Top 5 Theaters to Watch Harry Potter

The juggernaut of witchcraft and wizardry is back! Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince opened yesterday so it’s time to plan a trip to the movies for you, or the kids. We’ve chosen our top five Seattle area theaters to watch HPHBP, and you may be surprised at the list.

1. Bellevue Lincoln Square Cinemas: Yes, this is number one on our list for this round of HP films and here’s why—it’s the best place to watch HPHBP before July 29; since the Pacific Science Center IMAX (see number 2) theater won't be showcasing The Boy Who Lived until July 29, this is your best bet before then. With a ginormous screen, comfy seats and enough leg room to fit a family of four, this is a great theater to watch any flick year round. The screens at Lincoln Square Cinemas are not quite as big as the Seattle IMAX theatre, but they are truly impressive and come with good audio as well. (There is also an IMAX auditorium here by the way, that will be showing the 3D version.) Times and prices vary. Bellevue, 700 Bellevue Way NE; 425.450.9100; or buy tickets online.

2. Pacific Science Center IMAX: This was bumped from number one on our list solely because you can’t see the movie here before July 29, the release date of the 3D version (which includes 3D viewing in a few select scenes). The image and sound quality of an IMAX film is unbeatable, however, and for films that are best seen on a big screen—those with a big visual spectacle or lots of action—the IMAX theater is the champion, hands down. The screen is six stories high and eight stories wide. The seating here is engineered perfectly so there is no bad seat in the house. The screen, the sound, the seating—all combine to make you one with the story. The cherry on top is the festive atmosphere. Like Cinerama, this theater attracts people who like to dress in character. If you’re at a Star Trek movie expect to see some pointy ears and Academy uniforms in line (or on the staff); boys with round glasses and wands flock to Harry Potter films. You may not be part of the pointy-ear crowd, but you have to admit, they make the occasion more interesting. Times and prices vary. 200 2nd Ave N (Seattle Center); 206.443.4629; buy tickets online.

3. Meridian 16: OK, so it's a huge cineplex and doesn't have a lot of character, but this theater has a lot going for it. Stadium style seating with a decent pitch minimizes blocked views. For parents who won’t be attending the movie, this is an excellent place to drop off the kids and shop or dine during the movie. If the forecast calls for rain, this is one of the few places where you can stand in line inside. And let’s not forget the sweet subsidized parking nearby (Pacific Place), where evenings and weekends bring some of the cheapest parking downtown. Times and prices vary. 1501 7th Ave; 206.622.2434; or buy tickets online.

4. Columbia City Cinema: This theater dubs itself “Seattle’s coolest neighborhood theater” and it’s easy to see why. With its red carpet, dark woods and a sitting room that looks like an old living room in Wallingford, this theater evokes an old school charm (and possibly the Gryffindor common room) that takes you back in time. But it also has some modern appeal. Again, with the stadium seating and decent pitch. Forecast hot and sunny? Fear not, this aged building also has air conditioning. For food lovers, the most notable advantage may be its proximity to La Medusa and Tutta Bella. Their siren call will beckon with some of the best Sicilian food and Neapolitan style pizza around. If you skip dinner, however, this theater offers the best popcorn ever! It tastes just like you made it at home and is cheaper than the big theater prices. Times and prices vary. Columbia City, 4816 Rainier Ave. S; 206.721.3156; www.columbiacitycinema.com.

5. Majestic Bay Theatre: Though it lacks the gargantuan screens of the city centers, this Ballard neighborhood theater has a charm all its own and fits with the neighborhood’s Scandinavian history and flavor. The nautical-themed glasswork and design make you feel like you’re inside an upscale yacht, but without the seasickness and small bathrooms. Speaking of bathrooms—the women’s room has eight stalls (more than enough room for Moaning Myrtle)! On behalf of women everywhere—thank you, Majestic Bay Theatre! Times and prices vary. Ballard, 2044 NW Market Street; 206.781.2229; or buy tickets online.

Noticeably absent - Cinerama: Cinerama will not be showing Harry Potter this round. They’ve chosen to stick with (the disappointing) Transformers, and it’s their loss. What were they thinking?

On our wish list, though we know it won’t happen - The Big Picture in Belltown and Redmond: Wouldn't it be brilliant to watch a quidditch match on a big screen with a glass of wine or a martini?