Inside the Darkside
“You don’t understand the power of the Darkside.” Darth Vader couldn't have said it any better. Open since April 1, 2005, Darkside Cinema is the only independently owned and operated movie theater in Corvallis. They play first run, indie, international, and documentary films.
Some of you will remember their previous arthouse movie theater on Jackson Avenue: Avalon Cinema, open from 1997 to 2007.
Paul Turner, owner of the Darkside, said he handed his contractor all his concepts of what he wanted the cinema to look like – drawn on napkins! The contractor then used those to put the official blueprints together. Then came the process of getting all the permits together. Once that was done, that’s when the real work began.
The finished product is something Paul, Joey Bauer, Kellan Holte, and Caitlin Stow are proud to say, “That is where we work!” The atmosphere is classic with posters of cinema like Citizen Kane. They have velvet pictures of old Hollywood icons like Elvis, and signs from old stores that have come and gone over the years. He was able to salvage the Robnett’s Hardware sign.
Joey Bauer and Paul Turner, owner, behind the counter together since 2006
The concession stand is another unique feature that keeps moviegoers coming back. You can get all the classic snacks plus a few unexpected goodies such as pizza, beer, Two Towns hard cider and soft drinks, of course.
The movies featured are selected by certain criteria. First and foremost, do people want to see it, second is affordability and its availability. Does The Darkside want to show it? Ultimately, the first criteria is how Turner and the crew decide what will be shown.
Turner was running both the Avalon Theater and Darkside Cinema but had to close the
Avalon because Carmike (now AMC) had 12 screens and took all of the big art films.
“We would get four or five big art films a year and fill-in with lesser known indie films. So cutting down to four theaters made sense,” he said.
Owner Paul Turner between showings. A list of what is showing right up front in pink.
Talking to movie goers as they left pretty much said the same thing.
“There is no better place to watch a movie!”
One young viewer loved being able to have pizza brought to him while sitting in the best seat in the house. Mom and dad loved having an adult beverage with their pizza.
Bauer said the velvet Elvis and the elevator ghost made him want to work there. “The picture is so iconic,” he said. “While closing one night, I was whistling as I was cleaning up and there was someone else whistling. Which was weird because I was alone.”
Turner shared the story behind the ghost in the elevator. “Before we got here,” he said, “there was a fire in the elevator and a woman was killed. We don’t use that elevator.”
You can find The Darkside on Northwest Fourth Street next to the Book Bin in downtown Corvallis.
At a Glance:
Where: 215 SW 4th St. in Corvallis
When: Open every day. Showtimes vary depending on the days of the week.
What: You will see a plethora of movie genres.
Who: Perfect place for a first date or anniversary date.
Why: Intimate, affordable and great ambiance.
Website: darksidecinema.com
When you go: Be sure to put a pin in the map on the wall to let them know how far you came to get to The Darkside!
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