January 2, 2011

I wanted to see “True Grit,” and a friend of mine recommended viewing it at the Ziegfeld in the Upper East Side. It was an awesome experience. The theater is ornately decorated in red velvet with crystal chandeliers and large elephant statues, reminiscent of when it meant something to go out to a movie. Once you buy your ticket, you head down a hall to ascend the grandiose stairs. At the bottom of the stairs is a man who upon seeing you announces “Welcome to the Ziegfeld! Enjoy your film, and have a happy new year!” There is only one screen in the theater but the room is huge. There were plenty of other people there, but no one had to sit near anyone else. It was a classic movie-going experience. I loved it, because going to the movies is still an event to me.