A bit about Pathé Tuschinski on Reguliersbreestraat:
Built in 1921 at the behest of a Dutch businessman, Tuschinki’s Art Deco facade was designed to give the impression that guests were being led into an illusion. During the Second World War, the theatre changed its name to Vivoli to skirt anti-Semitic attention. In addition to serving its main role as a “cinema palace,” the opera-like venue has played host to such stage performers as Maurice Chevalier, Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich, and Edith Piaf.
Matt and I went to see a matinee showing of “The Matrix” in the theatre’s great hall yesterday – a nice opportunity to reminisce, since the film was released when we were both in college together. I’ve been to three of Amsterdam’s theatres so far, and Tuschinski’s takes the cake far and away in terms of construction, layout, and aesthetic. All feature the novelty of on-site bars, perfectly suited for post-film discussions, and all allow alcoholic beverages past the velvet rope (not a privilege I abuse when there’s a review to write).
