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Byrd Theatre
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
22 reviews for Byrd Theatre
Oh how I miss this place, even though the seats offer no legroom for long legged individuals such as myself. I used to love comin here to see classic movies at midnight.
Places like this are a dying breed. This is what people should expect from a theater experience, not some corporatized, overpriced bullshit.
I moved to San Francisco 12 years ago and I still pine for the Byrd Theatre. It's just that amazing and magical. Nothing comes close to the bargain-rate splendor one may find at the Byrd what with the nice prices and the crystal, gold, velvet and the mighty Wurlitzer.
Ah, memories...
Great old fashioned movie house, especially on Saturday nights with the organ performance before the movie. And at $2 for a ticket, you can't beat it for a night of entertainment.
I started going to the Byrd when I was little, and even though I knew that the seats were kind of lumpy, I had no idea that they afforded so little leg room until I was older. Despite these discomforts, I always get excited about seeing movies there. With the auditorium sweeping majestically down to a small main stage curtained in burgundy velvet drapes, combined with the "box seats" near the front, the large chandelier hanging over the center rows, and the balcony (which is sometimes open), the Byrd makes movie-going seem elegant.
It is also the perfect combination of glamour and campy indulgence. Be sure to see a movie on the weekend, either a second run of a new release or one of their midnight showings (Princess Bride is a perennial favorite). The hosts and ushers are always dressed in black evening clothes, and where else can you purchase a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie to munch on while a tuxedo-clad guy plays a Wurlitzer organ? The Byrd also has the best reel announcement about exits, trash, and cell phones EVER.
If they would fix those damn seats, this would be THE movie theater to go to in Richmond. They could show first-run movies, charge full price, and they would have people lining up around the block on a weekly basis.
The theater is gorgeous. And considering that admission is 2 bucks, on my first visit I was expecting to see a small screen and hear crappy audio. Wrong. It is a good-sized screen and the audio is actually good.
I love this theater for many reasons, and I think the city of Richmond is very fortunate that the Byrd society has kept it open. But they need to fix those seats.
I almost took a star away because of the truly uncomfortable seats but to give the Byrd anything less than five stars would be unjustifiable. You don't go to the Byrd simply to see a movie for a decent price. You go for the entire experience.
You know you're someplace special the moment you set foot in the lobby with its beautiful murals and imported marble on the walls. The experience is only heightened upon entering the theater with its hand-sewn velvet drapes and huge chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
And if you're lucky enough to go on Saturday night, which for our family is an absolute must, you are treated to Bob Gulledge playing the Mighty Wurlitzer organ that rises out of the orchestra pit at the front of the stage. We would happily pay just to hear Bob play. Come during the Christmas season and you can sing along with Christmas carols.
Of course to get all that plus a second-run movie for $2 (I have never gotten my penny change) has got to be the best entertainment deal in Richmond. It ensures we have enough money for ice cream across the street at the new Ben and Jerry's.
Who can beat going to a movie for $2? I mean, really? Sure, my butt falls asleep by the end, but hey, it was only $2! My husband and I go to the Byrd on a regular basis and spend less than $10 on our tickets, popcorn and a soda. Love it.
Fantastic, beautiful old-timey theater (art deco if you want to get technical). Tickets are 1.99 (cash only) and on Saturday you get to see the guy play the Wurlitzer. They sell homemade brownies and popcorn and whatnot (I usually "sneak in" Swedish Fish- a bulging purse doesn't faze them in the slightest). The midnight movies are great, especially while VCU is in session (as long as you're not expecting a serene movie-going experience)- kids show up in pajamas and recite lines to classics like The Princess Bride, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and of course The Goonies. There's definitely a sense of community while you're in there. I (unfortunately) saw The Happening there, and the entire audience would look at one another with an expression of "WTF?" Meanwhile, I'm not speaking to Marky Mark. Regardless, the Byrd is the coolest thing since frozen french fries.
I love the Byrd. I used to come here for the annual French Film Festival and basically camp out in one of the tiny seats for the entire weekend. That would be my only complaint - severe lack of leg room.
