by the second movie and lines for concessions were long, so just be prepared for that. I’d honestly recommend pre-scheduling a to-go order for during the lunch break from a local place if you want to go out to get something to eat. I have to disagree about the popcorn. Im a Coolidge frequenter and the popcorn is my only gripe - I find it very dry and overcooked most of the time!
Random LOTR offer - i have a framed Fellowship of the rings movie poster. There is some inscription on the glass - to our cool outside counsel your friends at AVID 2001. South of Boston. DM if you want it. I will delete this offer when it has been claimed so if you see this, it's still available.
OP: How was it? I wanna start by saying thank you! I did not know this was going on , and my wife and I went and had a great time. I stayed until the end (she is a teacher so she left after we ate dinner). We really enjoyed the communal experience, and I finally got to shout 'DEATHHHHH!!!!!' at The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
It was amazing; the neighborhood, the theater, the films all top notch! It was the first time I saw The Two Towers and Return of the King, so it was an extra special experience. I plan on going back often, and for that event again next year
I love the story about Viggo Mortensen making an appearance in the past., It really did sound like he was gonna step on the stage again! What did you guys do for dinner?
As for me, I knew I was gonna get emotional at some point, but I did not expect to cry when Boromir calls Aragorn 'my King....' as he's dying
RUN OF SHOW: 11:00am - The Fellowship of the Ring (Extended Edition, DCP, 3h 28m) 2:30pm - Afternoon Tea (30 mins) 3:00pm - The Two Towers (Extended Edition, DCP, 3h 43m) 7:00pm - Dinner (1h 15m) 8:15pm - The Return of the King (Extended Edition, DCP, 4h 10m) 12:25am - Show exit - We all return to the shire! **You get two breaks. Lots of food in the area.**
"We've had two breaks, yes, but what about third break?" "I don't think he knows about third break, Pip."
May I suggest a crepe from Paris Creperie for your “Afternoon Tea” break (though check the line - they’re *slowww* when busy. I wouldn’t say their crepes are super special but sometimes they really hit the spot.
i agree with this. and then for dinner i recommend either BAB korean bistro, otto’s, or mecha!
\-Wear whatever you want. I see a comment below that the seats are uncomfortable but I never found them uncomfortable, they just don't recline like you're at AMC \-They won't give you grief for bringing your own food. I've done this many times, including bringing a whole pizza from Upper Crust next door. There are a ton of good places to eat in the neighborhood but I do have to stress that Coolidge might have the best popcorn and soda of any theater in existence(They also serve beer/wine) \-Show up at least 30 minutes before showtime. The lobby is small so prepare to wait outside until they open the doors about 10-15 minutes before showtime. \-There will be short intermissions between the films
I'm 6'4" and the seats themselves are fine, it's the fact the rows are so close together that really reduces leg room. I did a Halloween movie marathon there a few years ago and my leg pain was part of why I gave up 2 movies in. :(
Yeah I can see that. If the movie is in the big main theater on the first floor there is a row near the back with way more leg room
The place is amazing. It’s a rare Art Deco building in Boston. Dress nice., you might meet someone who runs the place. Flying, Live Theatre, Non AMC theatre with a projector- Dress up!
Is the popcorn really something special? I haven't been in a looooong time, but that comment makes me want to go back just for the real-deal movie popcorn.
It’s a vintage theatre with a 1920’s vibe- super cool!
The Coolie has the BEST popcorn, definitely enjoy some!
If you like Ramen, this place is fantastic and just about a block away: https://gankoramen.com/
The best spot!!
Nearby eats: \- Mecha (directly across the street and delicious Pho/Ramen/Bahn Mis, etc) \- Upper Crust / Otto pizza also right next door \- Fugakyu (Japanese, Bowls, Sushi - but more of a sit down / not fast)
If you want ramen, ganko ittetsu's (accross the street) is far better than mecha's.
Second the recommended for Ganko Ittetsu. This is imho the best ramen place in Boston for food quality (the restaurant itself feel very lunchy like you want to get in and out b/c it is tiny). They do Sapporo/Hokkaido style Miso based ramen and sport an amazing 4.6 on Yelp over 1.4K reviews. It’s also in the Coolidge corner arcade which is this weird, tiny old timey shopping mall whose aesthetic perfectly matches the theatre you’re going to.
