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Balboa Theater
Rating Details »
Category: Cinema
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond3630 Balboa St
(between 37th Ave & 38th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 221-8184
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
219 reviews for Balboa Theater
Ah, The Balboa. It's as easy as this: do you like old neighborhood movie houses where the movies are off-beat, the double-features are bargain priced and all the revenues stay in the community? Or do you prefer brand-new multiplexes that, like corporate video stores, show exactly what all the other corporate multiplexes show?
If you prefer the former then the old neighborhood Balboa, run with care and passion if not lots of money (but not lots of commercials, either), then take a trip out to "the avenues." and check out some of
Or visit the beach during the day, the Simple Pleasures café to warm up, or some of the bargain priced (good but not seedy) local restaurants on the same block, and then top off your trip to old-world San Francisco with a double-feature at The Balboa.
The Balboa has a great deal for matinee shows. Buy a matinee ticket at $6.50 and see a double feature.
The only draw back is the building while well kept is dusty and smells old. The chairs are okay to sit in but for a double feature not the most comfortable. Yet there is some intermission time between shows so people can get up and stretch.
For more details about matinee double feature specials call the theater or visit the theater web site.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/9/2008
The Balboa Theater is a classic old theater. So happy to see it there offering a decent selection of… Read more »
You can see a movie here free on your birthday. Every year. Need I say more? http://balboamovies.com/
One of the better dinosaur indie movie houses left in the area. Genuinely friendly staff. Relatively cheap ticket prices and they generally have pretty good movies running. Great 1960's movie house vibe as long as you're willing to overlook the gum stuck under the seats and sticky aisles. A lot of great restaurants within close walking distance.
I should give it a negative star for not letting you sneak in your own popcorn anymore, but you gotta give it up for the guys that show the movies that nobody wants to watch.
Every now and then when you feel like taking a gamble, hit this place up.
One of my favorite places to see movies, they're usually showing great movies and the prices are awesome, especially when they do the double-features.
It's old and cute and cash only.
The screen may be small and the theatre narrow.
But it's 6 blocks away and plays pretty great movies.
Lots of good stuff in the area, and glad it's out here!
just watched sherlock holmes on a fri night and i had an empty section with no big dude in front. U gotta love a place where u can put your feet up, with no socks on....
Even though I like the idea of small businesses and independent theaters (yadda yadda), I DO have a pretty good sense of smell and I CAN'T sit through a movie when all I'm thinking about is why the theater smells like urine. It's just SO difficult to concentrate when I start wondering where exactly that pee-smell is coming from.
I'll admit that the lobby is cool-looking and the bathrooms are clean - but that's about it. If you can't stand feeling dirty, you probably shouldn't come here. If you don't carry cash, you should also reconsider coming here because the last time I checked it was cash-only.
The screen may be smaller, and the seats may not recline or have the endless line of new cup-holders like some new multiplexes, but this theater is still my favorite in the city.
(1) 5 tickets for around $32? (that's about half what you'd pay at Metreon..although unfortunately there isn't an arcade here).
(2) a million popcorn seasoning choices
(3) good assortment of local food
Why not 5 stars?
Parking. Best to just stalk people leaving the restaurants til they find their car. remember to smile and thank them for not freaking out and calling 911 on you.
An oldtime movie theater; friendly staff; senior discounts;
The only negative is that it smells a little musty. A great place to take the kids.
I love you, Balboa Theater!! I love that you are over 80 years old and smell it, that the seats are worn and kind of dirty, that your movie selection is generally great and that you offer high quality concessions for reasonable prices. I love that you are independent, occasionally put on free events like watching the presidential debates on the big screen, and are clearly a neighborhood place trying to make it against the AMCs and Lowes out there. I will definitely keep going, so I hope you stay open!
I love the Balboa. Enjoying the experience is dependent upon having the right expectations. Good people (both staff and fellow patrons), low key, yummy snacks, and good cheap restaurants and bars in one of my favorite SF neighborhoods bring it all together - it's little surprise to me that this is one of the neighborhood theaters that continues to stay in business.
It isn't a modern theater with an awesome sound system and fantastic seating - and I do like those things. Even so, more often than not, I go to the Balboa.
Comment from Gary M. of
Balboa Theater
7/26/2009
We appreciate the continued good feelings about the Balboa.…
More »
I love the fact that this place is a far cry from the giant, shiny, neon multiplexes with 32 screens, 4 million types of candy, and a factory farm kind of feel as they churn patrons in and out.
