Upcoming Events

We love a good celebration at Aksarben Cinema. All of our fans are well aware of that. Maybe you witnessed Dinky the Dinosaur for the release of Jurassic World or joined us for the out of this world parties for both Magic Mike XXL and Minions. Those were two very different looking parties. ;)

We continue our expression of film celebration with our upcoming events. Below is a little information about all of our screenings and special programming for the rest of September.

Tuesday and Wednesday, September 15-16, 2015 @ 7:30 p.m.

Doctor Who: Dark Water/Death in Heaven

Fathom Events and BBC Worldwide are bringing the Doctor to you early! In anticipation of the upcoming ninth season of Doctor Who, we invite you to relive the spectacular two-part season eight finale, “Dark Water/Death in Heaven,” in breath-taking RealD 3D, when it comes to cinemas nationwide for only two nights.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 @ 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.

We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven’t you? Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment invite you to relive Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller Psycho (1960) on the big screen. Special Fathom Feature: Enjoy a specially produced introduction from Turner Classic Movies for a look into the American psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015 @ 8:00 p.m.

Roger Waters The Wall

Fathom Events and Picturehouse Entertainment come together to present the highly anticipated music film event Roger Waters The Wall. Be taken on a journey that unfolds on many levels – as an immersive concert experience of the classic Pink Floyd album, a road movie of Waters’ reckoning with the past and as a stirring anti-war event, highlighting the human cost of conflict.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015 @ 7:00 p.m.

The Iron Giant (Signature Edition)

Relive this modern classic on the big screen only at Aksarben Cinema. A giant metal machine falls to Earth in 1958 and frightens the residents of a small town in Maine, until it befriends a nine-year-old boy named Hogarth and ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices. Rated PG For for fantasy action and mild language.

For more information about all our new and upcoming releases visit our website and like us on Facebook. See you at the movies, Omaha!

Telluride Film Festival

We didn’t have the opportunity to journey to Telluride, Colorado for the recent Telluride Film Festival, but that certainly didn’t stop us from following all the reviews, news, and excitement bursting from this star-studded fun.

This is the place where the best of the best will first be showcased before their release dates and the big show, the Academy Awards. Last year Birdman, The Imitation Game, Wild, and Foxcatcher were shown and garnered some serious awards attention. This year’s selections are nothing to scoff at though. Johnny Depp is returning to form with Black Mass, Michael Keaton is on the prowl for Oscar with Spotlight after losing to Eddie Redmayne last year, and Carey Mulligan is apparently crushing it as per usual in Suffragette opposite Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham Carter.

We hope to screen some of these future awards contenders in the next coming months. If you are interested in a certain film to be screened here please let us know on our Facebook page or comment on this blog. We’re not wanting to sway you by any means, but these reviews might.

Alonso Duralde, The Wrap

“This is Depp bringing his skills to the table as a man with a propensity for being both terrifying and charming, often switching between the two on a dime...Ultimately, this is Depp’s show all the way, featuring his best dramatic performance since another organized-crime movie, 1997’s “Donnie Brasco.” If this is the milieu we need to keep him this focused as a thespian, then get out those pinky rings, Hollywood, and make Depp more offers he can’t refuse.”

Justin Chang, Variety

“An enthralling performance by Michael Fassbender fuels this brilliant, infuriating and richly unconventional take on the life of an American visionary...This is an actor who knows exactly how to toss off Sorkin’s dialogue, emphasizing rhythm and inflection over volume, while embodying confidence and authority in his every atom.”

Dave Calhoun, Time Out

“Thomas McCarthy is an unfussy, low-key director (The Visitor, The Station Agent), and that style suits Spotlight, which is all muted colors, linear storytelling and unobtrusive camerawork. It allows the ensemble cast to shine without showing off: Michael Keaton, fresh from Birdman, makes a second, perhaps even better comeback as Bostonian Robby Robinson who heads up the paper’s investigative team…”

Cath Clarke, Time Out

“It’s a tremendous, awards-worthy performance from Mulligan. The film plays out in her eyes. You see the emotion flicker in her face as Maud wakes up and finds her voice. The rest of the cast is excellent too – including Anne-Marie Duff as a gobby suffragette working in the laundry and Helena Bonham Carter as a pharmacist cooking up homemade bombs.”

Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter

“Overall, it’s a decent shot at a tall target, but real credit is due the lead actors, with Larson expanding beyond the already considerable range she’s previously shown with an exceedingly dimensional performance in a role that calls for running the gamut, and Tremblay always convincing without ever becoming cloying.”

For more information about all our new and upcoming releases visit our website and like us on Facebook. See you at the movies, Omaha!

Four New Things You Should Know About Aksarben Cinema

Here at Aksarben Cinema we are always improving the cinematic experience for each of our guests. We thought it best to give you a behind-the-scenes look at recent arrivals here at Aksarben Cinema. These are the Four New Things You Should Know About Aksarben Cinema.

1.     ACX

Daily we get calls about three letters that have suddenly appeared on our website next to certain films. The three letters in question are ACX and what they stand for is the Aksarben Cinema Experience. You may be asking yourself what is the Aksarben Cinema Experience? A fair question and one we’re glad to answer.

ACX (Aksarben Cinema Experience) films are featured in our largest theater. Theater 4 contains an oversized wall-to-wall screen, custom immersive sound system, MDI bright screen technology, and is simply, Omaha’s premiere viewing experience at no extra cost to our guests. That all may sound like a bunch of technological mumbo jumbo, but really all you need to know is that ACX at Aksarben Cinema gives our guests the best quality cinematic experience. So next time if you want to see a film on the biggest screen possible at our cinema then you need to ask if it’s playing in number 4 or look for those three little letters: ACX.

2. YouTube

You might already be following us on Twitter or checking us out on Facebook, but did you know that Aksarben Cinema now has a YouTube channel? That’s right, Omaha’s favorite cinema now has a YouTube channel that features videos created in house (by individuals working for Aksarben Cinema). The videos that have been published in the last few weeks have already reached a cumulative view total of 2,386.

Our channel contains a lot of variety so that everyone can find something to enjoy. Our first video which received 595 total views featured our Jurassic World buckets and cups for the release of Universal’s dinosaur film. There was humor and excitement showing that we know how to have fun at Aksarben Cinema while still selling a quality product. More recently we’ve released videos for the celebration of Independence Day and a dancing minion video that has already reached 625 views after only being online for a day. We haven’t reached viral status yet, but we’re optimistic for the future as we plan to continue our online video presence.

3. Minions Costumes and Event

Some individuals who have been and will continue to be featured in our videos are the lovable minions from the Despicable Me franchise and more recently their own film titled Minions. In anticipation of the film’s arrival we purchased two awesome minion costumes. Our plan was originally to use them for our Minion Mania event on Saturday, July 11th from 9 to 10:30 a.m., but when they arrived we had trouble not throwing them on every chance we got.

The minions have now been featured in our YouTube videos, on WOWT, and at special events prior to the Minion Mania party. The Minion Mania event will feature the minions (of course), the Pancake Man, a mini tattoo parlor, play workshops, and a photo booth. If you would like more information about this event and all others please visit us at our website.

4. Small Business of the Month - July

The fourth and final new thing you should know about Aksarben Cinema is that we were recently named Small Business of the Month by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. We are thrilled to be recognized for our work, but the real winners are our guests who come in and choose to donate to all the wonderful organizations in Omaha. To see the video celebrating our award achieved with guests like you then check out this link.

Thank you to you all for the support. We would not be able to continue to grow as a company without you. Continue to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Instagram, and YouTube for more exciting updates. For showtimes and tickets visit our website. See you at the movies!

Who is Ant-Man?

Marvel’s Ant-Man came to Aksarben Cinema last Friday. Many fans were excited about the tiny hero’s arrival, but others are baffled by this “new” superhero from the creators of The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Ant-Man is the name of several fictional characters from earlier Marvel Comics. The original Ant-Man debuted in Tales to Astonish number 35 in January 1962. He was created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and Jack Kirby.

