By Josh Hertzog   Published Aug 22, 2005 at 5:10 AM

{image1}After earning recognition as one of the top 10 theaters in the country from Entertainment Weekly, the Oriental Theater, 2230 N. Farwell Ave., along with the Downer Theater, 2589 N. Downer Ave., now offers gamers the chance to super-size the gaming experience.

That's right. You and your friends can rent a movie theater and have the get-together you've been dreaming of while playing your favorite Playstation, Xbox or Gamecube titles on the big screen, as well as the classic systems such as original Nintendo or Nintendo 64.

"We came up with the idea in response to several inquiries we received," says John Dahlman, head of marketing for Landmark Theaters in Milwaukee. "We've just been getting it off the ground in the last several months."

The theaters are available during daytime and late night off-hours, with a one-week notice. For $125 an hour for the first two hours and $100 for any additional hours, anyone can get a larger-than-life gaming experience underway in any of the five auditoriums at the two theaters. Gamers bring a gaming system and theater staff connects it to its digital projector and surround sound system.

"We can have our concession stand open upon request," Dahlman says. "You can bring in your own food and drinks, but no alcoholic beverages."

With a theater capacity of around 200 people, the possibilities for a gaming party are endless and affordable. For those looking to throw a video game tournament, look no further.

"I'm excited to see how successful this is," Dahlman says. "It's only a matter of time."

To rent a theater, call John Dahlman at the Downer Theatre, (414) 964-2916, or Julie at the Oriental, (414) 276-5140.