You know that feeling when you're driving down Hadley Avenue and see those glowing red lights? It’s a bit of a landmark. For a lot of us in the East Metro, the Oakdale Marcus movie theater—officially the Marcus Oakdale Cinema—isn't just a place to see a flick. It’s the default plan.
Movie theaters have had a rough go lately. We’ve all seen the headlines about streaming taking over, but there is something about the Oakdale location that keeps the parking lot full, especially on a rainy Tuesday. Honestly, it’s probably the heated seats. Once you've had your lower back toasted while watching a three-hour epic, sitting in a regular folding chair feels like a punishment.
But there’s more to it than just warm upholstery. This place has survived because it basically leaned into the "luxury" thing before it was trendy.
What's the Deal with the Screens?
If you’re looking at showtimes, you’ll see a bunch of acronyms that sound like alphabet soup. DLX. Atmos. UltraScreen. It’s kinda confusing if you just want to see the new Avatar or Zootopia 2.
Here is the breakdown. The UltraScreen DLX is the big kahuna. It’s massive. We’re talking about a screen that makes your 65-inch OLED at home look like a postage stamp. It uses laser projection now, which basically means the colors don't look muddy and the blacks are actually black.
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Then you’ve got the SuperScreen DLX. It’s slightly smaller than the Ultra but still bigger than the "standard" rooms. Both of these usually feature Dolby Atmos. If you haven't experienced Atmos, it’s basically speakers everywhere—even in the ceiling. When a helicopter flies over in the movie, you actually look up. It’s a neat trick.
The Seat Situation
Every single room at the Oakdale Marcus movie theater has the DreamLounger recliners. This was a game-changer when they installed them years ago. You get about seven feet of legroom. You can literally walk past someone who is fully reclined without them having to tuck their knees in.
- Heated Seats: Not all of them have the heat function, so look for the "Heated" tag when you're booking.
- Powered Recline: No manual levers. Just buttons.
- Privacy: Because the seats are so big, you aren't rubbing elbows with a stranger.
Eating and Drinking (Beyond the Popcorn)
Look, the popcorn is fine. It’s movie popcorn. But Marcus tried to do something different with the Take Five Lounge. It’s a full bar in the lobby. You can grab a local craft beer or a cocktail and—this is the important part—you can take it into the theater with you.
They also have Zaffiro's Express. If you grew up in Milwaukee, you know Zaffiro's. It's that super thin, "thincredible" crust pizza. It’s way better than the soggy theater nachos you’re used to. They also do "Reel Sizzle" burgers at some locations, though the Oakdale spot focuses heavily on the pizza and lounge side of things.
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The prices? Yeah, they're high. It’s a theater. You’re going to pay "bidenflation" prices for a large soda, as one local reviewer recently put it. But if you join the Magical Movie Rewards program, you get free popcorn on certain days and some discounts that take the sting out of it.
How to Actually Save Money Here
If you show up on a Friday night and pay full price, you're doing it wrong. The Oakdale Marcus movie theater has some specific "hacks" to keep your wallet from screaming.
- Value Tuesdays: This is the big one. Tickets are significantly cheaper. It gets crowded, so you have to book ahead on the app.
- Everyday Matinee: Any show before 4 p.m. is discounted.
- Student Thursdays: If you have a college ID (even an old one that looks like you), tickets are usually around $7.50.
- Young at Heart: On Fridays, if you're over 60, they have special pricing.
Is it still clean?
There’s been some chatter online about hygiene. A few people on the BBB website and Reddit have complained about people bringing in blankets and pillows from home, which, honestly, is a bit gross. Marcus says they clean between shows, but let's be real: they have 15 minutes to sweep a giant room. If you’re worried, bring a light jacket instead of a duvet.
Getting There and Parking
The address is 5677 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, MN 55128.
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It’s right off Highway 63 and near I-694. The parking lot is huge, but it has some legendary potholes in the back section, so watch your suspension. Also, if you’re planning a date night, there are a ton of restaurants nearby. You’ve got the standard chains, but you're also a short drive from Stillwater if you want something a bit fancier before the 7:00 p.m. showing.
The Verdict on Oakdale Marcus
Is it perfect? No. The security guards sometimes look like they’d rather be anywhere else, and sometimes the lobby smells a bit like floor cleaner and stale butter.
But for a night out in the East Metro, it’s still the best screen you’re going to get. The combination of the UltraScreen's scale and those heated recliners makes it hard to stay home and watch Netflix.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Download the Marcus App: Don't wait in line at the kiosk. It's glitchy sometimes, but it saves you 10 minutes of standing around.
- Check the "Laser" Listings: If a movie is playing in both standard and "Laser Projection," pay the extra couple of bucks for the laser. The brightness difference is massive.
- Join the Rewards Program: It's free. Even if you only go twice a year, the points eventually turn into a free snack, which is a win in this economy.