The superhero suit was originally worn by Hank Pym, a famous scientist in the Marvel Universe. Pym first appeared in Tales to Astonish number 27 prior to the appearance of Ant-Man in number 35. He also is known for creating the robotic sentience, Ultron, which starred in Joss Whedon’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Scott Lang originally was a thief who stole Hank Pym’s Ant-Man suit so he could save his daughter Cassie from a heart condition. Eventually, Lang became Ant-Man after Pym saw the reformed thief’s potential.

Ant-man’s special power is to shrink in size but increase in strength. Ant-Man was a member of the Fantastic Four and later became the smallest of the Avengers.

The film stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang. The story occurs several months after Avengers: Age of Ultron. Lang must help Pym protect the secret behind his Ant-Man suit from a new generation of threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

For more information about Ant-Man and other films released at Aksarben Cinema visit our website and like us on Facebook. See you at the movies!

Minions Critical Response

The Minions phenomenon continues at the Aksarben Cinema. Moviegoers continue to flock to the animated tale about the origins of the Minions.

“This is our second time seeing it,” said one Aksarben Cinema customer. “We wanted to see it without the kids distracting us. It’s seriously funny.”

The film claimed the highest opening for an animated 3-D film of all time and the second highest animated opening day, behind only Shrek the Third in 2007

If you haven’t had the chance to see Minions at the Aksarben yet, here are reviews by some top critics.

Tom Huddleston, Time Out

“If you like your animated family movies noisy, imaginative and seriously silly, this one’s for you. From sidekicks to centre-stage superstars, the Minions have busted out of the Despicable Me franchise and gone rogue in this berserk slice of semi-silent slapstick silliness.”

Alonso Duralde, TheWrap

Minions, the new movie, tests the notion that what audiences enjoyed as a side dish can satisfy as an entree; I don’t know if the movie picks up as it goes along, or if it merely beat me into submission, but after an initially slack 20 minutes or so, I did finally start laughing. It helps that, once the story moves into a world we recognize (albeit the world of 1968), screenwriter Brian Lynch (Hop) and directors Kyle Balda (The Lorax) and Pierre Coffin (Despicable Me) can riff on wonderfully absurd gags about everything from time travel to killer clowns to the musical Hair.

Peter DeBruge, Variety

“A Despicable Me prequel that traces Gru’s comic-relief henchmen all the way back to the time when they were single-celled organisms, Minions hilariously imagines centuries in which the little guys have sought to serve the greatest villain they could find, but quickly settles into more conventional cartoon territory once they fix on a dastardly new master named Scarlet Overkill, voiced by Sandra Bullock.”

David Edwards, Daily Mirror

“After proving such an audience favourite in the two Despicable Me movies, those little yellow Tic-Tacs get their very own film. Bright, breezy and brought to life with some impressive 3D, make no mistake, Minions is going to be one of the biggest hits of the year.”

Mark Kermode, Observer

“Although the opening “minions through history” sequence proves a very tough act to follow, this slice of burbling slapstick animation did keep me grinning and giggling throughout.”

Andrew Osmond, Sight and Sound

“The conventional cartoon story arcs of self-realization and redemption are skipped, but any sacrifice in emotional resonance is compensated for by the pace and purity of the fun.”

For more information on Minions and all Aksarben Cinema’s offerings, visit our website and like us on Facebook. See you at the movies.

Minion Does the Whip/Nae Nae

JULY SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: AKSARBEN CINEMA

Check out this video produced by Jordan Green Productions!

It is opening night of one of the summer’s biggest blockbusters – and the action has literally come to life. An 8-foot velociraptor roams the lobby. An imposing-looking gate beckons guests to enter Jurassic World.

“We try to make every event an event,” said Bill Barstow, co-owner of Aksarben Cinema, the Greater Omaha Chamber’s July Small Business of the Month. 

