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AMC Hoffman Center 22
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 998-4262
« Fewer Movies
- Good for Kids:
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31 reviews for AMC Hoffman Center 22
Let me first say..I LOVE GOING TO THE MOVIES!!!!! My wife and I promise you go to the movie at least 3 - 4 times a month if not more. Yes there are plenty of nice movie theathers out there and of course there are plenty of trashy one too. But this is NOT one of the trashy ones.... You can comeplain about the prices but movie across the borad have gone up on prices so don't blame one theater for there prices being just as high as all the rest....either pay or wait til it come out on DVD or be triflin and buy the bootleg....LOL
I am a fan of Hoffman for many reasons...they do alot of things that most theaters don't. Such as:
1. they are one the few movie theaters that offer a 1st showing of a big name movie at 12:00am thrusday night before it hits theaters all over...
2. They honor outside food 100% YAAAAAA (well Ruby Tuesday only) but still...how awesome is it to be able to watch a good movie while downing some good food from Ruby Tuesday's...It doesn't get any better then this!!! You don't always want to eat popcorn and nacho's....
I can go on..but why its not like yall have never been there before and if you have then you already know what I'm talking about. If you haven't then go see for yourself and tell what you think. Hoffman is as good as it get before having to drive miles for another good one!!!!
Please do not go here at night. Last time I went here for was for "Hulk". The movie experience there was loud, rude, and lacked any real theatre experience. Popcorn was stale and the ticket cashier was unfriendly. The Hoffman Center looks really nice on the outside. Great location with restaurants nearby, a cafe, Cold Stone, a prime location...
Now to the good stuff:
Throughout the "Hulk", there were screaming kids and crying babies. During the movie, teenagers consistently were peeping in and out of the theatre shouting out their crew members names loudly while the film reel was running. Commotion and disruption was the name of the game. I thought I was in the "Hulk" not in a "Daddy Day Care" cameo. My friend sitting right next to me, turned and said "Its Zoo York up in here!"
Everyone used to go here, but Regal Kingestowne Theaters opened up about 10 minutes away, so there's a little less of a crowd here (which is a plus).
There is plenty of free parking. It's in old town! great location to go have dinner in old town, see a movie, then walk next to the water at night.
tickets are $10.50, which i think is about a dollar than other theaters.
If i could give this theatre no stars I probably would. The theatre is crowded but more importantly the staff makes no effort to make the experience enjoyable.
The theatre is clean which is great but you cannot see a movie at all without disruption unless you go before noon on the weekends. When we complained about a particular obnoxious audience member, the theatre staff simply handed us a movie pass and sent us on our way. We just paid $21 for tickets and another $15 for refreshments and only got 15 minutes into the movie! what a waste of time and money.
Also, considering the only time movies are enjoyable is early on the weekends when movies are $6, we essentially still lost $9.
When did it become acceptable for people to behave this way in public?
I don't remember the parking garage ($1 after hours, it appears) existing from the last time I that I went to this theater, which would have been roughly three or four years ago. But I did used to work at a client site around the corner more recently than that, so either I'm ridiculously unobservant (this is a likely possibility) or it just went up recently. Either way, it was a much-needed improvement over the sketchy dirt/gravel situation that preceded it.
Outside of that, this theater is conveniently across the street from the Metro, has ample parking (now), is right off the Beltway, and apparently a superb spot for high schoolers to frequent on a Friday night.
And frequent they do. Upon first walking in, I was a little bit stunned at the number of people waiting in line to purchase tickets, before I realized that there were a number of automated ticketing kiosks -before- you got to the real live folks operating the ticket booth. There didn't appear to be any clear queues or structure around use of the ticket kiosks, and I was just picking up my pre-purchased tix anyway, so I just helped myself to a random one that freed up. No one yelled at me. Apparently it's appropriate behavior here.
Seeing a film in IMAX is suggested here. Big-ass screen (to show off the big blue penis of Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen, in this instance), crazy amazing sound that you can feel in your ribcage, and quite comfortable seating. Not bad, not bad. And for the $13.50 you're going to pay for an IMAX feature, it better be.