It is old school, tres vintage feeling, which has its ups.... the downs being that it is sort of dingy and every time I have seen a film there, inside the theater has been humid, muggy, and damp feeling. I am not sure why it feels so swampy in there but it gives me the heebee jeebees. The seats are also incredibly uncomfortable.
The up side is that the clientele who goes there visits this theater because they are true movie aficionados- nobody is going to have a screaming baby sitting on their lap at this theater, nobody is going to be hollering down their cell phone during the film. People head way out here to the Outer Sunset to actually watch films. It usually is sparsely populated, although I have seen it crowded on two occasions- Batman: The Dark Knight, and Star Trek. Even then, it isn't completely packed with strangers all up in your lap and stuff.
It is really nice that San Francisco still has a handful of these old school movie theaters such as this, the Four Star, and that one on Sacramento in Laurel Village that, despite being about 1 mile from my flat, I have yet to venture out to.
Come for the popcorn, stay for the movie. Seriously. How good is this popcorn, you ask? I sat through Angels and Demons to eat this popcorn. It's THAT GOOD.
Real butter and a plethora of cheesy seasonings, but the best topping is by far the nutritional yeast. Yes, yeast. Super delicious. Trust me.
Besides the heavenly popcorn, this theater has all the charm of your local, independent movie theater. Low prices, friendly service and a welcoming, homey feeling that you never feel at a corporate multiplex. Give it a shot and support a great neighborhood establishment!
On my birthday this year, I caught a movie with my boyfriend at the Balboa Theater (free admission on your b-day!). We don't normally go out to the movies, but we may just make a custom of it now that we've picked up the $32.50 card for 5 admissions; $6.50 per is a good deal and there's something fun and romantic about seeing movies in a theater--especially this one!
The old movie posters in the lobby give a sense of history that you don't get at the big multiplexes. The concessions are better than I expected for a movie theater: We shared some dark chocolate, but next time I may just go for a veggie dog!
Inside the theater, we settled in (to perfectly acceptable seats) for the previews, which came without the usual barrage of advertising. It's true that the screen is smaller than you'd find at the big theaters, but how big does it really need to be?
On a Saturday night, we had our pick of seats in the less-than-half-full theater. I hope to see a bigger crowd the next time!
The Balboa Theater is one of the few remaining independent movie theaters in San Francisco and I try to watch movies here to support it, but I'm afraid that it may not last long in this age of multiplex stadium theaters.
Why? Because the theater is itself a crude 2 screen multiplex with small neck craning (if you sit close) screens and old uncomfortable chairs. On that score, they are no better than the old 4Star Theater on 24th & Clement, another 2 screen independent neighborhood theater chop job, which at least offers one truly BIG screen. The Balboa tried making itself into an "art house" movie theater in order to distinguish itself from the multiplexes by showing old movies -- like a Film Noir festival they've held in the past -- but I guess that effort didn't draw enough customers because they now seem to only show new 1st run movies (which they have to compete w/the multiplexes, who get better deals from the movie studios, to get) and if they continue doing that they are probably doomed to fail (it's just a matter of time) because they just can't compete with the modern multiplexes on that basis. The discount ticket offer (5 for $32.50) is great (although in order to use the odd ticket you have to go to a movie alone or buy another discount ticket for 5 more, if you normally go w/your spouse or SO), but only if they show movies you want to see and have faith they won't fold on you before you use up the tickets. That's cynical, but the truth. However, the Balboa is still cheap (compared to the multiplexes) at only $9 for a regular priced ticket and $7.50 (I think) for early afternoon discount seating. So, if you only watch movies occasionally due to the limited offerings at the Balboa, the discount ticket deal isn't really that great a deal.
That said, if they are showing a movie I want to see, I'll head over to the Balboa before going to the multiplex on Van Ness (which is the only one in SF that I go to). Parking can be an issue near the theater, but if you go before 5pm parking is usually not a problem.
Decided to brave the cloudy Memorial Day in Outer Richmond to see Star Trek, partially to check out the fabled Balboa Theater itself and because I wanted to see just how weird it would be to watch Sylar play Spock.
I absolutely love the classic charm of the theatre; I get to pretend for a couple hours that I've warped back in time to when my parents were young movie-goers, and can have a bit of that old-school Hollywood glamour experience before digital projection and CGI were commonplace.