For the local premiere of ‘Jurassic World,’ the theatre had local artist Amanda Shannon create a metallic-looking replica of the “real” gate to Jurassic World. It also arranged a special visit by Dinky the Raptor, an 8-foot, human-powered predator. 

“Opening night of ‘Jurassic World’ was probably one of my favorite days since this theatre opened,” said marketing director Andrea Barstow. 

The shared last name isn’t a coincidence. Andrea is Bill’s daughter; Aksarben Cinema is a family business, one of the last locally-owned and -operated theaters in the metro. 

“It’s kind of a foreign concept, these days, that a big commercial theatre would be family-owned,” Bill Barstow said. 

The family aspect of the business also includes Bill’s wife and theatre co-owner, Colleen, daughter Amy who assists in the front office and son Michael who, like Andrea, is involved in marketing. 

“The family’s been involved from the beginning. It’s the only way we know how to do it,” Bill Barstow said. 

Under the umbrella of Main Street Theatres Inc., the Barstows own eight theatres in Nebraska and Iowa, the first of which was a single-screen theatre in Plattsmouth. Aksarben Cinema opened in 2010, five years after developers first raised the prospect of bringing a Barstow-owned theatre to a yet-to-be-constructed, mixed-use concept called Aksarben Village. 

“Bill came in an educated me on what’s possible,” said John Hughes, president of Magnum Development Corp., Aksarben Village’s Zone 5 (entertainment zone) developer. “Bill said, ‘I need 12 screens. I’ll live with 10. I won’t live with 8.’ And, we have 10 screens.” 

“I came in with a lot of enthusiasm and passion,” Barstow recalled. “We thought what if we made the most cutting-edge theatre not only in Omaha, not only in Nebraska but maybe in the United States. We were going to go way out on the edge of this digital revolution.” 

That vision was fully realized. Aksarben Cinema – with its single master control room – offers a total digital movie-going experience for up to 1700 people as well as RealD 3D technology, the largest 3D auditorium in Omaha and a full-service bar. Despite all the cool enhancements, the Barstow family’s guiding principle is simple: treat moviegoers as if they are guests in the family living room. 

“We’re entertaining people how we want to be entertained. That still drives our customer service and our culture,” Bill Barstow said. 

Community involvement is another cornerstone of the company’s culture. Aksarben Cinema, in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, has hosted free screenings of the movie “Bully” for students, parents and educators; held special showings of “Selma” on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and celebrated the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen in conjunction with the movie “Red Tails.” The theatre also facilitates the raising of $20,000-$30,000 each year for local nonprofits. 

“When you purchase your tickets, you’re asked to donate a dollar to our local nonprofit of the month, and it can range from the Anti-Defamation League to the Humane Society, Angels Among Us and the Open Door mission,” Andrea Barstow said. 

For Aksarben Cinema, a devoted Chamber member, the goal for the next five years and beyond is to keep entertaining and impacting, innovating and moving forward. 

“When we see something like ‘We Don’t Coast,’ we love it,” Bill Barstow said. “It’s what we do – we don’t coast. We’re not resting. We’re going to keep moving ahead and working harder than everyone else.” 

Fathom Events in June at Aksarben Cinema

Last month at Aksarben Cinema we showed many features with our Fathom Events programming They included Rifftrax Live’s hilarious production of The Room, an emotional journey with the Backstreet Boys in Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of, and dazzling performances in Driving Miss Daisy and Antony and Cleopatra. We will continue to host Fathom Events this month with the following exciting cinema events.  Get tickets for all events from the Aksarben Cinema Box Office and online at AksarbenCinema.com

One Night for ONE DROP - June 10, 2015

Join us on June 10th for Cirque du Soleil’s performance of One Night for ONE DROP which will raise awareness for water issues worldwide. Allow us to bring Las Vegas to you with this wholly original presentation by the famous Cirque du Soleil troupe under director Muktar O.S. Mukhtar.

Velasquezvs. Werdum - June 13, 2015

In May we featured the UFC’s World Light Heavyweight Championship on the big screen with the knockout fight between Johnson and Cormier. This June, the UFC returns in the epic battle between Cain Velasquez and Fabricio Werdum. Who will be named the World Heavyweight Champion? Find out June 13 and enjoy a second main event matchup between Melendez and Alvarez.

