I love the Naro, I really do. I want to get that out because I have seen some great films here and have wonderful memories. The staff are usually good to great although they can be a bit flakey at the counter. The film selection has tapered off in recent years so that the same film shows ad naseau for a month or so. What I really don't like is that this place is so damn dingy. I have actually reached down to grab a drink and realized the cup is much warmer than it should be because it was... someone else's drink that was left there. Gross. The seats are not plush nor are they comfortable. Especially in the balcony. When they were replaced, I was hoping it would mean that they would take out every other row (it's never that full) for better seating and more space. No luck. I realize that this is all Norfolk's got. But it's not the Byrd in Richmond and it's not the Hollywood in Portland. The Naro is a treasure for Ghent but really needs some work. Rather than spending millions on buying land and giving it away for free to fast food joints, the city of Norfolk should invest in this property through grants so that it can stay competitive. read more

Best popcorn in town! Love this theater! I really love the special nights they play old movies and cult classics.

What's not to love about this cute old theater? It's a two floor one screen classic style theater. The ticket price is about average but their concession prices is far cheaper than the arm and leg costs of big corporate theaters. I love that they mostly show independent films. And the rocky horror picture show on some nights. It's perhaps the only place to go to see some of the oddest movies, so no big blockbuster hits here. This is the perfect place to start or end your date in Colley. Ive always looked at it as the heart of Colley. read more

This is a local gem of Norfolk (especially the Ghent area). It is an old-school one screen theater with more character than you can shake a stick out of. They are always playing older movies too, which is fantastic. They do regular showings of Rocky Horror Picture show and play It's A Wonderful Life every Christmas season. They are also very big on playing independent films here. You're probably not going to see the latest, biggest action blockbuster at this theater but instead maybe a foreign drama or black comedy. Not to long ago The Naro did a special showing of The Big Lebowski and had a bar right next door (Sam's) participate and sell White Russians. This is the kind of thing that makes Ghent an incredible place to visit and live. Long live The Naro! read more

This place is truly a gem of Norfolk. Growing up in Virginia I've spent many a night here seeing a movie that the bigger theaters in Virginia typically pass on. I saw one of my favorite movies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, three times here! (Only time I've ever done that). There's just something special about it. I love sitting up in the balcony, and I have a lot of great memories of it. I used to live about a block away and walking here to see a movie at night when the air was crisp and all the lights in Ghent were on, it's an experience I sorely miss for sure. read more

It is a great theater that has so much history and an "authentic, old time" feel to it. There are lots of red curtains and draperies and balcony seating that give you the feeling you are in a small NYC broadway theater. The prices are reasonable, especially if you get a 10-ticket book for $63 (no expiration date, valid any time). Sometimes they will play mainstream films, but always expect most of them to either be indie films or limited release films. Every time I come, there aren't too many people, so there's always plenty of seats to choose from, even if you arrive with only a few minutes to spare. It's also conveniently located on Colley, which is always a plus. They have a website that features their "coming soon" movies. It is frequently updated. If you want a more unique, old school moviewatching experience, I can't think of anywhere else that can top this. read more

If you like retro, you'll love the Naro. Nothing's really changed since the days it was restored in the 70s. It's well kept and clean. There is an upstairs balcony and little stairwells to get up there. They still have the same small wooden seats. It's not so comfortable but oh so charming. If you really want to get into it, go during Christmas time and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" to go back in time. The Naro also plays a lot of independent films and is the only place in town to catch the Rocky Horror Picture Show (every other Friday at midnight!). They bring a lot of film series and festivals to the area. It's the only theater in the area where you find that kind of cinema culture. The service is great and it's not too crowded unless there is a special event. I highly recommend it if you appreciate more character than dolby digital and giant cup holders. read more

We need the Naro. Before going to the Naro, I never realized how limited our movie selection is in the Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads area. The Naro is a specialty movie rental place/store. No it's not a porno movie store. The Naro rents and sells foreign, independent and lesser known movies. Focusing on movies with great critical acclaim and those for the arthouse set, the Naro is the only place in the area that plays to the cinema market as opposed to those looking for ubiquitous copies of the latest shoot-em-up blockbuster. From cinema classics, to cult classics, to internationally acclaimed cinema, the Naro will make you feel like putting on a beret and expatriating yourself to somewhere with movies based more on character development than pyrotechnics. read more

