Nice has four theaters regularly showing films in English… not dubbed but in their original version.
First of all, to get a quick list of what’s playing where in English, click on the Anglo-Info English Language Cinema Listing,
The Rialto, just up the street from Le Negresco, shows first-run films in their original language. Tickets are 7.50€, but tickets are discounted to 6€ on Mondays, always for seniors (over 60) and students, always for the first show of the day, and for the last Tuesday night showing of a film at the end of its run.
The Cinema Varietes at 5 blvd Victor Hugo, and Pathe Massena, just across from the Nice Etoile shopping center at 31 ave Jean Medecin also show first-run films, usually dubbed in French, but more and more they are showing films in their original language, just look for the V.O. after the title (V.O. = version original). Tickets are 10.40€ There are always 10-20 minutes of ads and trailers, so don’t panic if you’re running late.
The Mercury, tucked in the corner of Place Garibaldi, is an art-house cinema with 2nd-run, cult, foreign and eclectic programming on three screens, and all in original language. When a new film leaves the Rialto, it will often end up at the Mercury. Around 35 films a week screen on a rotating schedule, which means that each film runs a just a few times a week, so check the schedule. The shows usually starts right on time with no previews or ads, so be prompt! Tickets are 7.50€, but here is the insider tip: pick up a Cinematheque yearly card for 1€ (see below) and you pay only 5€ from then on at the Mercury. The 5€ ticket rate also applies for seniors, students, and for everyone on Mondays.
The Cinematheque In this age of rising ticket prices and shrinking screens, The Cinematheque shows big films on the screen size they were made for… And best of all, the ticket price is also a throwback to an earlier era: a movie ticket at the Cinematheque will only set you back 1.50 to 2€. The films are chosen based on several monthly themes that can range from classics, genres, countries, topics, or specific directors or actors. The films run on a rotating monthly schedule and usually will only show 1-3 times, then they’re gone. The Cinematheque is located in the Acropolis complex (next to the bowling alley, for more retro fun) and your 1€ yearly membership card also entitles you to reduced ticket prices all year (5.50€ instead of 7.50€) at the eclectic Mercury Cinema at Place Garibaldi.
Photo Credit: Rialto by Phil Lowe licensed under Creative Commons
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