the bridge: cinema de lux

review by yucaree

tuesday morning at 11am is baby pictures at the bridge: cinema de lux in culver city. they run recent releases for parents with babies and toddlers. of course, you can watch the movie without children, too. the movie changes weekly so check out the website to see what's playing.

Cost: $8.00 adult, $1.00 children 13 months~3 years, babies under 12 months free

Strollers: the website says that you are not allowed to bring strollers into the auditorium, but almost every parent we saw had a stroller in there (my friend and i brought in our carseats). there is plenty of space to park your stroller at the very front of the theater (right in front of the screen) or after the third row, which is a walkway across the theater. i believe this area is usually used for people in wheelchairs, so there is ample space to park your stroller in front of your seat, and in some cases, right next to your seat. again, i must emphasize that officially i don't think strollers are allowed.

Diaper changing: there is a diaper changing table right at the end of the ramp into the auditorium. i didn't use it, but it had a disposable liner and a garbage can. the website says to use the restrooms, which are equipped with changing tables, but at least in this auditorium (theater 15) there was a changing table right there so you could watch the movie while changing your baby.

Other amenities: the lights are dimmed but you can still see what's going on around you; the volume is lowered, which is great unless your baby is crying in your ear! the theater is accessible by elevator from the parking garage or by escalator.

Parking: there is a large parking structure, which costs $2 for four hours. the movie theater does not validate.

i enjoyed the experience of finally going to see a "grown-up" movie and not having to worry about getting a babysitter. i also didn't worry about maya crying because other babies fussed and cried, too. she was pretty good, surprisingly, but my friend had to walk her baby a little bit and no one cared that she was walking around. plus, the theater is not full so you can move around pretty freely or stand in the aisle if your baby likes to be rocked or walked. we also breastfed without any problems. i usually use a cape when i'm in public, but because we were in a dimly lit theater and because we were surrounded by other mothers i didn't bother using it. (just be aware that there are non-parents who are also watching the movie.) the seats are wide, spacious, and comfortable enough to hold your baby across your body while feeding, and they can also hold a carseat and/or diaper bag. there is plenty of leg room in front of you in the non-stroller parking rows to put your stuff (and the floor looked fairly clean, compared to other theaters).

THE BRIDGE: CINEMA DE LUX
6081 Center Drive
The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center
Los Angeles, CA 90045
24-Hour Phone 310-568-3375