GRAND 22 Theatres — Attraction in Bismarck

Originally opened as a twin screen theatre November 16, 1984. On January 30, 1987 it became a triple screen theatre. On July 23, 1993 it became a 6-screen theatre. On March 16, 2001 it reopened after a complete renovation with three more screens. The grand lobby took on a Egyptian style appearance after the remodel with columns coming down into the concession stand and statues on each side of the box office and throughout the lobby. A lot of marble effect was used in the remodel throughout the theatre. Large artificial palm trees were placed throughout the lobby to add to the effect. The remodel made this theatre a real movie going experience. Sort of like the Golden Years of the movie palaces. Another three screens were added, and by 2013 it had a total of 23 screens. By 2015 it had 22 screens.

Contributed by Chuck Van Bibber

Gordon Bombay: “Y’all enjoy that? Okay, well so did they. Because they’re still three points up and we’re one period away from defeat.”

Jesse Hall interjects rudely: “Well if we can’t beat him we might as well keep our pride.”

Back to Gordon: “Jessie that’s not pride. Sure when Dwayne roped that big oaf part of me cheered. But guys I’ve been there. I know how you feel. I want to cream that jerk that busted my knee when I played in the minors. I really, really wanted to go after Stansson for that cheap shot. But you know what? My knee will heal. But if I become someone I’m not, if I sink to their level, well then I’ve lost more than my knee. You understand?

“We’re not goons, We’re not bullies. No matter what people say or do we have to be ourselves. You. Who are you?

Dean Portman: “Dean Portman”

Gordon: “From where?”

Dean: “Chicago, Illinois.”

Gordon: “You”

Guy Germaine: “Guy Germaine”

Gordon: “From where?”

Guy: “St. Paul, Minnesota”

Gordon: “You.”

Jesse: “Jessie Hall from Minneapolis Minnesota.”

Gordon: “Who are you?”

Julie Gaffney: “Julie Gaffney from Bangor, Maine.”

Luis Mendoza: “Luis Mendoza — Miami, Florida”

Greg Goldberg: “Greg Goldberg — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania”

Les Averman: “Les Averman — Brooklyn Park, Minnesota”

Fulton Reed: “Fulton Reed — Stillwater, Minnesota”

Russ Tyler: “Russ Tyler — South Central, Los Angeles”

Charlie Conway: “Charlie Conway — Minneapolis, Minnesota”

Ken Wu: “Ken Wu — San Francisco, California”

Connie Moreau: “Connie Moreau — Minneapolis, Minnesota”

Adam Banks: “Adam Banks, Edina, Minnesota”

Dwayne Robertson: “Dwayne Robertson — Austin, Texas”

Michele MacKay: “Michele Mackay — Duluth, Minnesota”

Gordon: “And I’m Gordon Bombay — Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“We’re Team USA, gathered from all across America, and we’re gonna stick together you know why?”

Jan: “Because we are Ducks. And Ducks Fly Together.”

Gordon: “That’s right. Just when you think they’re about to break apart, Ducks Fly Together.”

MacKay: “And when the wind blows hard and the sky is black, Ducks Fly Together.”

Dwayne: “When the roosters are crowing and the cows are spinnin’ in circles in the pasture…Ducks Fly Together”

Gordon: “And when everyone says it can’t be done, Ducks Fly Together”

It...

Lowered rating by one star as they had hid my review until recently

In Bismarck, ND there's really only two choices of Theaters, either Carmike or Grand.

Once upon a time they were both small theaters but eventually Grand started claiming showing exclusivity for key films and was able to grow and expand into the monopoly it is today.

The good about it? It takes a different approach in aesthetics and using a theme, egyptian in this case, in most cases it does this real well but most of the time the props they have are crudely made and the only well made props are in one location.

It also has one of the largest screens in Bismarck, but again being one of two theaters in the area (and the only one that can actually do expansion since it isn't built into a mall) you should take this with a grain of salt as very rarely will you actually be in their largest theater unless you go on specific days and like watching movies in 3D.

A common complain around here as well is the price, ticket prices are expensive, and the bread and butter of a theater is in concession sales and the cost of concessions is too damn high.

And this brings me to the most important point of my review, if you buy any concessions from Grand Theaters I have to warn you... Buy popcorn from the front, get either light butter or no butter, because they use some oil substitute that they pour on otherwise and numerous people I've known get sick after eating just a small popcorn during the movie (it's happened to myself a couple times as well) and any other window from the front gets left overs if you're going during matinee times. I wish it wasn't true but I've seen them empty out a garbage bag of popcorn into one of the back concession stands next to their largest screen. The drinks are also really watered down, from the tap and all the ice.

A good amount of the employees also harass customers for little reason, there are good ones, but the majority don't care about their jobs or helping you.

The lack of acceptance for credit cards is a real hassle as well and well they do have a on-site ATM the charge is $3.00 per transaction.

Cleanliness is hit or miss as well, in the larger screening rooms I've found left over popcorn pails, candy, drinks... everything basically on the floor yet. I guess it comes down to the employees again and some staff just not doing their job.

Overall, I can't recommend Grand Theaters and I prefer going to Carmike when Grand doesn't get...

This is how movies are meant to be seen. The Grand Theatre is homegrown, with humble origins, that has since become one of the best movie-viewing venues in the upper-Midwest. The whole venue is richly decorated in Egyptian motif. The many hallways and theaters are lined with movie memorabilia from days gone by and those still to come. However, the theaters, themselves, are where this place really shines. They are richly decorated, often with stunning light fixtures (one of the largest theaters even boasts a ceiling that imitates the night sky, complete with twinkling stars), fabric-covered walls, and comfortable seats. Each theater has a stage-curtain that swoops down and up between the trailers and the film, paying homage to the early days of film and reverencing the art of film making.

There are multiple concession stands dotted throughout the complex to ensure that lines don't get too long. Bathrooms are aplenty and the staff keeps them, the hallways, and theaters clean.

Grand Theatres now accepts major credit cards. One of the usual complaints levied against GT is that it used to be cash-only (although they offered an ATM just outside the ticketing queue). I just want to say it again for all the pusillanimous naysayers: THEY NOW ACCEPT MAJOR CREDIT CARDS.

The ticket prices are fair. The concessions are a little spendy, but, hey, it's the movies, and what you get in terms of overall experience is a bargain and well worth a little extra for your Raisinetes and Gummi-whatevers.

To put things simply, I always love going to this place and I couldn't recommend it enough to anyone who would listen. What a treasure...