Article by Joe Sioufi - Located in the upscale River Oaks Shopping Center at the corner of West Gray and Shepherd, the River Oaks theater is one of Houston's last true movie palaces, having kept its beautifully ornate Art Deco interior since it opened its doors in November, 1939.
Address: 2009 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 - Tel: (713) 866-8881
Past Nominations:
Best Movie Theatre (2000, 2008, 2003) - HOUSTON PRESS
20 Cool Things About Houston (2006) - HOUSTON CHRONICLE
River Oaks Theatre Day Official Proclamation (November 6, 2006) - MAYOR BILL WHITE
Best Movie Theatre (2001) - INSIDE HOUSTON
AWARD for the Preservation of a Landmark Facility as a Unique and Special Venue for Art,
Vintage and Independently Produced Films (2001)- MUSEUM DISTRICT BUSINESS ALLIANCE
River Oaks Theatre Day Official Proclamation (March 26, 2000) -MAYOR LEE BROWN
Joe Sioufi
www.JoeSioufi.com
Comments
The theatre has some appeal due to it's proximity, it's selection of movies and sometimes shows and for it's history. But to call it the best movie theatre in Houston I would say is--at best a gross exaggeration.
The theatre is not just old and historical--it's dilapidated and unkempt. The hallways, the seats, the floor are littered with stains both of reckless people and of age. The movie houses reek of antiquity and stale food. The projection on the screen's quality makes my grandparent's old television look like HD.
I understand the importance culturally and historically of preserving this venue. And I do think it's "neat." But I've been enough times to know if I'm looking for an enjoyable movie experience, I'll be looking elsewhere.
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