The ShowRoom Cinema - Asbury Park

I had the opportunity to visit The ShowRoom Cinema this past weekend to view the assortment of Oscar Nominated Best Short documentaries. This was my first time at this theater and I have a few thoughts...

First impressions is that the staff here are really terrific. Everyone smiled and was welcoming. A few of us had issues with our downloaded tickets not showing up on our phone and they were very happy to assist and look up our orders. There is a very cute concession stand in the lobby.

Our presentation was in theater #3 located upstairs. I'll concentrate my thoughts on that auditorium and the presentation.

Now, I'm a home theater guy. I have quite a bit of experience with how a movie theater should be set up. And, that experience comes into play here as the room I was in could have been anyone's small living room. It was tiny. Among the approx. 12 plush chairs in the room were some tables and lamps. One of the tables with the lamp on top collapsed during our showing.

On a whole, for watching simple documentaries, the room and presentation were fine. And, perhaps, this room is solely designated for that purpose. However, if I was paying $15 to see a major motion picture here, I would be concerned.

From my experience, the theaters are not set up for optimal viewing quality. The walls should be painted flat black to prevent reflection (I think they are yellow). Pictures on the wall cause reflection from projection light. Putting furniture in the room is a distraction. I sensed no surround sound capability and the presentation was projected digitally from a budget projector hoisted on a side shelf. Again, perfect for our presentation but not for a major film.

And, after saying all this, I kind of understand that this is a community theater, with not a huge operating budget, and very dependent on having people support it. So, I don't mind paying the same $15 I would pay at a major venue to support independent films. I would just hope in time that small upgrades can be made in time to enhance the viewing experience further.

On a whole, however, this venue deserves 5-stars for its eager and friendly staff as well as giving the community a place to see Independent films.

It was my first time visiting this theater and I was very impressed with the staff as well as the setup and layout of the theater rooms.

My friend and I watched the new David Bowie movie in an upstairs theater that had comfy plush chairs that were on casters for easy maneuverability. There was a small table in between each set of two chairs to rest your snacks on and such, it could be moved around as well. (We each come and do a spare unused table and use it as a footrest.
The quality of the projected movie was clear and bright and the sound was very respectable for a relatively small room. There may have only been maybe 12 or 14 seats in this theater. (We actually did not count them, lol )

Note, on the way out to the lobby there was a basket full of rolled up movie posters from previous films with a sign that said free movie posters, I took two and my friend took one. I have never been to a theater where they offer you the movie posters from previous films played there.

Absolutely yes I would go back. Absolutely yes I would recommend it if you prefer small comfortable intimate settings.

I use a wheelchair and called ahead of time to ask if the movie I wanted to see was in a wheelchair accessible room! I left a message and someone called me back from their cell phone and was just so lovely. When we arrived that night they saved a RIW for my family and were just the greatest people ever! I just had to start using a wheelchair a month ago and I appreciated the love SO MUCH!!! Amazing people, and a cozy theater!

Debbie from the ShowRoom worked with me very well and made sure my groups experience was excellent. She was so accommodating! I planned a surprise for my boyfriend and she understood how much 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' meant to him and managed to get a showing for us. My boyfriend and his friends really enjoyed themselves and the movie experience was excellent. The consession stand had great options from small businesses as well! We'll definitely be back for other screenings when we're in the area. Thank you so much ShowRoom!

Had a private viewing here recently and everything about this theater is just perfect. Booking was easy and communication was clear, the theater itself was clean and well maintained, and getting everything in order for the viewings couldn't have been simpler. Great concessions, with some excellent local chocolates, and friendly and personable employees who have a clear love of cinema. And Jeff, if you're reading this, the movie I was trying to remember but couldn't was 'Fiend Without A Face'. Would recommend 100%.