The Stanford Theatre

221 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

Related:	kingstowne movie theater
Related:	senate theatre
Related:	university mall theatres
Address:	221 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
Phone:	+1 650-324-3700
Site:	stanfordtheatre.org
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 17

Yuan LIU

Stanford Theatre is a live museum of movies. Classics from the "golden era" are constantly on rotation. The functional Mighty Wurlitzer is played live during intermissions, as well as on Wednesday silent films. In fact, you can visit a display museum before or between shows. During the school year, I would bring my daughter here on some Wednesdays just for one show and experience the Wurlitzer. But if you have three hours between 5:50pm and 11pm, the theatre offers double feature every day on three show slots for only $7. (If you dont mind watching one film twice - or if that first one is particularly appealing, you can stay for all three shows.) Concession is also much, much cheaper than in any commercial theatre. Yes, the theatre is now run by a nonprofit that also engages in preserving and restoring films. Come often and you may watch newly restored movies live that you cannot get anywhere else. Located in the centre of downtown Palo Alto, easy nearby parking, and walking distance from Caltrain station all make it a very appealing place to visit. And revisit. And revisit. Oh, did I mention that the interior is meticulously preserved and maintained? A stroll inside the building is itself a rich experience. (Dont know what a Wurlitzer is or never heard one played? You owe yourself a trip down here.)

Karen V Chin

Beautiful, old historical movie theater to go watch the Classics (silent through the 60s). To add to the nostalgia, during the weekends, there is an organist that plays the "Mighty Wurlitzer," which rises below the theater stage, between the movie double feature. Every Christmas, the Stanford Theater plays Capras classic "Its a Wonderful Life" which has become a multigenerational family event for many families living in the area throughout the years. The concession stand snacks are reasonably priced and the movie popcorn is an addictive "must have" while watching the old movies. Be sure to sign up for the mailing list to receive their Classic Film Festival Movie Schedule.

A Private User

As someone who avoids black and white movies like the plague, I was surprised at how enthralling this theatre is. We went to see Harvey, the James Stewart classic, a first for me. The movie was entertaining and drew you deep into that world, with an excellent performance from Stewart. Watching a classic like that on the big screen bought it to life in a way that it never could be on TV, and the pre/post performance organ playing just added to the feel. In summary, even if you would normally baulk at the thought of a black and white movie in these days of multimillion special effect blockbusters, I would give it a go. Cam

Gretchen von Gustlin

The original organ playing live before the performances, the imaculately restored interior and the fabulous choice of films makes the Stanford Theater not only a regional attraction but a great piece of living history. To top it off the movie prices are a bargain at $7 as are the concession stand prices with a large Coke going for $2. It is fun just for the ambience, pick a classic and come to Palo Alto for dinner and a movie, you wont be disappointed.

Hot Dog

One of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. Top notch programming (golden age classics), very inexpensive (always a double feature; inexpensive concessions as well), glorious classic film posters throughout the building (including a room devoted to them), all around stunning decor, and a magnificent organ which rises from below the stage before (and in between) the films. I urge all movie fans to plan a trip to Palo Alto specifically for this.

Wendy Nieves

my sis and i have great fun here almost every week. classic movies in a beautiful vintage "spanish" style movie house! tickets for a double feature and popcorn under $10 and the mighty wurlitzer played between movies. the only drawback is the screen fits the movies from the 30s when the theater was in its heyday. if there is a movie playing that was filmed in something like vistaVision from the 50s or 60s it has to be shown in letterbox format.

A Private User

Not a criticism of the theater itself, but that it is impossible to get myself off the theaters USPS mailing list. I dont want to receive their schedules in the mail anymore. There is no phone number or Contact Us email address on their website or their mailers to be able to do this. (The only phone number is a recording of the schedule.) I want to reduce the amount of junk mail I get, and dont attend the films.

A Private User

After the 5:30 show of "The Wizard of Oz" this evening, the organ console came up through center stage and we heard 20 minutes of Wurlitzer organ transcriptions of music from the movie. FANTASTIC! There are few other places where you can hear a classic movie-house Wurlitzer. This theater is beautifully preserved, the tickets are a bargain, and it attracts a fun, movie-loving audience.

Mickey Killianey

A fixture for classic film buffs. Theres nothing like the thrill of seeing a film you think you know from the small screen and discovering completely new things on a cinema screen. I especially appreciate the opportunity to see locally-filmed classics, like The Maltese Falcon or Vertigo, and seeing details Id never be able to see on Blue-Ray.

Eric L

Worth just walking around the lobby, its like stepping back in time - the renovations and upkeep are incredible. Tons of original movie posters and a rotating exhibit of ephemera in the gallery. How many theaters have a live organist? One of the best values in Palo Alto with tickets at only $7 and a large tub of popcorn for only $3

John Carrico

Wonderful theater, in such great shape. Fantastic pipe organ, which rises from the floor. Saw a silent film with pipe organ accompaniment: amazing! Sounded like an entire orchestra including percussion. Convenient in down town. Parked in the nearby parking structure. Cash only at the concessions.

Deanna Taylor

This is a Theatre restored to it original silent film era glory. The play films dating from Hollywoods golden era (before 1960s), occasionally they also show films of the same era from Bollywood. It is always an enjoyable experience. This place is one of my "Tiffanies" (Breakfast at Tiffanies).

A Private User

This theatre is amazing. A great way to get a understanding of classic movies. Come for the movies and stay for the cheap snacks :) Also they have an organist that plays in between a few shows. Classy place for people who want to see a show and get a great experience.

A Private User

My favorite place in the world. Most of my reviews are far too long and wordy, but for this place thats really all there is to say. Probably the #1 reason I want to move back to the Bay Area -- even the British Film Institute in London, where I am now, cant compare.

Jarrod DellaChiesa

One of my favorite places on this planet! The movies are fantastic. They simply dont make them like they used to! The snacks priced at historical prices. The museum. The pipe organ. The entire experience is amazing. I highly recommend the Stanford Theatre!

Andre S. M. Valente

Lonely architecture and decoration, affordable prices (including the popcorn!), wonderful movies, an organist, people of all ages and types. This is what a movie experience should be (and was). Well, yes, they only play classic movies - but they are great ones!

A Private User

The best place to see oldies. This theater shows movies from the 30s, 40s, and 50s, and has the interior decor to match. With $7 double feature tickets, its a bargain. A full pipe organ is played live before each show, which is kind of neat to see.