A casual glance at the dates of my posts will show quite clearly that I haven’t exactly been keeping up to date. As I review my posts, I realize that this lack of diligence has a bit of an inaccuracy. On July 26 2009 I posted that the future of the Art Theater in Champaign was in doubt. I can happily report that the Art is alive, well, thriving, and has been for some time. In January of 2010 Stanford Hess took over operation of the Art. The focus of art and foreign films remain the same with some upgrades to the whole experience. The first thing you will notice is the concessions have significantly improved. Yes, the popcorn is much better but what is more is that you can now wash it down with wine, beer, or liquor. The Art Theater is the only theater that offers alcohol. Along with this are, the aforementioned improved popcorn, Cookies and Brownies from Pekara Bakery, Hot Pretzels from Kim & Scott’s out of Chicago, Coffee, gourmet Hot Chocolate, and Tea. Fresh brewed Iced Tea, Water, and Fruit Juice is available along with you normal selection of movie snacks.
It’s not just the selection of concessions that has expanded. Besides an excellent selection of Art and Foreign films the Art now presents Friday and Saturday Late Night Movies and Wednesday Movie Club. The variety of films that you can see during the Late Night Movies is amazing. I recently got to see a 35mm print of The Evil Dead. For any follower of cult films you realize this is a rare opportunity at best. They offer a good selection of grindhouse films and cult favorites. The Art is truly back from the dead and let’s hope just as hard to kill as the Deadites.
Here's a link to The Art Theater's Website http://www.thecuart.com/
