WOW! What a popular place on a Saturday afternoon! So many people were standing in line for tickets, cars were coming & going-it was a mini-madhouse as I was taking photos here. Fortunately, when my son & I went to see "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," here last year, we went on a weekday for a matinee showing. A brief explanation is due: I had not been to a movie theatre in over six years as my work schedule has been week-to-week for years and weekends tied up with house chores. Crowds bother me, and, in the past few years, we have a home theatre set-up that is much more congenial to me than going to a theatre. My son had to drag me on that occasion.The whole experience was terrific. Each of the 18 theatres is small; the seats are very comfortable; since the aisles are tiered, views of the screen are not obscured if you happen to seat yourself behind a taller person, and the sound is state-of-the-art. Some months later, we rented the DVD of the movie, which has become one of my favorites, and I had to admit my experience of it in this theatre had been superior to that of viewing it at home. With such an outstandingly photographed film as this one, experiencing it at the Edwards allowed you to fully enjoy the panoramic scenes that so distinguished this particular movie. I also enjoyed the full beauty of the musical score much more in the theatre than at home.
Despite my claustrophobia, I would go to the Edwards again whenever an especially well-executed film would be showing there. For inveterate moviegoers, since it opened in 1998, this is the only theatre to go to in the area in order to get a "full" experience. Since it opened a few years back, it has become a resounding success: it has an ample free parking lot and some places for eating are located in the parking lot facing San Marcos Boulevard, notably a Rubio’s (fish, Mexican) and a newly renovated French restaurant that I have heard good comments about & hope to try soon. Adjacent to the complex just east of it is the Old California Restaurant Row with its diverse choice of 18 eateries; Penny Lane Pub is just across the Boulevard and Churchill's is located just three blocks away. If you like movies, this is the only way to go in North San Diego!