I really, really like this smalltown indie theater, especially after the ownership change in 2026. (Nothing wrong with the previous ownership, it's just next-level now.) It's a three-screen theater that strikes a good balance between mainstream/current Hollywood fare and art-house one one big screen, one medium, and one tiny back room. I mostly go for the art films (documentaries, independent, and foreign films), which they show in once-weekly showings for four seasons of about 10 weeks per year with short breaks between. These are a real highlight of my weekly leisure time, and I buy seasons tickets for myself and one other person, sometimes two. The films are well-curated, rarely do I not like or love one, and the introductions genuinely add to the enjoyment (there is also after-film discussion but I'm not a late-night person so I don't stay for those). The new ownership brings an obviously fresh perspective, clear commitment to investing in the facilities, and welcome but not too dramatic changes to various things like the snacks and ordering lines. Nick is making upgrades carefully without too much risk of fixing what ain't broke, which I think is prudent. There's fresh paint and decor, a new Visulite logo short clip that is worlds better than the nauseating previous one, and a generally obvious love of film/cinema is on display. The previous owner loved cinema too, but it just felt a bit stagnant, and now it feels fresh and revitalized. One thing that stands out to me is that someone is really investing time and considerable talent in things like pre-screening intro shorts. I was at the anniversary showing of Blue Velvet and there was a sequence of interview snippets and short excerpts from David Lynch films that showed before the feature, and it was really seamlessly put together and coherent. That doesn't just happen: it takes skill, planning, care, and effort. I really appreciate things like that and get a very strong, optimistic sense for the future as a result. Another thing I want to note: I think I understand some of reasons why one of the theaters is tiny and dingy. If you learn how the Hollywood studios force a one-size-fits-all model on their distributors, who do the same to theaters, you will understand why theaters maintain a very low cost option to cut their losses when they are forced to do things that will not only fail to make money, but actually lose them money. I'm sure I'd understand a lot more if I were in the biz myself, but I think I get the gist of it enough to give them credit for adapting to a pretty harsh, unforgiving business environment. read more

Great little theatre with food and drink. Usually not crowded during the week. Right in historic downtown Staunton, VA

I appreciate having the Visulite in downtown Staunton! They show independent and foreign films, as well as mainstream movies. The seats are very comfortable, and the staff is friendly. It is near fun local stores, cafes, and a gelato shop for before and after the movie :) read more

Fun, old school atmosphere. Excellent movie theater with various viewing rooms - right in downtown Staunton on Beverly. And just around the corner from the wonderful local gelato shop read more

The theatre is filthy. Bathrooms disgusting. The movie was in a tiny room with micro screen. Sound was terrible. We had no idea what was being said bc sound was turned down so low. Just one big Hot Mess of a " movie theater". read more

Love their popcorn and while I don't drink, I do appreciate the fact that they sell wine for people who wish to enjoy a glass during the movie I often come in here just to buy the popcorn it's that good but the movies are very select and I love the cozy neighborhood atmosphere read more

Every part of this theater is old and outdated. The cup holders don't even work! Pictures and reviews are deceiving. We just drove 40 minutes to see a movie not showing in our area and walking into the theater we wondered if we'd stepped into another universe! The popcorn was at least a day old... AND the ticket, a medium drink and large popcorn was $22! I absolutely do not recommend this theater. Don't waste your time. read more

Great experience. Nice little theater, good snacks and clean facility. The snacks are reasonably priced which is big for a theater. Love the location also, plenty to do if you want to grab some food and/or drinks before or after a movie. read more

I have supported the Visulite Cinema for many years. I will not go there again. The bathrooms are in need of major upgrade. I used the generic bathroom at first and there was no paper towels. I told the attendant at the front desk, but he did not add towels. Second time I went to the woman's bathroom and the commode in the handicap stall was not connected to the floor at all? There was only 1 roll of toilet paper between two stalls, no paper towels. Both bathrooms I used needed major cleaning. This issue makes me wonder what the theater rooms look like with the lights on? Does the Health Department inspect the Visulite since they serve food from Baja? read more

Much like Marino's, this place is worth a long drive out of your way. The Visulite is a gem in more ways than one: located in historic Staunton, it's got a layered architectural history and appeal that you can't quite put your finger on. You walk in and find fizzy Italian sodas on hand, or just plain Vanilla Cokes! The seats are absolutely amazing, too; they're so comfortable you could fall asleep in them. The owners are very friendly and can talk to you about what films you might want to see without seeming cultish or elitist. They're terrific, and you're going to just LOVE this place. Do NOT pass it up! read more

Great old school theater !only three theaters ! They now serve beer ! Love the seats and just a great local place!

