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Ambler Theater
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu 3 pm - 8:30 pm
Wed 2 pm - 8:30 pm
Fri 4 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat 12 pm - 9:30 pm
Sun 12:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
31 reviews for Ambler Theater
31 reviews in English
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Review from Alexis G.
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Ambler Theater is incredible. I have always loved the County Theater, and the Ambler Theater is no different: totally amazing in every way.
One of the theaters at Ambler is GIANT. It has a huge capacity, plus stadium seating! I recently saw The Artist here, and it was wonderful as always. -
Review from Jamie B.
Fort Washington, PA
12/21/2011
The one person who gave the Ambler Theater a 4 star rating instead of 5 wrote about how they took away the dark chocolate Toblerone and have an inconsistent tea selection. What they fail to mention is that THE AMBLER THEATER REVIVED MY COMMUNITY AND THERE IS NOW CULTURE IN AN OTHERWISE FAILED INDUSTRIAL TOWN.
Seriously, prior to the Ambler Theater NOT BEING A MASSIVE ABANDONED BUILDING ON A STREET OF ABANDONED BUILDINGS, there was only a children's shoe store and chandelier store on Butler Pike. Now, I know of 4 places in the vicinity of Butler Pike alone where I can get cold desserts, two of them specializing in authentic gelato, one of them better than some of the gelato I had in Rome. Oh yeah, since the Ambler Theater also opened there is also an Ambler Orchestra and a playhouse, as well as nearly a dozen restaurants along Butler Pike.
So it's a pretty big deal for us locals. As for the theater itself, it's great. It gets most of the big indie movies (and sometimes mainstream ones like the Sex and the City movies) generally on their opening weekends. Also, the theater is well-maintained and its restoration is amazing, just walking in it really does feel like how I imagine going to the movies was in the 1930s when it was built: an event.
I would suggest membership to anyone who plans to go to the Ambler Theater more than once a month, or who just wants to donate to a good cause. Not only are movie tickets $4.50, but you're actually helping revive a local economy as well. -
Review from Jeff C.
Philadelphia, PA
11/22/2011
I am a film junkie. I don't catch just the blockbuster. I catch the indy films. The Ritz does do a fine job of putting all the indie films there. The only problem is the film screening room are so small, its like walking into a living room. When you take the time to see a film in theatre, you don't want it to feel like a living room. You get the living room plenty of time you pop in a DVD or blu-ray. But, at the same time, I realize these indies film aren't seen by most of the moviegoing public and rarely turn a profit.
Luckily, there is the Ambler Theater which is structured like an old-school cinema and screens the rare indie film that multiplexs don't. Not to mention, fares are cheaper (9.75 is the most expensive ticket there), and parking easy to find. This is a godsend for us film junkies. -
Review from Tom M.
7/23/2011
The Ambler Theater reminds me of the Cinema Arts Centre and the Northport theater I frequented in high school and college back on Long Island. Cinema Arts Centre is a modern building with small theaters. The Northport theater is an old-school cinema that showed hit movies six months or so after their release. I think it shows theatrical plays today.
Ambler Theater combines both a grand large classic theater and two smaller theaters. When I go, I pull for my show to be in the main theater but its really OK if it isn't. What a majestic place to view cinema! A Ritz for the suburbs but with historic architecture mixed in. I live in Glenside with my lovely wife. One of the best local date nights we can do is one of Ambler's wonderful restaurants followed by a movie at the theater.
They often have one-time screenings of classics, especially in the summer. I've seen Strangers on a Train and Goodfellas there. I am looking forward to The Great Dictator and Pulp Fiction later this summer.
It also warrants mentioning that they have great business practices. Last night, I ordered a small Coke Zero. It cost $2 and was actually small. So you can snack here without feeling ripped off and wasteful. They sell some great candy bars including Ritter Sport and Lindt Milk Chocolate.
The Ambler Theater is a true asset to Ambler and anywhere else in reasonable driving distance.Listed in: 6 Stars, Five Favorite Locally Owned…
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Review from Colleen M.
Philadelphia, PA
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I hate going to the movies. I'd so much rather lay on my couch and watch a movie at home. However, if I'm going to make the effort to see a movie in the theater, the Ambler Theater is great.
The concession stand is actually affordable and the building is adorable. It has a lot of charm. It's a nice break from the big chain theaters and will sometimes have movies that they aren't running.
I highly recommend giving this place a try. You'll never want to go to a Regal ever again. -
Review from Brian S.
Blue Bell, PA
6/10/2011 12 Check-ins Here
The Ambler Theater is a refreshing reminder of what a movie going experience should be.
