Staff Writer Anyssa Reddix went to a movie at the Varsity Theater as part of The Daily Tar Heel's Bucket List for UNC students. She documented her experience here:
I wouldn’t call myself a movie enthusiast. I mean, I like the newest film with Leonardo DiCaprio as much as the next girl, but my visits to theaters are sporadic, if at all — I’m more of a Netflix person.
That being said, going to Varsity Theater was, to say the least, a treat. Not only was it the first time I’ve been to a movie since Thanksgiving (???), but Varsity isn’t your typical place. An essential Franklin Street establishment, Varsity gives you the vibes of a 1940s theater, like the kind of place you would go to see Gone With The Wind or The Wizard of Oz.
It’s tiny, with maybe two or three individual theaters, making the number of films they show at a time limited. Choosing between Dumb and Dumber 2 and Big Hero 6, I went with the latter because the previews looked adorable. My ticket was $4 and while I explained before I’m not a theater regular, I knew that price was in no way average.
Since I went on a Tuesday night, I basically had my choice of seating and went to the back row. There were a few other couples there, which was cute, each huddled over their popcorn and drinks, which were also ridiculously cheap now that I think back on it.
The movie, which was about a boy genius trying to solve the mystery of his brother's death with the help of a robot nurse, was adorable, but not nearly as adorable as the actual building itself. I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for a time I wasn’t even around for. Things must’ve been so much more simple back then.
I heard through the grapevine that the theater is in risk of closing due to the fact that they have to transfer all of their film to digital, which is crazy expensive. So here’s a piece of advice: GO TO VARSITY WHILE YOU CAN.
It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. How often are you going to be this close to such a fun, cheap, historical place that is a good escape from the stress of Chapel Hill if only for two hours? Sure, South Point is 15 minutes away if you need to see the latest movie out. But if you just want an easy way to have a good time with your friends or an inexpensive date spot, Varsity is your place.
To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.
