From cineplex to arthouse flex your movie muscles

If you’re a fan of the movies, then the University of Pittsburgh is the place to be. Pitt’s… If you’re a fan of the movies, then the University of Pittsburgh is the place to be. Pitt’s campus is located near several movie theaters, all of which are just a bus ride away, some even within walking distance. And the best part is that having a Pitt ID gets you a discount at most of these theaters.

One of the closest theaters to campus is the Cinemagic Manor Theatre at 1729 Murray Ave. Just hop on any bus that goes to Squirrel Hill via Forbes Avenue ( 61A,61B, 61C, 61D, 59U, etc.) and you’re there. The 61C, 61D and 59U are the best bets because they turn onto Murray and let you off right across the street from the theater. If you catch any of the other buses, be sure to get off at the corner of Forbes and Murray.

At the Manor, an evening movie ticket costs $7.50 for an adult. Although this theater doesn’t have very many screens, the location of the theater is ideal. Strolling down Murray Avenue you’ll be sure to find plenty of restaurants and specialty stores to keep you busy before you catch a movie.

Another theater that is also very close is the Cinemagic Squirrel Hill, located at 5834 Forward Ave. You can either take the 61C, 61D or 59U to Forward Avenue. An evening adult ticket costs $7 – notably cheaper than most theaters. And maybe after the show you can try out your bowling skills at Forward Lanes, located just up the street.

While Squirrel Hill is a great place for movies, the Southside Works Cinema is by far the best theater around if you’re looking for good deals. The regular price for an evening adult ticket is $8.50, which is a bit pricey, and the management certainly knows this. So on Monday, every show time for every age is only $5 and includes a free popcorn. In addition, Thursdays are student discount nights – show your valid school ID and a movie only costs $6. And on any other night, be sure to flash your Pitt ID to receive a dollar off the regular admission price.

Not only are Southside Works’ prices great, but so is the atmosphere. The Works, a recent addition to Pittsburgh’s South Side, is a great place to hang out, shop and eat. It is home to The Cheesecake Factory, a Puma store, Steve Madden, Ann Taylor Loft and many more. You are guaranteed to have a great night on the town if you take a ride on the 59U or the 54C and head to the Southside Works.

AMC Loews Waterfront Theater located on 300 West Waterfront Drive can be expensive if you don’t catch a movie at the right time. Loews charges $8.75 for an evening adult ticket on the weekends but $6 Monday through Thursday. Luckily for students, on the weekends, you can show your Pitt ID and get a ticket for $8.

Like Southside Works, Loews’ location is central to many stores and restaurants at the Waterfront. Stepping off of the 59U, you’ll find stores like Wet Seal, Victoria’s Secret, Hollister, Target and many more. Eat ‘n Park, TGI Friday’s, Steak ‘n’ Shake and Unos are just a few of the restaurants that are located at the Waterfront. For those of you who are 21 or older, there is also the Funny Bone, a comedy club, and Dave and Buster’s, which is a restaurant/bar/arcade.

Some of the most unique locations for flicks are the Pittsburgh Filmmakers Theaters, which are the Melwood Screening Room, Regent Square Theater and the Harris Theatre. These theaters play local, independent, American and foreign films and are a very popular place for entertainment in Pittsburgh.

The Melwood Screening Room is located on 477 Melwood Ave., and to get there you can take the 71A. You can get to the Regent Square Theater at 1035 South Braddock Ave. by taking the 61B. You can take the 100 or 500 bus to the Harris Theater located on 809 Liberty Ave. All three theaters charge only $6 for an adult ticket.

With so many theaters to choose from, the hardest decision may not be which movie to see, but where to go.