Movies in English are shown at Cinecitta Multiplexkino in Nuremberg, Germany, with tickets costing about 11 euros. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
I often find myself torn between the comfort of a cozy night at home and the joy of spending time out with friends.
An evening at a movie theater strikes a balance between the two. But living in a foreign country means adding the challenge of finding theaters that screen English-language movies without German dubbing.
Cinecitta Multiplexkino in Nuremberg offers films that cater to both German- and English-speaking audiences, along with restaurants and amenities that encourage spending a little extra time there before or after the show.
Cinecitta Multiplexkino, nestled along the Pegnitz River in Nuremberg, Germany, lets patrons enjoy dinner and a show all under one roof. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Cinecitta Multiplexkino in Nuremberg, Germany, stands out by offering numerous showtimes for films in English, free from dubbing or translation. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
The theater is nestled along the Pegnitz River and close to all the sights and sounds of the city’s old town. If you visit in December, it’s a scenic 10-minute stroll from one of Europe’s most famous Christmas markets.
The tickets for “Gladiator II” were 11 euros, which is very reasonable in comparison to what I’ve come to expect from American theaters lately. But we arrived well in advance to check out what the complex has to offer beyond the movies.
Cinecitta Multiplexkino hosts a bar and common area where patrons can have a snack or a drink and socialize when they're not watching a movie. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
The common area in Cinecitta Multiplexkino in Nuremberg, Germany, provides a social atmosphere beyond the film screenings. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
The atmosphere outside the screenings is a social one, say those who recommended the spot to me. The common area between the theaters, restaurants, cafe and bar wasn’t jumping on a Tuesday evening, but I’m told it’s a busy hangout over the weekend.
The food options include the recently renovated Oriental, which goes in two different directions, Middle Eastern mezze and southeast Asian. If hummus and stuffed grape leaves appetizers and pad thai for dinner is your thing, have at it.
The Google returns are positive about the food. One five-star review mentions, among other things, “remarkable photos on the way to the toilet.”
The second floor of the complex hosts an American-style diner, where I indulged in one of the most classic fast-food meals from our culture, chicken tenders and fries, while a friend accompanying me opted for a salad.
The food offerings at the American Diner in Cinecitta Multiplexkino in Nuremberg, Germany, serve as a complement to the American-made movies shown there. The theater offers English-language shows without dubbing or subtitles. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
The American Diner is one of several places at Cinecitta Multiplexkino in Nuremburg, Germany, where patrons can grab a bite to eat. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
The food was decent, affordable and convenient, especially since we had both come straight from work without having the chance to grab dinner beforehand.
We didn’t have time for the bar and cafes, but there’s a lot to choose from if you do. Central Bar is a lot more than bar, serving stone oven-baked pizza, smoothies and ice cream sundaes, among other things.
There’s also the “cappuccino bar” and a roof terrace open in the summer. I can’t vouch for the beer, but I wouldn’t be worried about the quality — you’re in Bavaria.
Cinecitta Multiplexkino in Nuremberg, Germany, presents films in German, as expected, but it stands out by also offering numerous screenings in English. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
The movie theater itself was cozy, if unremarkable. The crowd was minimal, allowing us to have the entire row to ourselves. As for “Gladiator II,” I found it entertaining. I’m not a film critic, but they generally say Denzel Washington stole the show, and I’d have to agree.
If it hadn’t been a weeknight, I would have loved to stay for a nightcap. I fully intend to return, especially with the lineup of films debuting early next year. And when I do, I’ll sample more of what Cinecitta has to offer beyond the movies.
Cinecitta Multiplexkino in Nuremberg, Germany, offers more than just a movie night. The vibrant social scene at its various eateries, cafe and bar invites customers to linger long after the credits roll. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Cinecitta
Location: Gewerbemuseumsplatz 3, Nuremburg, Germany
Cost: Ticket, 11 euros; dinner entree, 10-18 euros
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m.
Information: Online: www.cinecitta.de
