If you’re driving down Carrousel Way in Rosemount, it’s pretty easy to miss the Marcus Rosemount Cinema if you aren't looking for it. It doesn't have the neon-soaked, radioactive glow of the Mall of America’s massive theater, and it’s not trying to be a downtown art house. Honestly? That’s exactly why people in the south metro keep coming back.
There is this weird misconception that suburban theaters are all kind of "dying out" or becoming dusty relics. You’ve probably heard it. People say streaming has killed the vibe. But then you walk into the Rosemount location on a Tuesday night and realize the parking lot is packed.
Basically, this place has survived by leaning into the one thing your living room can’t do: making the experience feel like an actual event without the pretension. Whether it's the DreamLounger recliners or the fact that you can get a decent stone-fired pizza delivered to your seat, it’s a specific kind of comfort.
The Reality of the UltraScreen DLX Experience
Let’s talk about the big room. Most people go to the Marcus Rosemount Cinema for the UltraScreen DLX. If you’re just going to see a rom-com, any screen works. But for something like the upcoming 2026 re-release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers or a massive blockbuster like Avatar: Fire and Ash, the standard screen doesn't cut it.
The UltraScreen is massive. We're talking wall-to-wall. But the real "secret sauce" isn't just the size; it's the Dolby Atmos sound system. It’s multidimensional. You don't just hear the dragon roar; you feel it in your marrow.
Pro Tip: If you’re a stickler for audio-visual perfection, look for showtimes specifically labeled as "Laser Projection." The colors are noticeably more vivid, and you don't get that weird "dimness" that sometimes plagues older digital projectors.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the seating. These aren't those squeaky, cramped folding chairs from the 90s. The DreamLoungers are essentially leather sofas that go completely flat. You have seven feet of legroom. Seriously. You could probably do a jumping jack in front of your seat and not hit the person in front of you.
Eating at Marcus Rosemount Cinema: More Than Just Popcorn
Look, we all love movie theater popcorn. It’s a food group. And at Rosemount, they do the National Popcorn Day promos (keep an eye out every January 19th) where you can snag a free large. But the food situation has evolved.
They have a Zaffiro’s Express inside. This isn't "gas station" pizza. It’s a Milwaukee-style thin crust that’s actually crisp.
If you're looking to actually eat a meal during the movie, here is what’s on the menu:
- Wisconsin Cheese Curds: These are white cheddar and served with marinara. It's Minnesota; you have to have them.
- Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls: A weirdly great fusion that’s easy to eat in the dark.
- Take Five Specialty Surf & Turf Popcorn: This is rock shrimp and chicken, lightly battered.
They also have a full bar called the Take Five Lounge. You can grab a "Hulk Smash" (vodka, melon liqueur, citrus) or a "Jurassic Island" and take it into the theater with you. It makes sitting through a three-hour epic much more manageable. Just remember to pace yourself—those recliners are so comfortable that a couple of cocktails and a dark room might result in a very expensive nap.
The "Value Tuesday" Cult and Other Ways to Save
If you pay full price for a movie ticket in Rosemount, you’re doing it wrong. Honestly. The locals know that Value Tuesdays are the only time to go if you have a big family.
It’s not just a small discount; it’s a total price slash. You get a discount on the ticket, and they usually have deals on popcorn and soda too. The only downside? It gets crowded. If you’re the type who hates people talking or texting (we’ll get to that in a second), Tuesday might not be your night.
Other ways to keep your wallet happy:
- Everyday Matinee: Any show before 4:00 PM is significantly cheaper.
- Student Thursdays: Bring your ID. It’s usually around $7.50.
- Young at Heart: If you're 60 or older, Fridays are your day for special pricing.
- Military Discount: Active military get in for about $8.50 with a valid ID.
Addressing the Common Complaints
No place is perfect. If you check the reviews for Marcus Rosemount Cinema, you’ll see the same few gripes.
First, the "21+ seating" issue. Some people really miss the old dedicated adult-only auditoriums. Marcus doesn't really do that here anymore. They view moviegoing as a "community experience." This means you might end up in a theater with a crying toddler or a group of rowdy teens. It’s the luck of the draw.
Second, the staff. It’s a suburban theater, often staffed by high schoolers. They’re usually great, but during a Friday night rush, the concession lines can get long. Pre-order your food on the app. I cannot stress this enough. It saves you from standing in line while the trailers are already playing.
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Finally, the posters. There was a minor local controversy recently about a horror movie poster being placed right next to a theater showing a PG movie. If you have sensitive kids, just keep your eyes peeled. The layout is a bit of a maze, and sometimes the marketing gets a little "intense" for the little ones.
What's Actually Playing?
The 2026 lineup at Rosemount is looking pretty stacked. Beyond the usual Marvel and Disney fare, they are leaning heavily into Event Cinema.
You can catch The Met: Live in HD series if you want something high-brow, or Crunchyroll Anime Nights if that's more your speed. They even show the Olympics (Figure Skating and Snowboarding were big hits this year) and major UFC fights. It’s becoming more of a "community screen" than just a movie house.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit:
- Location: 15280 Carrousel Way, Rosemount, MN 55068.
- The App is King: Use it for reserved seating. Don't leave your seat to chance.
- Arrive Early: If you're ordering a pizza, give it at least 20 minutes before the movie starts.
- Check the Screen Type: Don't pay the UltraScreen premium for a movie that doesn't need it, but definitely spring for it for anything with "Avatar" or "Lord of the Rings" in the title.
The Marcus Rosemount Cinema isn't trying to change the world. It’s just trying to provide a really comfortable place to escape it for two hours. In a world of tiny phone screens and constant notifications, there’s still something magic about a 70-foot screen and a bucket of buttered popcorn.
To make the most of your next trip, download the Marcus Theatres app right now and create a "Magical Movie Rewards" account. It's free, and you'll start earning points on every dollar you spend—plus, you'll get access to those Value Tuesday deals without having to jump through hoops at the box office. Check the schedule for the next Retro Series or Symphony performance to see something besides the standard blockbusters.