Someone once said that “entertainment is America’s culture.” I presume you would not want to miss out on “culture,” since expanding your cultural horizon is just as important as acquiring academic knowledge in order to make the college experience a worthwhile investment. So, if culture is key and entertainment equals culture, then what form of entertainment comes most readily to mind in American culture? That’s right, movies.

At the Oaks Movie Theatres across Stevens Creek Blvd., you are getting a great deal on culture. First time Oaks Theatres moviegoers are required to purchase a membership card for $2.50. The membership card is valid for six months and entitles the holder to watch any movie for $3.50, except for occasional special engagement films or private showings.

The 34-year-old Oaks Theatres was the first business at the Oaks mall and now hosts six screening rooms of admittedly medium comfort.

Due to sub-rent contracts with movie distributors, the Oaks Theatres shows features that have already passed the initial round of exhibition in the big cinema complexes around the bay area.

However, the low ticket prices more than make up for the two to four, seldom eight week delays in release.

The membership card also provides discount deals at various locations in both the immediate surroundings and the general neighborhood of the Oaks Theatres.

Tsunami Sushi, Celtic Shoppe, Oaks Travel and Postal Annex, are among the Cupertino Oaks Mall locations that provide special offers to card membership holders. Other stores and restaurants that honor discounts are Una Mas Mexican Grill, Brix BBQ, Subway, Computer Solutions International and Skateworld, just to name a few.

Oaks Theatres General Manager Jay Baxtresser gives more reasons why De Anza students and locals should favor the Oaks Theatres over larger movie houses in the area. “It’s close, it’s cheap, it’s also right next to coffee shops and restaurants and there are plenty of benches at the Oaks mall to sit down and relax.”

Moviegoers can consult a binder with lengthy reviews at the box office prior to screening any current feature. Most concession items found at the big movie houses can be found at the Oaks Theatres. a friendly atmosphere supported by friendly personnel.

There’s no reason to look further than the Oaks Theatre for a trip to the movies. Call 408-446-0472 for details on current screenings.