InsiderAccess to Pixar’s Inside Out - June 16, 2015

One of our most exciting Fathom Events this month is our special early screening of Pixar’s Inside Out. If you can’t wait until June 19th to see the surefire hit film, then here is your best chance. Along with the film will be a behind-the-scenes look at the production and a Q&A session with director Pete Docter, producer Jonas Rivera, and the voice of Joy, Amy Poehler. Anyone who attends also will receive a commemorative poster and lanyard that includes a special code for access to digital extras. 

Insider Access to Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out

Insider Access to Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out

Aksarben Cinema

Tuesday, June 13th at 6pm

Special Fathom Features: Experience exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from Pixar Animation Studios and a Q&A with director Pete Docter, producer Jonas Rivera and the voice of Joy, Amy Poehler. 

Fathom Events and Disney are bringing Disney•Pixar’s highly-anticipated Inside Out to theatres nationwide on Tuesday, June 16 in a special advanced screening.

This one-night event will include exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from Pixar Animation Studios in addition to the full-length feature Inside Out and the Lava short three days before its official release. PLUS following the showing of Inside Out, audiences will enjoy an exclusive Q&A with director Pete Docter, producer Jonas Rivera and the voice of Joy, Amy Poehler, live via satellite from their Australian tour. Event attendees will also receive a limited edition Inside Out commemorative poster and lanyard that includes a special code for access to digital extras.

Be aHEAD of the game, and don’t miss this exciting once-in-a-lifetime event in select theatres on June 16 only!

Tickets are $20 and now on sale at the Aksarben Cinema Box Office and online at AksarbenCinema.com!

Spy Critical Response

Paul Feig was a successful director of television shows including The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Arrested Development. Feig also wrote the critically praised Freaks and Geeks. Now he is a big time filmmaker who will write and direct a Ghostbusters reboot featuring female leads.

This is good news because Feig proved himself as a comedy heavyweight when he directed The Heat and Bridesmaids. His brand of comedy returns this summer in Spy, and he again brings along his collaborator, Melissa McCarthy. Spy debuts June 4th at Aksarben Cinema and was applauded by several top film critics.

Justin Chang, Variety

“Feig’s beautifully structured, zinger-stuffed screenplay mines no shortage of amusement from the spectacle of Susan being briefed and prepped for duty...The comedy here has a shrewd double edge: On a certain level, Feig and McCarthy may well be inviting us to laugh at the sight of Susan in a bouffant wig and an oversized cat T-shirt, but they’re also taking deliberate aim at the sort of mentality that would write her off as a hopelessly unattractive loser in the first place.”

John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter

“Melissa McCarthy comes into her own as a comic star in Spy, stepping out from recent supporting and co-headlining roles to become the big screen A-lister she promised to be in 2011's Bridesmaids. Lampooning the alpha-male conventions of the secret agent flick while transferring some of that badassery to an unlikely character, writer-director Paul Feig remains one of the best friends women in comedy have, managing to get yuks from fat-lady jokes while mocking a world that treats such women like they're invisible.”

Alonso Duralde, The Wrap

“What Feig does so well here is to take the spy story just seriously enough to keep us engaged ... while also giving McCarthy a number of sharp comic foils. ... (S)he gets to play off Jason Statham (as a fellow spy who refuses to take her seriously – to Susan’s credit, she never backs down from his bullying), Miranda Hart (the “Call the Midwife” star plays one of Susan’s basement buddies), and Peter Serafinowicz (as a handsy Italian ally).”

Alex Needham, The Guardian

“Spy never clambers on a soapbox, all the more subversive for making its points through jokes. Jason Statham sends up his meathead roles in a ton of terrible British gangster flicks; Cooper refers to her fists as Cagney and Lacey and asks Boyanov: “Did they make you dress like a slutty dolphin trainer?” And when the arms dealer played by Bobby Cannavale announces his plot to blow up New York within weeks, he adds: “So if you haven’t seen Phantom …” McCarthy’s mastery of slapstick is also confirmed when Cooper attempts to make a getaway on one of those mopeds with a roof, popular in continental Europe.”

