Plaza Theater 4 — Attraction in Burlington

There is a certain charm in the small town movie theater, especially one as storied as the Plaza. It was split many years ago into two screens by dividing the length and then adding two more smaller screening rooms in the far back. They are all approximately in size what you find in a normal multiplex nowadays (but without the novelty stadium seating).

The main theater has exorbitantly comfy seats. The sound and projection quality is just fine (having switched to digital a few years back) -- perhaps not as good as a chain operation's super-tech set ups but that's fine.

The prices are slightly below the current standard; on premiere nights there is an extra charge but on a normal Saturday night the rate is a few dollars less than the chain and there is no worries of not getting a seat.

The lobby offerings are standard popcorn, candy and soda but there is also alcohol and the more challenging items like sliders. On certain nights, there is a full catering menu from a nearby restaurant offered and the main theaters have tables on the back rows. *On certain Friday nights, the main feature here is the Wisconsin fish fry.

Parking is available in a back lot as well as across the street and on the street. The Plaza occasionally has special features or parties, including a "drive-in" feature once during the summer where a classic movie is shown on a giant screen and your car speakers...

My husband and I recently moved to the area from Waukesha Co. and have been to a few shows at the Plaza. Last week, we went to see Unbroken and were surprised to see a delightful Emcee introduce the movie and talk about the theatre. That was such a great welcome! We returned with a group of campers from the area to watch the Packer playoff game. The theatre staff was so accommodating, delivering pizzas, setting up chairs in the aisles, sweeping up messes, and generally being as professional as it gets. Cudos to the guy in the concession stand...all I did was walk by and he offered to refill my popcorn! How great is that. By the way, all popcorn and soda refills are free. One of the young ushers took a group photo shot of our group. Thank you! The seats were as comfy as can be, the sound terrific. If you want to experience small town theatre at its best, go to the Plaza.

After posting this, I read other reviews..some saying the popcorn wasn't up to snuff. It IS theatre popcorn, it is made on site (not brought in in bags and dumped under the lights), and should be rated accordingly. I am a popcorn snob and thought this was above average under the circumstances. Was mine better at home, popped in an unseasoned pan with gobs of real butter? Absolutely, but the popcorn at the Plaza was hot, freshly popped and served with a smile. In my eyes, it doesn't get any better...

As far as small-town movie theaters go, you can do a lot worse. The Plaza has updated seating, and offers the normal selection of popcorn and candy, but also things like pizza and beer. The owners have been innovating over the years. There was the time maybe a decade ago when they opened a little coffee shop and bakery in the back, which didn't pan out in the end, but the Plaza is also good for community involvement - they advertise local businesses, show Packers games with free admission, and have various events. It's really nice to see theater owners who care about their town. But just go there for a movie and you won't be disappointed. Their chairs are comfy, and I have no complaints about the sound and picture quality. Note this isn't a mega-sized IMAX theater with massive screens, but they do have 2 big screens which the major blockbusters...