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AMC Van Ness 14
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
1000 Van Ness AvenueSan Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 674-4630
Now Playing:
Battleship, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Chernobyl Diaries, Dark Shadows, The Dictator, The Hunger Games, Marvel's The Avengers, Marvel's The Avengers 3D, Men in Black 3, Men in Black 3 in 3D,
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Announcement
Get a limited edition popcorn tub when you purchase a combo #1 or #2. The tub comes with a complementary refill http://m.amcurl.com/02GL
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10:30 am - 10:30 pm
Thu 10:30 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 10 am - 12 am
Sun 10 am - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
484 reviews for AMC Van Ness 14
484 reviews in English
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Review from Nancy S.
5/12/2012 2 Check-ins Here
With the antique decor inside, this theater is definitely one of those more unique ones in the city. It's usually my go-to theater since it's easy to find parking at night, and the theater is clean, big and spacious.
Love that they sell food on every floor! -
Review from Dave L.
5/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Supervising manager...please clean the seats in Theater 3 and Theater 7 (so far). This place has went down the toilet hole and everything is dirty. Your workers are not cleaning in-between showtimes.
I'm taking my free AMC passes to the AMC in Emeryville or Mercado for the time being. Even when this theater is within walking distance for me, I find myself more times than not, that I'll take Bart to Century 20 or Muni-it to Metreon/Bloomingdale's Century.
Boooo for you.
At least the ticket collector on floor 1 is chirpy. Give that guy a raise. -
Review from William C.
Tiburon, CA
5/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
When you have a long line of people waiting to get tickets and only one person behind the ticket booth, he/she shouldn't be speaking to everyone about how your rewards card works none stop for 5 minutes and if one customer decides to ask some questions about it,he/she will spend another 5 minutes.
Tips: If the ticket line is long just use the kiosk next to the booth, no additional fees there. Of course if you have the pre-paid tickets(where you get on their website for the cheap but need to buy in bulk) then you out of luck.
Tips: AMC's reward programs is actually not a bad deal if you go the movies a lot. tho you need to pay 12 bucks a year but you will end up saving more than $12 a year, that is true ONLY if you go to AMC a lot.
So after waiting in line for almost 15 minutes try to get ticket, we came to the snack counter where they have 4 people working but no lines. Theater management needs to learn how to manage their staff to work more efficiently. I asked for one coke and one popcorn, the white girl who helped me didnt greet me or smile which I don't really care but she gives you this attitude of why am I working at a movie theater kind of attitude. Since I was the only customer in line after I placed the order the white girl is busy trying to have the scanner to scan my iphone, which has the AMC reward number barcode(kinda like the starbucks app), and she tried to do that for at least 2 minutes until she finally gave up and try to key in the numbers, which she should have done after couple tries. While all this is happening, the rest of the ppl just stands there and chat, no one came to her to help or even get the popcorn and fill the drinks for me to cut down wait time (When I used to work at the movie theater back in my teen years whenever a customer place an order and if we not busy we usually help him/her get the popcorn or fill the drinks) The Asian manager with a walkie talkie on her let walked by couple times but didn't help at all and she has the I am the supervisor and I am too good to help people under me or I might be the next Jessica Sanchez and I won't be working here long anymore kind attitude. I think during my whole time here the nicest employee we encountered is the guy who checks the ticket. -
Review from Marty J.
4/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
I saw Hunger Games here recently and have seen multiple movies here. I have no complaints about this venue. I like the seating in the middle where there's no one directly in front of you so you can really stretch your legs out.
To avoid the line, make sure you hop on Fandango and purchase tickets ahead of time. You just go to this kiosk and swipe your credit card and out come the tickets. They also have a cool body massage chair that you see at airports in the hallway towards the theaters. -
Review from Justin S.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Its not scary. Indoor parking so you can stay dry and not filthy like the Meteron. Its getting a little old and run down but still my first choice for movie night.
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Review from Cassandra J.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012
Out of the two Metreons in the downtown area, this one is definitely my favourite. The fact that it's easy walking distance helps!
