Landmark Theaters

601 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

Address:	601 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Phone:	+1 415-771-0183
Site:	landmarktheatres.com
Rating:	3.9

Location

+−

Leaflet

Photos 67

Reviews 33

David Enos

Think planes are a luxurious way of watching films? Then youll love this place. The reason its never crowded is because every regular movie goer knows about the tiny screens and the horrible viewing angles. This location was originally one large screen with one or two small side theaters. It was later badly converted into a small multiplex (the main room was subdivided). But it did a reasonable business by specializing in small audience films such as imports and arty independents and keeping prices down. Subsequently the screens were subdivided further into tiny shoeboxes where the problems are even worse. There are seats that are like standing 3 feet from a wall and watching an image projected on the ceiling. Most of the rooms (with rows 5 to 10 seats wide) have the aisle down the middle of the room, meaning there are NO good seats in the entire house. These days they seldom show anything you cant stream or see in a better house, and they charge top dollar, because they put lazyboys in some of the rooms. If you go out to watch films for the big screen experience, then this is not the place to do it - you will literally have a better viewing experience on your laptop. On a date? Take her to the roof with your iPad. She will be significantly more impressed.

Nicolo T.

Went with a friend here and I wasnt super thrilled. The box office/concession staff didnt seem that friendly, and when we sat to watch the trailers, we had no sound for a majority of the trailers shown. After calling staff over to check once or twice, it eventually was fixed before the film started. By the way: I had no idea theaters could be this small, but thats not a complaint. Another complaint, however, is the projector quality. It looked like the same type of projection quality you see in offices or home projectors or something. Its watchable, but a little distracting for me. Overall: If you want to watch unique films in the city for a fairly decent price, this is a serviceable location. Do not expect too much out of it.

M Roberts

Not the best cinema, but a good place to relax with friends, we watched Escape from LA with Kurt Russell as a new release. However, if Ive got the right cinema, the area was high risk. Two BMFs followed us out of the cinema late at night and you quickly know when youre going to have to turn and face them or run (the trouble is so many have guns in America), but round the corner came two cops and our shadows turned down a side street. Phew! Be Careful in San Francisco late at night...

Jonathan Ford

Since I moved here, Ive come here on many occasions to see movies that I wanted to see before the vanish from the silver screen. To say that, Id say the experience is worth it. From past SF Film Society memories to now, Ive always walked away feeling full and not empty! I recommend going outside before and afterwards, and just enjoying the fountain. Aside from the occasional OCD homeless / elderly person during matinees, this place is a steal, so go for it!

Gemma Soyls

The place is never truly crowded, the staff is welcoming and the smallish theatres make for an enjoyable movie experience. Its prices are better than most landmark theatres, especially if one sees the first showing or is a student or senior. Its snack bar prices are a bit steep, but one can eat before arriving. Its a great place to see a show without the hubbub or the trendier landmark theatres with wine and tipsy patrons.

Matthew Daniel

I really enjoy the experience of going to a boutique theatre, and also the experience of seeing films that - even if you dont like them - are more likely to make you think or to broaden your horizons. They have a parking garage, and super convenient bus service, so its easy to get there. Theres a Philz nearby, as well as Petes, whichever you prefer ;-)

Sherry Amanpour

Several of us will stop going to Landmark Cinemas that allow dogs in...if you open the door to one dog..what if a barking dog or mean dog comes in...or how about parrots...we will refrain from coming till this policy is reversed. We have discussed this with other friends who feel the same.

Duncan Davies

I like the venue and the quiet location; and the staff is friendly but they should definitely not be charging full price for movies in the "screening room". Way too small, and the front seats are ridiculous if you get stuck in those. Its only worth it if youre paying half price at most.

Alex Mackenzie-Torres

great theatre for independent movies. their popcorn is pretty good. I think they are ready for a complete refurbishment as the equipment and facilities are way too 80s in my opinion. this place and the kabuki and clay are my places to go when I want thoughtful movies.

AMUSE THE MUSES

I love small theaters ^_^ This one was super tiny, watched Frances Ha which I enjoyed. Conveniently inside a plaza next to books inc and philz coffee across the street if you wanna pick up a coffee an browse books before or after watching a film

Louis Salerno

Update yesterday is that the theatre may in fact be closing. The landlord is.petitioning the city of SF . They want to update the space and turn it into retails(s). Visit soon !!! :-)

Brendan Luguern

Old theatre, with small screens but a great selection of European and Indie movies. The prices are low compared to a lot of theatres (8$ during the weekdays, 10$ on the evening)

A Private User

Convenient, but the individual theater was small-ish for a new movie, and you need to arrive 30 minutes early to get a decent seat for opening weekend movies.

Therese Gasser

Dont like theatre? Like popcorn? Live in San Francisco? Come here! Get popcorn and dont go to a theatre. The staff is friendly. Popcorn is very good.

Kevin Lam

Charming theatre venue. Saw screening of Snarky Puppys Family Dinner Vol 2 here and the sound quality was pretty excellent!

Melissa Kleinbart

Good selection of movies. But, screen is so small. If you dont like the movie, you can change the channel.

Brad Prichard

They show great movies, and there arent many people there. Except the elderly. Gross.

Donna Stacey

I dint dislike dint see enough looked kinda like where are the people

Ricardo Blanco

Great service. 90s setup, amazing honest service. Coffee refill :)