1.
repertory cinema; art-house theater that screens classic and notable films
A type of movie theater that specializes in showing older classic films, foreign films, and critically acclaimed works rather than new releases. Typically charges lower admission than first-run cinemas.
近所の名画座で古い映画を観た。
I watched an old movie at the local repertory cinema.
名画座は二本立てで千円と安い。
The repertory cinema is cheap — a double feature for 1,000 yen.
昔は街のあちこちに名画座があったが、今は数が減っている。
There used to be repertory cinemas all over town, but the number has been declining.
Composed of 名画 (masterpiece film) + 座 (theater, venue). A uniquely Japanese cultural institution. These theaters show double or triple features of older films at lower prices than first-run cinemas.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 名画座で観る: to watch at a repertory cinema
- 名画座の二本立て: a double feature at a repertory cinema
- 名画座が閉館する: a repertory cinema closes down
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
名画座 were once widespread in Japanese cities, especially during the Showa era. Famous surviving examples include 早稲田松竹 in Tokyo. They are beloved by film enthusiasts for their curated programs and affordable prices, but many have closed due to the rise of home video and streaming.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 映画館: movie theater — the general term for any cinema, including first-run
- ミニシアター: mini-theater — a small independent theater that shows art films and indie works, but focuses on newer releases rather than classics