I have a love/hate relationship with the multiple floors. I love the style of this and it feels much more like a fancy, exotic theatre when you have to go up 6 levels to get to your movie. On the other hand, it's going up six levels. Sure, there's escalators, but I fear the day they're not working. On a positive note though, there's candy/snack counters and bathrooms on each level, right next to the actual theatre so it's not a far walk if you want to sneak out in the middle.
The actual theatres I've seen in this location are small, as in the numbers of seats. It does make for a quieter, more cozy experience, but if you're trying to get in to see a popular movie, you might find it sold out (then again, this isn't one of the more popular theatres due to the location, so I suspect it doesn't get too packed). Seats are comfortable, the areas are pretty clean, and I've found the staff to be helpful, polite and courteous.
Overall, it's definitely one of the better movie houses in the city. -
Review from Stephanie M.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
My roommates and I always come here on a Sunday. We park, race to see who is the fastest at buying tickets in the three machines, take the never-ending escalators up, and buy those delicious and addicting amc hot dogs.
We begin watching the first 10 minutes of a badass movie, and suddenly the theater goes dark, strangers start making prolonged gazes at each other, popcorn flys in the air, me? Calm, still enjoying my hot dog..
Soon enough a lady with a flashlight comes in to announce the Movie was not working, it's broken! She hands out to my friends and I a bunch of free tickets (IMAX included). Best part? were not even stub hub members, score!!! -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2012
I would have only given it three stars because the parking situation is crap, and we had to wait quite a while to get out of the parking garage...
BUTTTTTT
this theater does have its advantages.
I came here for the midnight showing of the Hunger Games, and surprisingly, it was not full at ALL. I think some theaters were full because they had 12:00, 12:05 and a 12:10 showing. I think there were only have 25 people in my theater.
It was nice not having to fight others for seating! I was able to buy my ticket at the movie theater.
The people who worked the concession stands were also really nice. We had ordered a large popcorn, which meant unlimited refills. They knew that we did not want to come back out upon finishing our popcorn, so they just gave us more popcorn on the side in a tray so that we wouldn't have to miss the movie :) -
Review from Gin K.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2012
BEST: Location!
Right at the heart of Van Ness AND Geary and close to Muni public transportation. Roughly 5 blocks from Market Street.
I was able to take the 38 or 38L from Kaiser Permanente or JapanTown on Geary Street and within about 20 minutes I got off on O'Farrell/Van Ness and crossed the street to AMC Theatres Van Ness 14.
Mel's Drive-in Up half a block up.
The first floor shares the area to purchase tickets and a tiny museum. It also has a small gym, yes you heard me!
They offer a membership if you come often for about 10% off of the ticket prices.
Plenty of rooms so likely chance of sellout or it being so full shouldn't be a problem.
WORST: There are 7 floors. While this may not be so bad, if you purchase movies for 3D or a larger room for a new movie that is out, you will have to ascend many escalators before getting to your room. So don't be late!!
Concession services are on the 2nd, 4th, and 7th floor. There are 3-4 arcade machines that accept tokens on the 4rth floor.
MY EXPERIENCE: I must say, interesting having a movie theater inside a building that looks like it should be a bank. Even when you approach the ticket booth, they seem to look like they are doing an exchange of currency. At any rate, I went for my first time to see Wrath of the Titans in 3D and was impressed by the comfy chairs, the sound and screen quality. -
Review from Jennifer W.
San Jose, CA
4/13/2012
I went to watch 2 movies in this theatre. Everytime I walk into this theatre, the aches, and architecture is what I love. It definitely has a different vibe from the other AMC theatres. Buy tickets in the front box office. Walk towards the escalators and before riding on the escalator, AMC looks at your tickets. Theatres are conveniently located next to the concession stands. Getting popcorn, snacks, and drinks would be no problem. Even restrooms are conveniently close to the theaters and concession stands. Even better...great service and great movie watching experience.
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Review from Elvis A.
