If you are a new student who happens to be a movie lover to boot, not having a typical, major movie theater in Blacksburg can make things difficult when trying to figure out where to catch a flick.
Upon inquiry, many Tech students admitted that they did not know where to go for entertainment, and only a few knew what the Lyric was when they arrived in Blacksburg.
The Lyric is a local theater that offers different and eccentric films for a low cost to the community. Foreign films, unheard-of independent films, and recently released hits are its forte. Tickets are inexpensive ($4 regularly and $3.50 for members) and you won't find another theater to hit up located directly in Blacksburg.
If you want to head to a mainstream theater to check out the latest hits, The Regal Cinema in Christiansburg is your place to go. With over 13 theaters, there are always a good variety of films that are shown; mainly the most recently released films. That said, it comes with a price -- a high price. Tickets to the shows are steep. Even if you go to a matinee, expect to pay $6.75. For regular tickets, you're looking at $9, but as a student you get the $7.25 price with your ID. To make financial matters worse, concessions are very pricey, with a small drink and popcorn costing you almost $10. I don't know about you, but $18 for a cinematic adventure seems a bit much.
Another option for a night at the theater is to check out the movies that Squires Student Center offers through the Virginia Tech Union during the weekends. Even though these are cool movies to watch, getting the word out there to students about these events is challenging. VTU strives to get freshmen involved so they know what Tech has to offer for entertainment and student activities. If you are interested in becoming a member, you can always check out the VTU office on the third floor of Squires, or you can keep up with events and movies through the table cards in the dining halls. Flyers are posted up as well so that you can sign up to join VTU committees.
VTU brings various films to campus, each one attracting a different crowd. There is certainly a correlation between the popularity of the movie and the turnout in Squires. Few showed up to see "Dan in Real Life" but other films such as "Knocked Up" sold out Colonial Hall.
To choose the films brought to campus, the director of films selects movies to put on a survey and sends it over the film listserv, giving other people a chance to give insight on what should be played. If you were around for the summer, you may have caught "Iron Man" on Aug. 22, as a part of the "Movie on the Drillfield" events.
Tickets to the shows in Squires are $2 for students with their Hokie Passport, and $3 for non-students, making movie going a very enjoyable and affordable event for everyone, but those in particular who may not have transportation to other venues.
Of course there are the times you want a movie night without going to the movies. Blacksburg does have the local Blockbuster for every hit that's come out on DVD. It offers different types of membership including a newer Netflix-type option to order offline. If you don't have a Blockbuster membership, however, there is another option for movies, located at the Kroger near the University Mall.
The Redbox Machine is a newer addition to the movie world. At only $1 a movie per night, you can rent top hits and other films as well. The selection is a bit sparse, but if you are looking for a movie to watch and you aren't in a picky mood, there is definitely something for you. The only setback is that the newer releases come out with about two or three copies for rent, so if you are gung ho on seeing it when it's released, you better hit up Kroger early.