McHenry Downtown Theater

Some of the best things about our little town of McHenry are the local businesses. And if you've never experienced the McHenry Downtown Theater, you're missing one of the quaintest little theaters in the suburbs.

As I already mentioned, Randy, Bill, and I saw "Superman Returns" at the McHenry Downtown last night. I promised to talk a bit more about the theater itself, because I just love the "feeling" of the place. It's hidden right in the middle of downtown McHenry, just off the Fox River. It's a tiny, two-screen classic theater.

It re-opened in 2004 (I think) under new management. Because it was a cute local place, we started attending as often as we could. The prices are incredibly reasonable (for adults: $3.00 matinee, $5.00 evening). They offer free refils on all sizes of popcorn and drinks. They'll even fetch it for you, so you don't need to get up and miss the movie.

We eventually became acquainted with the manager there (a man named Scott, who looks a bit like a jovial Lex Luthor). He's a very friendly guy, who obviously has a great love of movies and of movie theaters. They have an Oscar Party every year. Last year, Scott started showing classic movies at midnight the first Friday night of every month. He started with The Godfather, and he said that he wasn't sure anyone would show up. Randy and I were the first customers that night. Eventually 20 other people joined us, and the Midnight Classics have continue to this day (he's showing "Raiders of the Lost Ark" next, on July 7th).

Last night was another fantastic experience. Because it's such a cute little place, there was quite the party atmosphere. Scott met us at the door and told us some good news: they'd recently purchased the McHenry Drive-In (another piece of local cinema history)! Somehow we started talking about visiting the projection room, and Scott offered to give us the tour after the movie.

Right before the movie started, the local manager (not Scott) came in and made a few announcements (the refill policy, and that he hoped we would enjoy the movie). Then, as they always do, he started the "trivia" contest. Basically they come up with three questions about the upcoming movie, and whoever answers correctly wins something (often candy from the concession stand). This time the three questions were, obviously, about Superman. I answered a question about: "Superman recently starred alongside which famous comedian in a series of commercials for American Express?" For my correct answer (Seinfeld), I won a copy of the original "Superman: The Movie" DVD! Hurray! (I gave it to the family behind us, since I already own it).

After the movie, Scott took us up to see the projection room. He talked about the process required to splice the film together from the reels the studio sends him. And he explained the process used to determine which previews to put before which movies... basically, he just decides, unless the studio gives explicit instructions. It helps that he's a geek at heart, because he decided to show us the new Spiderman 3 preview. He also gave us a glipse at the precarious walkway on the roof (required to change the marque). Then he talked about the new McHenry Riverwalk renovations, and how it will affect the theater. There are going to be some big changes around there in the next few years.

Going to the McHenry Downtown is about more than just seeing a great movie; it's a whole movie-going experience. Again, if you haven't been there, you're missing a fantastic time!