2/13/2012
One of the better multiplexes in city. It has been my favorite places to watch a movie for a long long time. Its has been at the forefront of keeping up with the latest in movie theaters as far as I know as I recall they were the first one to have DLP projection when it came out but now has started to lag a bit. No IMAX (understandable due to space limitations) but what about ETX? I guess with the take over of the Metreon theaters by AMC they don't see a point in updating this place anymore.
Parking can rough around here and forget about weekends with all the stuff going on at Van Ness you are better off taking the public transport or cabbing here. They do have a parking garage underground so make sure you validate when leaving.
It is not as busy as it used to be expect lineups for new releases. -
Review from Jenn C.
1/17/2012
This is your basic urban mega-plex with a twist - it's multi-ple levels!
The lobby is really nice - but it has long snaking lines and is reminiscent of some sort of passive, well behaved line into a club. Why people don't just use the kiosks and buy tickets there is beyond me but there's never a wait at the kiosk and SOMETIMES some doofus leaves their ticket so you can get in for free because they grabbed only their receipt!
The escalators and elevators add to a weird herd experience. However, the seats are danged comfy and the screens are pretty good - so for first run mainstream movies, this is a pretty good option. Unlike some movie theatres - you won't hear airplanes flying low overhead interrupting the movie (*cough* *cough* south san francisco). -
Review from Teena Marie T.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Great neighborhood movie theater... lots of theaters, show the majority of the block busters. Concession on two levels that have now added in "fresh menu" options like hummus & bagel chips... Fruit..etc. this theater also has a parking garage LOV IT! You do however have to pay (BOO) but at least they validate. Theaters for the most part are clean. And they have recently added a comedy club.
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Review from Mike B.
Long Beach, CA
1/5/2012 6 Check-ins Here
This is my favorite movie theatre in the city 1) because it's a short bus ride from me 2) the stunning architecture in the lobby is always welcomed 3) StubClub or whatever the AMC club is gives you free upgrades and credits when you spend $$. 4) it's rarely a packed house (but then again, i only go on off-nights). I was never a big movie-person (as you may see from my reviews), but i now go 2-3 times per month because i like this theatre so much.
Reminder: if you have the Silver Experience movie tickets you will have to pay an extra $1.50 per ticket if the movie has an *asterisk* next to it on the boards...even though it may have been 2 weeks since the movie was released. Not a big deal, but still...worth knowing. -
Review from Christina Y.
Santa Monica, CA
11/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I was a kid, this theater used to be the epitome of futuristic cinema viewing. Fast forward many years later and it hasn't quite held up its luster, but it's still a dependable spot to catch the latest flick.
It's in a random neighborhood with sometimes-difficult parking, and the lobby is so cavernous and empty you can't help but feel a little sad in there. But at least they try to spruce things up with some decorations and coin-operated massage chairs scattered about. I know, I had my reservations about it too but after seeing several people enjoying it before their show started I gave it a whirl and I have to admit it was pretty awesome to get a few minutes of relaxation before heading into the movie.
The screening rooms themselves are clean and arena-style, which is always important, and they seem to have kept things up maintenance wise. It's nothing to write home about, but it definitely does the trick when you just want to watch a movie without it being a scene. -
Review from Chris M.
11/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am not really a cinema person, I want to be able to pause movies for a drink/snack/loo break and I am yet to find a cinema that allows that.
I have been here a couple of times and always ended up in the shady back small dirty old screen.. or maybe they are all like that?
The entrance is grand which is nice! You need a little culture before seeing Harold & Kumar's 3D Christmas...
As with all cinema's snacks are extortionate but go prepared take your own! The last visit our carry out/in included blended drink, that is how we roll!!
I have 4 more free tix to AMC and this one is walking distance from my house so sure I will be back but if you are paying I think you can get better bang for your buck elsewhere!
Nice feature, armrests that can be folded up if you want to get cosy with your movie neighbor
Parking in this area is tough, really tough. I believe there is a lot but I have never used it so can't really comment. -
Review from Andrew W.
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
AMC Van Ness, your theater and customer service have disappointed me. This used to be my favorite theater to go to before Metreon and Century opened. It is beautiful on the outside and looks grand on the inside. Even though it is older, it still looks nice but the theaters smell like a men's bathroom. Validated parking cost $8 now and the customer service is horrendous.
