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SD is unfortunately not a great theater for moviegoing - almost all of the recent development has been of luxury chains (Cinepolis, The LOT)
that are more about luxury loungers and food service than the movie presentation itself. That and a lot of the once-high grossing Edwards/Regal locations here haven't been upgraded since they were built in the mid/late-'90s.
Notfabio is right that Edwards Mira Mesa in IMAX or AMC Mission Valley in IMAX/Dolby should be near the top of the list, though neither are nearly as impressive as the bigger IMAXes... That said, I would personally vote for the Reading Grossmont in "Titan XC" (their premium house). The theater itself is no great shakes on the outside, but the Titan XC room is actually currently the biggest operating screen in SD and the presentation is really well-maintained. (John Sittig, who oversaw presentation for the ArcLight chain in its heyday, consults on presentation at Reading locations in San Diego as a sort of retirement gig.)
I would stay away from Fashion Valley (small screens, cap out at 150 seats) and AMC La Jolla (still running Sony 4ks and 6 of 12 rooms have those light-robbing dual lenses -- if you do go, absolutely make sure it's auditorium 4 or 5).
The Angelika has very good presentation but smaller rooms.
Happy to provide feedback on any additional theaters - I've been to almost all of 'em in the county.
I Need a recommendation: I'll be in San Diego on the MISS7 OW. Where should I take my family to see it? TIA {nm} Jun 18, 08:31
Downtown San Diego doesn't really have significant movie theatres anymore, but here's some options (inside) Jun 18, 08:54
Additional note AMC Mission Valley has IMAX and Dolby, AMC Fashion Valley doesn't have either. {nm} Jun 18, 08:56
Thanks! The Mira Mesa option seems like a great idea to take the kids. And it's only a 20-minute ride form the hotel. {nm} Jun 18, 09:48
SD is unfortunately not a great theater for moviegoing - almost all of the recent development has been of luxury chains (Cinepolis, The LOT) Jun 18, 14:43
i really love this thread. I wish there was more of this type of discourse about regional theaters {nm} Jun 18, 14:48