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When Denton’s Fine Arts Theatre reopens its doors in Spring of 2026, it will instantly become one of the most exciting places in Dallas-Fort Worth to see a movie.
This is partly because there has been a paucity of truly independent movie theaters north of Dallas in recent years. The area is dominated by chains, and some locations are excellent, but none of them have the feel of an authentic local experience.
Furthermore, the Fine Arts Theatre announced today that in addition to standard digital and 35mm film screenings, it will have the capability to screen 70mm film prints. This will make it one of the few theaters in Texas – and certainly one of the only independent theaters – equipped to do so. Not even the Texas Theatre is able to screen 70mm yet (though they do program a robust selection of 35mm prints).
Over the past couple of years, major event films like Oppenheimer and Sinners have popularized premium large format (PLF) viewing experiences. Basically, this is any type of screening you can attend that offers you more than standard digital projection.
Even within the framework of PLFs, 70mm is special. It allows for a significantly improved picture quality, creating a more immersive viewing experience for audiences. The colors are richer, the images more compelling. Film prints have a texture when screened that sets them apart from digital projection, and 70mm is the crème de la crème of film projection.
Jason Reimer, co-owner of Aviation Cinemas, which operates the Texas Theatre and will also manage the Fine Arts Theatre, says in a press release, “Sure, you can watch many of these movies at home, but there’s no bragging rights in that.”
Film screenings are an enhanced viewing experience, and you get to make a big deal about them when you go to parties. It really does sound cool to say you watched something in 70mm, even if the person you’re telling has no idea what that means.
After lying dormant for decades, the Fine Arts Theatre, being resurrected with this type of screening experience in mind, is like manna from heaven for cinephiles, especially those who live north of Interstate Highway 635.
The $10 million revival of the theater is the result of a partnership between Reimer and Brad Andrus and Alex Payne of development company NorthBridge. Once reopened, the venue will operate similarly to the Texas Theatre, showing films, hosting concerts and other live performances, and maybe even throwing the occasional party.
For years now, there has been talk that nothing culturally relevant happens north of 635. For some, it is regarded as a cultural wasteland of strip malls and chain restaurants — or even just “aggregate.” But a vibrant artistic community exists, especially in Denton. There are outstanding, unique concert venues that program up-and-coming artists, celebrating and nurturing their talent. The Fine Arts Theatre will be another, with the added benefit of regular, curated film screenings with a different focus than the other far north Dallas-Fort Worth venues have. That some of these will be on 70mm is icing on the cake.
With its return, the Fine Arts Theatre will make challenging, stimulating and downright enjoyable art more accessible than ever for those who live north of Dallas County. It will also provide opportunities for local artists, diversify the slate of films moviegoers can watch in a theater, and perhaps dispel the notion that art only exists in South Dallas and Oak Cliff.