The Wilma — Attraction in Missoula

Every time this otherwise beautiful theater brings a good film to show (fairly often), it is a tragedy. This is because their sound system is simply atrocious. Every film sounds as though they have put goose down blankets over the speakers (sound coming from the bottom of a well is another good albeit tired analogy). Either their technology is from the 17th century or the theater 's acoustics are simply not fit for contemporary film sound tracks. Good movies are ruined for the discerning viewer. Dialogue is boomy and incomprehensible. Music sounds like it is coming out of mono speakers from the 1950s. The smaller theater is somewhat better in this respect but still suffers from the same boomy, coming-out-of-a-well-ness that the big theater suffers from. I would recommend a blu-ray viewing of The Grand Budapest Hotel, for example, ANY day over traumatizing yourself with this theater's sound system and staining the experience of such a beautiful movie by seeing it at the Wilma. Sorry, Missoula, I know you love this theater and I do too. But you have to be weary of your tendency toward self-congratulation. I write this review in hopes that the powers that be will fix this glaring problem with our...

A beautiful and historic venue for films, concerts, and performances of all kinds right in the center of town. A nostalgic and glamorous recreation, the Wilma is worn but only in such a way as to give it personality. As for the events themselves' besides a wide range of concerts of every genre and degree of fame (from locals right on up to world-class touring artists) which are truly excellent, the Wilma also hosts various independent films and renowned festivals including the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.

For being so high-class and central, it shouldn't be surprising that it's also very expensive, with tickets selling fast and long lines getting in. As long as you are able to pull it off, though, everything will suddenly seem worth it in one of the countless awesome experiences held inside.

Look for the flashing sign on the building next to...

My family of 4 drove over 100 miles to see Nickel Creek. I paid for the expensive floor seats and got seats in row 5. During the warm-up band, people were standing in front of the stage so that by the time the main band started, a huge crowd filled the space between the stage and the front row seats forcing the first 10 rows or so to have to stand. When I went to complain to the manager in charge he basically raised his voice at me which I found deplorable. I and my family were then forced to abandon our seats and stand in the side isle in order to see which also had lots of people standing crowded. This allowance encourages a mob scene more indicative of a larger outdoor show and NOT what a family expects from higher priced seats for an indoor show. This is the last time I ever attend a show at the...