Which is why I probably shouldn't be disappointed when my experience didn't include any of the now standard bells and whistles like surround sound or a properly formatted projection. In fact, the sound had a loud buzzing/static noise through the first 20 minutes, and the picture was being cut off on at least the left and right. The sound seems to be pure stereo L+R channels from the behind the screen..
I could have watched Star Trek for free online, but figured I'd take a chance, be a little adventurous and minimise the chance by checking out a matinee. It's a great little neighbourhood spot for a casual movie-going experience or a classic dialogue-heavy oldie, but it's not at all suitable for modern blockbuster films.
Will definitely give it another chance, but only if they show something that might have actually originally run when this theatre was 'modern'.
Dear Balboa Theater,
I love you. I can always count on you to show me a good movie. You have a passion for film, I can tell. In the times that we've spent together, I've been reminded of how beautiful and meaningful movies can be. You've taught me a lot about that... sometimes places like the Metreon and Century Theaters try and woo me, and what they have to offer is cool and all, but something about them is so artificial. You, Balboa Theater, are a classic movie house. The venture to the outer Richmond is worth it once I arrive in your quaint, welcoming little building. I don't eat popcorn, but the seasoning you have looks good and my friends tell me it's amazing. Sometimes I wish your seats were a little squishier, but hey -- we all have our flaws that make us who we are. I have stinky feet, but you already knew that. I'll see you soon buddy.
Always,
Jen
I love going to independent theatres. I just really like the feel. Sure the seats aren't in great shape, they don't always have the largest screen or best sound system, but they're cheap, the food is good and for god sakes man the screen is still 100 times bigger than any TV! The seats are still in better shape than my couch and I don't feel overwhelmed by massive crowds. The $5 bucket of free refill popcorn is awesome and the toppings they offer for the corn are overwhelming.
Parking near the theatre can be tough, but drive a few blocks away and you're bound to find something. You have also got to love the restaurants in the area. Perfect for a pre or post movie meal.
My friends and I saw a Bollywood Kungfu flick here that was only playing at two other theatres in the area. You have to love the selection.
While I'm generally all about the small vintage theater as opposed to the megaplex, Balboa Theater ended up being a pretty big let down. Behind the cool retro outer facade is a theater that is small, dingy, and with flat uncomfortable seats. I especially disliked how the aisle cuts down the middle, so you're gonna be looking at the screen from the side regardless of how early you arrive. Thankfully the sound and picture were OK.
It's a nice attempt at a renovation, but feels pretty half-assed. I can name 3 similar theaters in Seattle that I'd prefer hands down over the Balboa. But, I live in the Outer Richmond and would still have to say having a this, along with the 4-star, are still considered assets despite their shortcomings.
I love multiplexes for the fact that I don't give a shit about sneaking into multiple movies for one ticket price, and I don't give a shit about sneaking all of my various foods into the theater, and I don't give a shit about laughing at inappropriate parts of movies. But there's a certain gratification in going to an independent theater.
The Balboa has a great deal for I think six admissions for $33 or something? What a steal. Their concessions are pretty good, too, and reasonable. They also get pretty good movies, not all the totally independent maybe-20-people-in-the-whole-world-will-like-it B.S. My only complaint is that the smell is old and musty, so bring along a scent atomizer and you'll be good.
Double feature matinee of Oscar-bait movies: $6.50
2 large sodas and 1 large popcorn: $12.00
Parmesan garlic popcorn seasoning (among many other flavorings offered): priceless.
Easily, the city's best and most San Francisco theater.
This place is def. a treasure. Its walking distance from my house so that is a major plus. Dont come here expecting a large movie screen, comfy seats or any other typical ammenites (the floor is stil wood!) Its great just because its different, old, and homey. Nowadays, in our Walmart age, its so rare to find places like these.
I think the movie theatre is run by just a couple of people, i always see only 2 ppl working. And the message board definitely ROX! Its so great to see what people write and theres community all over this theatre (menus of nearby resturants)
A wonderful experience. An escape from homogenous corporate america! long live balboa theatre!
My kind of place.
Been here may 12 times.
The screens are as large as the megaplex.
Old vintage style theater.
Sometimes back they had a 1920's style celebration.
It was fun.
The place is generally clean, including the bathrooms.
It's a neighborhood theater so the locals seem to take care of the place.
Why shit were you eat?
As with all places, the concession stand is way overpriced.
Sneak in your goodies.
Free admission on your birthday.
Make the fact that your getting a little older easier.
