Bow Tie Clairidge Cinema

When anything other than blockbuster is released I go straight to the movie times at this theater. There is always something interesting to see and, as others have pointed out, they play movies that are only playing at NYC boutique cinemas. And there’s a bunch of shopping and food right there. Love this place.

I like this little cinema. Love that they play indie films so you don’t have to go into the city. Saw Anomalisa here — it was literally the only place showing it in the area — everything else was in NYC.
The theater itself was very small but I’m told they have other theaters that are bigger.
Tickets were $ 12.
I liked that they had a movie critic board where patrons posted their reviews of movies. That was fun to read.
Parking is problematic because it’s Bloomfield Ave. There is a paid parking garage around the corner by Church Street. I parked in the Lackawanna Plaza parking lot (Pig & Prince, Popeyes, etc.) but it’s a bit of a walk.

Pluses: Good selection of independent films, friendly and helpful staff.
Minuses: Parking is hard to find and the theaters are small, if you want to get a decent seat then plan on getting to the theater at least 45 minutes before your film begins. The theater is logistically disorganized, there are no set lines at the box office and picking up or buying tickets can become aggravating. It would be best to buy your tickets in advance on Fandango, or just look in advance on Fandango, to make sure that your movie isn’t sold out. And one more thing, if you do buy your tickets in advance there is no ticket machine so you will have to go to the box office to pick up your tickets. Because they do not have enough staff to check tickets inside the theater you cannot print out your ticket at home and they do not have the ability to scan a QR code.

This theater is really nice to have seeing as how the movies shown here are indie or just in limited theaters. There are few places like this save for going to NY. The staff are friendly and I’m grateful the ticket window hasn’t been replaced by a machine yet. The theaters as one may expect are small — maybe seating 50? but they’re clean and simple as a movie theater should be. The bathrooms are also decent.
What’s cool is the «critic board». After seeing a movie they have a board set up where you can leave a review of movies shown here on post-​it like papers and give the movie a grade. Cool idea that lets you share thoughts immediately after seeing a movie or check people’s thoughts before going in for one. When the major box office movies are lacking, this is a great place to come for those hidden gems.

There is a lot of unused space that you notice as soon as you walk into the building, you walk into and through this space and then into what looks more like a theatre. This place by no means is the top of the line movie theatre but what it is is a more intimate (small) theatre that I enjoyed watching a great film festival movie in. Seats were comfortable enough for an hour and a half showing, no weird smells, it may have been a little too warm for some people who prefer the blasts of cold air that you usually find in a larger theatre.

Excellent theater in downtown Montclair, usually screening limited release films that you would otherwise have to go into NYC to see. Has a family like feel to it. One night, Stephen Colbert was in the room just watching a movie like anyone else, and nobody bothered him. Just last week, we saw the critically acclaimed horror film «It Follows.» After the film, a complete stranger picked our brains (not in the horror sense). Together we lauded the cinematography, and a moment later three more strangers said, «Thank you.» It was the family of the cinematographer! That kind of place.
Parking is a simple equation. Be close and pay, or park far and walk for free. Typical movie prices are $ 12/​ticket. Concessions are even more $$ than the suburban multiplexes, but as so much of what they show has limited appeal, I see how they need to make profits somewhere else. No need to subtract a star.
But I do subtract a star for no weekday night movies after 7:30pm. As Montclair is not just a weekend destination anymore, why not add some 9pm showings to attract those who would like to see a film after dinner and shopping on a Tuesday night? You might just see someone who is or is soon to be famous.
TIPS: –Sign up at the theatre for a Bow Tie Membership — good perks
–All Tuesday showings are ½ price
— Leave a review of your movie and post it to the corkboard on your way out

I can’t express enough how much I love this place. It’s the movie theater for people who want to/​love to watch movies. It certainly doesn’t attract the annoying teenagers you get in every other theater on a weekend night.
They play independent films, including popular ones. All while giving you the atmosphere of a small, old fashioned movie watching experience. No massive screens. No stadium seating. Seats are super comfortable! This place makes me feel relaxed and able to enjoy the film.