I want to clarify something for anyone reading these reviews of the AMC 22. Specifically all the complaints about the IMAX. True, this theater doesn't have an IMAX like you've probably experienced at the National Air & Space Museum or Udvar-Hazy Center. Those screens are the traditional wrap-around, massive IMAX screens that use gigantic film stock and purpose built camera equipment. Being that major motion pictures aren't shot on IMAX film it'd be a bit difficult to display a movie like Star Trek on one of the traditional IMAX screens, no? Weird how that works.
So the IMAX screen at the AMC 22 isn't wrap around. But it is HUGE. Probably the biggest screen you've ever seen outside of the Air & Space Museum. The sound system is the IMAX grade, earth shaking experience that you're used to. Young children, the old and infirm and all around weak should stay away!
Also, tickets aren't $15, they're $13.50 - just to clear that up.
I've also heard a lot of complaints about the parking issue. For the record there are 3 massive lots for you to park your gigantic SUV around the theater and surrounding restaurants. Sure if you want to park directly in front of the theater, finding a spot on a busy weekend premiere might be a challenge. Weird, again. Try either the lot across Eisenhower or the HUGE lot behind the theater.
The Metro is also an option - the AMC is directly across from Eisenhower Metro (Yellow Line).
I've read too many reviews complaining about the most minor things. Yes, movies are pricey - you knew that already (hopefully before walking up to the counter). If Tyson's Corner has a "beautiful shiny new theater" I invite you to put up with the horrendous drive and walk through an entire freaking mall to get to a theater. Please, by all means vacate Alexandria and clog up Tyson's some more!
I'll agree that the kiddies working the snack bar could pick up the pace, hence my 4-Star rating. But that's what you get for $7/hr.
Overall the theater is clean, has great movies showing at all times and has great screens and sound-systems.
Ugh. This place sucks. It's huge, it's crowded, it's hard to get to if you live anywhere but directly off the blue line, and it's previously unique (a decade ago) to the area "Stadium Seating" is dated and in need of an overhaul. There was a time when you'd come to Hoffman because it was the only Stadium Seating in the greater DC area, but that's long gone. And since you're already venturing south to get to this place, you might as well travel the same distance west and just go to the brand new, super-nice theatre in Tyson's Corner Mall. And if you live way south in the suburbs, you've got the Kingstowne and Fairfax Corner places for a gigantic movie complex.
I saw Watchmen here because they allegedly have an "IMAX Theatre" so we made the trek. Like other people said, don't be fooled. This isn't the gigantic IMAX Dome thing you're expecting - in fact it is really just a nice high-def DLP Projector. The screen itself is probably trumped in size by Tyson's or Fairfax Corner theatres. Not worth the $15 ticket at all.
The theatre itself needs new chairs. They're cloth entirely, which is kind of pathetic for a "marquee" theatre, and feel dirty. You get that sort of sticky feeling - like when you sit on an old cloth couch that's twenty years old. You know, like the everyone has when you're in college. That's what it felt like - plus - no reclining so the three hours of campy Watchmen dialogue felt like agony.
Yeah, I'm a movie snob. But $15. I could have bought the DVD.
This is a pretty typical suburb-type cinema complex. Except that its pretty well known to have tons of high school angst brawls break out here. West Side Story...with a side of popcorn. I don't know which I'd like to watch more, the raging hormones causing fist fights outside while Alexandria PD breaks it up or the latest blockbuster.
I made the mistake of just showing up to buy an IMAX ticket for Watchmen but it was already sold out. This forced me to head to the San Antonio Grill next door to have a beer before the regular theatre show would start....what an trainwreck that place is.
The theatre itself is clean and standard, though there is a kind of mass sea of teens milling about that you have to wade through...but then again, what theatre isn't that way? I rarely get out to the movies, but this was an ok experience.
Yes, I liked Watchmen. You should have read the novel first, bitches.
This theater pissed me off last night.
I was watching a movie with my date in theater 13 and we could hear the sound from the theater next to it, number 14, during all of the quiet parts of our movie. It was ridiculous. How can you not soundproof your theaters when your running a place like this?!
Two stars, one for sheer number of movies, the other for good parking options.
