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Arlington Theatre
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
17 reviews for Arlington Theatre
ok...
I saw the premier of Star Wars here when I was fresh out of my crapper pants and still remember going to watch Goast Busters twice.
Then...the SW triology they played each year until the saga got ruined with new ones.
Gotta add Spike n Mikes twisted Animation...
Beautiful old theater worth its weight in gold.
This is just a beautiful, beautiful theatre, no matter what movie you are going to see.
It looks like it could be really small on the inside, and you wonder about the long line and how they can really sell that many tickets to one movie. Until you go into the movie theatre itself and it is huge with loads of seating. The decor and ambiance is reminiscent of being at an outdoor performance: all balconies, twinkling lights, and starry skies. The seating all seems to be decent (even at the way front-the screen is a bit set back and wide.
The snack bar is well-run and quick. No jalapenos for my popcorn (but that is my own strange quirk, so they didn't lose stars for that) and popcorn is decent.
You will never regret seeing a movie here, it's lovely.
Such an awesome place to watch a movie! So beautiful!
The Arlington is one of the landmark buildings in downtown Santa Barbara that inevitably shows up on postcards.
Anyone who's grown up in this city should have done the tour of the building, and if the tours still occur, everyone should go.
That's when you see the details in the theater design, that those fake balconies aren't as fake as you might think, but the shadows from the lanterns are painted in the walls. You see the maze of walkways that lead to each light of the stars in the ceiling. You go into the old green room and actors areas and see the list of celebrities that were once there, like the actor Ronald Reagan.
Then there's that pointy tower and all the titillating rumors that it was the architect's homage to his heroin addict.ion. Tee hee!
But most people go for the shows and movies. Generally, if there's a big blockbuster coming to town, it's shown here. Like Kevin Costner's Robin Hood. Remember that it was nominated for an Oscar? And there it was, lit up in the grand marquee, just like shows today.
I love that old ticketbox near the entrance, and the fountain in the passage between the entrance and the theater. There's lots of space to mill about, or stand in the queue if you were one of those people who had to see Return of the Jedi right when it came out.
Then all these Ye Olde Classics come to town for special shows, like Jackson Browne, and the choices are playing the Arlington or the Chumash Casino. Let's see...hmmm...um, Arlington, please!
Yes, they show the Nutcracker, yes I saw Fantasia and Herbie Goes Bananas here, yes I love the Arlington regardless, but right now I'm all woozy in the knees over this venue because it played host to David Sedaris this past weekend and it was a treat. And educational! Aside from endless giggling with mirth, I learned that Sedaris' reading can actually be improved with the addition of a sign language interpreter - especially the naughty words. And, AND...I learned that I just might be taller than Sedaris.
This theater is so beautiful. I was shocked when I walked in because we were seeing Death Cab for Cutie and I didn't expect this. We had seats in the second row which was fantastic because we were so close to the stage. The security tried to do a good job of keeping people out of the aisles when they came on and everyone bum rushed the stage.
The sound was good, the lightening was good, and you had a seat to sit in between acts. I would definitely drive up there to see another group perform again.
Saw David Byrne perform there 10/4/08. The acoustics were quite good, I loved the decoration of the place. I usually don't like assigned seating venues, but we had seats way in the back but they let us wander up the side aisle all the way to the front, so I can't complain about that. My bro snuck around the back and accosted the drummer afterwards, so bonus points for lax security. Great show, good people, great venue.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: When I say 'bro' in the above review, I am actually referring to my biological brother, not a friend. I am not that guy. Know what I mean, braaaaa...?)
This venue is OK - sound is good, ambiance has the "old-school" feel (you know: old, rickety, wood-back movie theater seats) but the overall experience of hearing David Byrne perform there was great. Thus the 4 stars. Granted, the only "theater" I have ever given a 5-star review was The Paramount in Oakland (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) - but that place was amazing and it was also with an orchestra behind Bjork (basically, one of the best shows I will ever see).