I came here to watch a night showing only to have the movie break down a third of the way in. Since they could not fix the problem, they offered to refund our ticket and provide a re-admit pass. But since I could not find the receipt for the ticket, I received two re-admit passes, instead of cash. The manager was adamant about this but the person in front of us did not have his receipt but received cash back. I just hope that the manager gave us the correct information and that the passes never expire even though there is an expiration date printed on the front. -
Review from Jesse R.
Sunnyvale, CA
3/2/2012
A good theater. It seems that lately, the Metreon isn't always playing new movies, so this had become my theater of choice when I lived in SF. It was walking distance if I felt up for it, even. The employees are friendly and the food is good for movie theater food. It doesn't quite have the feel of the Metreon, but what matters about a movie theater is the movies, and the projection. And that works here.
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Review from Rachel L.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2012
Came here to watch The Hunger Game and it was great! =) The Staff are very friendly and polite to let us know that there were a line.
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Review from Joyce L.
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fanciest move theater i've ever been to. The lobby is really nice. Doesn't even look like a movie theater from the outside and in. The place is like 4 stories high so you basically take the escalator all the way up. The rooms are super big so you don't have to fight for a seat. The chairs are comfortable and clean. The screen is huge which is a big plus. All and all good movie theater!
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Review from Molly M.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2011
Between Metreon and Century I like this theater the best. Why because the crown is better than Metreon and it's bigger and nicer than Century and of course parking is way easier. The lot for century is crazy expensive these days. Only thing I wish AMC had was kettle corn that's a major downfall since I do not like the gross butter popcorn.
Also, it never gets too busy here. And it's in a historic building!! Seats are comfortable and the it's a very relaxed atmosphere. Also, the sounds is very good.
Also, they are one of the only theaters still offer student discounts, even though it is only on Thursdays (Didn't used to be though, ugh).
I never had any problems here and while it is in neighborhood that borders the TL, it still is fine. Just park North of Van Ness. -
Review from Patrick D.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This wasn't the easiest theater to get to when I lived in the Sunset and it's not the easiest to navigate once inside, but as multiplexes go: I've been to worse. Sound quality was okay for the non-action movie my fiancee and I saw, though the screens seem a little smaller than newer theaters. The chairs were comfortable and no-squeak, with movable armrests, and customer service is about what you expect from an AMC.
Sure, it costs as much as any other theater these days and it has none of the charm of a single-screen house, but it gets the job done. -
Review from TJ P.
San Diego, CA
12/21/2011
I'm tempted to give this place five stars, because I had a 5 star experience there, but I try to write reviews based on what you should expect, not what I experienced.
Why my visit was awesome:
I'd just ridden the California Cable Car line from the Financial District (my first ever ride on a Cable Car), got off, and literally had no clue what the heck to do other than get back on and ride back. Wouldn't have been a problem if I was alone, but when you're trying to show a visiting friend a good time?
"uhhhhh.... you wanna see a movie or something???"
iPhone search. 0.3 miles away. Skirt some homeless people. (Not literally, though if I had been carrying an extra skirt in muted autumn tones I would have totally offered it to this one gal. Her bright purple peasant number was simply dreadful). Walk past Mel's Diner. "Oh, you're way too young to have seen American Graffiti. Never mind then." Ah yes, here we are. Hmmm. Showing starts in 80 minutes. Alright. Buy two tickets, walk back to Mel's. See? Look at the awesome time I am showing you! Ignore terrible service at Mel's and focus on the delicious shakey goodness. Return to theater. Find seat. Enjoy film. Oh, you're a bit tired and want to head back. Silent rejoicing. Awesome time successfully shown! Let's head back to the Cable Car.
Why yours probably won't be:
Neighborhood is a bit sketchy with limited parking options. Theater building has seen better days. It shares an entry with an art gallery complete with lots of huge paintings of nude women (and the one time you come here that will be an awkward moment for you). The concession stands won't be open on the same floor as your film. The restrooms aren't terribly well kept. They don't serve Dr Pepper (and cheerfully offer you a Cherry Coke as though it's the same thing). They will have a ton of employees working but few of them really trying to do anything. All in all you will feel like the experience should have been better, but you'll agree it's a bit better than a two star place...