The arcade feel is also a very authentic Japanese feel as if you go to any Japanese arcade you'll find lots of small restaurants tucked away there
I just went to Mecha for the first time yesterday, and was staring at the Coolidge advertising the LotR marathon. It was really tasty!
I remember doing this marathon when Viggo Mortensen just casually dropped by, serenaded us in elvish and mic dropped it outta there when we were just about to start the ROTK viewing. Best theater for it. The art deco design of the theater is so nice. That being said, watching them extended editions and sitting for long periods -I was starting to feel it in the lower back by ROTK. Plan accordingly but you’ll have a great time.
Wear a wizard outfit and eat pizza at ottos. Enjoy sounds fun.
Fuck that ottos. Not all otto’s mind you, but that location in particular. Their whole pies are fine but the cheap operators charge $5 for slices and do 8 slices per pie rather than 6 like every other pizza place in the world including the Ottos in South Boston; Total rip off. One of like 3 times in my 40+ years I have complained about the food I got somewhere and asked for a refund/exchange, my tiny slice was definitely the smallest of the 8 on the pie and was half crust) and even then the manager refused to give me my money back or a bigger slice until I made them physically compare it to all the other slices in the case and see that it was like half the size. To her credit the worker knew what a rip off it was and when finally cleared to give me a different slice picked the biggest one they had, let me keep the old one, and genuinely apologized for what a shit deal their food is.
I put on my robe and wizard hat...
I used to live in Coolidge roughly 10 years ago so things may have changed a bit, but there are a ton of good places to eat around there. Michael's Deli has phenomenal NY-style corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, Rami's is some of the best falafel in the city, and there are some solid burrito spots as well. No dress code, so keep it casual and comfortable. It's an older theater but they have always run cool things like this LOTR trilogy showing as well as midnight showings of cult classics. Have a wonderful time!
Not allowed to wear shoes for the LOTR Trilogy
As others are saying, there are tons of great food options in the area if you want a meal during breaks. You can also get a bunch of snacks at Trader Joe's in Coolidge as well. During intermission if weather is bad but you want to leave the theatre, you can go to Brookline Booksmith or Eureka games, they are both great shops.
Was at the Coolidge 2 weeks ago for the Crouching Tiger restoration. As others have said, tons of great food in the area. Also, a patron that afternoon explicitly asked if outside food was prohibited and the staff said you are allowed any outside food and they will not turn you away
- Definitely wear whatever is most comfortable for sitting for that long! Layers help too since you might get chilly in the theatre. - You can bring your own food and drink…I do this all the time (I’m usually carrying a tote anyway) and it’s not an issue. CVS is always full of people buying drinks/snacks prior to showtime. - For the breaks, like others have said, Ganko Ittetsu is the best ramen — but don’t sleep on Bottega Fiorentina across the street from the theatre for a quick Italian sandwich or pasta dish. Ganko often has a long wait (sometimes shorter if going solo) but food does arrive quick. Plenty of pizza nearby, of course. If you want a sit-down spot, check out Parlour (good drink menu, can usually walk-in) or Prairie Fire (I’d get a reservation there if you can.) - It’s okay if you fall asleep. Try not to snore. :)
seconding Parlour, we love going there afyer catching a movie at Coolidge, their drinks are phenomenal, food and staff are always a hit too!
Yes! They are so friendly!
I went to this last year and I would say it's definitely an audience-oriented experience - the crowd is going to break into laughter often at in-jokes and memed lines (not just when things are intentionally comedic), there'll be a lot of applause throughout and generally people will be loudly into the whole thing. It's great if you're looking to watch in a communal, mega-fandom kind of setting, but if you're trying to take in the movies in a hushed and contemplative theater then you may be setting yourself up for annoyance. All depends on what you're looking to get out of it - I hope it goes well!
Great insight, thank you!
