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Castro Theatre
Rating Details »
Categories: Cinema, Local Flavor
Neighborhood: Castro429 Castro Street
(between 17th St & 18th St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-6120
Now Playing:
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- Good for Kids:
- Yes
416 reviews for Castro Theatre
If you think "Well, it is just another old movie theatre."
You are wrong.
I came here for many occasions. For some female comedian with dirty words, for a documentary movies, for Hollywood movies.
I saw "Milk" here.
When my friends and I decided to see Milk, we chose this theatre because, well, it was in Castro.
They had the special slide show of "Photos of Harvey Milk" before the show, then an organist played famous "Theatre Organ".
We heard sings of "San Francisco" or of "Over The Rainbow", etc played. It was really good.
I like this "The mini pipe organ concert" before the show, it is the overture for a movie played later. Just like the one for the opera, you get some sort of excitement before the show.
By the time, your movie ends, the audience at this theatre will become a part of the history of Castro, then San Francisco.
You cannot get this experience at AMC.
This is a great theatre in the city.
Lovely. Just absolutely lovely.
It is a jewel in the heart of the city and a great place for a movie. No, not a movie, but an experience to the days when you were a child and the theater was a magical ship that took you to places that only your imagination could take you.
I hope to go back many times
Liking it because of its ornateness, warm ambience and a really old-school theater feel to it (i.e., the stage in front of the single screen, the curtains, the organ in the center that rises from below, the huge upper level balcony seating). Hence, why it's popular with film buffs and the film fest crowds (and can't say it would be to the cineplex crowds). Chairs are comfy but the armrests do not have cup holders.
Location and lack of parking is an issue but this is the Castro area, yeah? And that is expected, at all times, so driver beware. The MUNI station at the corner really helps.
Bonus review: "Paranormal Activity" was made for only $11K and is the scariest movie I've seen in a while. It's another one of the found-video-footage movie (a la Blair Witch Project), but here it's about a couple who had been hearing strange noises around their new home and wanted to capture what might be causing it - or if anything can explain it. The movie is a playback of the found footage, with a slow built-up tension and some humor at times to ease the audience - but only until the next scene. A lack of music only enhanced the effect, and at the end the audience was freaked out. Unlike other "horror" movies which are just loud noises to make you jump, this movie follows you home. You might sleep with the lights on, and are more wary of noises around your place for a few days.
This theater should be given some kind of award for nostalgia. Their commitment to a random stream of classic and cult movies are refreshing in a time when multiplexes are dishing out 10 new movies every two weeks (most of which garner less than a 40% on http://rottentomatoes.com). Plus, thanks to the location and the great take-out food option, I'm much less likely to be forced to buy 1350-calorie nachos for $4.50. God only knows how many calories they are with the all-too-necessary second cheese cup. Parking can be a bit interesting however.
Although we still miss Anita Monga, the Castro continues to provide SF with a unique and rich retro entertainment experience. The organ is magnificent and stirs the audience when "San Francisco" is played. It is a neighborhood icon, in fact a jewel...
I love this theatre so much! If I could see every movie here, I would. On top of having a wonderful atmosphere (from the beautiful ornate decorations to the organ player at the beginning of the show) the double feature nights are always a great choice.
I tried to think of my best experience so far, but there are far too many. From watching MILK with a packed and responsive audience, to the Star Trek 3 day double feature marathon, I have never had a bad experience. They give all us "youngins" a chance to see classic movies the way they were meant to be seen: on the big screen with audience participation! And you cannot underestimate the importance of the "all-you-can-drink" coffee during those long evenings.
I pick up their calendar every month without fail, and I suggest you do so too!
I hate to jump on the nostalgia* and Castro bandwagons, but I love the Castro Theatre. It lives up to the hype, and seeing a movie here is an absolute treat. It's also fun having to go downstairs and around a corner to find a rest room.
*For those of you who are thinking, "John S., every one of your freaking reviews has everything to do with your childhood, so shut up about hating nostalgia, you hypocrite," I'm talking about nostalgia for an era before one ever lived (e.g., when every movie theater had organists), not the early '80s.
