Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

ABOUT CENTRAL CINEMA

When is Central Cinema open?

We're typically open for public programming five to seven days a week, and available for partnered or private events seven days a week. Please see our screening schedule for a look of what's playing this week and beyond!

What are your business hours?

We open a half hour before the day’s first screening, and stop serving popcorn 45 minutes after the final screening begins. Our lounge area is generally open to the public at all times in between, and we’re happy to serve up a beer or a popcorn regardless of whether you’re here to see a movie.

Can I call Central Cinema on the telephone?

You can call us at (865) 951-2447, but due to our limited hours & staffing email or Facebook are much more efficient ways to get in touch with us.

How much are tickets?

Standard evening admission is $10, and matinee showings before 4:30pm are $8. Sales tax is included in all pricing. You can also Make It A Double by seeing any two movies in one day for just $15.

Ticket Pricing (evening/matinee)
Adult $10/$8
Kids $7/$5
Seniors $8/$6
Members $8/$6
Student $9/$7
Military $9/$7

What do you serve at your concession stand?

Besides the best popcorn in town ($4.50-$6), we have a wide selection of candy ($2-$3) and soft drinks ($2.50-$3) as well as hot coffee or cocoa ($3).

Do you serve alcohol?

We serve a variety of canned & bottled beers and ciders, from the cheap stuff (just $3.50 for a 16oz PBR) to craft and local selections (up to $6.50 for high gravity or specialty craft beers).

Is there a place to stay and talk movies with other fans after a screening?

We encourage our patrons to come early and stick around afterward for discussion. Grab a drink and hang out in our lobby or on our back deck!

THEATER ETIQUETTE

Why all the fuss about talking & texting in the theater?

Because it’s important! We do what we do because we believe in the pleasures of the theatrical experience, and a big part of that is an opportunity to take in a whole film without looking at your smartphone. This is not to mention, of course, that it's super rude and you shouldn’t do it at any movie theater.

What are the consequences for being rude with my phone, or with my dumb loud whispering?

Unsuccessfully polite patrons will be given one warning before being requested to leave. And if we remember having warned you in the past, we reserve the right to cut right to the booting. (So: if we give you a warning, don’t give us any reason to remember doing it!)

What about kids, though?

Kids are going to make noise at the movies, it is what it is. We ask only that parents show what initiative they can to encourage good theater etiquette, and set a good example by staying off their phones.

Are there exceptions to these rules?

Sure there are. But if you’re at a screening and there’s any question as to whether audience involvement is appropriate, the answer is probably no!

PROGRAMMING

What is your projection setup?

We run most feature content on a 4K enhanced digital projector, using the best quality source available to us.

Why don’t you show films on 35mm?

We love celluloid as much as the next movie fan, but a range of factors preclude us from presenting films on 35mm. We do occasionally screen films in 16mm.

Why aren’t you showing [current-release blockbuster]?

We don’t generally show films that can be seen at other area theaters. We consider this a feature, not a bug!

Why don’t you show [specific movie]?

Short answer: give us time! (But also always feel free to give us direct suggestions, we love hearing people talk about their favorite movies.)

Long answer: a lot factors in to our film programming, and we're always trying to strike the right balance between quality and commercial appeal. If you feel like we’ve got a blind spot, let us know what we’re missing... and when we're showing the sort of stuff you like, vote with your (and your friends') moviegoing dollars and you can be sure we'll notice!

Why should I come see an older movie when I can just stream it, or watch my blu-ray?

As movie lovers it's our opinion (and our business model!) that a theatrical setting is the best way to see pretty much any film. Whether you're immersing yourself in the big screen experience, experiencing things more fully as part of an enthusiastic audience, or just escaping the distractions of the outside world, a trip to Central Cinema is a good bet for a worthwhile experience with both favorite films and new-to-you blindspot classics.

OTHER OFFERINGS

What’s with the books, movies and fetching branded swag?

We offer a small selection of film-related media and Central Cinema merchandise. Feel free to flip through a book while you await your movie! Just please don’t ruin or steal our stuff.

I’ve got some old DVDs. Can I trade them in to you?

Probably not, sorry! We’ve got very little space for that stuff, so most of our secondhand media comes from our own private collections. If you’re confident you’ve got something that makes more sense on our shelf than anyone else’s, you’re welcome to run it by us. Otherwise we recommend our lovely sponsors McKay Used Books & Music, just off the Papermill exit!

I’ve got a great collection of movie posters but no one ever comes over to look at them. Can I borrow some wall space?

Sure! We do our best to rotate our posters to suit our current programming, and are always looking for fellow enthusiasts to draw from. And if you’re looking for some extra cash, we’re happy to slap a consignment tag on it for you!

Do you rent physical media like Blu-rays & DVDs?

If this is a question you actually have for us please email us to let us know the demand is out there. We’re not set up for it yet but we have some ideas.

What’s with the movies on the armrests?

Central Cinema was partially funded by generous film fans in Knoxville and elsewhere through a $30,000+ crowdfunding campaign. Among the perks offered through our GoFundMe was “Adopt-An-Arm”, allowing donors to select a favorite film and have their name put on a tribute as we refinished our auditorium seating.