I have some call-outs. Nothing personal, but this theatre is a real gem.
They've apparently cleaned up quite a bit! I never got to experience it pre-recent cleaning and renovation, but I think everyone should give it a new chance. The manager even spoke to the audience on a busy Friday right before rolling the previews, and thanked everyone for our business, yadda yadda yadda... (sorry, I hate Seinfeldian quotes, but "yaddas" are so appropriate). It wasn't annoying, but quite heartfelt and genuine. Just like the Balboa Theatre.
Tiffany Y., Kaven T., Jocelyn J., and Perci N. need to go back and give the good ole' "Balb" (as I lovingly refer to it) a second try.
Jeff S. also thinks this place stinks, and wants it to get a credit card machine. He owes it to himself to give it another try as well. As for the CCs, "Hello!" You live in San Fran-Effing-cisco! Few places can afford a CC machine! That said, they DO have an ATM and there's a Bank o' America on the corner outside and to the right.
Douche and Recover!™* Build a bridge, and Get the Eff over it!
P.S. Get the $32.50--5 movie pass. They're good for 6 months or more and when you buy your tickets in bulk, they end up being cheaper. Plus, you can use each one for up to two people per use.
That way, in a pinch, you can still take a date out when you're cashless. Brilliant!
P.S.S. I went to the pizza place across the street, right before the movie, and we had leftovers. I know it's evil to take food in, but I wasn't going to just ditch it (we walked from my place--too many blocks to quickly take it home before the movie and too much pizza to waste). I walked in, with the whole box, and of course they mentioned that I couldn't take it in. Duh, I was prepared. I simply asked the very busy concession workers if they'd mind holding it for me until the show was over. They gladly took it and it was ready for me upon leaving.
I love "the Balb!"
* "Douche and recover" trademarked by yours truly. ;-) When appropriate, use freely and often. If asked where you found such a horribly funny, yet useful phrase, tell them CadeRageous.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/24/2008
I have lived in this neighborhood for over a year now and finally went to check out this place. My… Read more »
Good times in the outer Richmond can be found here, catching movies the old fashioned way in a Bijou-style theater.
There are a few good neighborhood dives to kick back before the show. Aftterwards pair it up with the Ocean Beach firepits on the surf, just a hop skip or a jump down the hill afterwards.
Great place to get away from the rip and the bustle dowtown.
Welcome to the oldest but not oddest movie theater in San Francisco, which happens to be located at a walking distance from my batcave. It does not get more independent than this, I guess.
This is an old school movie place/palace, that feels and smells like the 1920s (as a matter of fact, it opened in 1926 and it was built by the Reid Brothers... It survived WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, the Bush presidency... Will it survive the age of digital downloads and home entertainment?).
The basics: Two screens, a cinema lounge, good coffee (Café' Trieste), and helpful staff that often introduces the film to an eager crowd. A light that shines brightly in the foggy Richmond district. Totally old school, cash only please, no multiplex crap, take it or leave it.
Mental note: I watched "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" while suffering a very bad heartache. This is not the kind of movies I would usually watch, but it made me feel instantly better. Must be the Russell Brand effect. Who knows. Forget Prozac, forget booze. When you're feeling down, there is nothing like two hours of celluloid to cheer you up. The power of movies, you know.
Movie theaters like Balboa are on an endangered species list. It needs to be supported and preserved. It's a matter of life and death.
This is the perfect place for film lovers and bands of outsiders.
Read about the history of Balboa here: http://www.outsideland...
When I started coming here (2000) Gary Meyer (Co-founder of Landmark Theatres and more recently Co-Director of the Telluride Film Festival) had just recently taken over the theater. Back then double features were the order of the day with a mix of indie films and 2nd runs of current popular films.
I used to go a couple times per week . . . enough that the staff would recognize me and chat . . . yes, I had no life . . . I mean it was for the great selection of snacks and the numerous free popcorn toppings!! Yeah, that's it! ;-)
Anyway, things have changed over the years with double features more the exception rather than the norm and ticket prices rising (but still not at big chain levels). I hope these things don't portend deeper issues with the theater. I'd hate to see another neighborhood theater go under.
Sometimes Yelp, you really fail me. Why do people keep giving 5 star to places when their really 2-3 stars? Is it because you have to be cool and support the independent places? Just because it independent, doesn't mean it's doesn't suck.