Best theater for crowd involvement. I totally saw Inglorious Basterds and the crowd erupted in a standing applause at the end of the movie.
Oh yea, still 5 stars, baby!
The BFF & I saw "Inglorious Basterds" here. Like all other Tarantino films, the soundtrack is well chosen & adds to the intensity & suspense of the scene. From beginning to end, the movie shocked & entertained. The theater was about 3/4 full. We arrived about 10 minutes early and got great seats in the middle of the theater. Another wonderful experience at the Castro Theater.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/15/2009
I've been to the Castro Theater many times, but I have experienced two very memorable films here:… Read more »
Last night there was an advance screening of Quentin Tarintino's "Inglorious Basterds" at the Castro Theathre & it rocked! The turnout was expectedly large & Quentin strolled in alone (no bodyguards or assistants) & plopped himself into a seat almost dead smack in the middle of the theatre. (The balcony was closed off to all but a couple of handfuls of folks, so we though that's where he'd sit, but was wrong.)
As usual, the Wurlitzer pipe organist played old-fashioned tunes while we waited for the theatre to fill up. For some refreshing reason we were not told to turn off phones & cameras were allowed. Many of us took pics of the theatre & Quentin arriving, during, & leaving.
After the kick-ass movie, Quentin conducted a protracted question & answer session w/out any assistants. A rarity. He did not exude any diva-esque ego nor seemed rushed. Kudos to him!
After answering dozens of questions, he left in a vintage car. Another example of him walking to the beat of another drummer, which was cool.
Santa's Yelper sez: "Let's kill dem Nahtzees! Heh."
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/30/2009
Went to watch the advance screening of Disner/Pixar's Up! in Disney Digital 3D the other day w/ some… Read more »
I love Castro theatre! Watching Milk here was really a cool experience.
This place is the best. Not only can you watch a movie and have fun, everyone else has fun too!
Everyone really gets into the movie.
I've seen Pee Wee's Big Adventure and Eraserhead there. Both were very amazing to watch on big screen.
Everybody gets to clapping and singing (Obviously during Pee Wee, not Eraserhead), and it' becomes a great environment to watch a movie.
You might not enjoy it if you want to sit in the corner like a sad lump and stuff your face with popcorn...but I'm assuming that if you are that person you're probably not into classic films...so you might wanna walk on over to your generic theatre and watch some hopeless love movie with Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant....
Castro Theatre! The underdog theatre... (For the most part)
Playing films that we hipsters and scene kids love.
Don't forget the Film Noir and foreign appreciation!
This is a gorgeous theatre! My friend & I went and saw Pam Ann here! Great venue! Comfy seating & spacious venue considering it is an older theatre. I love the ceiling in this theatre it's a very nice venue!
I saw a pretty strange movie here during the Jewish Film Festival. 2 stars for the actual movie, but this theatre is 5 star worthy!
* Assigned seating! Not sure if this was just for this film festival or something they do on a regular basis, but I'm a fan!
* Most gorgeous movie theatre ever! I felt like I was about to see a broadway show, rather than a stupid movie
* Organ player before the movie! Classy!! And it's super cool how the organ just disappears into the ground when it's time for the movie to start. Made me realize how boring our movie theaters are back in Chicago
* Seriously addicting popcorn! It also may have been the most buttery popcorn ever (explains the addiction), but we couldn't keep our hands out of the bucket.
I'd gladly sit thru another 2 star movie again just to spend some more time in this 5 star theatre.
If you haven't been, go.
It's one huge theater built in the '20s, and a SF landmark that both owners and moviegoers alike take great pride in.
I just saw Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs as part of the Tarantino Retrospective and it was trilling to see those films again in 35mm on such a huge screen. (4 stars only b/c there were a few technical difficulties. grrr.)
The seats in the main room are new and very comfy. The ones in the balcony have been refurbished. During intermissions a Wurlitzer organ rises out of the stage and is played for your entertainment.
The snacks are very reasonably priced (enormous popcorn is $5.75, enormous soda is $4.50?) and movies are about $10 (many of them are double features.
