Tristan Ratterman has been watching the ins and outs of the movie theater industry for well over a decade. He is no stranger to the movie scene, having worked at a number of independent theaters across St. Louis, St. Andrews Cinema, Chase Park Plaza Cinema, Moolah Theatre, and Skyview Drive-In among them. Now, Ratterman is putting his knowledge to the test with his own independent cinema.
Ratterman Theatres (900 Caledonia) opened its doors this past November, welcoming guests to enjoy first-run flicks, cult classics, and more. The house special, coined the “Reel Deal,” gets you a movie ticket, regular popcorn, and regular soda for $15.
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“We don’t want to break the bank. We want to make sure movies are fun and affordable, and you get the entire experience for just 15 bucks.” Ratterman says.
Opening a new business in an industry that is claimed to be dying may seem like a risky route to pursue, but Ratterman sees potential for a new small theater in the community.
“I think that you’re looking at the death of a megaplex, these big corporate chains that really push it down your throat that movies have to cost $25 to get in with $15 popcorn and everything like that,” Ratterman says. “Movie theaters, I think, are reverting back to what is small business. It’s how a lot of them started. You know, the smaller screen counts, one to five screens each. That’s why we kind of saw it as an opportune time to open.”
Ratterman opened his 800-seat theater in the bones of what was previously Regal Great Escape Theater in O’Fallon. The design is based on midcentury movie culture, and antiques from across the country decorate the space. The marquee above the theater was restored from a Movieland Wax Museum from the 60s, the concession equipment was sourced from drive-ins across the country, and one of the theater’s screens also boasts a playable theater pipe organ sourced from a theater organ society in Arizona.
The organ is played by Terry Nord, the house organist who plays at venues such as the Fox Theatre and City Museum. Nord plays both vintage and newer classics for 30 minutes before shows every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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As the theater gains its footing, Ratterman plans to host live events with local musicians and stand-up comedians. On the last Friday of the month, the theater will present The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the big screen, complete with a shadowcast performance by Flustered Mustard, a St. Louis–based shadow cast group that Ratterman leads.
Ratterman Theatres is located in O’Fallon’s Caledonia Entertainment Complex alongside Level Up Entertainment, a family-fun center, creating a one-stop destination for date night or family-friendly entertainment.
“We want to make sure that we have something like that where you don’t have to bounce all around town to do everything you want to do. You can just go to one specific location,” Ratterman say.
For a full schedule of showings at Ratterman Theatres and to purchase tickets, visit rattermantheatres.com.