I have been in Norfolk for business for a few weeks and fell in love with this place when my company held an all-staff meeting here. The prices are very reasonable for a ticket at $8 and the concession prices are the same way. You can actually score candy, popcorn, and a beverage all for under $10. Shocking! I saw two Independent films here within a week of each other that include both "Young Victoria" and "A Single Man" and enjoyed myself very much. I did notice that the second "Twilight" was making it's way onto the schedule this week and it dismayed me a bit. I know that Twilight is a box-office moneymaker but it's a shame to take the focus off of the Independent films and vintage showings of "Rocky Horror Picture" show. In addition, the Twilight movie has probably already been seen by all of their loyal following by now anyway? Save these screens for something more special and unique then that nonsense! They have a ticket program if you live in the area, where you can pre-purchase tickets at a discounted price and use them for any upcoming films. The seats are not the most comfy due to the age of them, so I would suggest bringing a blanket or small pillow. read more

I think Naro is the only theater that plays limited release films in hampton roads. Furthermore, it plays special shows and attends special events, such as the OnFilmFest, or a black and white film with a live pianist! One of the my best film experiences took place here. Soon after the 2008 Academy Awards (boo!), they played all of the oscar nominated animated shorts and many acclaimed ones. Every short (except one) was outstanding. A very memorable event for me. If I remember correctly, they even sell popcorn and drinks at a much cheaper price compared to the wide release theaters. As of writing this review, they are playing "The King's Speech". Quality choices. After the movie, go eat at No Frills Bar and Grill, or Azar's, or Ten Top! Many solid nearby choices. Great location. read more

Cute historical theater. Good screen size and good sound. Plays independent films, what more could you want? read more

I love the Naro. I've had consistently good experiences since I started patronizing this theater back in the late 90s. The theater itself is charming with an old-timey feel --plush red velvety seating and an old fashioned balcony. The movies are listed on a marquee and you purchase your ticket at a window that faces out to the street, just like the old days. The concession stand has yummy (seemingly homemade) brownies and the popcorn is delightful--fresh, hot, buttery goodness. I think they even use real butter--imagine that! The screen and sound quality is good. The location, smack dab in the middle of the Ghent section of Colley Ave, is excellent--so easy to have dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants and then walk to the theater. As for parking, it's pretty rare to get a parking space anywhere near the front of the theater. If you are seeing an evening or weekend showing, I recommend the lot across from Blair Middle School behind the now vacant Dairy Queen--a bit less traffic there, most of the time. The films on offer usually can't be found anywhere else in this area, though very occasionally you'll see a blockbuster advertised. On Christmas Eve, they show A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life back-to-back. I haven't experienced that yet, but plan to this year. This is a great option for date night, evenings with friends, and family outings. Highly recommend checking it out if you haven't had the opportunity to do so! read more

The Ghent area of Norfolk grew around the Naro. The only restaurant back in the 70's when the Naro was getting rolling was Intermission; right next door. All of the subsequent success that has occurred in Ghent owes a debt to the Naro. With that said, this is a great art house theater. A renovation has given us comfortable seats and an epic sound system. The concession stand serves things like Baklava! If you get the chance try the film series. A hosted discussion will follow a great movie. I saw Monsoon Wedding, for example, and an Indian professor lead a discussion on arranged marriages after the film. Terrific stuff. People do not talk during the movies here. Need another reason to come? The Naro is simply one of the best things in Hampton Roads; any category. read more

This is a local community theater with a wonderful sense of history and nostalgia. While the seats are not as comfortable as the new ultra-cushioned, folding-armrest seats at the big box theater multiplexes, taking in a film at the Naro feels like you're connecting to generations past who came to see classic films when they first debuted. It opened in the 1930s, and I can picture kids going to see the newest cartoons and the related war films during WWII. I have seen several films at the Naro: several independent films, and the latest adaptation of The Great Gatsby. It only seemed appropriate to see a film set in a classic era in a classic theater! Ticket prices are relatively low, compared to the greedy big box theaters, and although I don't partake of concessions at movies (as a personal rule), the prices are reasonable for those who do prefer to indulge. I would also venture to bet that the popcorn at the Naro is better than you would find at a commercial multiplex any day, but I can't speak from experience. I sincerely hope the effort to raise funds to move to digital are successful, because seeing such a classic piece of Ghent history fall by the wayside would be such a shame. read more

The movies they play here are always thought provoking and extremely interesting. The location is ridiculously perfect. I also dig their Rocky Horror nights. So far I've been three times and I left laughing my butt off. The prices are low and the staff is super polite. Going back for a movie next week. read more

I love this place, go often. First on Christmas I went to see "It's a Wonderful Life" it doesn't get any better than on the big screen. Saw "Loving Vincent" there a couple of times. Fantastic Art House type theatre, has been there for over 40 years and hope it's there for another 40 years. People are nice, movies are not just the lamestream crap shown at the AMC and the popcorn is good. read more