As a non-profit organization the ticket prices are reasonable, and even better if you become a member (which is a tax write-off).
It is located on the main strip in Ambler within walking distance to many fine dining establishments and shops.
The concession stand is nicely priced (much like the movie ticket prices) and doesn't make going to the movies something that requires financial planning.
The theaters themselves have good picture and sound (my favorite being the theater on the left), but i would suggest sitting high up in the "main" theater because the screen is angled for those seats.
Another really nice feature are the films from the past that are shown.
I really enjoyed seeing Indiana Jones, Ghost Busters, Jaws, A Clock Work Orange on the BIG SCREEN, and look forward to their summer series this year with Pulp Fiction, Fight Club, and more. -
Review from Melissa C.
Philadelphia, PA
3/26/2012
This theater is really cool. Beautiful building (inside and out), nice staff, and an excellent movie experience. My husband and I went to dinner and a movie and then just walked on the cute main street for a bit. I can't think of a better low-key date night.
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Review from Brian H.
Township of Lower Gwynedd, PA
4/14/2011
This is the only movie theater I go to (well, maybe the Ritz in Center City). Starting from member pricing (it's a non-profit, and if you go to many movies each year, it is worth the membership price, as well as supporting their efforts to show independent, first run films), $4.75 for members, any time.
The concession stand has very reasonable pricing, no need to sneak some snacks in. The rest rooms immaculate.
The theater itself is renovated to the older day's style and class. Also, it is very clean, comfortable, and pleasant!!
One negative, if you go to a matinée, beware of the old people who don't know what it means when the script across the screen before a movie says "As a courtesy to others, please refrain from talking during the movie". Geez, I hope I don't ever get old. -
Review from Michele K.
Philadelphia, PA
9/6/2010
We recently became members of the Ambler Theater and it's the best $$$ we've ever spent! LOVE coming here especially the main theater when they view recently released arty films.
Popcorn is fresh and is the best I've had from a Philadelphia area movie theater. They do not overcharge for movie treats ... and the three of us can see a first run film for just about what you pay for one adult ticket in NYC!
Do yourself a favor and join the Ambler. It's worth it! -
Review from Kelly R.
Willow Grove, PA
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a charming, beautiful theater making an earnest attempt to provide both mainstream movies and unique local films. I can only hope they are able to weather the transition to digital that is threatening so many small theaters that can't afford to upgrade their equipment. Love this gorgeous venue!
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Review from Emily A.
Glenside, PA
2/17/2008
We are so lucky to have this fabulous theater nearby.
This early 20th century landmark was in shambles until a non profit got a hold of it a few years back, and saved its ass from ruin. Now Movie Affectionatos from all over come to see wonderful independent films in the beautiful theater that plays them.
Starting at about $100 for the year- you can purchase memberships with all sorts of perks (mostly free movies), or you can just pay the small price of the ticket to see a single show. The seats are comfy, the popcorn and snacks are cheap. The movies are soooo worth it.
So, make it a point to make more date nights.
Dinner and a Movie= Heaven!!!!!!!! -
Review from Max K.
Philadelphia, PA
8/18/2009
This theater is a great asset to the community. Large, spacious, plenty of seats, no movie is ever sold out. Also located in a great area for food and a great little town.
One thing I love about this theater is its always very clean. The prices are always lower than the bigger competitors and the concessions are way cheaper.
I would go to every movie here if they showed them.
Also this used to be an old movie theater and the community helped rehab it. -
Review from Janice I.
Fort Washington, PA
2/11/2012
This is my favorite theater in the area. My husband and I enjoy watching a movie on Friday or Saturday evening here. My girlfriends and I look forward to having lunch or dinner in Ambler and then catching a movie here. We always have a great time.
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Review from Ed M.
Updated - 6/11/2009
This is the BEST theater in the area. Better than any in Philadelphia. For so many reasons that just exploded exponentially for me.
If I could give ten stars, I would. That's why there's a 5 star update, so in a way, I kinda did...
Just saw the Godfather on the big screen for the first time. The f*cking Godfather on a real f*cking movie screen. Never seen it on anything other than a television. It was like seeing it for the first time even though I know every line in the film.
This place is a gem. And for the rest of the summer, every Thursday, the will be showing vintage classics. Next week, Part 2 of the Godfather.
The ceilings, balconies, seats, box office, munchies, audience...hell, even the air are perfect. Please, please, please make the trip out to this little spot on main street in Ambler...You will not regret it.
The perfect place for a date, family, friends, even if you go alone, you will have an experience that defines why we go to see films. And if you're smart, you will check out the schedule for the rest of the summer. After each showing, there's a discussion group if you feel like hanging...