I'm going to be frank here, this place literally smells like feet. It's like a collective of people wearing flip flops and sandals decide to rub their bare feet on the seats. I was watching Mongol and couldn't get over the fact that the smell kept hitting me every 30 seconds, it was like clockwork. I don't think a box of odor eaters could save this place from the smell.
I'd might of given it another star if there wasn't the smell because it nice and small and has a independent feel to it but seriously this place had nothing special unless small seats, small screens and crappy sound is makes this place unique and great.
Now excuse me while I put on these jeans that are obviously too skinny for me and protest the working conditions of laborers that made my jeans.
Ehhhh.
This place is convenient and it's never crowded even on days when a movie is opening....but it's crappy. Total old school theater, no cup holders. The employess seriously look like they're straight out of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre...that's how much they hate working there. Annnnnd it's cash only, I guess it was perfect timing cuz I JUST lost my credit card, so I had cash, but still annoying!
Buuuuut, I DID love pineapple express and the fact there were only about 10 other people in the theater so we got dibbs on where we wanted to sit and no nonsense going on during the movie is always nice. I'll go back since it's more convenient than the Van Ness theater, maybe the employees will be happier this time!
There is nothing I like better than the ritual of going to see a movie in a theater. The smell of fresh, buttery, popcorn; the taste of an ice cold fountain Cherry Coke and the feeling of sharing an experience with other people. I can rarely sit still at home so I don't really like to watch movies at home. . .I end up multi-tasking and losing the thread of a movie. I love the departure that sitting in a dark theater gives you. . it lets you forget your troubles for a little while in that safe cocoon of darkness.
I grew up in a San Francisco that was rich with neighborhood theaters - The New Mission, The Metro, The Bridge, The Vogue, The Coliseum, The Alexandria, The Presidio, The Castro, The Balboa and the one that was truly MY theater because I could walk to it, The Coronet. One by one, these beautiful monuments to moviedom have either closed, fallen into disrepair, or been completely torn down. . .the massive hole where the Coronet used to stand is only slightly bigger than the hole it has left in my heart and memories.
I have been going to the Balboa Theater since I was a little girl - the main draw for me when I was little was the ladies room. It was grand - it had a lounge that looked like an art deco palace and I used to pretend I was a movie star getting ready for an evening out. I think I saw Grease there at least 30 times. Me and my friend, Mia, sitting through it over and over again - singing and skipping down Balboa to catch the bus home. It was around that time that the Balboa when from being a single screen theater to being split into two theater to keep up with modern demand and to compete with the new multiplex trend. I stuck with the Balboa - even in it's greatest years of disrepair - when the seats where squeaky, the floor sticky, the smell damp and moldy. I still loved this old building and didn't care what it looked like - it was a place of great memories and happiness for me.
In 2001, Gary Meyer, one of the founders of Landmark Theatres took over the Balboa. A true labor of love, he has worked tirelessly to keep the Balboa open and thriving. He has steadily improved everything about the theater - except the ladies lounge. Having to make way for ADA laws, my "dressing room" is now a handicap bathroom. I can get over it because I love this theater so much.
In a world of multiplexes with soulless décor, neon atrocities, stale concessions, zombie like staff and people who have forgotten how to go to movies, The Balboa is an oasis of a bygone era. The people who go to the movies here go because they love movies and they love the ritual of movie going. Sure, there is no stadium seating with giant couch seats or massive sound systems but there is a reverence for the movie going experience that you are not going to find anywhere else. The staff is friendly, the concession stand is unparalleled - the BEST popcorn in the bay area with real butter. They offer complimentary popcorn toppings of every flavor you can imagine along with a giant canister of nutritional yeast for those of us who love popcorn that way. They have It's-Its. If that is not a reason to patronize a place, I don't know what else you could want - It's-It, people! They even offer Lindt chocolates, VegiDogs, Aidells Sausage and Hebrew National hot dogs.
I go to the Balboa almost every weekend. I drive all the way from Oakland to support this theater because I love it so. The neighborhood is great and there are a ton of amazing H.I.T.W. places - my favorite being Hunan Café #2 . But I try to never eat too much so I can partake of their delicious popcorn and sit in a theater of my childhood; swathed in the comforting darkness and memories of movies past.
Came here for the first time tonight to watch Slumdog Millionaire, I really liked the look of the theater as well as the close proximity to my house so I thought i'd give it try.