Make a day of it. See a show, take the K trolley downtown for some shopping, come back for some saucy night life. Just leave your car elsewhere. Parking is a biatch!
It's a gorgeous place, which I bet you've heard before. The inside is incredibly ornate. They have an organ they play before the show. They have lots of hosts and talks about the film by famous people. And it's a hotspot for all of the film festivals in the City.
However, they are incredibly expensive. Tickets are about $14. I think it's the most expensive place to see a movie in the City. They also don't accept credit cards, which is kind of annoying for a movie theater. And each time I come here the lines for the bathroom are terrible, like 20 minute waits. You're better off leaving and using someone else's restroom down the block because it's faster.
i absolutely love this theatre, my favorite by far in the city. It is an SF institution and an amazing place to catch a movie, whatever the movie is. I am always shocked to hear long term SF residents admit they've never been there.
Why is it so great? The room itself is awesome - a 1000 seats art deco masterpiece unlike anyting else in SF. As you enter it and look for a seat, you feel the buzz and warmth you would get when entering a large live performance venue, while the local organist plays old showtunes from the theater's massive pipe organ.
The screen is large - much larger than all other independent cinemas I know of at SF, and the image/audio are of great quality.
Also, the theater is located on a very lively block, with many late dining options for that post-movie treat.
And the ticket price is the same as it is in "regular" theater.
Bottom line: I wouldn't catch a movie anywhere else if it's playing there.
Are you kidding me... an organ that rises from below the screen? I come from the land of mega movie complexes so this place was a real treat. They rarely play organ music at baseball games anymore so this really took me by surprise. I can't say trhat I knew any of the songs that the organist played but nonetheless it was a great experience. Plenty of leg room and comfy seats. Beautiful opera-like theatre. Grab a bite to eat before or after at one of the many places along Castro and you will have a great night.
The Castro Theater is just lovely. We were here for the SF Silent Film Festival, and the Castro Theater is just the perfect venue for this event. The Silent Film Festival features live musicians and the Castro Theater has the perfect acoustics for this.
The negatives, which is why 1 star is missing: small bathrooms = long lines (especially for the ladies' room). Difficult to find parking. There is a small public lot, but it's always full. You'll have better luck finding a spot (2 hour max M-F) up in the residential areas (south of the theater).
Great Theatre!
I came here for the Silent film festival and had never been to the Castro really before. I must say the sight of men in speedos combined with classic silent films is fantastic!
My first date with the Castro Theater was during the silent film festival, which was truly amazing. As I stepped from the darkness into the balcony, I audibly gasped --surprised, in awe, with the enormity and beauty of the space. It was the first time in my life that a movie theater left me breathless. The live orchestra was flawless and surreal and magical. I can't believe I've never taken my out-of-town friends here. I can't believe I've never been taken here!
My second date with the Castro Theater is tonight. Already, this is feeling pretty serious.
Fantastic atmosphere to take in a movie. Great crowd, perfect location, charming decor, and an organist who plays before the show. What else could you ask for? This is a place for those who appreciate the magic of movies. Let the teenagers have to the Metreon, I'd see every movie here if I could.
Saw a double feature of "The Godfather" and "The Godfather II" here for crying out loud. Saw Black Francis world-premiere his score to "The Golem" here. Just about everything they show is great. The organist is awesome. It's absolutely iconic -- especially the sign out front.
I really love the grandness of this theatre. It's not often that you can find a theatre like this in the SF Bay Area. The ambiance and the facade of this place is amazing. On the surface (exterior), it doesn't look abnormally amazing, but once you step inside, you can feel its grandness and intricacy.
Before the curtains rise and the film began, I found myself staring at the details on the walls and on the ceiling. One needs to stare all the way up/straight and notice the intricate patterns on the ceiling. I found patterns of the Buddha. Who knows what other patterns I will find next. I am always noticing new parts of the artwork that have come to define this theatre.
All right, minus one for the small bathrooms. I think this can be improved since I've almost always had to wait in line here for it.
I love that it's neighborhood theatre. It reminds me of old San Francisco though i was never alive back then to compare and contrast it. However, it does allow me, a generation Y-er to experience some of what has been lost to the past.
