The Brattle Theatre

Address:	40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Phone:	+1 617-876-6837
Site:	brattlefilm.org
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

A Private User

TOO COLD!! Ive been going to the Brattle for maybe a decade, and its a wonderful, wonderful place that shows great movies (Im especially fond of classic Hollywood, and its wonderful to be able to watch Sunset Boulevard, or screwball comedies, etc., on the big screen). Really, I adore the Brattle. But I am no longer a member, and I do not go as often as I did, because it is often so uncomfortably cold that the patrons are wearing winter coats. Oddly, it is not only cold in the winter, but in the summer, they over-air condition it so excessively that you generally cant go without a sweater. The funny thing is, they say theyre struggling financially, but they must be paying quite a lot for all this AC, and losing customers on top of it. I remember being SO psyched, a couple years back, to watch a series that I anticipated for months, but when I went to the first one it was so painfully cold that I didnt go to any of the others. Theyre a great place, run by great people, but theres some really bizarre disconnect in this one regard. Maybe if they could afford to have their staff sit in the theater now and then, or watch the patrons, theyd be more in touch. Sadly, the one time I brought it up, their only response was that I could try sitting somewhere else. I think part of the issue is that they are blowing air that, while not cold, is not warm, directly onto the audience, and you can often feel a breeze -- its essentially a wind chill factor. If you love film, give them your business! But, guys, PLEASE do something about the temperature!!

Ian Wilson

Single screen, double features, theme weeks, director discussions, author readings, free community screenings, staffed and supported by passionate cinephiles and volunteers. No escalators, cardboard displays, or 20 minutes of previews for the newest Hollywood sequel. I dont know exactly what it is, but I refuse to believe theres anywhere else in America - definitely in Boston - that so embodies the magic of the movies (even the Coolidge, Kendall, or Harvard Film Archive that are all so excellent in their own right). When you sit down in that dark, you feel at home and part of a community in a way that somehow just doesnt happen at a 26 screen Loews. It might not the nicest theater in town, but If I could give the Brattle 10 stars, I would. Special events regularly sell out, so be sure to arrive early or get tickets in advance.

Zyg Furmaniuk

My love knows no bounds for the Brattle Theatre. As an undergraduate I am almost certain that I spent more time in seats at the Brattle filling out my cinematic education than I did in lecture halls in my major. And I do not regret a minute. In an age of dull soulless mega-plexes pushing noise and homogeneity the Brattle stands alone with a mixed repertory schedule offering an ever-evolving spectrum of all genres for all tastes. Long may the Brattle screen! If you ever get the chance to see Casablanca there on the big screen DO IT!!

Katie Larkin

Whats not to love! Let me break this down for you. 1. Amazing Independent Films that you wouldnt hear about otherwise 2. Old classics that you wont be able to see elsewhere (to name a few Ive seen over the years, The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, The Godfather 1-3, The Labyrinth, Clueless, and so many more) 3. DOUBLE FEATURES! Hello, Quentin Tarantino week! 4. Popcorn with REAL BUTTER 5. BEER 6. ICE CREAM 7. And to top it all off, Alden & Harlow right next store for a night-cap

Polina Khabibulina

Minus one star for being like an icebox in the dead of winter. Other than that this is one of my favorite things about Cambridge. A great independent theater showing great movies with a good beer selection, fresh popcorn with real butter and unusual chocolate bars. Leaping lizards Batman! More and more my spare time is scheduled around what is playing at The Brattle and I feel no shame. The staff are great too. My Brattle t-shirt has Errol Flynn on it and you cant beat that.

Matt Scofield

Always showing an ecclectic mix of movies and performances, the Brattle theatre is a must see place in Harvard Square. I was given a year membership by my girlfriend and saw movies that I would have never experienced anywhere else. The Japanese "horror" classic House and the Chinese epic Red Cliff to name a few. They often do special engagements somtimes double or even triple features such as the Jim Henson marathon my girlfriend and I often enjoy.

Ashley Dos Santos

Just went to the Brattle for (shockingly) the first time for their Robin Williams tribute - I made it for the Hook showing. I really like the clientele that the Brattle draws, everyone seemed invested in what was going on screen. Brattle treats every movie showing like it is a play -selling booze and snacks and taking tickets at the entrance of the theater. I knocked down one star because my ice cream that I ate was a little too frozen! Shame!

Maddie Conway

I love the Brattle! Excellent programming, opportunities to see classics or movies you love on the big screen. Lots of new stuff moving through always. I wish there were better and cheaper parking nearby now that I dont live in the city anymore and would drive in. At night the Charles Hotel garage is a good deal with one of their website coupons (flat rate parking from 5pm-midnight, good for dinner and a movie).

Lesley Katzen

THE art cinema of Boston and environs. Always an interesting and eclectic schedule of indie and foreign favorites and classics. One of the five places that David Lynch decided to screen Inland Empire (out of every theater in the U.S.). This place has serious film snob cred. The seats arent the comfiest, but where else are you going to see three street days of Greenaway shorts?

Tata Ortiz

Such a great experience!! I went to the theatre for watch Sailor Moon movie. Great venue. Its really classic. Normally I like go to movies in a modern place but this one have that magic of the retro style. I was so surprised by the price of the candies and popcorn: so good; fair price. I really recommend it and the movies that they show are classic or have an special taste.

A Private User

Cinefiles rejoice! This is THE place for classic movies. Its not just a theater, its a community of film lovers. Theyre always playing something interesting, and they have REAR SCREEN FILM PROJECTION and a sweet balcony! Honest to goodness 35mm prints and projectionists that know what theyre doing, unlike some other local theaters. LOVE IT.

Joshua Berk

Over 100 years old (built in 1890), the not-for-profit Brattle Theatre is independently owned/run, has a single rear-projected screen, and is known for foreign, art-house, independent and dusted-off classic films. Go on the weekend for a double-feature matinee. Serves beer & wine. Excellent for a date!

David Gingold

Why five stars for this little old theater with its old-school sound system? Because you could start right here if you want to plug yourself into what Harvard Square has always been about. Have you taken your date to see Casablanca? Have you taken your child to see the Marx Brothers? Go.

A Private User

I appreciate that a place like the Brattle exists in Cambridge. Though it isnt plush and comfy, it shows documentaries, older films, indies and offers early review of movies before they are released. They also provide a place for local organizations to host events and fundraisers. I dig it.