I'm gonna be here a lot this summer, every great film that I've never seen will be saw...Listed in: Philly cool...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/4/2009
"There's no such thing as an unwritten life, just a badly written one"
Saw an excellent film that was… Read more »
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Review from cotie s.
Harleysville, PA
Updated - 1/14/2010
Made a trip to the Ambler Theater over the holidays to see Up in the Air. Again we went for the early matinées on Wednesday. We got two tickets ($4.75/ticket!!!!), a medium popcorn, an iced tea, and a bag of Ashers chocolate covered pretzels all for $18! The theater is clean and the staff is MUCH more pleasant than the typically disgruntled staff at chain theaters. If you live within a 30 min. radius of Ambler you should definitely make a point to make it out to the Ambler Theater.
PS: Bathrooms are also squeaky clean.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/21/2009
In high school I worked at a one screen movie theater in my one stop light hometown. Therefore I… Read more »
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Review from Gina C.
Burlington, VT
Updated - 1/18/2011
My heart is sad-- the concession stand did away with dark toblerone. What can I do?!
Infinite props for the 4.75 LARGE popcorn, that'd run ya nine bucks or more some places. Also dig the tea selection. I normally hate fruity teas, but every time I'm at the Ambler I'm tempter by the orange spice...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/6/2010
I love love love seeing films at this theater, especially what with the construction recently… Read more »
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Review from elle m.
Philadelphia, PA
2/9/2010
I live in Center City, but regularly go to the Ambler Theater to see movies. It is a pure pleasure - the seating is stadium with lots of leg room and the price is perfect. You can even become a member of the theater for 40 bucks a year that gets you discount tickets.
They usually screen art, foreign and indy films that you can see at the Ritz, but would MUCH rather see at Ambler.
Plus there is a great italian BYO right next door... oh and right next door to the BYO? A Liquor store. You can't get a much better evening than this. -
Review from Andy S.
Blue Bell, PA
8/26/2008
I looooove the Ambler Theater! Easily my favorite in the area.
This place was a rundown shell for what seemed like forever, but once it was rehabbed and redone it instantly became my home away from home. The films are more of the art house variety, which is good. WhizBang 3 is already playing at 4 different theaters, so you don't need it here. The staff is very friendly, and the prices are reasonable (hint...if you are likely to come here several times of the course of a year, go ahead and get the basic membership. Its $45 and will pay for itself eventually, plus its tax deductible).
Another bonus is that with the films shown you don't get the dregs of society at every show...far, far less likely to have cellphones going off every 10 seconds. People are there because they want to watch the film, not goof around. Parking is easy at the lot a block away, and there are plenty of eating/drinking options right on the same street. Worth a trip! -
Review from emily s.
Philadelphia, PA
6/7/2010
Amazing! Do yourself a favor and go check out a film at the Ambler Theater. Honestly, pick anything they are playing - it is sure to be interesting! The space is lovely and comfortable, one of the theaters has been recently renovated. Prices are much more affordable than those mega-plex cinemas, great snacks and friendly, approachable staff. Do consider buying your ticket ahead of time (maybe before a dinner out in the neighborhood) or show up a bit early if you want to see a popular film on a weekend night, as shows do sometimes sell out.
Enjoy! -
Review from Phillip Y.
Des Moines, IA
7/10/2011
Well, I first heard of this place 4-5 years ago when I was a violinist for Ambler Symphony. We had played a Christmas concert in their lobby. Now, I came back to see "Beginners" with Ewan Magregor and Christopher Plummer. It was simply marvelous. The building itself in daylight is majestic and the lobby is majestic like a red carpet walk. Inside you see interesting men's and women's bathroom entrance doors. The theatres themselves are a bit small and reminded me of Ritz at the Borse. However, you get three screens with more selections compared to Bryn Mawr Film Institute. As usual, food and drinks are over priced with a small bottle of water at $2. Hopefully, this goes to restoration of the theatre, etc. Oh yeah, I loved the movie but a bit of a downer. I loved the dog and Ewan has never been better since maybe "Trainspotting".
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Review from gabriela p.
Blue Bell, PA
2/3/2010
I love this place.
I recently moved to Blue Bell and this theater is like 7 minutes from were I live.
I am a BIG film freak and I've never been to a theater like this.
It's like remembering why movie theaters were opened in the first place; this is no "go-check-that-dumass-hollywood-movie" to that "shitty-expensive-money-sucker-typical-cinema".
They screen foreign/artsy/independent movies you wouldn't usually be able to see somewhere else.