I went to see Star Trek on a Monday afternoon here, and was excited about seeing something on an "IMAX" screen. I, like lots of people, remember IMAX screens as those huge immersion screens that show space films that circle you. What better way to see Star Trek?
Ooops! There was no apparent difference in the AMC-IMAX screen and a regular screen. At least, none that my movie-going eyes could see. I was kind of confused and disappointed, but enjoyed the movie anyway.
A couple days later I read this article explaining why letdown of IMAX screens.
http://www.deadlinehol...
Long story short, you pay 5 or so bucks more, and if you're expecting a dome IMAX screen, don't get your hopes up.
Went to a weekend afternoon movie here. The parking situation was a little odd, some of the lots were roped off even though they had spaces. We ended up parking in the garage. It is $1 on the weekends and evenings. The garage was not crowded at all, so it was a good choice. The theater is nice, shiny and clean. We used the ticket ordering machines, so it saved us from waiting in the huge ticket line. There were maybe 10 machines - a nice convenience. The concession stand lines were long and slow! Plan ahead to get there extra early if you want food and a good seat. The theater was nice and clean. There are plenty of restaurants, etc. around the theater for an after movie dinner. A nice plus.
Even though it's close to Metro (right across the street from the Eisenhower Ave. Station) it still required some planning in advance - at least for us - because it does take some time to get there and get back, (Living in Ballston, we had to transfer at least once at Rosslyn to the Blue Line). Weekends the trains run less frequently, of course. In colder weather, waiting on the platform is like being in the seventh circle of Hell, (if you've done it, you know what I mean), and if you are at any past-midnight shows, chances are you may have to cab home...good luck with THAT.
Having said that, I have to also say that Hoffman Center is not a movie theater...it's an EXPERIENCE. Because of the trouble it takes getting there and then getting home, we never saw less than two shows each time we went, unless there was just one movie playing that we wanted to see and the rest fell into the "wait-for-video" category.
We started going there just a month or two after they opened, and I'm so happy to report that their biggest problem is not a problem anymore. And that was lack of places to eat. Once upon a time, Ruby Tuesday's was "the only game in town", and because of that, soon it got to be too crowded, too dirty, and the service and food didn't make it worth possibly missing your show for, if you just planned to grab a quick bite between flicks.
Now that the Santa Fe Restaurant is on the opposite side (and their food has improved greatly since THEY opened), Ted's Montana Grill is across the street, along with Starbuck's and ColdStone Creamery, the food options have opened up. (insert sigh of relief here.)
The biggest problem for us now is being able to AFFORD to go...You know, reaching a time when you have the "extra money" and you can line up a weekend that's perfect. For the very reasons another poster listed (noisy audiences, stupid behavior from both obnoxious teens AND adults), we have fallen back on Netflix. A LOT. Which is sad, really, because I do still like going out to the movies, and to Hoffman especially.
We will probably go back again for another big "event" flick, (like THE DARK KNIGHT or IRON MAN, both which we saw in theaters.) And when the next "AFTER DARK HORRORFEST" rolls around, I would definitely go to the Hoffman to catch it. I saw two films from the last one there, and it was great fun! After all, B-horror films are best seen with a lively audience!
Late for a movie? Hit the garage and avoid fighting for parking spaces. On the weekends the garage is only a $1, totally worth it if you don't want to miss the previews.
I give this place an average three, because I've had good and bad experiences here. The place is pretty clean and there's usually a lot of seats available and plenty of movie options.
HOWEVER... I can't tell you how many times the ticket machines have been "temporarily unavailable" making you wait in the ridiculously long lines. And what is it with these places having two concession stands but only having one open? It's the summer, people go to the movies, please make the process easier, thank you.
AND... I wouldn't recommend seeing a scary movie here. I was totally psyched to see The Strangers. I love going to scary movies, for one thing, I want to be scared. You can't do that when there are multiple people checking their text messages ( think shiny screens and constant little beeps) or people yelling at the screen because either a) they live under the delusional fact that they are funny or b) are actually afraid of the movie and are trying to not be in front of their date. Either way, you piss me off.
Hoffman. Ugh. Avoid this place on the weekend unless you enjoy hanging with thug high schoolers.
As a typical local theater it is fine. Seating is all stadium with a row across the base of the seats (splitting the upper and limited lower seats). This means you can sit in the "front" row and put your feet on the railing.
