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Arlington Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Cinema Performing Arts, Cinema [Edit]
1317 State StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-4408
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
37 reviews for Arlington Theatre
37 reviews in English
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Review from Borracha J.
Granada Hills, Los Angeles, CA
12/12/2011
what gives, yelpers!? no reviews on the nutcracker?!
I came here last weekend to see the Nutcracker, which had a live full orchestra which was the key selling point to me getting tickets! the show was wonderful! and definitely worth it! before the show, my bf and i had a cocktail by the bar in the back, which you can't tip the bartender if you use a card, BIG DOWNER for us! KAREN, needs to take note!!!! and had a little hor devours that were laid out (delicious!) and enjoyed the 2 hour show + 20 min intermission.The inside of the theatre looks like the outside of a mission, it was pretty nice! loved it! -
Review from kristin k.
Los Angeles, CA
2/11/2012
Musty smell and inconsistent air flow. The interior is like a spaghetti western pueblo village. Saw Wilco here last night and though the bathrooms were well stocked most of the night and the venue is intimate (with capacity at around 2000) the rows were very tightly spaced making it difficult the enjoy the show...
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Review from Access D.
Long Beach, CA
6/16/2011
It's been so long since I was back at the theatre. It must have been 15 years since I was here last. It hasn't really changed much. Beautiful Spanish architecture on the outside. It looks like an old mission.
I came here to see the Black Crowes play as they were making their way through California. As you walk from the street to the front entrance, you walk through a covered tile hall way. The buzz of the crowd echoing off the walls. The entrance of the theatre is similar to many movie threatres, with a concession stand for drinks and snacks, but that's where the similarity ends.
Inside the theatre you are treated to an eyeful of a beautifully decorated interior. The inside of the theatre is designed to look like like a Spanish courtyard. The walls having windows and balconies over looking the theatre. Arched doorways leading outside the courtyard into long hallways. After the lights go out, ceiling looks like the night sky, with stars in the background.
Seating is typical of your normal movie theatre, but I never sit at a concert for too long. I eventually made my way around the theatre looking for the spot with the best audio and view. I ended up in the balcony, where a couple of people were sitting, trying to get away from the crowd of the front rows.
They asked if I was a fan of the Crowes. I said yes. They asked would I like the 3rd row center tickets they had? I took the tickets, thanked them and ended up in their seats for the rest of the show. How awesome is that? -
Review from Jamie S.
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Arlington is a beautiful theater and wonderful for watching movies. I saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince here and even though we were off to the side and not in my preferred middle section, the movie was still great, everything was visible. Proves not every theater needs stadium seating.
Today I saw Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert. I sat in the balcony and could barely see them, but that is price you pay for student priced tickets and bad eyesight. I think if there had been screens or something set up, everything would have been much better. Audio was great though, didn't miss a minute.
I also enjoyed my ICEE. Maybe it's because I never order at the concession stands in movie theaters, but have small ICEEs always been that big? This one sure seemed very large to me. -
Review from William C.
Lompoc, CA
1/8/2011 20 Check-ins Here
The Historic Arlington theatre, in my humble opinion, is one of the finest venues in California, if not the whole country. I've grown up going to see Film & Theatre there, starting with "Sesame Street Live" in the early 1990's. I have attended numerous premieres there including Titanic, Star Wars Episode III and Inglorious Bastards and it's always a great place to see a film for the first time.
Movie Tip: Rows 10-20 are the sweet spot for the audio system. But if you can't sit there, don't worry, I once sat in the farthest left seat of the back row and still enjoyed the film.
In recent years I have started attending the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The Arlington is one of the integral parts of SBIFF and plays host to all the major events. Since I've been attending the festival I've had the opportunity to see Al Gore, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Clint Eastwood, Sean Penn, Colin Firth, James Cameron and Jeff Bridges at The Arlington.
