Michigan Theater

603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

Address:	603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
Phone:	+1 734-668-8397
Site:	michtheater.org
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

A Private User

The Michigan Theater is a movie theater in the downtown Ann Arbor, a few steps away from the University of Michigan. The surrounding area is one of the most pleasant places in Michigan, with people actually walking on the streets and enjoying it. The Michigan Theater used to be a gem crowning this area. It still is, if you talk about the building and its interiors. The pipe organ music (live, not recorded!), usually played before the movie begins, adds to the atmosphere. Apparently, it is one of just 2-3 movie theaters in Michigan which still use the film projectors (not the digital ones), and even capable to handle 70mm film. For the 70mm film the picture would be gorgeous even compared to the standard 35mm prints, not to say about digital projectors, which are just a little bit better than the usual plasma HD TV set. But what makes a movie theater special is not its architecture and its interior design, but the programming. In the 90-ies Michigan Theater was a venue for movies which would never make it to your local multiplex - independent productions, foreign films, art house, timeless classics, etc. Alas, one cannot expect too many patrons for this type of movies, so many of them were running for just a couple days. There was only one show sometimes. The chances to miss a movie you would like to see were fairly high. The bright side of this was a very wide selection of movies. The Michigan Theater still runs this kind of movies. So, if you are into them, and live in or near Ann Arbor (for movie lovers in Mid-West, near could mean 100 miles), this is a place for you. But in early 00s they changed the programming director (and apparently completely eliminated this position later). The long runs (two-three weeks) of typical Hollywood blockbusters, like “Star Wars” or “The Lord of Rings” were first sign of a new policy. I have nothing against this kind of movies, but you don’t need a special (and subsidized) movie theater for them. Very soon the selection of movies significantly narrowed, and the preferences became apparent: the movies are selected on the basis of the political agenda they promote and not on the basis of their artistic value as before. Still, if a non-mainstream movie has a chance to be a box-office hit in its niche, they may show it. So, good luck, and if not, drive to one of the Landmark theaters nearby (in Bloomfield Hills and Royal Oak, MI). The rating is difficult: 5 stars for the facility, 1 star for the selection of movies resulted in 2 stars combined.

Hannah Wise

Tonight was my very first time going to see a show at the Michigan Theater. At the last minute my friend decided to go see a different movie than we had originally decided on. Even though we were 15 minutes late we decided to give it a shot. About 30 minutes into the movie my friend leaves me to go smoke a cigarette. At that point I realize I cant stand to sit through the rest of the movie. Its just awful. So I decide to leave. On my way out I request a refund because the movie was terrible and I didnt even want to stay. because Im now wasting my night on a stupid movie. At first the manager was nice and totally approachable. After a few seconds she turned very rude and bitter, treating us like we were stupid for asking. Like we had already seen the movie or something. Thats ok. You can keep my eight dollars. Because I will never go back. Especially after being treated like garbage over eight bucks. Like seriously? Im not gonna waste my time in a movie that sucks. Its called the price of doing business. I have never been treated so rudely over such a small fee. I feel insulted. I am never going back. Save yourself Just go to Rave. Totally disappointed. Customer service is everything. And that lady was ridiculous. Obviously we are leaving because the movie sucked. I wont waste my time there. Who does that? Hope this helps. Ill pass.

Ganj Beebani

The theater screens mostly critically acclaimed movies or international movies. Classes are offered regularly, and family nights for kids are mostly free or cost a nominal fee. Directors of movies are periodically invited to speak to the audience. They have an annual Cinetopia International Film Festival, which brings a large selection of the best international movies to Ann Arbor. This historic theater was originally saved from demolition because a small group of thoughtful, committed people wanted to change the world and save an organ (indeed, it is the only thing that ever has, as Margaret Mead would say). And what a gift we have because of them!

chris ellinger

A beautifully restored gem from the golden age of neighborhood movie theaters. There are really two theaters here: the historic Michigan Theater, and the "screening room" annex. The historic theater is beautiful but the screening room is just ordinary. You dont know which theater your film will be showing in until you buy your ticket. Neither theater is the "stadium" design, so seating will seem crowded compared to the cineplex. Still, definitely worth a visit.

Jessica Dias de Oliveira

Attended a few screenings at the Michigan Theater for the 2013 Cinetopia International Film Festival and am quite happy that I got a first-time membership! I look forward to their $7@midnight screenings and Sunday matinees of classics. The staff really love cinema and really love putting on shows for their viewers. The Michigan Theater has helped me to feel at home at Ann Arbor during my first week.

P. Sterrett

Whats not to love about a movie theater where a guy plays a pipe organ during intermission? Add to that the low admission and concessions prices, the excellent selection of Arthouse-y films and its location dab smack in the middle of downtown Ann Arbor. This is one of the few things that I will miss about this area when I move to Portland, OR... where its Ann Arbor as far as the eye can see!

Ronald van der Putte

This is a great looking theater and indeed its like stepping back in time when entering. We had seats on the balcony and my seat specifically was narrow and had little leg room (the seats next to me were way more comfortable, I found out after the show). The airconditioning (if available) was underperforming. Its a beautiful theater, but not one I would want to spend 3 hours in again.

Satish M

A beautiful landmark theater that was renovated back to its prime that takes you back in time. Though the seats are a bit snug, the rest of the theater makes up for it. The downtown location is a big pull for a evening out for dining and a movie. Keep you eye out for other performances that make their way to this iconic theater. Better yet, become a member and enjoy some perks.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Snyder & Company, Realtors

This is a super cool, ornate, vintage space. The first time you go, you may want to sit on the second level, just to experience it, but after a few times, you will probably want to sit a bit closer to the screen/stage on the main level, which feels equally as cool. Be sure to show up a few minutes early too, there is usually an organ performance before the show starts.

Gretchen Clatterbuck

I bought tickets to a show here and even though Ticketmaster said they were the best seats available, they were far from the best seats. I called Michigan Theater (spoke to Amanda) and she was amazing to work with! She helped me get a full refund through Ticketmaster and got me the better seats that were still available. Great Customer Service!!!! Thank you!