R-JENERATION: Unique programming, cheap tickets rule at Tropicana Cinemas

Even for movie lovers, a trip to the theater in today’s economy can be difficult to justify when paying $8 or more for a ticket and an extra $10 for food and drinks.

Thankfully, Las Vegas is home to Tropicana Cinemas.

The theater, at 3330 E. Tropicana Ave., is a “dollar theater,” where tickets cost $1.50 for regular movies and $3 for 3-D films (on Tuesdays, prices are reduced to $1 and $2.50, respectively).

The cost of concessions is similar to those of other theaters, although the theater offers dollar hot dogs for cheap snacking.

How can Tropicana Cinemas be so affordable?

The theater shows films that are no longer in regular theaters, but have yet to be released on DVD and Blu-Ray.

“A movie is played here anywhere from weeks to months after its initial release in regular theaters,” general manager Miguel Perez says as he sells tickets at the box office. “When it actually comes here depends on when the studio will allow us to show it and its success at the box office.”

Tropicana Cinemas at first glance may seem grimy: The parking lot is old with uneven pavement; it’s not uncommon to see intoxicated people (some homeless) around the theater or even watching movies along with you; the theater floors are almost always sticky.

If you’re a clean freak, you’ve been warned.

This may turn some off, but others may enjoy the somewhat seedy vibe of the theater. It presents an atmosphere and experience not easily found in Las Vegas, where most theaters have almost the same layout and are found primarily in casinos.

Upon entering the theater, patrons are greeted with a painted mural of classic movie posters such as “The Shining,” “Home Alone” and “Jaws,” in addition to a plethora of arcade games.

There are six theaters including one 3-D auditorium. Each has digital projection and is up to date and of good quality.

In addition to cheap flicks, the theater has a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” event the first Saturday of every month at 10 p.m. for $9.

Should you watch the movie, you will be greeted with avid fans donned in costume who can recite every line, in addition to so-called “virgins” who have never seen the film.

This combination of unique programming and affordability has made the theater a special place for some locals.

“I used to come here a lot with my family as a kid because we liked the cheap prices,” employee Taylor Rott says. “Now, as an employee, I really enjoy working here.”

Adds CSN freshman Vincent Mazzoccoli, a loyal patron of Tropicana Cinemas: “I’m going there later today. My friends and I go there all the time. We love movies, and it’s a great place for cheap entertainment.”