You know, unless you step off the California line with visitor in tow and you have no freaking clue what the heck you're gonna do. In which case, why did you read this far anyway??? -
Review from Olivia Vanessa R.
Daly City, CA
8/22/2011
AMC has it's parking garage directly underneath it.
Talk about convenient.
There are concessions on all floors.
Talk about convenient.
It's a hop and a skip by the freeway and is surrounded by the likes of Mels & Tommys.
Talk about convenient
Ok. ENOUGH about convenient. I have been coming her since I was 10 so if you're decent at math you'd know I've been a loyal movie watcher for 11 years now.
AMC has something the other theatres don't and that something is it's illustrious design and architecture. Exuding an antiquated feel, AMC makes you feel welcome and regal. AMC is so big, it's a far stretch from the crowded theatres and the obnoxious crowds of people who like to blurt out obscenities every 2 seconds. It's in short, quiet, and that may be due to location.
I forgot how much I loved this theatre until recently. Chong and I decided to finally watch Friends with Benefits and all levels of problems were extinguished. With the parking directly underneath the theatre we had enough time to buy a mile list of concessions and still catch previews.
AMC has a wider selection of concessions. Observe the following: Chong and I shared 2 Large slushees (refillable) nachos with unlimited supply of jalapenos, 4 bags of candy none of which you can find at CENTURY, and an original pretzel. PRETZels!!!!!!
The seats are comfortable and the aisles are spacious. Enough saidListed in: The Adventures of Cheech &…
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Review from Natasha R.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2011
Who cuts off the credits after Captain America and short changes half the theater who was waiting to see the sneak preview of the Avengers??
AMC does.
*scowl* -
Review from Ming-Jou C.
Torrance, CA
8/6/2011
I haven't been to the AMC Van Ness in probably almost 10 years, but went there recently to see Crazy Stupid Love. Park on one of the alley streets, because apparently parking in their lot with validation is $8 for one movie-length, and that's with not much lead time.
We walked in and there was a huge line for tickets. I automatically looked for the automated machine and one was down, so there was a line for that, but it moved pretty fast. When I turned around again, the line was even longer for tickets at the booth. Crazy.
Seats were decent, ticket taker was really nice and bathrooms were clean. -
Review from Tony L.
7/30/2011 4 Check-ins Here
"No sir, I'm sorry, there are no ins and outs," says the glassy eyed, heavyset gentleman manning the ticket booth. Upright and stone-faced, you can tell he's doing his best to project firmness.
I hand him my ticket. He rips it in two.
I let him know, "By the way, you have a really big booger hanging out your nose."He drops the tough guy act, and I slowly ascend towards theatre 12.
From the restored, grand entry to the makeshift vertical corridors up the urbanized muti-plex theater, to the concrete vortex of a parking lot that extends way down into the basement, AMC Van Ness is an interesting example of shoehorning a perfectly functioning 14 screen theater into a landmark building.
Pros: Great location. The theater is still relatively new. Stadium seating and digital sound are a plus.
Cons: Parking can be a nightmare; indoors is expensive, outdoors can feel a little seedy. Ticketing can be a pain.
Then there's the obvious, ticket prices these days are ridiculous. And so are nasal glaciers. But I wouldn't hold either of those against this theater. Ticket prices are expensive everywhere. And everybody needs to pick a nose, sometime. -
Review from Angela R.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this place is fun!! it is clean and never packed!!
First, you don't have to do a line because you can purchase the tickets in a machine, which is awesome! Another thing is that it is not a teenager breeding ground, like most movie theaters are. So , is nice not to have a bunch of kinds making out and being obnoxious. Most movie goers are 20+ mature peeps, just like me. Its perfect for a cheap mellow date, I take my husband there all the time. It is probably like 30 bucks for 2 people including tix and food. it will probably be more expensive if i didn't stop a WG to get my candy fix before!