But I digress, the Arlington was cool - good sight lines, nicely angled seats, not so different than squeezing into a tight aisle at an older movie theater. We've all done it - it sucks sitting in the middle but once you're in, you're "in." The acoustics were good, when I looked around I was shocked to see the balconies (empty for this show) laid out all around us! Fun stuff, woulda be cooler if I was able to sit up there. So the venue gets 3-stars but seeing David Bryne perform knocks this place up a notch - a good, solid, 4.
When I was little I used to fully trip out on the little village buildings on the walls. I knew that tiny people probably did not live in them but it seemed like it was a possibility.
The Arlington is a rad old theater and you should go here to see movies instead of a boring new theater with no tiny people living in it.
I've loved this theatre my whole life. It's a masterpiece of Southern California architecture and the acoustics are amazing for live concerts. It's also my favorite place in SB to see a movie. If you're lucky, you might be able to see the organ being played before a film starts.
Horrible seats. Not only are they uncomfortable with no recline after the ~10th row but they are all lined up like ducks. I'm not sure who came up with the idea of staggering seats in each row or why it took them so long but it's genius. Add in a large theater with very little slope it becomes an absolute requirement for anything but a comedy show.
Is the sound system worse than the seats? I dunno, tough call. They are both pretty miserable. Between the two is the reason why I avoid movies here at all costs.
So why 3 stars? The amazing interior is beautiful and it's an experience just to be inside. I especially love the stars in the ceiling that make it feel like an outdoor theater. Of course once the lights go down you are left with a hard seat and a terrific view of someones comb over.
Hmm, perhaps 2 stars is more appropriate ...
I love this place. I used to see the symphony there, and I saw george Carlin perform there once. This year, I saw Eddie Vedder perform there and it was like a dream come true. What an amazing venue. I love the faux balconies and the embiance. So awesome. My favourite theatre for sure.
Very romantic locale in the true sense of the word. It's old style cinema at it's finest; one truly feels part of another era of theatergoing when people were civil to one another , came on time, kept their mouths shut, and movie titles weren't advertised on Burger King cups. Go at the right time and you can override the assigned seating routine. Fashion note to a guest the weekend of May 30th: If you are the tank, don't wear the top.
The seats are so uncomfortable and the aisles redefine the phrase: tight squeeze. BUT, it's charm and character outweigh any discomfort I might have, when in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara- Check this out!
So many good memories here. I used to believe that people actually lived in the buildings that line the walls, and I wanted to go live with them. I could have starred at the ceiling forever, entranced by the faux-stars. I've seen everything here: concerts, movies, plays, premieres. It just has such a neat vibe, that it makes up for anything that it lacks.
Walking inside felt like i was walking into a little spanish village: the walls were designed as if they were little houses with lights coming out of the windows, the ceiling is jeweled with shining stars, and the seats are classic velvet red. I've been here on two occasions, once for the canadian ballet, and another time to watch the premiere of the movie HAIRSPRAY! it brings out the movie/show experience.
What a gorgeous theatre....there is a courtyard that has all this beautiful stucco and a luxurious fountain....what a pleasant surprise! When we bought tickets for Sicko we had no idea what a gem this theatre was! The theatre only has one screen but is not small by any means. You can tell that this may have been where they had held plays, musicals, etc....it looks like they kept all of the original detailing and it does not seem that they changed anything structural. I wish I could think of words to describe how lovely it is inside! The acoustics are great, the picture was crystal clear, there was even an usher that periodically patrolled the aisles. The entire experience was just great.....we had so much fun. Oh, and tickets can be purchased online. Good times!
this is the most beautiful theatre i have ever been to. i have been here a number of times but it still takes my breath away. when you walk inside, it is truly like a stage set. it resembles a spanish village like janelle said. you could imagine shakespearian actors on those balconies. i've been there for a dance performance, to see Corpse Bride, and several times during the SBIFF, including the Forrest Whitaker honorary award show. gorgeous, a must see in Santa Barbara.
