When this old world starts getting you down, just like Carole King sings – go up on the roof! Even better, go up on the roof and watch a movie.
Where can you go to watch a film with the glittering skyline of Hollywood soaring around you? Have a gourmet burger, nitro frozen custard, sip mixologist specials, craft and specialty beer — all from the comfort of a luxurious striped Brighton Beach deck chair?
That would be the Rooftop Film Club at The Montalban Theater, where an astro-turfed roof-top becomes the ultimate in plush outdoor movie going.
Yes, the weather has turned a bit chilly in LA but there’s a complimentary micro-fiber blanket to keep you warm. We were in great shape to snuggle up and enjoy a movie.
We attended on Halloween, when the rooftop deck was decorated with fluffy ghosts and black cats, and many of the guests came clad in film-themed costumes- saw several Audrey Hepburn’s, and as the film screening was Beetlejuice, a number of Michael Keaton clones.
I love outdoor films, and have long been a fan of the screening series in the unique and well curated Cinespia location at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. But there are always certain drawbacks that I reluctantly note there: the wait to get in and mad-dash for the best picnic spots, carrying your own chairs, packing your own picnic, and that occasionally robust group of chatty film-goers to avoid.
Rooftop Film Club gives you great retro films, and the comfort of a theater – only even better. Cutting edge technology in the form of wireless headphones means the sound is always crisp and clear, and even if people are ordering drinks at the bar or munching on their popcorn, candy, or dinners, you can’t hear them. That might be the biggest selling point for me: outdoor experience, indoor audio.
Speaking again of food, the provider is Haché LA out of Silver Lake, known for their delicious burgers. We loved the Veggie Burger, crafted from barley and leeks – no soy. A slightly spicy edge from their Karma Sauce added extra flavor to a crisp, tasty veg entree. Carnivores will be delighted with their gourmet steak burgers, too. All burgers come on a fresh baked and light signature bun, and include tomato, cheese, onion and lettuce. We also loved the tangy fresh guac and chips; the cookie butter frozen custard is wonderfully light and sweet. We combined our meal with Modern Times IPAs from the rooftop bar. While food service closes come screen time, the bar is open for additional libations. We tried the Beetlejuice-centric red pomegranate and champagne cocktail. All first rate, quickly provided, and just a short stroll down the aisle from our seats.
Picture quality is excellent, screen-time is prompt, and what’s better than watching a movie under the stars, with pristine audio, great snacks, and – that skyline.
It’s kind of a thrill to look around you at Hollywood’s glitter – which does not, thankfully, impact screen image due to thoughtful screen positioning – and be watching something that Hollywood itself has crafted.
This is the last official weekend for Rooftop Film Club, with screenings tonight through Sunday of true Hollywood classics:
Friday, November 6, 2015: Casablanca, Saturday, November 7, 2015: Some Like It Hot, Sunday, November 8, 2015: Sunset Boulevard
But if you can’t make it this season, there’s next spring, summer, and early fall to look forward to. Just be sure to put Rooftop Film Club at the top of your unconventional cinema list.
