Visions is a sight to behold

If you dream off the wall, or if you want things that aren't run of the mill, you need Visions.

Getting there involves a trip to Dupont Circle, and Dupont Circle itself is fairly far from ordinary. Packed with chic restaurants and unique boutiques, Dupont is prime location for an independent movie house. And it has one, north of the circle.

Visions is more than just an independent movie house, though. To start, it doesn't look like one. Cafe tables precede its entrance, and when the weather is nice, people relax and eat a variety of salads, tapas, sandwiches and pizzas. Inside are more tables, some in the open, some mysteriously shrouded with curtains off to the side. To the left is a full-sized bar.

The atmosphere is dark. Recently redone, BarNoir, as the Bistro/Lounge section of Visions is called, is more red than noir, but black does have a powerful presence. The whole effect suggests that illicit meetings take place here. These walls hide many juicy secrets.

While not secret, the films shown at Visions are juicy--delicious, in fact. The program includes works from all around the world as well as singular presentations. Local artists create the shorts that appear on screen before the lights go down and the previews start.

Visions goes above and beyond movie showing by hosting special events. Every Friday and Saturday nights, there are midnight showings of cult flick Donnie Darko and movies that beg to be laughed at; OUT @ Visions happens every Monday night, showing movies specifically for gay audiences .

Tickets for this one of a kind experience are only slightly more expensive than a mainstream show. General admission is $9, but students get a $2 discount; matinee shows are $6; Friday midnight movies are $5; Saturdays are 21+. The food is reasonably priced, but beware: Sodas are through the roof.

Visions Cinema/Bistro/Lounge is truly eclectic. It is located at 1927 Florida Ave NW. For show times and more information about Visions, visit visionsdc.com or call (202) 667-0090.