We’re about two and a half months away from the 2025 Milwaukee Film Festival, which runs April 24 – May 8. And while the fest is amazing for 15 days, the Milwaukee Film-operated Oriental Theatre is amazing all year round. A quick peek at the theater’s upcoming screenings reveals Oscar favorites (The Brutalist), big-budget crowd-pleasers (Captain America: Brave New World), and modern classics (Mulholland Dr.).
Just don’t expect to watch any of these films in a heated DreamLounger™ Recliner Seat complete with massaging arm rests and food delivery service from a harried theater employee. Thank god.
In a recent episode of Milwaukee Film’s popcorn-infused interview series “Popped Ones” (lol), Oriental and Downer Theatre facilities manager Ryan Putskey casually mentions that while the Oriental has seen oodles of restoration and behind-the-scenes improvements in recent years, both it and the Downer absolutely will not see “luxurious” upgrades that detract from the experience of, you know, watching a film in a historic theater.
“There are many ways in which I don’t think we’re going to change the theaters,” Putskey says around the 16:50 mark. “We’re never going to have ultra-liner, reclining-back seats. That’s just not going to happen. We’re providing a classic experience. Sure, we could be more ‘luxurious,’ but the place where you are, the things that you’re doing, the films that you’re watching…I feel like anything that detracts from that experience is just a waste.”
We couldn’t agree more. Watch the full episode—also featuring operations director Petey Balestrieri and host Jolee Mallmann—below. And see a movie! No recliners needed!
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