For more information on Spy and all Aksarben Cinema’s new releases visit our website and like us on Facebook. 

Five Things You May Not Know About Aksarben Cinema

We offer so much to our guests at Aksarben Cinema, it’s difficult for them to remember it all. So we found five things you may not know about Omaha’s favorite movie theater. The list isn’t comprehensive, just a teaser of what Aksarben Cinema has to offer.

1.     Movies Before Noon Are Just $5

All shows starting before noon are only $5. These early movies also are great because you can catch an early show and still have the day to explore shops and restaurants in Aksarben Village.  

2.     Teachers Get Discounts Everyday

Teachers and students now share the same discounts every day!  Last August, Aksarben Cinema began this discount. Why? Because we believe teachers are society’s unsung heroes.

3.     Our Cafe Features Great Food

Have you ever thought, “Wow, great movie, but you know what’d make it better? Pizza and ice cream.” Of course you have. For foodies wanting something more than popcorn and soda, Aksarben Cinema offers pizza, ice cream, burgers, and many other meals, snacks and treats. When you visit the Cafe, you’ll be greeted with a friendly smile and an array of tasty options.

4.     Voted Best of Omaha’s Best Movie Theater

Omaha residents vote for businesses they think most deserve the annual Best of Omaha awards. Aksarben Cinema won this coveted award each of the past three years. While we’re honored by this recognition, we don’t work our hardest just for awards. We work hardest for the Omaha community and those loyal customers who deserve the finest cinematic entertainment.

5.     We have a fantastic rewards program

We just revamped our Rewards program and guests can get a free Rewards card at the box office and start earning points immediately at the box office and now at the concessions counter. Earn one point for each dollar spent to be on your way to free concessions!

Visit Aksarben Cinema this summer to see the many great films offered. For information on new releases and show times, visit our website and like us on Facebook. See you at the movies.

Furious 7 Premiere Party

“Dominic Toretto. You don't know me, but you're about to.”

-Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), Furious 7

Let’s Party!

Get ready for one of the biggest and best movie events Aksarben Cinema has to offer! In celebration of Furious 7’s release we are pleased to announce an exciting premiere party. Seeing this awesome action & adventure film would be enough for a fun experience, but what if we upped the ante?

Furious 7 Premiere Party on Thursday, April 2nd at 7:00 p.m.

Before the film’s premiere, guests will be treated to beer tastings, a nacho bar courtesy of Dudley’s Pizza & Tavern, special giveaways, a Pixel Box Photo Booth, and music from DJ Shif-D. The event is for guests 21 and over.

Vengeance hits home next Thursday with the premiere of Furious 7 starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, and many more.

The Movie

Dom Torretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew are back for “one last ride” which cannot be missed! In the last film they defeated international terrorist Owen Shaw and thought that’s where their story ended. Unfortunately, Owen Shaw has a bigger, badder older brother, Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). Deckard is on the hunt for Torretto’s crew and is picking them off one by one.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, the crew is challenged by a Somalian terrorist called Jakarde and an unknown government official named “Mr. Nobody.” The team will have to reform to stop these notorious criminals and make it out alive.

Relive the Movies

The team may have a lot to overcome, but you can guess that once it’s all over they’ll kick back for a celebratory drink, but you get yours ahead of time.

Dom once said, “You can have any brew you want...as long as it’s a Corona.” We’ll have Corona and Corona Light as well as Modelo, Negra Modelo, and Pacifico. When you’re not slamming a few back with your buddies or dipping into the nacho bar you’ll be able to play Dirty Drivin’ and Super Bikes 2 for free! Does it honestly get better than this?

The event starts at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night and the screening of Furious 7 will begin at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the box office or on our website. For more information about all out upcoming events visit and like us on Facebook. See you at the movies!