Getting here. Not easy if you are not a local. It is very metro accessible, however (Eisenhower or you can walk from King Street - probably 1/2 mile). Hoffman sits between Duke and Eisenhower - and there are very few cross-streets that connect Duke to Eisenhower. If you can find it, the best way to get here is to turn on Holland Lane (off of Duke and in front of the Whole Foods), drive down to the circle and then turn right onto Eisenhower. You can then drive down Eisenhower to the theater. I do not recommend parking in the lot adjacent to the theater. It is much easier to park in the lot on the other side of Eisenhower (and next to the metro and closest to the beltway). This lot is free much of the time (nights and weekends) and parking is plentiful. If you visit the theater by turning off of Duke (without going to Eisenhower), you cannot cross over (the connecting road is barricaded) and will not be able to park in the easier lot.
IMAX - I saw Watchmen at Hoffman and it was the first time I've seen an IMAX movie at this theater. It was disappointing. Yes, the screen was larger, but it was in the same configuration of theater as the others at Hoffman. I saw the Dark Knight at the Smithsonian and that was an amazing experience with a huge theater with steep and dramatic seating extending above the screen; that was a fantastic and immersive experience. IMAX at Hoffman is basically a big screen. It was better than the standard screen, but keep your expectations in check.
Tickets - the self-serve kiosks which were out of service forever now have been replaced and are working. If you go to http://movietickets.com, you can order in advance (some other sites don't work for advance ticketing at the Hoff).
Other than that, there are some restaurants here (Ted's Dirty Grill, Cold Stone, Ruby Tuesdays, etc.) and that's about it.
I used to go to this one all the time when it first opened. But now that it's all popular, I have pretty much abandoned this one. It's super huge which is good and bad. If your movie is first rate, you get one of the mammoth screens. But if your movie has been there for a minute, or maybe not the flavor of the month, you are in like theater 21 which might as well be the 50" at home.
Since it's become more popular, lots of people are always in there on their cell phones.. either texting, or checking email even when the movie is showing. Nothing says "distraction" like a blue screen lighting up the darkness of the theater.
Also occassionally you get the "comedians" wanting to talk back to the screen or making other dumb comments that nobody cares for.
The food is the common movie theater fare. Nothing really special to report there. For my money, I'm out at Ballston or Potomac Yards.
I have been going to Hoffman from when it opened, and its always been packed! People who cant figure out and are complaining about the parking let me explain. The AMC was built pre-September 11, the Hoffman building( the office next door) is a federal office building, and the original plan was to develop the whole thing in to something like Reston town center, but after September 11 the federal government nixed the plan, and almost tried to shut the movie theater down, but the city said they would stop further development, if the feds let AMC stay. that said the flat parking lots are federal property, and were leased for nights and weekends to AMC, until they built a parking structure, once that was completed the feds had there lots 24 hrs a day and could do has they wish, and do by closing off parts of it for national security, if you live in the area you should realize that that's just life here.
As to the theater it self, its getting a little used now, and the velvety seats are not has velvety jas they were when they were new, but there still comfy, and clean. Now the IMAX thing, alot of films are filmed in IMAX now, but IMAX screen are no longer like Cine-scope rounded screens with a extra wide screen ratio, they are just extremely large and beyond high def picture, the rock your would sound is still rock your world.
And to the people who want the air and space imax, its not the same on that screen, seeing a mass marked film. I was invited to a screening of night at the Museum on the Imax at air and space, it was odd... it did not fill the screen like the films made by Smithsonian.
This movie theater is pretty much my go to theater, now that Tyson's is always packed. Stadium seating is the standard. I can't go back to regular seats. This is why I can never set foot in Multiplex Cinemas on Lee Highway again.
The place is clean for the most part. There are usually a good number of theaters showing the movies that you want to see. I'm all about the credit card kiosks for avoiding lines. Also, there are two huge parking lots, one outdoor and a garage. If you need a caffeine boost, there's a starbucks around the corner.
