Landmark Aquarius Theatre

430 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

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Related:	primary nightclub
Address:	430 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
Phone:	+1 650-327-3241
Site:	landmarktheatres.com
Rating:	4.5

Location

Photos 47

Reviews 30

Maribeth Hendrickson

I reviewed the Guild Theater in Menlo Park recently and I have similar nostalgic feelings for what is now known as the Aquarius Theater, on Emerson Street in Palo Alto. This charming, run-down theater has been an institution in Palo Alto for decades. Its a theater with two sides, showing at least two films all the time but, astonishingly, on some weekends, managing the gymnastic feat of showing six films on some sort of rotating basis whose logic only the management has mastered. These theaters are beloved, not because of any comfy factor one could identify, certainly not because of mainstream blockbuster movies which make their way there. There is no comfort. There are no blockbusters. The Aquarius shows only first-rate independent and foreign films which appeal to a certain type of educated audience which appreciates films which are challenging, thoughtful, ambiguous and complex. Sometimes segments of the audience will gather in front after the film to discuss its themes, its merits, its undercurrents and assumptions, and to compare the film to other work by the same director or the same cinematographer. Aquarius filmgoers take their films seriously but have joyous times discussing them. And, again like the Guild Theater in Menlo Park, the popcorn is outstanding. And -- I say this out of pure love -- one could visit either theater and count it as an anthropological field trip.

Nelson Wheelehan

I have been to the Aquarius twice now and had a negative experience on both occasions related solely to the theater. While I did not enjoy the films played at those times either, I intend to critique only the merits of the theater since film choice is subjective. I have three primary reasons for this rating: 1) Bad sound quality – The first film I saw, The Third Man, was near incomprehensible due to the muddy audio. While I feel this may be due to the substantial age of the film, I had similar problems when viewing a new release at my second attendance. I’m not sure if this is due to the acoustics, the sound system quality, or both. Regardless, it breaks immersion and enjoyment. 2) Artificial and Drab –The theater decor is minimal and lacks identity, charm, and character. Tickets are purchased from a kiosk and the seat choice operation seems unnecessary. It seems very removed from the idea of an intimate or homey cinematic experience. Some words I would use to describe this theater are grey. Inauthentic. Plastic. 3) Overpriced – It’s too expensive for this caliber of experience. I highly recommend supporting The Guild if its still open at the time of this review or another established theater.

Alyx Barranger

Definitely more on the retro side, but I enjoyed the small, older movie theater experience. The seats arent particularly comfortable and the screen is small, but I think if you are looking to watch something a little out of the ordinary, this is a great place to go. I came here for a movie screening and my group had rented out the theater so that was an absolute blast. The staff was very friendly even though it was probably a little overwhelming with all of us there! Overall, Im a fan! Great location for the theater as well. Super walkable.

Roy Hashimoto

The theatres and screens are small, but super comfy with reclining seats and a massive amount of space between aisles (the most Ive ever seen). Its a really nice place to watch a movie. One odd little thing that I liked is their popcorn bags are compostable but oil and butter dont soak through them. A drawback with this theatre is parking if you go during the day. The most convenient lot right next door has a two hour limit, which is hard to fit a movie into.

Anqi Chen

I ordered my tickets ahead of time and in the email it said I could bypass the box office. The ticket usher then proceeded to tell me that I did need to print my tickets and over-explain why I needed to do so. The theater is small and charming with large comfortable seats, but the chairs do recline a little too much for my liking.

Matthew Adjemian

We saw The Grand Budapest hotel here when it was out. Its a small theater, but they play the artsy films I like. They have a small concession stand. Good price for a matinee and definitely doesnt feel like a chain theater assembly line experience. There are several parking lots within a couple of blocks.

margaret simmons

I had to get a replacement for a ticket for the National Theater shows. The manager had to hunt through his past receipts to find hen I had bought the ticket and he did it with patience, grace and great good humor. What a nice guy!

Wally Graeber

$9.50 for students is the way to go if you still have a local student ID on hand :) Jake was extra accommodating to a packed theater on Saturday night and again on the following Thursday when we had the whole theater to ourselives!

Payat Mishra

Very posh look and friendly staff. Great movies and amazing seats (at least on side one-->think super awesome leather recliners). Reasonably priced for the area, especially if you get a matinee or discount rate ($9.50).

Laurel Bullock

Lovely theater, clean,sleek, modern. Updated two years ago, seats are comfy. Nice menu, had the southwestern spring rolls, something different, popcorn fair, not enough salt even for me, but ok. Bathrooms clean too.

Diana Ogarkova

My favorite cinema: plays two titles at a time, great movies selection, perfect location in downtown Palo Alto, and comfortable seats where you can just like down and chill :).

Bruce DeWald

Was pleasantly surprised with how nice this local theater was! Really comfortable seats for very reasonable prices compared to how much most theaters cost now days.

Lillian Zhou

Great little theatre with friendly staff that walk you to your seat. Chairs were comfy and a Saturday afternoon showing of Only Yesterday wasnt crowded at all.

John Chu

Cozy, reclining leather chairs, selectable seat location, usher to purchased seats, absolutely the BEST tasting popcorn in any movie theaters in the Bay Area.

Sriramkumar Balasubramanian

This quaint little theatre shows some very good indie movies and classics. Ive always had an enjoyable movie watching experience here

Yingyin Shi

Small theatre, but seats are recliners and very comfortable. Good place to watch foreign movies, if you want something non Hollywood.

Carla Montrose

Tiny theatres but a fun spot. Looking forward to when they begin serving beer and wine (they told us that was coming soon)

S Rae

A great local theater with some interesting movies. Good for people living nearby for a nice evening of entertainment.

Gregory Fryns

Amazing theater with a good selection of independent and international movies, and super comfortable seats. I love it!

nk aggarwal

So cozy, so small, old time solo screen cinema hall. Loved it. What else can I say? Nostalgia, nostalgia, nostalgia.