You’ve been there. It’s a rainy Tuesday in Happy Valley, and you’re wandering the second floor of the mall, past the smell of Auntie Anne’s, trying to decide if you actually want to spend twenty bucks on a ticket. Honestly, the Cinemark Clackamas Town Center movie theater is kinda the anchor of that whole side of the city. But it’s not just a place to kill time while your spouse looks at shoes. It’s a weirdly high-tech hub tucked inside a 1970s-era shopping center.
People usually just call it "the mall theater." That’s a mistake. It’s actually a Cinemark Century, and it’s arguably one of the most technologically upgraded spots in the Portland metro area right now. If you haven't been in a couple of years, the place looks—and feels—completely different. We’re talking heated recliners, massive XD screens, and a sound system that’ll literally vibrate the popcorn out of your hand.
Why the XD Experience Matters More Than You Think
When you’re looking at showtimes for a Clackamas Town Center movie, you’ll see that "XD" tag everywhere. Is it a gimmick? Sorta. But also no. XD stands for "Extreme Digital," which is basically Cinemark’s version of IMAX.
The screen is wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-floor. If you’re watching something like Avatar: Fire and Ash or 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, you’re not just watching a movie; you’re being swallowed by it. The projector uses a custom JBL sound system with over 30 speakers. It’s loud. Really loud.
But here’s the thing: most people just pick the XD showtime because it’s the next one available. You should actually seek it out if you’re a fan of visual depth. In 2026, the contrast ratios on these screens have gotten so sharp that the blacks look like actual ink. It’s a massive jump from the muddy, gray-ish projection we all dealt with a decade ago.
The Seat Situation: D-BOX and Luxury Loungers
Let’s talk about the chairs. This is where the mall theater wins. They’ve replaced the old, squeaky folding seats with "Luxury Loungers." They’re electric recliners. They’re oversized. Most of them have heat settings now.
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Then there’s D-BOX. These are the seats that move.
- They vibrate during explosions.
- They tilt when the camera pans.
- They have an intensity dial on the armrest (Pro tip: Turn it to max if you’re seeing a horror flick like Primate—it’s terrifying).
I’ve seen people get motion sickness in these, so if you’re prone to that, maybe stick to the standard loungers. But for an action movie? It’s basically a two-hour theme park ride. Just don't try to eat nachos during a chase scene. You'll regret it.
The Secret to Navigating the Clackamas Town Center Transit Hub
Getting to a Clackamas Town Center movie shouldn't be stressful, but the parking lot is a labyrinth. If you’ve ever tried to park near the theater on a Saturday afternoon, you know the pain. The theater is located on the second floor near the food court.
Don't park by Macy’s. You’ll end up walking half a mile through the mall. Instead, aim for the parking garage near the Transit Center or the lot right by the North entrance.
If you’re taking the MAX Green Line, it drops you right at the transit center. It’s a five-minute walk from the platform to the box office. This is actually the smartest way to see a movie here during the holidays. No circling for 20 minutes looking for a spot while the trailers are already playing.
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Concessions: Beyond the Popcorn
Look, the popcorn is standard Cinemark fare—which is to say, it’s salty, buttery, and addictive. But the Clackamas location has expanded its menu significantly. You can get:
- Stone-fired pizzas (actually decent, not just frozen cardboard).
- Chicken sliders that are surprisingly juicy.
- Local craft beers and wine (because sometimes a movie needs a Pinot).
One thing people get wrong is the "no outside food" rule. While the staff generally won't tackle you for a bag of Skittles in your pocket, they’ve gotten stricter about outside drinks. The concession lines can get brutal on Friday nights. If you’re seeing a blockbuster, show up at least 25 minutes early. I once spent 15 minutes in line for a Diet Coke and missed the opening scene of Zootopia 2. Never again.
Is It Better Than Bridgeport or Eastport?
This is the big debate in Portland. Bridgeport Village has the fancy "IMAX with Laser" and a slightly more upscale vibe. Eastport Plaza is closer to the city center and often a bit cheaper.
But Clackamas holds its own for two reasons: accessibility and variety. The theater has 16+ screens. That means they carry the weird stuff. While other theaters only play the top five hits, Clackamas often has limited runs of international films—like the recent Korean thriller No Other Choice—or special "Gundam Premiere" nights. It’s a theater for movie nerds who also happen to like being near a Cheesecake Factory.
Pricing and How to Save Money
Tickets aren't cheap anymore. A weekend night XD ticket with D-BOX can easily push $25. If you’re going with a family, that’s a car payment.
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The Hack: Discount Tuesdays. Most movies (even some XD ones) are significantly cheaper on Tuesdays. Also, join the Cinemark Movie Rewards. It’s free, and you get "connections" points. If you go more than once a month, the Movie Club subscription is actually worth it. You get one credit a month, 20% off snacks, and they waive the online ticketing fees—which are usually like $2 per ticket.
Tips for a Perfect Movie Night at Clackamas
If you want the best experience, avoid the middle-of-the-day weekend crowds. It gets loud. Kids are everywhere.
- Pick the "Sweet Spot" seats: In most of the Clackamas auditoriums, row F or G in the center is the optical "sweet spot" for the XD screens.
- Use the App: Reserved seating is mandatory here. Don't be that person trying to find four seats together five minutes before the lights go down.
- Check the Temperature: The theaters are notoriously cold. Even with the heated seats, bring a hoodie.
The Clackamas Town Center movie theater is a weird mix of suburban comfort and high-end tech. It’s reliable. You know what you’re getting: a massive screen, a comfortable chair, and a really good sound system. In a world where streaming is king, this place still makes a convincing argument for leaving the house.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the current schedule: Log into the Cinemark app to see the specific XD showtimes for this week's new releases.
- Join Movie Rewards: If you’re planning on seeing more than two movies this season, sign up for the Cinemark Movie Club to save on the "convenience fees" that add up quickly.
- Plan your parking: If you're driving, use the entrance near the North parking garage to minimize your walk time through the mall.