FAQ 2026
Rich Text
DARKSIDE CINEMA
FAQ - 2026
Q: How long after showtime does the movie actually begin? So, how late can we be?
A: Anywhere between about 7 and 10 minutes. We do not run too many ads or trailers
before our shows, so come as close to the posted showtime as you can to secure a good
seat and not miss the beginning of the show. Since our seating is limited, getting tickets
online before the show is a great idea. Even with tickets, show up early for the best seat
selection and to share an armrest with your date. (Or dates. We don’t judge.)
Q: Do you check IDs for R-Rated movies?
A: Nope. There are no laws that require cinemas to enforce movie ratings. The Motion Picture
Association movie rating system is a voluntary industry standard. Yeah, they don’t tell ya that.
Q: Why is the movie theater experience so expensive these days?
A: There are ways to make it quite affordable. Bring your own popcorn container to get popcorn
for $2.00 (Restrictions apply. It must be a reusable container you have cleaned before we can
load it). We have membership programs that can bring movie tickets down to about $5 each
(as of this writing). Shows before 5:45 pm are matinee pricing. Military, senior, and industry
discounts, along with a membership points system, make admissions quite reasonable.
Just ask at the counter (when it’s not busy) or hit the website. We even have a free water station!
Q: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve found in your auditorium after the shows?
A: Yeah, we’re not going there.
Q: I hate going to the movie theater because people talk or use their phones during the show.
A: Don’t wait to tell us if someone is being disruptive. This also applies to problems with the
presentation or climate control. We do not want you to have a bad experience. We really,
REALLY want you to tell us so we can make it better. But we can’t do anything about it if you
don’t say anything. I actually paused the show to remove a bug that flew onto the screen.
We’re funny that way.
Q: Do you have any gluten-free food options?
A: Yup. We have a quinoa bowl (still have to look up how to spell that) that also happens to be
vegan. We have chicken skewers that are not vegan. Popcorn is gluten-free. Be aware that
we are not set up to guarantee zero cross-contamination with gluten-containing products
in our kitchen.
Q: Is the Darkside like a real theater?
A: Yup. Kinda big screens, theater seats, great sound, popcorn, etc.
Q: Are you hiring?
A: Probably not. Sorry. We have extremely low turnover because Paul is so damn lovable.
Q: Are you going to close soon?
A: Nope.
Q: Why are you playing so many horror and Hollywood movies these days?
A: Because people show up for them. Back in the day, we could play art films and be fine
with limited attendance. Now we need many more butts in seats than we did to fend off
the creditors. Movies like THE CHRISTOPHERS and PILLION did poorly and were supported
by movies like IRON LUNG, OBSESSION, and BACKROOMS. People vote with their dollars.
Q: Is the building haunted?
A: Oh, yes.
Q: Can I bring my own food and beer?
A: No. Both health and Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission regulations prohibit this,
and that makes sense. We are blamed if you get sick from outside food consumed on
premises. Also, for your safety and for the safety of the people you share the road with,
we need to control how much alcohol we serve.
Q: What are your real jobs when you’re not at the Darkside?
A: Oh, my sweet summer child….
Q: Do you have better climate control these days?
A: For sure. We had new HVAC units installed last year.
Q: Do you allow pets?
A: Sorry, no.
Q: Why doesn’t the Darkside have a phone number I can call for info?
A: We have odd business hours and a very small staff. The best way to get a quick answer
to a question is by emailing mailto: info@darksidecinema.com.
and current information from the website.
Q: Your new website is new. Why did you change it?
A: We needed to change payment processors. We found that we could provide better
service and easier access to online ticketing with the new service that provides our
website.
Q: When the heck is Paul retiring?
A: Sometime after September of 2027. That will be the 30th anniversary of the
Avalon/Darkside experiment. We are putting things in place to make sure the Darkside
keeps sucking less. Every day. Into the future.
