MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Bulldog Box Office towers over busy Vandegrift Boulevard, keeping an ever-watchful eye on the thousands of people who claim this particular movie theater their own.
The Bulldog Box Office, located within the Base Training Center, is home not only to movie goers but also lectures, pre-deployment briefings, group formations, unit classes and much more.
Recently, this multi-purpose theater underwent some heavy renovations including new acoustic panels, a new paint job and new carpeting.
“It is a great experience now,” said Timothy Cruz, Bulldog Box Office manager when describing the atmosphere here. “There are nearly no disruptions to the movie-going experience.”
Although movies are released to the Bulldog Box Office approximately a month after their official release, the $2 admission makes having a bit of patience a worth-while and rewarding trait.
"The theatre plays a good variety of movies, and the prices during the week are reasonable compared with out in town," said Lance Cpl. Stephen J. Vinovrski, a bulk fuel specialist with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group.
An average price for a movie ticket in Oceanside is $9; $7 with a military discount. Ticket prices at the Bulldog Box Office are $2, with Sunday showings free - kids are always free.
A wide variety of refreshments and food, including theater staples popcorn, candy and soda, are available at the concession stand for just a fraction of the cost patrons would pay at a civilian theater.
“We have a lot of regulars coming in that are on a first-name-basis with most of our staff,” said Cruz, trumpeting the personal attention and family atmosphere patrons can expect at the Bulldog Box Office.
"I like the fact that every so often the theatre will play an older movie," said Lance Cpl. Michael S. Eckman, a bulk fuel specialist with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group.
For some, seeing a film at the Bulldog Box Office is an obvious choice.
“The (Bulldog Box Office) is just a two-minute walk away from my barracks,” said Lance Cpl. Mitch A. Feinstein, a postal clerk with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and a 21-year-old from Columbus, Ohio.
“It is close, convenient and free on Sundays. You can’t beat that,” he said.
For more information, call 763-2975 or check out the MCCS Web site at www.mccscp.com/movies.