Small Island, Big Screen: Celebrating Four Martha’s Vineyard Movie Theaters
If you ask us, popcorn tastes a little better here on the island. Scenes roll by on big screens almost the same way they did 50 years ago, and each of our four Martha’s Vineyard movie theaters bears unique character and history. Movies aren’t just a cure for the occasional rainy day, either — there’s nothing quite like stepping out of a dark theater into the island twilight and a summer sea breeze. Two of these theaters are making triumphant returns in 2015 after years closed, and two more continue to captivate new visitors daily.
Entertainment Cinemas — Edgartown
You’ll find our hometown theater right around the corner on Main Street, nestled between storefronts with whitewashed siding. Entertainment Cinemas is open year-round, rotating titles throughout each week to screen a variety of Hollywood hits. Hidden behind its vintage charm is the modern ability to screen 3D movies with Dolby surround sound, and the seats inside are new, too. This Martha’s Vineyard movie theater is the perfect match for dinner and a stroll through Edgartown.
Capawock Theatre — Vineyard Haven
Built in 1913, the Capawock began its first 99 years of operation showing silent movies. Unfortunately, the theater went completely silent in 2012 after struggling to keep up with modern technology. Movie lovers on and off the island couldn’t shake the landmark from their memories, though. During the exceptionally snowy 2014-2015 winter, the newly minted Martha’s Vineyard Theater Foundation came to the rescue with a million-dollar fundraising campaign to refurbish and reopen the Capawock along with the Strand in Oak Bluffs.
Strand Theatre — Oak Bluffs
Like the Capawock, the Strand operated for nearly a century before closing its doors and falling into disrepair. It, too, is on track for a grand reopening for summer 2015. According to the Theater Foundation, these Martha’s Vineyard movie theaters are getting a history-conscious facelift, with new sound and projection systems and more comfortable seating.
We’re especially excited about the concession stands, which are going to offer island-sourced food along with traditional treats. A touch of MV Sea Salt sounds great on popcorn — our breakfast baker has been experimenting with it lately here at Vineyard Square.
Martha’s Vineyard Film Center — Vineyard Haven
After a decade of sustained interest and growth, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society built a state-of-the-art viewing space in Vineyard Haven in 2012. The Marilyn Meyerhoff Theatre has stadium-style seating and is equipped to project the next generation of high-tech media formats. Its main focus is on art films and bringing rare and independent theater experiences to the island. The Film Society also hosts the annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival and an array of other events.
Martha’s Vineyard is the home of the original summer blockbuster (Jaws!), so we couldn’t be more thrilled to have four unique movie theaters going strong on the island. Go ahead, grab some popcorn and try them all — your guest room in downtown Edgartown will be ready and waiting after the final credits have rolled.
