The Clairidge — Attraction in Montclair

We love that the Clairidge theater often has lesser-known films, foreign and indie films. And when you are seated in one of their larger theaters, it's mostly a good experience. BUT there is at least one theater within the Clairidge that is absurdly bad--the seating area is not very many rows deep, and is much too wide. If you don't get there among the very first patrons, you'll end up sitting MUCH too close to the screen or much to far to the right or left to really enjoy the film--it's vertigo-inducing to have to watch a film from such a distorting angle. It's extreme enough that I can't believe that anyone forced to sit in those areas is charged full-price. It's truly awful. On one occasion, my husband and I had to sit apart from each other, or sit in a spot together where neither of us could really see the screen well. I don't think we would do that again--we'd more likely ask for our money back. I can't imagine what possessed them to create a room so badly designed for viewing. Greed, maybe? I don't know. But they should have gone with one less viewing room, rather than force patrons to sit in that one. But again, the rest of their viewing rooms are fine and perfectly comfortable. They do get some very good...

The theatre is truly unique. As it’s owned by a nonprofit, all proceeds go to help many charitable programs such as student movies, acting classes, visual media training, mother’s and babies movie night, just to name a few. The theaters are small yet cozy. I would say the only negative is when someone leaves or comes into the movie theater screening room, let’s a lot of light in -it’s quite bright, which can be distracting. And the restrooms are very old and there is a plunger next to the toilets which let you know the situation. The popcorn is fresh. The surface is great. It’s a little bit of an issue coming into the theater as there’s a line to get in because every single persons ticket has to be scanned, which wouldn’t be an issue except for the fact that many people have not purchased a ticket and you have to wait for them. As a theater, I would actually rate them a three star but because this theater does so many good deeds I gave them four star. We need more theaters like this throughout the world. Go see a movie here. Enjoy the popcorn and know that you’re doing good for...

My wife and I have been members since the non profit took over operations and we couldn't be more pleased with how this has worked out. Going to the Clairidge brings us back to the neighborhood theater experience of yesteryear, totally different than going to a typical multiplex. While it doesn't have the stadium seating and only theater #6 has power recliners, the renovated seats they had installed last year are plenty comfortable and sight lines to the screen are more than adequate. We've seen plenty of movies that don't play widely in NJ and typically would only play in Manhattan. A great example is coming up shortly, seeing the Oscar nominated short films in all 3 categories, Live Action, Documentary and Animated. Seeing them enhances the viewing of the Oscar telecast. Give the theater a try and you'll be...