The movies are great, but I’m disappointed with the staff/​policies here. On a rare occasion, I left work early tonight and got to the theatre just past 8, hoping to catch the middle of some lovely movie. They wouldn’t let me buy a ticket :(even though people were still inside working, and some movies had just started less than a half hour ago. It seems nearly impossible for a working professional to catch a show here on a weeknight :/

Best movie theater by far in Nj, especially since it has the widest variety of independent, foreign, and documentary films on a consistent basis. The only theater which is a comparable theater in the NY metropolitan area is the Anglica film center. Note that Tuesday nights are real bargains and classic films are shown every weekend at 11 am.

Greatest selection of indie movies in the area. I’ve been coming here for over ten years. Park in the Fullerton parking deck across the street which is free on Sundays!
Five or six tiny little theaters, so you need to get yr. ticket early, especially for new showings. Old seating, small theaters, but where else can you see the newest Woody Allen or Tim Burton when it is only playing in Manhattan? Why here at the Bow Tie Clairidge! Make sure to stop at one of the cafes or Starbucks on Church St. before or after your show for a latte!

Smaller screens.
Older seats.
Steep prices.
Basically the venue to see art house/​independent films.
I truly like the fact that they’re still popping their own popcorn. That’s like a forgotten art these days.
The addition of the church street lot has made a world of difference for parking.

Love this charming movie theatre in the heart of Montclair! It’s reasonably priced, not over-​crowded or obnoxiously loud, and they show great independent and foreign films. There’s lots of delicious local restaurants and cafes that are walking distance from the theatre to check out before or after catching a movie here.
Parking is the only downside, as it’s almost impossible to find a parking spot without having to pay or walk several blocks.

The theaters always smell terrible. But it’s the only theater in this area that have the more indie films. So you have to deal.

This theatre does not have online ticket sales. I drove 30 minutes just to find a well printed sign that said the showing was Sold Out.
Very disappointing.

This was a last minute decision since this was the only theatre in our area that was playing The Theory of Everything. It has the charm of an old time movie theatre, with a marquee in lights out front. But, it’s small, and it only seems to play a few movies that aren’t necessarily the latest big block buster shows.
Yet, while the experience wasn’t premium by any means, it was really fun. The small theatre was packed, and people seemed to be there because they really wanted to be there — not just because they needed something to do on a Sunday night.

I seen the entire Twilight trilogy in this theater. The concessions are aight, their popcorn butter stays being Elmer’s glue. When I got to my seat it was weird and crunchy and sticky but I already put my soda in the cupholder so I was like fuggit.
Team Edward.

This is an old time theater in Montclair. Seats are older and not as comfy as a new multiplex might be. However, they show great movies here and you won’t find them at the multiplex.
They have show times throughout the day and into the evening. Because its a lot of
«artsy» films the people here are interesting and eclectic.
Popcorn here is pretty good too.
Parking is in one of the nearby lots. Depending on time of day costs can be $ 0 and up.

This movie theater is great for indie movies without a doubt. It is clean and comfortable. Plus, the service is good and to watch a movie is enjoyable in this perfect setting.

I’ve been coming here for years even when I wasn’t a Montclair resident and have to say, Claridge has the best selection of movies in the area, heck all of Jersey! Practically every indie film released ends up being shown here. And for those movies only showing in «select theaters», Claridge is notably one of them. With that said I would highly recommend that you purchase tickets in advanced if you happen to decide that you want to watch a movie here on the weekends. Tickets are sold out quick!
My only negative about this place is the appearance and comfort. The place is in need of serious facelift, it’s very 1993. The chairs are comfortable and lean back well, but definitely have been worn in. It worries me because they’re fabric lined and god knows who sat in those seats before me. I shouldn’t have to think that way when I walk into a movie theater.

I must say that I am a movie nut! I see 100 movies a year and would see more if I could. That is why a theatre like Bow Tie Cinema is important to me.
This is the main theatre in this area for independent and foreign films. This is the place that shows small budget films and art movies that the big theatre will not show.
The sound system isn’t great, but having an independent film showplace locally where we can see the movies that are small budget but big on talent and stories locally is very important.
Could it be improve yes, but It fill a void that would otherwise be unfilled in the Montclair, Bloomfied, Belleville, and Newark area.