I really enjoyed coming here yesterday! It is nice to be able to see indie films again. I think it was awesome that the producer of the film was there to answer questions. I will be back! Many, many times! I'm a sucker for Documentaries. read more

Love it! The Naro is great! Tickets are now $8, but the snacks and drinks are reasonably priced. Brownies, cookies, homemade baklava, etc. from 1.50 to $3. It's little theatre. The people are super nice, it's never really crowded and they show movies that generally don't play at a big cineplex. If it weren't for the Naro Norfolk would never get some great films! read more

Historical gem in Ghent, and am thoroughly pleased to see that it is still standing. It has been a source of pride As a person who has grown to love this area in the years I have lives here. The biggest thing I love about the Naro is that they play independent films that are not mainstreamed in Regal or the other well known chains. The art of independent films deserve to be shown in the same manner, and praised equally. They also do the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I've seen it three times, which is very disappointing that I haven't gone more times, but it is a classic and it never ceases to get old. Plus, the actors at the Naro always change it up, great performance. Overall, I love everything about the Naro, however, I do feel like the Naro could benefit receiving some love and maintain it a bit more. It always seems to be a bit dirty when I go, but, nevertheless, worth going and supporting. read more

The Naro is everything an art cinema should be in terms of showing great films AND they're actively engaged in the community , hosting a slew of great events. The First Look Film Forum http://narocinema.com/firstlook.php brings regional premieres and great discussion on Sunday mornings. I happily make the drive from Williamsburg for it. read more

I think out of all the places I miss in Ghent, Naro is the one I miss the most. So many of my favorite memories we created here, whether the AltDaily showings of Groundhog Day or Pulp Fiction (trivia contests! Twist competition on stage that I nearly won with Parker!) or the screenings of Oscar nominated animated shorts. This theater is exactly what every city needs. Yes, it may have only one screen, and yes, it's going to have to go digital (and somehow raise the money to do so), but I can't imagine Norfolk without this place. The Naro has created a tight-night community of cinephiles. I miss First Film Forum on Sunday mornings. If only everyday could start with Yorgo's bagles while watching a movie and insightful discussion afterward. I love you, Naro! I will forever be on a quest to find something as good as you. read more

The Naro is a great place to go and spend an evening. It's a nice small, cozy theatre that runs a lot of movies hard to find elsewhere. Buying a ticket book helps to save 2 dollars off the price of a ticket too. And they even sell baklava at the concession stand! Pair this up with a dinner at the No Frill Bar and Grill which is just around the corner and you have a great evening lined up. read more

Consistently a great place to see a movie. This historic building is comfortable with a hip vibe. I love the balcony seating. You can see an Indie or foreign film but they also show current mainstream movies too. Located in the heart of Ghent on Colley Ave., with plenty of options for dinning at quaint restraints before or after the show. I was intimidated by the aspect of parking, but I can honestly say I have never had a problem finding a spot. Definitely worth venturing into the heart of Ghent to have a movie experience that you couldn't get at the mall. read more

I went here for the first time with my boyfriend to see isle of dogs. I was so happy to know it was showing near me and the Naro made the experience authentic and real. Its one of the few places that show indie films. It's a very cute and small cinema and the perfect place to have a date if you can't find anything to do. It's surrounded by tons of food so you can enjoy a meal before or after the movie. read more

I enjoy the movies here, the discussions, popcorn and beer, and documentary movies about artists, politicians, issues in the news, etc.

Honestly, who could hate on the Naro? Nowhere else in this area can you see independent films in a historic building filled with charm and an old mustiness that's simultaneously comforting and off-putting. They have a basic snack station in the front if you really get the munchies. And don't forget about Rocky Horror Fridays! Perfect way to really kick your crap hole of a week to the curb. read more

My favorite place to watch a movie in Hampton Roads. This is the only place to watch a great independent movie in the area. The staff is great and the atmosphere to watch a movie is a phenomenal. There are usually only one or two movies playing throughout the week, and I find that I like at least one of those movies. Go check it out if you need a break from the big Blockbusters and see a great Independent movie that you will not see elsewhere, you will not regret it! read more

I can't believe I've lived here for 17 years and have never been to this movie theater. I've always intended to go, but just never made it. My Mom and I went recently for the summer movie series to watch The Long Hot Summer, hosted by Mal Vincent. We enjoyed ourselves immensely! The place was packed, so we chose seats in the balcony. Once we claimed our spots, I went back downstairs to get popcorn and a drink. The staff was super friendly and the theater was very clean- including the restrooms. I'm going back tonight with my kids to see Labyrinth and cosplayers. This place is a gem. Come park, eat dinner in Ghent, and walk over to see a film. I'm mad at myself for not coming sooner. read more