They have escalators, but they better because its like 7 floors high!
The only thing that is stupid is that the convenience shop in the top floor is always closed, WTF?? so you have to get off in the second floor and get your overpriced popcorn and run up the escalators, and yes I'm always late to the movies because of it.
All and all, awesome for dates and cold days :) -
Review from Gloria H.
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
First time visiting this location. Came here to catch Harry Potter on the first Saturday it came out - was worried there'll be lines but I was able to pick up the tickets in minutes. The young man selling the tickets was friendly and helpful - they had two showing one minute apart. He told me to take the later one because it was a lot less crowded.
We showed up 15 minutes prior to the showing and there was only a short line waiting to get in, either teens or families.
Seating was comfortable and clean. -
Review from Kat K.
Santa Clara, CA
3/5/2012
Given how expensive it is to come to a movie here (movie ticket +$8 for parking AFTER validation) I'd think they'd do a better job of providing a good experience to their customers. The staff was very friendly, but the actual theater I was in was filthy with food and trash all over the floor and seats. A basic sweep would have been appreciated, even if for a late showing. 3 stars, but only because the staff was so nice.
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Review from Johnny C.
Daly City, CA
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Parking in front is really limited but they have a parking garage inside so no worries. Just remember which floor you park, lol.
This place is really big. I mean it took about 4 minutes to get to upper floor theaters on escalators.
After I purchased my ticks, I couldn't help noticing the massage chairs in lobby and while waiting for my movie date I used that time to get a massage. Just in case the movie is too long, soften up my muscles.
I like the place and movie was great. -
Review from Jesse C.
San Francisco, CA
2/26/2012
Basic urban multi-plex. But $8 for parking? Seriously? Rip off.
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Review from Esther A.
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Just one look at the lobby area you know this building has a lot of history and is unlike most AMC theaters. I've been coming here for years and I've never once seen it crowded like the other theaters get. You almost get the entire theater to yourself which sure beats having yourself surrounded by loud, annoying, chatty moviegoers.
First thing that comes to mind is the layout of the theater. I'm not so sure how to feel about it. There just seems to be a lot of floors and seemingly never-ending escalators.
Perhaps the reason why the crowds never flock to this theater is the expensive parking. I usually park on the streets and have been pretty lucky snagging one up nearby. The garage validated parking is $8. Pretty pricey if you ask me. -
Review from Alex G.
8/18/2011
Man this place would be so much better if it didn't cost $11 to watch a movie! The building makes this place the coolest place to watch a movie. I think it was a bank or something back in the day. The place is well kept. There's about 3 floors of movie theaters and each theater is relatively clean.
If they gave student or military discount, they'd get 4 stars in my book... -
Review from Sebastian L.
Beverly Hills, CA
7/25/2011
There's no denying that this theater feels a bit odd. Lots of escalators with no real central socializing spots. But the building used to house a Cadillac dealership and its architectural significance and integrity had to be preserved by whoever was going to take over the lease after the dealership folded. Clearly, AMC has done just about as much as it could given the limitations.
Staff is competent, the auditorium I was in was a tiny, but the screen size and sound system was perfectly fine. I've gotta say that $10 for a Senior ticket seems a bit steep. Come on, AMC, you can do better that. -
Review from Edris R.
San Francisco, CA
9/3/2011
Ok . . . I have a love-hate relationship with this movie theatre. More often than not, the reason for my seeing a movie at this theatre is because I don't want to be surrounding by pee stench or b.o. at the Metreon. That being said, here are my thoughts:
Staff: This is probably the best part of this theatre. The staff are really friendly and awesome, generally willing to help you when you have a question or figure out a solution to any problem you might be having. However, from time to time there are some individuals who aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer.
Theatres: I have had to complain on numerous occasions that a movie theatre was dirty. I'm not talking like a few things here and there, I'm talking like tons of trash (demonstrating that it had not actually been cleaned between movies).
Multiple Levels: I realize there isn't really a way to change this but somehow I always end up having to go to the highest floor to watch my movie. It is a little annoying having to go up so many escalators just to get to your movie.