Theater-wise, it's a wonderful place for stage shows as well. My grandmother and I saw Cabaret during it's 2003 national tour at the Arlington and I've seen many special events there in past years. It can even be used as a rock venue. In 2006 my brother and I saw 30 Seconds to Mars at The Arlington. After the concert Jared Leto held a meet and greet in the plaza that adjoins the theater. By sheer chance I was the first person in line for it and go to meet him and the band and have a cd signed.
Aesthetically, The Arlington is gorgeous. It's spire is a trademark piece of the Santa Barbara skyline and the walk into the theater from State St. with it's fountain and tile is beautiful. Once inside, I am immediately reminded of the classic movie houses of the 1920's. The auditorium itself is a sight to behold. Designed to look like a peaceful spanish town the walls are building facades and before the show begins the ceiling has tiny stars twinkling above you.
Tip for history buffs: In the right hand side of the lobby there is a frame featuring autographs from the entire principal cast of Gone With The Wind. If memory serves me correct, The Arlington played host to the film when it made it's California premiere in 1939.
Last but not least there is the organ. The Arlington has a gigantic pipe organ that is truly one of a kind. It rises from the stage floor (usually with the pianist already playing) and entertains you while you are waiting for your film or event. Every now and then silent movies of the 1920's are played and accompanied by the organ (which is lowered to half height so you can see the screen). Remember the spanish town facade I told you about? Each of the round brick roof slots is a pipe for the organ. It's remarkable to see it in action.
With all this being said and nearly 2 decades of excellent memories from this wonderful venue, I hope you see The Arlington and take away a wonderful and lasting memory too!Listed in: Wanna catch a flick?
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Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2010 2 photos
I saw Cheech and Chong perform at the Arlington Theatre last weekend and it was awesome. The show was good, the venue was great and we had a great time.
I loved the way this place is set up, it looks like you are sitting outside watching a show surrounded by Spanish tile covered villas with staircases and such. The ceiling above is painted to look like the sky. I love the design of this place, it was very nice and comfortable.
I would love to come back to see another show here some day. -
Review from Erica R.
Orange County, CA
2/26/2011
Love, love, LOVE this place. Thankfully, I am no longer an Arlington Theater virgin. The deed went down last night while in the company of Jackson Browne--and about 2,000 other people.
What a venue! The building itself, like much of downtown Santa Barbara, is a piece of history. The Spanish architecture and motifs reign throughout. Multicolored, eccentric lights hang from the ceiling and ornate ironwork adorn windows and stairways. It really is quite beautiful.
Most of the time, you can see movies here. However, it also showcases unique performances, such as the one I attended last night--a Jackson Browne concert.
The Details: Acoustics are perfect. Seating layout is great. (Sloping is significant enough to see over the person in front of you). Legroom is pretty typical--never enough--so try to reserve an aisle seat for yourself. A well-stocked snack bar can be found downstairs. There, you can find popcorn, coffee, and even wine and beer. They have a strict no-camera policy, so be sure to stash your cam in the car or leave it at home. -
Review from lemonjelly l.
Santa Barbara, CA
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. -
Review from Travis H.
Pasadena, CA
11/14/2009
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. -
Review from Elizabeth C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/12/2010
I came here with my boyfriend's family for a live production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
The show was pretty bad.* Luckily, the theatre itself made up for that.
You know how the ceilings in Las Vegas casinos are designed to look like you're outside? The Arlington Theatre is kind of like that, but less snazzy and more ritzy. It's huge, and the walls of the auditorium have been made into some kind of two story veranda, but a really expensive European one that is difficult to aptly describe--it's beauty, it's splendor--within the confines of this paragraph. Sorry for that; it's worth going to check it out yo'self.
The venue itself easily deserves five stars; sadly, the staff knocks one star off. The ticket ripper in halfer, a youth in those solidly awful I'm-too-cool-to-be-cool, three hundred dollar non-prescription Buddy Holly glasses that you see super tools wearing sometimes, was a bad sort. Plus he gave my boyfriend back the wrong side of his ticket stub, which caused a minor hassle.
