Sound Cinema: The Majestic Bay

n 1914 The Majestic opened as a movie theater on NW Market Street in Ballard. In 1942, the name was changed to The Bay Theater. After holding the title as the oldest continuously operating theater in the United States, it closed down in 1997. A year later, much of the old building was torn down and in its place, The Majestic Bay theater was cemented as a neighborhood fixture. With its neon sign and large, clear marquee, Majestic Bay is a destination for movie goers who want the big screen without the big costs of a corporate multiplex.

The theater is a triplex with the largest of its three screens on the street level. The lobby is adorned with history. Photos of the original iterations of the theater line the wall with a look at what the demolition and reconstruction process was like for the theater in 1998. Within the lobby there’s a classic snack bar with everything a movie goer needs. Above your head, notice the unique glass lighting fixtures that look like jellyfish, which complements the theater's maritime theme, more evidence of which is scattered throughout the space. 

Brick facade of The Majestic Bay in Ballard

The Evergreen Echo

As you go up, either to the other screens on the third floor or the restrooms on the second, you will be treated to framed movie posters of both coming attractions and classic films side by side with one another. Try and figure out if the Lilo & Stitch poster is from its original animated release or the upcoming live action remake. 

Pay close attention as there are also movie props and memorabilia mixed in with the posters, including a bench from the set of Titanic. The third floor, which also has a terrific view of Market Street from the upper lobby, has a special treat for patrons headed for Theater 3. A wall of fame lines the hallway with posters and plaques that commemorate the theater's best selling films between 1998 and 2018.

Theater 1 is stadium seating with plush rockers and a curtain that ascends when it’s showtime. The other theaters have the same rockers with a more gradual incline and a higher screen so that the view is good from any seat. If those of you with long legs become nervous at the idea of rockers and what they can and will do to unsuspecting knees, the seats do not lean back that far—it’s just a gentle recline for a better view.

I was treated to a packed house for a showing of Flow, an animated film currently nominated for two Academy Awards this year: Best International Feature and Best Animated Feature. Flow is dialogue free, as its protagonists are a group of animals navigating a massive flood that has consumed a world where humans have disappeared. The humans have left their legacy in buildings, boats, and baubles that the animals encounter on their journey. The film is beautiful with incredible animated movement and jaw-dropping environs. While there were many inquisitive children in the audience, the power of the lush animation and the dialogue-free nature of the story kept eyes wide and mouths agape. It reminded me of being a child and the wonder of seeing films on the big screen. It is marvelous being swept up by the magic of it all.

The Majestic Bay is a first-run theater, first and foremost. It is a great alternative to trying to trek downtown or to Northgate for the corporate multiplexes. This coming weekend, the two sequel titans of Captain America: Brave New World and Paddington in Peru will battle it out for dominance of the Valentine's/President's Day weekend eyeballs. 

Yet, there are other events and offerings the Majestic Bay hosts throughout the year as well. Just this last weekend, the National Nordic Museum hosted the Sámi Film Festival, which has a virtual component available until February 13, and in the spring Majestic Bay will host screenings for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). They also host retro nights every month, the last being February 10 with When Harry Met Sally.

The Majestic Bay is a dying breed of neighborhood movie theater. Unfortunately, this is more true than ever in Seattle as just this last month the AMC 10 in the U District and Ark Lodge Cinemas in Columbia City hosted their final screenings before closing for good.

The Majestic Bay is a multiplex that offers terrific amenities and a great space to sit and watch a movie. It is obvious that the family company behind Majestic Bay, Elttaes Theatres, values the moviegoing experience above all. Going to the movies is supposed to be this pleasurable.