Alameda Theatre & Cineplex

Reviews 8

AN

Anne Cronin

I remember working at this theater snack bar before it closed in the late 70s. It used to be like a center island in the middle of the lobby. The balconies were accessible for the one big original screen. The seats up there were suspiciouly nasty back in the day. I remember old Al, the old usher guy. The theater manager at the time was a guy named Pedderson. I think he kinda hated life and wasnt very nice. I later heard the guy died from a heart attack The old screen curtains were ratty and full of soda and food stains. The hidden upper balcony store rooms where the snack bar supplies were stored were dark and dank. Probably the walls leaked as early as that if not before. Kinda spooky. Im just glad I never spotted any rats or roaches. Back then the giant "Alameda" neon sign outside was broken and never lit up. The marquee bulbs on the underside of the entrance overhang were always mostly burned out. The old box office was a small booth outside in the center of the front walk under the marquee overhang. The old Ryders Diner and then later the Record Factory Store used to be where the new added multiplex screens and bistro/bar are now on the corner. I like the new theater now. It shouldve always remaind a theater. Too bad it never had a great Mighty Wurlitzer organ like the Oakland Paramount. That wouldve been cool. It wasnt exactly the most ideal job. My fondest memory was being able to see the first Star Wars movie for free as many times I wanted. A lot of free movies and old Al looked the other way. Crappy job but good times. My first real job.

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KY

Kyle Wolfe

I go here very frequently because its the best theatre in terms of technical quality, but the service here is terrible. Ive been forced to have to leave without buying tickets multiple times because one of my friends in a large group doesnt have an ID with their date of birth. If you are under 18, you cannot buy R tickets for other people without ID and are very strict about checking for it. Ive had friends who have been turned away with their college student picture ID because it didnt specify a date of birth. If you bring a large group, expect to be asked for everyone to show ID, make sure everyone had their DOB listed. If one person doesnt have valid ID, you will not be able to buy a ticket for them. They are also very strict about bringing outside food and drinks in. I use to bring soda in my jacket but now they will check you at the entrance and confiscate any outside food and beverages. While the candy and drinks arent reasonably priced, the popcorn is. You can get 50¢ refills which is very nice. Just know that if you get up to get a refill and try to come back into the theatre, the attendant will stop you and ask to see your ticket. This system of checks is honestly getting out of hand, it makes it a real hassle to have an enjoyable experience.

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RI

Richard Haick

What a great, local, historic theater! Im here almost weekly. The small theaters arent bad and I wish the upstairs concessions were open, but thats not enough for a deduction and the main theater adds value. A local cosplay artist sets up some really cool scenes for some of the new releases in the lobby. You can rent the mezzanine for events, too. This place has some great vibes. If your feature is in the main auditorium, then youre in for a treat. Its a huge screen, great sound, comfy seats, and some extra entertainment on Friday and Saturday (Alamedas Got Talent). During the NBA Finals, they telecast the Warriors games for a really fun watch parties. Theres a mezzanine that Ive yet to use, but thats on my list of things to do. As for concessions, this is where I really like this theater. First, theyve teamed up with the neighboring restaurant. You can get a special front row seat and theyll deliver your food to you in the theater! They also have pizza, beer, and wine. And for my kiddo, they have a $5 combo with popcorn, a small soda, and a fun sized pack of M&Ms.

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EL

Elizabeth R. Bain

This independent cinema shows first run movies in the historic theater (completely restored and decorated) and the newly constructed cineplex (hiding behind the historic theater so it doesnt ruin the magnificent facade). The historic theater has a balcony, too. In addition to the usual popcorn and such, after 5 p.m. you can order beer and wine. One unique feature is that you can order food and drinks from the grill next door, and have it delivered to your seat during the movie. While there is a more limited menu than at the grill itself, its still a decent selection. Friday and Saturday nights, the historic theater hosts "Alamedas Got Talent" prior to the main feature. The theater also hosts special events, such as two New Years Eve parties (one more family-oriented and alcohol free, the other with a no-host bar).

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P.

P. I.

Part of the old school Theatre Revival movement, as seen in many cities, Alameda Theatre, as part of a new model, actually based on an old model, of customer service, and fun theater experiences, that go beyond to just coming and watching a movie. This lovingly restored theater both some of the nicest interior of any theater in United States, and is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records, as having the brightest theater projector in the world. Also, it is a nice break from the often overcrowded Emeryville, and Berkeley Theater scene. It is also a center for Community Affairs, where they have a talent night comma and often hold dramatic presentation to a place, poetry, music, and other performances there. A really nice place overall, and a nice combination of modern and classical theater elements.

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GU

Guy Stevens

After the city of Alameda GAVE the owner of this theatre over 10 million dollars of our tax money, and 10 years of tax free business. The theatre buys the very expensive and bad resteraunt next door again with city tax payer money and a guarantee of tax free business operation. In order to get a half way good seat (alibit one with food from the resteraunt spilled all over it that hasnt been cleaned in years) you have to buy absurdly expensive food from the resteraunt. Save your money, wait for the movie to come out on DVD sit at home in clean seats and watch the movie in comfort. Maybe the city council learn something going forward and stops giving hard earned tax dollars to private business repeatedly.

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VE

Vera DeVera

I LOVE the Alameda Theatre. You get super friendly service from the moment you walk in? The theatre itself is beautiful if youre an art deco fan, with its opulent gold gilded trim, floral swirls and grand staircases flanking the lobby. Until they got an espresso machine, theyd let you bring in Peets coffee -- pretty flexible! The last two times Ive been there, weve gotten to see Steve perform magic tricks before the previews started -- very entertaining and a personal touch. There was a problem with the projector tonight, but other than that its always seemed to go smoothly. By the way, Ive never paid for parking to see a movie here, but then they dont charge after 5pm....

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DE

Denise Dang

Love the classic look and feel of this old-timey theater! The staff are really awesome, and the prices are very fair. $11 per adult tickets, $6.50 for a large popcorn. Not bad... You can also pre order tickets online, especially for high demand movies. Be aware though, this isnt like tge modern theaters that blast A/C like they are recreating the ice age. Theater might get warm, especially for a packed auditorium. The location is perfect for grabbing dinner and then dessert at the many boba or froyo establishments in walking distance! Parking us also really easy around here too!

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