It's in process of being remodeled but it's already looking really great, very old style looking (but not falling to pieces); it's clean and comfortable because it's rarely crowded.
Not a lot of young people go there, because they don't really appreciate the good stuff, and I like to believe there's something positive about that, grown ups are not likely to be loud during a movie, and surprisingly they have a great sense of humor.
The staff is really nice, and although there's no parking outside, there's a couple of parking lots about a block away.
The only bad thing is that they usually just screen around 3-4 movies at a time, and that stresses me out because I would go there every day if I could. -
Review from Michael G.
Ambler, PA
8/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Terrific little theater -- comfortable, friendly, low-key joint that's the absolute opposite of the loud, obnoxious multiplex moviegoing experience. Really the only theater, other than the Ritz downtown, where I want to see a movie.
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Review from Sara H.
Philadelphia, PA
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
i love love love the ambler theater. it's been lovingly restored to its former glory--interior and exterior. (the sign out front is particularly amazing and adds to the feeling that you've stepped back in time.) the prices are reasonable, the movie selection is always top notch---independent, arthouse films not found at your local megahugeplex--and the theaters (some small, some large) are always clean.
located not too far outside philadelphia, it's definitely worth a roadtrip. -
Review from Alison F.
Jenkintown, PA
1/23/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This theater rocks! It's beautiful and it always has the best art house films. There are usually at least two movies here that I am dying to see. The atmosphere is even better than the Ritz downtown and it's very clean and parking is easy. I always ask for Ambler Theater gift cards for the holidays!
Before or after the movies, we usually head across the street to The Shanachie Irish Pub, another favorite. -
Review from Steve S.
Philadelphia, PA
4/10/2011
Great theater! Worth the 30 minute drive for us to get there. Was here as a kid and they've restored it perfectly! Ambler now has some nice dining options surrounding the theater for before or after the show.
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Review from Tim O.
Philadelphia, PA
4/5/2009
A beautiful place. Great independent movies. Cheaper admission than the shitty 309 cinema or montgomeryville theater. The only way you should be allowed to see a film. Every town should have one like the Ambler Theater. Go if only to check out the beautiful lobby.
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Review from Samantha T.
Philadelphia, PA
4/10/2011
Love love love the Ambler theater. Great movies, reasonable snack prices. Parking is a pain but what are you going to do? Get creative and go a half hour early and get your tickets!! Everything sells out on Sat night- date night!! So get your tickets online and get there early for a seat. Beautiful redo of a cool older theater, we need more places like this. Become a member, less than $5.00 a ticket and you get free passes for signing up. Plus it's nice to help out a not-for-profit. We need one of these in Chestnut Hill.
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Review from Jen L.
Philadelphia, PA
6/10/2008
I love the Ambler Theater and always thrilled when a film I really want to see is showing here. It's nice, comfortable and the staff is really friendly. I actually prefer smaller theaters like this or the Bala Cynwyd one to the big megaplex theaters. The prices are fabulous too. I'm lucky to be able to make their matines after work sometimes and it's only $6 for a regular adult ticket. You can't beat that!
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Review from Lois R.
Blue Bell, PA
2/25/2009
I agree with the other comments on the choices of movies and the reasonable prices - the latter probably because they are non-profit, in order to get the funding that started the rehab project.
They have been having community events there this year which is nice. Had a viewing of Obama's inauguration that raised money for the local food bank, and Sunday they had a night at the Oscars, complete with a huge ice sculpture of an Oscar, backlit with a yellow light, on the street out front. Very cool! -
Review from Mike M.
Glenside, PA
2/3/2010
Great theater - nice selection of independent, arty and generally top notch films. Friendly staff, reasonable prices for tickets and concessions - it's basically what most theaters are not - customer friendly.
Some folks recommend the Shanachie for drinks or a bite before or after. I like Shanachie just fine - but i usually wander 3 blocks down towards the train station and hit KCs - a nice low key spot for beers and good pub food in Ambler.
I usually do not stop at Finn McCool's for a drink.... but that's for another review.....
Overall - highly recommend the Ambler Theater. -
Review from Rachel B.
Ambler, PA
7/14/2009
I've lived in the area for 12 years and can't believe I haven't been to the Ambler Theater until just recently. I have been so appauled lately by the exorbitent prices of the huge commercial chains that I practically swore off seeing a movie until it hit redbox. This place has all the old-theater charm you would expect from a classic village (or I guess boro in this case) setting. This seems like the only theater where you can get 2 tickets, a bucket of popcorn, a bev, and a box of Junior Mints for under $20. I may become more interested in some of the off-the-beaten-path films just to enjoy a visit.
