Jenifer I & II

rivest266 on June 29, 2015 at 6:48 pm

This was opened by General Cinemas on March 12th, 1975 with Funny Lady in both screens. Its grand opening ad in photo section.

Giles on July 29, 2010 at 8:18 am

question: I remember seeing ‘Return of the Jedi’ at the Jenifer, though I don’t remember it being in 70mm – was it?

JodarMovieFan on March 26, 2009 at 12:48 am

Oh boy. It seems the CT gremlin has eliminated the comments that were on this page. Let me repost my memories of this place.

I remember this was one of the few venues that opened Star Trek: The Motion Picture on both screens in 1979. The other DC venue was, of course, the KB MacArthur where the movie had its official world premiere. The Post’s Weekend had showtimes of this movie that were around the clock starting at 8am or so if I recall correctly. As a very young teen, I took the bus here to see Star Trek several months after its first run. They were still showing it here. I felt overwhelmed at the screen size and presentation, as it seemed the screen was about as tall as it was wide in the larger, Dolby-equipped auditorium. The other auditorium was non-stereo. The opening scene with the flyover of the Klingon battle cruisers gave the impressioin of really being in space ‘flying over’ these massive ships. Very cool. Presentation was flawless as was my enjoyment of watching this movie on the big screen for the umpteenth time.

As you descended the stairs to the screens, I do recall there was a video game room to the right as well.

In December 1984, this venue had one of the few bookings of 2010 in 70mm. In contrast to the viewing at the GCC Springfield Mall 1 (Springfield, VA), in the then new THX certified theater, this venue seemed to play it LOUDER. My mind goes back to the scene where the late Roy Sheider’s character, Dr. Floyd is conversing with his wife about going back into space. She’s pissed and hurls a glass into the sink. The resulting CRASH was sudden and audibly crisp as it broke into what seemed like many, many pieces. It made my friends and I jump/shift positions in our seats!

I’d like to think I visited this place again after that but can’t recall at this time. If you were to go there now, you’d never know there was a movie theater here at all. Next door is a little sandwich shop called Booeymongers, which was a great after movie destination spot for a light meal and conversation.