Theatre Review: Oriental Theatre in downtown Milwaukee

The Oriental Theatre offers a classic atmosphere and great film selection. It is truly a hidden gem in Milwaukee's East Side. The theatre has not undergone the regular renovations of bigger chain theatres, leaving it with an older, nostalgic feel. The theatre itself is more like a playhouse in the very best sense of the word, with interesting architecture and wall decorations. Some Buddha statues and other eccentric details immediately catch the eye of any patron new to the Oriental.

However, the Oriental's charm comes at the cost of comfort. As an older theatre, the Oriental does not have stadium seating, so there is the potential for a taller individual blocking a mover-goer's view. The older-style seats are a bit uncomfortable, but nothing that is intolerable to a dedicated film fan. The sound and picture are of slightly lower quality than the sharp, newer theatres. Additionally, the screen is a bit smaller-however, the scaled down screen makes for a more personalized movie-experience. Even with a packed house, the crowd will never be too overwhelming.

Concessions are pretty standard: popcorn, soda, nachos, pretzels, and various candy, all served from a modest counter that is not overly showy or gimmicky-a nice change from some of the larger theatres that have the vibe of a self-contained metropolis. While the popcorn can sometimes be stale, it doesn't claim to be gourmet, and therefore it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Overall, the concession stand gives a movie patron just what he or she needs: nothing more, nothing less.

The relaxed atmosphere is coupled with a relaxed take toward financials. The Oriental is clearly not interested in gouging its customers, as ticket and concession prices are below that of some larger complexes. Additionally, the Oriental does not feature only top-selling blockbusters. The theatre houses some bigger-name attractions, but it is also a good destination for certain indie films or lesser known mainstream attractions. If a certain movie is unavailable amid the bustling multiplexes, chances are it can be found playing at the Oriental.

The aforementioned excellent film selection puts the final touch on the Oriental's complete package. Even with some inferior amenities, the overall Oriental experience is largely positive. The theatre itself has a sort of cult following in the Milwaukee area because of its wonderful atmosphere and propensity toward showing niche films. The theatre gets a big thumbs up for its charm, prices, and down-to-earth vibe.