Four stars, total.
*Well, Jesus was bad, and that made it worse. I figured out during the second act that Ted Neeley, at age 66, has been playing Jesus for twice as long as Jesus WAS Jesus. Discuss. -
Review from Shoshanna L.
WA
7/22/2007
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. -
Review from Chris O.
7/22/2010
I have very fond memories of lining up for big premiers here when I was a kid, the line for Batman was insane and yet oh so much fun (they even did up the spotlight to look like the bat signal that night :) They once had a Star Wars original trilogy back to back event and that too was awesome.
I loved getting high as a kite and sitting in the large theater that feel like a Spanish castle especially with all the side balconies all decorated and the sky like celling.
It was even a cool place when I was sober as a real little kid watching Aliens, fun times here indeed.
Note the staff is on top of things as my old buddy got fired here for coming in on acid and giving out the wrong change to people lol! -
Review from Steph C.
3/22/2010
The Arlington is more than just a venue where you can catch a flick. The theater itself has character and charm, and I'd go out of my way to watch a movie here over a more convenient place with less of the above.
I watched Avatar in 3D at the Arlington and it was a very pleasant experience. Because the theater is old, it only has one screen and a whole lot of seating, including a balcony, and this set-up gives the place a wide-open opulent feel. The inside walls are built to mimic a quaint village and the ceiling is painted with stars. The result, instead of being cheesy, is really just pretty. The screen isn't the largest and the seats aren't the most comfortable around, but nothing is substandard and the loveliness of the place more than makes up for anything lost in the way of modern convenience.
The lobby and exterior are beautiful as well, with cute hand-painted signs, a courtyard, and a free-standing ticket booth. If you're strolling through downtown Santa Barbara without the time to stop for a movie, the theater is still worth a peek. It's a wonderful place, gorgeous and unique, and I'd love to come back and catch another movie under the stars. -
Review from Candice B.
Santa Ana, CA
1/9/2009
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. -
Review from Amber L.
Ventura, CA
9/19/2010
This review is not of the theatre itself, as the Arlington is truly beautiful and well maintained. I am reviewing the absolutely terrible service I received at the ticket office today.
When I walked in the woman working there hesitated to get up and did not greet me initially. When she finally got up to help me she was ridiculously rude and didn't actually help me at all.
I've worked in customer service and would never dream of treating a customer the way I was treated. I left rather flabbergasted. For such a beautiful, classic venue I'd expect better service.
Thanks for nothing. -
Review from Joe O.
10/7/2008
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. -
Review from Ryan J.
4/25/2010
I attended a stand up comedy show at the Arlington featuring one of my favorite comedians, Daniel Tosh. If you have not seen his show or stand up I definitely recommend checking him out, he is absolutely hilarious.
As far as the theater itself went, it was not ideal for a comedy show. Drinks were only served outside in a courtyard, and you could not bring them into the theater itself. This presents a problem for opening acts, if the guys not funny and your not getting wasted where the hell is this night going!
No tables were available, theater seating only.
The audio was problematic, it was difficult to discern what was being said at times. Also the seat numbers are very difficult to see causing awkward moments when squeezing through people looking for your assigned spot.
The good part is the theater itself is beautifully decorated with the ceiling painted like the sky. Spanish style buildings cover the interior sides of the theater.
It sounds to me like the Arlington Theater is truly a movie theater that they have forced comedy into. For theaters I am sure it is great, as the other reviews say, but for comedy not so much. -
Review from Jaimie B.
Los Angeles, CA
12/9/2010
My first time to Santa Barbara! I drove up from Los Angeles to see the Black Crowes play and as with most venues the Crowes choose to play at it was a beautiful place. The only problem was that drinks weren't allowed in the concert area, although it was nice that no one spilled beer on me! The staff were super sweet and of course the show was amazing! Thank you Santa Barbara & Arlington Theatre!