Like another reviewer, multiple people like to text and use their cell phones at this theatre. I have no idea why this theatre attracts such types but the last two movies I saw here were a total drag due to this. Also, some of the patrons believe movies are interactive and are yelling at the screen. Even during Memoirs of a Geisha.... it was interesting but not a very enjoyable experience.
Also, the concession stand upstairs never seems to be open. If you happen to be upstairs and want something to eat, it's a 20 minute expedition back downstairs. Last time I was there the elevator was not working so we had to brave the escalators loaded down with our goodies. Not fun!
Just saw Watchmen in IMAX here tonight. This D.C. resident definitely doesn't recommend the trip if you can find the flick you're seeking any closer. It's a typical AMC plex.
To be fair, I misunderstood the meaning of "IMAX." What I thought was IMAX is apparently IMAX Dome -- i.e. the only thing you can see is the screen, which is massive. The quality at this IMAX theater is good, don't get me wrong -- I appreciate high definition and good sound. But I naively thought I was going to see Watchmen in what is apparently the "Dome." So I was definitely disappointed at the beginning (but of course Watchmen redeemed itself. And many thanks to a fellow reviewer for the shallow reference to the blue penis).
No real problems with the theater itself. Showed up early and got pre-ordered tickets in about two seconds flat. This is where other complaints come in. There's not much around the theater. A few restaurants (Ted's, a Tex-Mex place, Ruby Tuesday, a few others) but nothing of note and nothing else to do. Feels kind of like la-la land, but I don't get to the sterile suburbs much.
The theater also gets docked an entire star for something that's not its fault -- the CONSTRUCTION around it. My god is it difficult to get in and out of. Typically Virginia, the roads are nearly completely unmarked. We wasted a solid 20 minutes to and fro making U-turns and negotiating on-ramps when, it turns out, we passed the right road at the beginning because it's unmarked. I will never understand that about this region -- it drives (groan...) me insane.
Otherwise a normal movie experience. No problems with cell phones/obnoxious patrons etc., but we were sitting in the very top corner b/c everybody was nicely spaced out just enough so that the four of us had nowhere to sit together despite being 20 minutes early. Again, however, typical.
Lots of parking both behind the theatre and in front, by the Eisenhower metro station. The cinema has more than a dozen theatres inside and stadium seating, which is nice.
If I could, I would give AMC Hoffman 2 1/2 stars, b/c management was nice enough to host a 10K race here back in February. It was around 15 degrees outside and windy. So I and the other runners were very grateful to wait in the theatre's warm and toasty great hall before venturing onto the icy streets to run 6.2 miles down Eisenhower Avenue and back.
But.... how shall I say this? I hate a lot of the theatre's clientele. The obnoxious teens. You know the ones I'm talking about. They like to throw candy wrappers and popcorn at each other and other people in the audience. They like to take off their shoes and put their smelly feet on top of the seat next to yours.
Also, the parents who bring in their young kids and yell at them when the kids won't stop climbing over the seats. Which makes the kids cry and wail at 200 decibels. Which makes the parents scream even louder.
And don't forget the people who like to talk to and curse the movie screen. Who exclaim, "Don't do that, b**ch!" at the screen, or "Is this movie almost over? I'm hungry! Damn."
So, I avoid this movie house like the plague.
If you're going to charge $13.50 for an "IMAX" experience you should probably have some sort of disclaimer explaining that this is not a real IMAX theater. I have been to multiple IMAX theaters in my life, and I have no idea how this could qualify as one. There was nothing special about this theater in my opinion unless you count the deafening sound, which makes me think that they are under the delusion that this is some massive IMAX theater. My husband had to ask the people next to us if we were in the right theater it was that bad. We heard people all over the theater having the same conversation as well about the misrepresentation of this theater.
it's NOT IMAX...these bastards advertised their theater as IMAX! it's just a regular digital screen...charged me $15 for it. if it wasn't star trek, i would've asked for my $ back
Mega-ultra-Super-Googleplex!! 22 screens for your viewing pleasure.
Typical multi-plex along with "hot popcorn topping" self-serve dispensers. How could we as fat-assed Americans be any happier, I mean come on self serve, artificially colored and flavored, liquid coconut oil?!? Gallon sized drinks. Self-serve ticket kiosks up front and the ability to buy tix online help make this theater user friendly. Also on the Metro yellow line about a 200 yard walk from the Eisenhower Ave stop.