I really enjoy the vintage look of this place but it's clearly time for the bathrooms to be renovated and expanded. It's small, smells, and barely has any air circulating through it (mainly hot air). It's time that they invest their money on updating and cleaning this historic building to avoid it from getting more dingy and run down. read more

Love, love, love NARO! I've even blogged about it. Last movie we saw was: http://mgblankenship.blogspot.com/2008/07/where-in-world-is-osama-bin-laden.html I always buy ticket books and suggest you do, too! read more

Love it; the best part of Ghent. The theatre plays films that might not be playing in places like AMC or Regal, which I love. And the rental store has lots of hard-to-find movies! read more

We did Colley Avenue last Saturday night, combining dinner with a trip to the Naro to see Jack Black/"Bernie." Since I grew up in Larchmont, the Boulevard was my home theatre as a kid; my experiences at the Naro only go back 25 years or so. Now, and pretty much for that whole 25 years, the Naro has been and continues to be the only game in town to catch the more artistic (read: the ones that I like the best, i.e., not commercially successful) and classic (read: from the 30's, 40's and 50's) films, the occasional film and other artistic Festival, and, of course, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. While the film offerings and other events at the theatre are still wonderful --- I didn't particularly like "Bernie," but that's another story --- this last trip I began to notice that, even though she's weathered her 75+ years of existence pretty well, her age, and maybe less attention now being given to helping maintain her, is beginning to show. The Naro was never an Art Nouveau theatre --- always has had a pretty simple, functional interior, comfortable seats and a straightforward single screen and audio system. But, even in her simplicity, she always seemed to sparkle over the years. Now, she seems to be showing her age a little more --- a little more noticeable wear on the carpets and chairs, a little less shine on the brass trim, a little dirtier throughout. While the movies and events are still great --- and still not available anywhere else in Tidewater --- the diminution of that old sparkle somehow makes visiting the Naro not quite as special as it was in the past. Sometimes, it doesn't help to have a long-term relationship with a venue. To everyone just going and enjoying her movies and other events, the Naro is still 5 star, I'm sure. read more

I lived here a year and never knew about the Naro until this past weekend. The Rocky Horror Picture Show experience was phenomenal. It was the best experience. They act out the film as it's playing on the screen and they go off of audience participation. It's something that everyone needs to experience at least once in their lifetime. You need to get there early because the line gets long pretty fast. read more

I absolutely love the Naro. When I lived in Norfolk I visited it often. Don't go expecting to see the newest blockbuster and don't expect to sit in the nicest seats. But that's the charm of this place. It is the best place to see limited releases in the area. But the two biggest hits here are the twice a month Rocky Horror showings and the Christmas double feature of A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life. I have been to Rocky Horror a few times. It is a lot of fun. They have been putting on shows there for years and they really get into it. The act it out on stage and have some signatures like the paddling of the Rocky Horror virgins and the underwear run. Lots of fun. Even after I moved away I still make it a point to get to the Christmas double feature every year. My favorite thing at this time is sit in the balcony and enjoy my favorite Christmas movies. The Naro is a Norfolk staple and a great place to see a great independent film or have a blast at Rocky Horror. read more

I saw the Bully documentary and participated in the post film discussion. This part of the community really has a great outlook on what needs to be done to improve this bullying situation but we need more awareness so those that really need the help wont stand alone in their fight. Thanks Naro for showing this film maybe it could be shown in a longer time frame instead of just one day soon. read more

Love the films it shows. No complaints there. However...it's time to start investing some money into renovations. The bathrooms (at least the women's bathroom) are so gross and the whole place just seems really dirty. It prevents me from seeing movies there and I end up with a very art house Netflix queue. read more

The only home to fine independent film in the Hampton Roads area. Awesome low-key vibe and if you're a film lover, a membership is definitely worth it. I personally wouldn't recommend the balcony as I wasn't a fan of seeing the bar in my view the entire time. The floor was much better for me and since it's never packed, you'll usually find a good seat. Haven't gone to the video store yet but have heard nothing but great things from friends. Overall - my favorite theater in VA and it reminds me of the numerous small theaters in LA. Recommend! read more

So glad this place is here. Great style, great prices, great movies. So much more fun than mainstream theaters. Gotta love seeing a movie from the balcony. read more

This is a cool local theater. It has that old timey feel to it and they do a lot of great local stuff here like the annual Veer awards.

Love the romantic and eclectic feel of The Naro, and I enjoy the variety of B films that are shown. Thank you for the wonderful experiences!