Clientele: This is usually the reason why I come here. Although I definitely visit the Metreon, I think it smells like pee or b.o. Because of that, I try to go to Van Ness 14 to avoid those kinds of smells. Also, I find that generally the people that go to this movie theatre are calmer and more relaxed than the people at the Metreon.
All in all, definitely 3 stars. Not great but not bad. -
Review from Nick B.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2011
With the Lion King being available it was time for a trip to the theater. Off to AMC we go!
I hadn't been here in a while but it exactly the same as my last visit. It is really great that there is such much parking available and located near to the freeway.
Nice and clean, a good selection of current movies, normal movie prices, and decent popcorn. It is very handy with the multiple levels of concession stands which some of the older spots don't have.
The staff is cool and didn't bother me with my daddy bag which had snacks for my kiddo. Great picture and good sounds as we revisited the magic of the Lion King. Now if only we could get theater seat that recline with foot rests! -
Review from Dietrich S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2012
A serious warning: this multiplex seems to have converted from film to digital projection and, for whatever reason, the image quality is unbelievably shoddy. The projection is dim: there are no true whites or bright spots. The colors are desaturated and drab, and the general color spectrum is greatly reduced. Faces have a waxy pink quality. In fact, there is a slight blurry softness to everything. And worst of all, the sides and tops and bottoms of the frame are darkened, as if one is looking at the film through a graduated density vignette.
We only saw two films there -- Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and War Horse -- but both had this issue, so presumably most of the theaters there are the same.
Having seen digital projection at the Arclight in Los Angeles, where the picture is as sharp and vivid as film projection, it is clear that this does not have to be the case. I don't know if it's shoddy equipment, or merely lack of quality control, but something is awry here. If this is the future of movie-going in major city multiplexes than one would do better to simply stay at home and rent the DVD. (I could not concentrate on either film for the first 30 minutes, I was so dismayed about the image quality.)
Truly, someone needs to do something about this. -
Review from Geoff F.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Close to home. I mean just a 4 minute walk It's great for a matinee. Small popcorn, soda and a fun movie. I use the kiosk for my tickets. It's quick and no one else uses them, so HINT: Go around the corner of the ticket window and use the kiosk.
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Review from Jane A.
6/10/2011
NON-FEET SMELLING THEATER
(4 stars)
My life is depressing if I am working like a mad-woman and spending my extra hard earnings on MOVIE TICKETS, food, and my gym membership. Granted, its a priviledge to have work provide fun benefits such as discount on movie tickets. Feeling like a regular at AMC on Van Ness though!!!
- Food, love movie theater popcorn
- Price, expensive (but be my guest if you want to go to the movies with me)
- Ambiance, not my favorite theater BUT my favorite theater in the City.
PROS:
1) not alot of teenieboppers go here
2) quieter crowd (mature?!)
3) not overly packed and not empty
4) love the architecture of the movie theater - sure doesnt look like a typical movie theater from outside. classic!
5) good theater to take a date (corny, i know)
6) fairly clean - NEVER smells like FEET when i walk into the theater
CONS:
1) parking can sometimes be a stiffler - but i've always had the parking fairy on my right shoulder
ON THE DAMN FENCE:
1) medium size screens. not the large theater and not the extra small theater.
2) price of food, there is never cheap food at the theater. but who can resist the popcorn (I can't)
3) price of tickets, if your too cheap or broke to go to the movies -- tough love, go kick some rocks.
I remember when I was 16 yrs old working for a movie theater, regardless the slave work my manager put us through, it truly made me appreciate coming to such a venue and popcorn. I use to love popcorn with butter but after serving the butter and seeing it in its raw form before meltdown, popcorn with no butter is much prefered.
Not sure what it is, but there's something enjoyable about going to the movies and enjoying a motion picture instead of laying on our couch and calling it a redbox kind of night. Sadly enough, this is one of my hobbies.
Will I be back? As my homegirls say "you and your chick-flick, witty, romance kind of movies".
Until the next review....