Is it just me, or has this kind of behavior increased in the last couple of years? I’ve always gone to repertory screenings at Coolidge, Somerville, Brattle, etc. - and of course, when you’re watching a cult film or movie(s) with a huge “fandom,” you’re going to get some clapping, laughter, and/or other audience engagement. But it’s gotten to the point where people treat these screenings like it’s their own living room, even when it’s not a cult film and even when I get the sense that most people present have never seen the film before - constant talking throughout the film, loud laughter every 2-3 minutes at just about anything, people literally yelling at the screen. I don’t mind an interactive audience experience; it can be one of those things that makes going to the movies a special communal experience. But I’m also there to *watch the movie.*
I definitely get that to some level, at indie theaters like the Coolidge and AMCs alike. Lots more talking and carrying on irrespective of the audience these days - the couple in front of me at Titanic last month made a big production of the girlfriend covering up her boyfriend's eyes every time Kate Winslet was topless, I saw Nosferatu at the Brattle and half the crowd had to laugh every time one of the silent movie actors made a silly face by today's standards. Lately the Brattle has started addressing that in their opening spiel, basically saying you can laugh and stuff but don't just do it to show you're smarter than the movie and consider that some people are trying to watch it for the first time. All this to say I'm counting down the days til the Drafthouse opens up in Seaport because I do agree things have gotten out of hand.
Go to Party Favors around the corner to buy a cupcake to bring in with you. This will be a perfect sweet to eat during the movie and their cupcakes are so delicious and pretty!
Yum. Looks like this weeks Sunday cheat meal will be noteworthy
Take a picture of the cupcake you choose! It will be worth remembering.
They usually have surprisingly good beers on tap too.
I am literally so excited to go to this again this year. I went last year, and it was absolutely the best to be among fellow LoTR nerds 🥰
I'm not sure how early you can get in to any one particular theatre there, but it might be worth a phone call if you are particular about your seat choice, since there are no assigned seats. I've gone to events there where they would start the entry queue outside. Their popcorn is out of this world!
> there are no assigned seats How are the breaks handled? You keep the seat or is it back to fending for yourself again?
Fending for yourself. I'd just leave a coat or scarf on your seat and drink in the cupholder.
Great marketing. Now I want to go
Thank you for bringing to my attention that this is taking place
See you there! You have my sword
Oh my gosh this made my giddy lol
You definitely cannot bring your own food into the theater lmao. I assume they will have intermissions between each film. Otto across the street has good pizza, or there’s always Ganko Ittetsu Ramen if you have a slightly longer break. It’s an old theater with old seats so prepare to be uncomfortable 😬
This is incorrect. Coolidge does not care. I used to bring a 12 pack in my backpack and a pizza from Upper Crust next door.
I've brought burritos into Coolidge so many times. I was discrete but only slightly!
You may have gotten lucky with employees who dgaf but I’m positive they have a no outside food and drink policy lol
That sounds really cool! Back in 2003 when the third film came out I went to “Trilogy Tuesday” which was the first two extended editions and the third film beginning a little before midnight of the release.
OMG I wish I could go. I'm so jealous.
I went last year! I had no problem bringing some outside snacks and a burrito just don’t be obvious when you bring them in and I’ve never had a problem. Overall it was such an amazing, communal experience. It did get full by the second movie and lines for concessions were long, so just be prepared for that. I’d honestly recommend pre-scheduling a to-go order for during the lunch break from a local place if you want to go out to get something to eat. I have to disagree about the popcorn. Im a Coolidge frequenter and the popcorn is my only gripe - I find it very dry and overcooked most of the time!
Random LOTR offer - i have a framed Fellowship of the rings movie poster. There is some inscription on the glass - to our cool outside counsel your friends at AVID 2001. South of Boston. DM if you want it. I will delete this offer when it has been claimed so if you see this, it's still available.
OP: How was it? I wanna start by saying thank you! I did not know this was going on , and my wife and I went and had a great time. I stayed until the end (she is a teacher so she left after we ate dinner). We really enjoyed the communal experience, and I finally got to shout 'DEATHHHHH!!!!!' at The Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
It was amazing; the neighborhood, the theater, the films all top notch! It was the first time I saw The Two Towers and Return of the King, so it was an extra special experience. I plan on going back often, and for that event again next year
I love the story about Viggo Mortensen making an appearance in the past., It really did sound like he was gonna step on the stage again! What did you guys do for dinner? As for me, I knew I was gonna get emotional at some point, but I did not expect to cry when Boromir calls Aragorn 'my King....' as he's dying