The Byrd is awesome because they sell cheap tickets to newer movies as well as bringing old favorites back to the big screen through their monthly Midnight Movie attraction. How else would I ever see The Princess Bride in a theater?!
The owner has a short temper, and actually shouted at a friend of mine who was trying to calm him down from a nearby fight we were witnessing between him and a tow truck guy. Not that that should be an issue for a normal night of movie-going!
I Love Byrd Theatre, but there is a difference between Historic seats and just plain unbearable.
Anyone who loves architecture should come to the Byrd. There are not many places like this left!
Think rococco chandeliers, naked ladies and velvet drapes. When they run classics (like Gone With the Wind, or Phantom of the Opera) it is a truly special experience.
The rest of the time they play cheesy second runs, and honestly, it's not so clean. I wish they would get some real backing and be able to keep up it as it should be...still a Grande Old Dame trying to keep her lipstick on
This is THE nicest movie theatre I have been to! I don't live in the area anymore but I miss this place. One can't miss out on watching " It's A Wonderful Life" Christmas Eve. This is one of things that makes Richmond worthwhile and allows you to put up with the other negative things.
This place is great. For a fifth of the price you can see a newish movie you may have missed when it was first released. Two bucks is less then the price of renting it from Blockbuster! I love the price, but I also love the decor. Huge, old school art deco theaters are my fave. I think its neat that the historical society is trying to restore the theater, but just think how much money they could make towards new seats if they raised the price a dollar.
It is rare that classic, old school theaters like this one survive on the East coast so be thankful the Byrd is still around. $1.99 for second run movies is cheaper than renting plus there are midnight movies on Saturday's for $3. My only issue is that I'm 6'3" and this place was built for much smaller individuals. You try sitting through Apocalypse Now with your knees in you your chest.
The theatre here is beautiful... if you close your eyes, you can almost believe you are back in the 1920's. The movies are cheap- $1.99- though you can pay more to sit in the balcony when it's open. Beware- the leg room is TINY! My 6'5" man refuses to ever go back. People must have been waaay shorter back then. Get there early on a Saturday to witness the Mighty Wurlizter. It's worth the wait in line.
Who does not love the Byrd. You get to see a movie cheap$1.99. The theatre is gorgeous. This place is a great place for a date right in the middle of Carytown. The seats are a little uncomfortable....but I am okay with that.
Love it for the history and the price and the movies, but the seats are so friggin uncomfortable my ass falls asleep and my body shuts down and I fall into a deep slumber from the numbness of my tailend and I miss the end of every movie.
For a historic landmark, this place is pretty well maintained. The floors are unusually sticky, the seats are a bit uncomfortable, but the experience itself makes up for it. I sat in the balcony section for the first time last weekend and the seating up there is much better. For $1.99 a ticket, midnight movies, and $3 matinees on Saturdays, I'd say it's a good place to visit. If you're seeing a recently released film at night, expect crowd commentary at it's best.
I've been going here since I can remember. Great movies for cheap and half the fun is waiting line; you're bound to see someone you know. If you are left disappointed with the first movie you can hide in the bathroom upstairs and see the second! The seats are a major complaint but the atmosphere almost makes you forget the pain. Bob Gulliage plays the Wurlitzer on Sat nights...a must see. But I still have a fondness for Lynn Lyndy (what happened to him?).
Great Classics, Awesome price, but you are paying for what you are sitting on. An excellent Richmond landmark.
I love this old theater! I miss going to a movie for so cheap! The last time I was in Richmond it was 1.99. I love the vintage look of the building itself, the dress of the employees, the popcorn and snacks, the movies and the beautiful red curtains and chandeliers in the movie house!!! I remember going to midnight movies there like "Goonies" and some other old ones. That is how to do it! Play the old ones and the new blockbusters! This is a great Richmond landmark and for anyone visiting the area, you have to stop in at the Byrd and see a flick!
nice cheap theater $2/person, midnight movies fun, bring in beer and have a good time. keeping it old school.