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Review from Alex G.
PRINCE, NY
10/10/2008
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...?) -
Review from Thomas P.
Santa Barbara, CA
5/8/2008
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 ... -
Review from Whitney H.
Woodland Hills, CA
11/30/2009
So much fun! This old yet classic and svelt theater is great :D They show the biggest features on two screens, so the selection is limited, but worth it! The theater is huge, the screen has a giant curtain that pulls back when the show starts, and the ceiling of the theater looks like night stars! The ambiance is great. I definitely recommend seeing a big action movie here at least once.
Get there early though for premiers! The line is dangerously long because the Arlington is so popular. -
Review from Jenna C.
2/6/2011
I need to take advantage of this place more often. The Arlington Theater is a great venue that is nicely sized, but still has the community Santa Barbara feel. The only time I've been to Arlington is to view a Jack Johnson movie, followed by a low-scale, live, amazing Jack Johnson performance. Can't beat that.
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Review from David J.
Santa Barbara, CA
4/29/2011
I have been going to movies and live shows at the Arlington for as long as I can remember. In fact, one of my very earliest childhood memories is of the ceiling from my stroller. A few years later, I waited overnight to get in on the premier day of Return of the Jedi. That was about 30 years ago, and the theater is still kept up very well. The architecture and decoration are a sight to see from the tile courtyard and fountains in front to the inside that is made up to look like a Spanish villa with a starry sky above. I would say that everyone who lives within 100 miles should make the trip to see this theater at least once. There is not a bad seat in the house and the acoustics are perfect. The last time I went there was for the Zac Brown concert last year, but I know I will be going again at least once this year.
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Review from Jennifer M.
Westminster, CA
8/15/2007
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!
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from T- K.
Los Angeles, CA
4/18/2008
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.
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Review from Anne D.
Newport Beach, CA
3/14/2008
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.
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Review from Janelle H.
Los Angeles, CA
7/21/2007 1 photo
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.
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Review from David L.
4/27/2010
What an amazing theater. I've seen movies here as well as stand-up comics (Bryan Regan & Jim Gaffigan). If you live in Los Angeles and want to see a show in a more intimate setting, check out what they have coming to town. This is a great one-story venue that is unlike any I've ever seen. The Arlington is terrific!
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Review from belinda n.
Los Angeles, CA
9/7/2010
no outside beverages/food allowed!
other than that, this is a beautiful theatre.
im still not fully convinced that the stars on the "ceiling" are fake.
its so real feeling!
our yearly carpy trip always includes a stop here even if the movie itself is questionable (rob zombies "halloween" i.e)
this ALMOST puts south pasadena's rialto theatre to shame -
Review from Essie A.
9/14/2009 2 photos
Such an awesome place to watch a movie! So beautiful!
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Review from Z Z.
Los Angeles, CA
7/4/2007
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!
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Review from Aimee G.
Santa Barbara, CA
8/25/2010
I've seen a couple 3D movies here and one band. The concert was nice because we didn't have to stay in our seats and could walk and stand in the isles. Which was really nice because seating is cramped and uncomfortable, well for a concert. It is good for movies because it is so big and you don't have to worry about people blocking your view.
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Review from John T.
Santa Barbara, CA
3/25/2009
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.
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Review from Rock H.
Santa Barbara, CA
12/30/2009
Very unique spot to see a movie or a show. Seats can get uncomfortable if you're there for a while and it's probably not the best place to see a highly visual movie but I love how they've recreated an outside setting indoors.
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Review from s b.
Los Angeles, CA
9/29/2011
beautiful inside
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Review from Joan S.
7/22/2007
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.
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Review from Brad V.
Pleasanton, CA
9/30/2010
I spent the summer of 1977 in this theater, a latchkey kid watching "Star Wars" almost daily. Haven't been inside this theater in maybe 30 years, but i remember the stars, the Pueblo village surrounding the seats, and the fun.