I really liked how it wasn't flashy, it didn't have a corporate name on it, and it just screamed old time San Francisco. I loved it. Sure it looked a bit run down on the inside, and it smelled funny during the movie, but I felt like I was in a museum the whole time and I am grateful that I have such a great and wonderful theater near my house.
Expect me to come back for more movies.
Tips and Pointers:
-Parking can be a hassle, especially during dinner time
-A bit run down, but that makes the place cooler
-$9 regular admission
-$6 for child size popcorn and a large bottle of water
-Staff is friendly
[APPROVED]
I've never been one for the smaller theaters, but that's mainly because I have yet to have a good experience in one. It's just not the same as the modern, THX Surround Sound theaters nowadays. Throw in stadium style layout with leather seats... it's hard to go back to the simpler neighborhood theaters.
Years ago, I watched the Blair Witch Project here. It was the most horrible time of my life. There was no A/C - that on top of that, the way the movie was filmed made me so sick. The overall experience was just miserable.
I'm not saying I won't give this theater another chance - but most of the time, I'm not big on the selection of movies that play here.
Maybe I was a bit harsh with my last review. I actually live really close to this theater and have visited it many times during my high school years. Sure this theater is not state of the art but when you step inside, it feels like you're transported back in time. I guess that's what makes these older theaters special.
The seats aren't the most comfortable, sound and screen aren't state of the art. I received a message yesterday telling me that there will be some upgrades to this theatre. I will most likely come by and give it another try when it's completed.
I love this place - it's a great little neighborhood theater, but the seats hurt my butt.
Comment from Gary M. of
Balboa Theater
8/25/2009
Some seats are better than others and we are in the process…
More »
Clearly I'm going against the grain here with this review... but these reviews are about what I would expect from the all too hip San Francisco moviegoer trying to prove just how cool they are.
I'm all for supporting the little local guy and fighting against "the man", but really... you need to have something to offer besides appealing to my local pride. And I'm not one to give praise to the little "boutique" theater just to prove my edge and individuality and to flip off the squares that go to the multiplexes. I hate the big loud and obnoxious movie theater chains as much as the next guy, but you know what... their seats are comfortable, their sound equipment is top notch, and their projection systems are pristine.
What happens when you go to a little local place like the Balboa Theater? You get crappy uncomfortable seats, you get two speakers in the front that were probably made when "stereophonic" was something that sounded cool and futuristic, and a projection system that rivals what my dad used to show home movies back in '76. This may work for a revival of Gone With The Wind, but it just doesn't cut it for all but the indiest of indie modern movies.
You also get crackpot audience members (see above) who like to once again prove their disdain for modern society by booing at every commercial before the trailers... Ooooh, consumerism... BOOOOOOO. Why are you even seeing Sex And The City if you hate consumerism so damn much?!?!? Is it for their local NYC pride and not their love of Manolo Blahniks? Oh, and lets not forget the guy popping the Champaign cork in the middle of the movie... Cheers (actually, one extra star for that guy)
Sorry... Oh, and its 2008... get a credit card machine.
When I first started coming here, they had double features, and they were the best-paired double features around. I mean, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" with "Shrek". That's brilliant.
Nowadays, the doubles are gone, but the fact remains that the Balboa is still an awesome place to see a movie. The prices are better than downtown's (especially for matinees) and there aren't twittering masses of teenagers yakking on their cell phones during the movie. Best of all, the Balboa is in walking distance of my house, but even if it wasn't, parking is pretty darn easy around there--and it's free.
This is my neighborhood theater; a quaint throwback to the old-school movie houses of the 50's and 60's. No the audio isn't Dolby surround, and no you won't hear the jack-hammer audio demo here, because the sound just won't travel from right to left with their system!
Also there's no digital screens and no parking to speak of. Still I'd rather wait to come here and see a movie than visit any AMC owned airplane-hangar megastructure.
The theater was old school. The seating sucks if your short. i bet it would be one of the best theater if they remodel The seating.
If you want to to see a film and your in the outer richmond this is a great place.
Like the surrounding Richmond district, the Balboa Theater is just kinda lame. It does have a few redeeming qualities, here they are:
1. Staffed by real people who do not quote a training manual.
2. Not that crowded
Yeah, that's it. The last time I went there was to watch Mongol. I had previously seen it at the Kabuki/Sundance, and was so impressed I decided to go a second time. The movie was not the same on a small screen with a weak sound system and uncomfortable chairs. And really, when I can just download a movie a week before it comes out, that is the reason I go to the theater. The Balboa does not deliver.