Don't get caught sneaking into a second movie now!
Not worth the long metro ride from DC, but I had free tickets to an opening so I made the trek. It was clean, comfortable, and the staff was friendly. The audience was respectful, I noticed no cell phone use or obnoxious chatter.. maybe because it was a such a heavy movie about the Holocaust, not sure. Either way if I lived in N. VA I'd give it a look.
i'm not so happy to call the hoffman center my neighborhood humongoid amc multiplex. while it's nice to have a multiplex 10 minutes away from my house, this may be the worst theater i have ever been to in terms of purchasing my tickets and parking.
parking is horrible. the free spaces are not bountiful and some lots are ridiculously far away from the town center. we decided to park in the garage for $1 instead of aimlessly wandering around like the other 40-50 cars were doing.
purchasing tickets is even more horrible! when we entered the multiplex, there were like 30 people just standing there looking at the movie times while 3 or 4 workers kind of stood there and talked and didn't man their cash registers. there were no lines. no queue equipment. nothing. just people standing. i was thinking that these people all simultaneously needed to check movie times, were entranced by something in the ceiling, or weren't being properly served. thank god, it was the latter. once the workers decided to man their stations, it was a stampede to get tickets. thankfully before that happened, i decided to buy my tickets on the kiosks that get this, were in front of the cash registers strewn about in no discernible pattern.
after that fiasco, we were finally able to see nick and norah's infinite playlist in a nice sized theater with wide, comfortable seats. this was probably the cleanest looking theater i've been to in a while. i'll give 2 stars for that because honestly, i'm probably going to return. i love to make myself miserable.
This theater has gotten pretty bad over the years. *Please note that my rant is based on weekend experiences. Parking is a nightmare on the weekends and holidays. The concession stand people are super duper slow! If you want snacks, plan to arrive about 15 minutes early just to stand in line to be served by a surly AMC employee. The bathrooms always have something out of order and the stalls are often dirty and out of toilet paper. I think the theater seats are comfy (but don't really feel clean) and the layout of the theater is good.
Not bad, not bad! I actually enjoyed this movie theater when we went to watch Iron Man on the digital screen. Seeing a bad-ass movie in high def certainly improved my mood after being preserved by the Ted's Pot Roast! If Tysons doesn't have a digital screen, this theater will be on the short list of places that I go to catch great movies in high def!
Me and my girlfriend are big movie buffs and try to get to the theaters as much as we can. Yes is pricey but well worth it if you see a good movie. We go to the AMC Hoffman b/c we like that its big and has a lot of theaters, and its closer than all the others:) Usually its fine but on a few occasions we have been very unsatisfied with the amount of problems it has. Not the theater itself but I guess how the theater is run. We have had sound issues, picture issues, and people making to much damn noise. Don't you just hate that? The kewl thing is we have received free movie passes for the inconvenience, which is ok I guess but it kinda ruins the experience of a nice, relaxing evening. I'm glad there is a Ruby's with a bar outside. Oh also, they need to fix the sinks b/c the sensors are never working and I have to try everyone to wash my hands, and once I do I can't find a paper towel dispenser to work.
A great backup if tickets are sold out at AMC Potomac Yard. It's very similar: huge complex, big screens, stadium seating. Parking can be tricky because Hoffman has other offerings like restaurants - never a major problem but you may have to circle around a bit. It's near Old Town so probably a 15-20 minute drive south of Potomac Yard because of street lights.
This is a great movie theater. They have 3 different levels and numerous large screens. Parking is never an issue, they always have parking in the back. You can also purchase your tickets from their self checkout once your there, but there's always one or two that are not working. It's great to take a date there because you can lift up the arm rest in the middle (just in case you had ideas ;) ).
I love this movie theater! My one complaint is the parking situation. You want to make sure you arrive in plenty of time to hunt for a parking space before your movie. Once you have parked and entered the theater, you will see photos and paintings of familiar and classic movies on the walls as well as large escalators (that my father always avoided!). I really like the stadium seating, and think that next time I go there that I might take the Metro, Yellow Line to Huntington Station, and walk to the theater!