Small but perfect in the heart of downtown. Comfy seats, clean environment, and friendly staff. You can even order booze!

This place was terrible. They made my 2 year old and my 5 year old put on a mask and the mask wouldn't fit over my 2 year olds face and a young guy,(I didn't catch his name) said ,and I quote said " he needs to pull that mask up" and then my friend needed to go outside for something for my 2 year old and the younger guy asked his boss and the boss said "I'm not really sure why she needs to go outside." and another thing I spent $50 for me and the kids to go to the movies and we needed masks to go in so we had to pay $2 a piece for masks... all we got there was 3 small drinks a small popcorn and then the movie tickets which were very expensive and they need better customer service there cause you guys honestly suck!!!!!! read more

This place is fantastic. My daughter and I caught "Sing" and all of a sudden the movie stops. Turns out there was a busted water main and people had to move their cars, so they paused the film until everyone was done. While we waited they gave us free refills. The people who run this place are a class act. read more

Great classic theatre, sound quality isn't the Zeus but is still worthy of five stars, very comfortable seating, plays all of the classics as well as your newest movies. Students do get a discount. Great coffee, hotdogs, popcorn, and soft drinks. Good candy selections. Support small shops in downtown and come by today! read more

Terrific theater. They have two theaters in a wonderful refurbished building. The staff that works here is incredibly friendly and personable. They typically show movies that may not be available in the larger "chain" theaters. Resonable prices, free street parking and a paid lot across the street. read more

The Visulite is one of my favorite places to watch films. Support a locally-owned cinema. (Great ice cream around the corner at The Split Banana too.) read more

I'm in complete agreement with the first review, but would add that in my many experiences crowding has never been an issue, which worries me. I love this place so much I have blown money on going at night and ordering food/drink (not my usual m.o. for the movies at all). read more

Enjoyed a movie in an old style movie theater. While there are only 2 theaters they were showing recent movies. The seats were comfy, and they serve alcohol. read more

A little small but very comfortable and good service. They offer a decent discount for students which is helpful for underage mbc students. This theatre is also very close to many great restaurants in town, including Baja Bean and Split Banana Co read more

The Visulite is a treat whenever I go to the movies. The seats are very comfortable and the movie screen is crisp and clear. Love it!

Love having this wonderful cinema so close to home. It's 3 blocks away and it's great to be able to enjoy a movie after some fine dining in downtown Staunton. read more

Genuine kindness and service of all beautiful people here is above every criteria; my husband and I are heartly served and blessed by them! Love you people! See you tomorrow! read more

This theatre shows independent and foreign films. More of an art house cinema than mainstream. It has very comfortable seats and a friendly staff. I wish I lived closer to this theatre. Limited parking in the area. You may have to park a few blocks away. read more

Love this place it is so convenient, it is old but nicely refurbished and love the seats and the ability to see 3D movies. The staff is helpful and friendly it is also a local landmark. They have artsy movies that you can't see anywhere else. Highly recommend it. Parking is the only problem read more

We're local but will choose to wait on movies that may end up at the Vis just to give them the business. More people need to check out this venue so it stays alive. What better date location than Staunton? Dinner at any one of the terrific restaurants, a leisurely stroll down Beverley before catching a flick at the Visualite? Pretty good night out, I'd say! read more

Love the Visulite! It is so convenient, being in downtown Staunton (for people like us who live in Staunton). Never had an issue with a crowded theater, and for a non-megaplex like Regal or Zeus, the seats are surprisingly generous and comfortable. The staff are friendly and the place is always clean. read more