I urge everyone to watch a film here sometime and experience what real theatre is all about. Not the mention the seats are very comfortable and there are tons of seats- kind of like LA's Chinese Mann's Theater, but in my opinion is better. Please support theatres like this one because they're just amazing and beautiful!
hooray for this place! such great film festivals, the theatre is gorgeous, i love the organ player, I could go on. in short, if you live in SF and have never been here for a movie, you are missing out on something special.
Admittedly, I do not feel qualified to review this historical landmark... That said- I had the opportunity to attend the Hairspray Sing-Along last week and had the TIME of my LIFE!!!
This theatre has the most incredible interior- you will be blown away- as well as an organist to intro the movie... The event itself was very reasonably priced and SO fun- props, many attendees, fun fun fun...
It seems they had a special event occuring here every night I walked by! Just a breath-taking theatre....
When I took my 7-year old niece to Disney's Little Mermaid singalong, I got apprehensive thinking an audience filled with mostly adults at the Castro Theater might get raunchy, but it turned out fine considering the winner of the costume contest was a mermaid dressed in drag and a beard.
The Castro Theater has gotten my dollar a few times in the last year because the theater programming brings a movie experience I imagine difficult to find around the Bay Area. While browsing the schedule--instead of finding the current popular blockbuster--you'll find musical singalongs, silent films, Film Noir festivals, b/w classics, re-releases, and other interesting and not-so-interesting flicks. Costume contest, prizes and guest speakers might also accompany your movie.
Seeing some of the classics at the Castro gives one a chance to REVISIT favorites or visit for the FIRST TIME movies you kinda sorta only know about. I'd suggest getting to the theater early so you can take in the view. The 1400 seat auditorium with classic murals and an art deco chandelier that looks like a giant robotic artichoke circa 1937 is worth the price of admission. Which was $15 for last Monday's GREASE subtitled singalong. A goodie bag of bubbles, noise makers and other doohickeys is given out to utilize during the movie. It's a real fun atmosphere accentuated when the organists rises from beneath the stage like a Kraken from the oceanic depths and starts playing show tunes. I'm not exaggerating.
With the demise of the single theater house in SF, who knows how long this theater will last. It could be turned into a parking garage one day. I think it'll make a beautiful garage. Get there!
Old Hollywood charm in the heart of The Castro. If only movie theaters were still built like this one... It's theaters like this that make you feel like going to see a film is worth dressing up for. That $10+ is totally worth it for a movie ticket. That you'd want to see a film on its opening night and not mind buying your tickets in advance and waiting in a long line an hour before it starts.
Inside, you do feel like you've been transported to the Golden Age of Film with the velvet seats and balcony seating. There is so much charm and intricate detail in the architecture - it's definitely one of the most accessible historical landmarks in SF, and not to be missed.
The live organ music just adds to the grandeur of the place, and makes your movie going experience that much more exciting and memorable.
i have a love for old theaters. they're dying out in San Francisco.
The Castro Theater is so iconic and they still haev the man who plays the organ in the beginning!!
This theater is so comfortable and familiar. Plus, you're in an awesome area surrounded by good eats!
I love the Castro Theatre! They play so many great films, many of which are rare and/or unavailable. I love their Midnites for Maniacs triple feature program hosted by the knowledgeable and hilarious film historian, Jesse Hawthorne.
This is a landmark of a theatre and it exudes class. There is a live organ performance before each show (!), always an amazing crowd, and it's in the best neighborhood in San Francisco. After years of great films, fun, and amazing company - this review is long overdue!
Yo Castro Theatre
You are, of course, an oasis of cinematic glory with your glorious hall and distinguished selections, and although it's mad cool that we got to watch Apocalypse Now up on the big screen, and that man who plays the piano on stage is a legend, you're only getting four stars because some bug crawled up my leg, you feel me?
I like the Castro theater, film viewing/atmosphere-wise it's awesome. If I were judging the theater only on this criteria I would give it 5 stars.
However, they make it really hard for you to plan seeing a movie there.
1. They don't sell tickets online...not a huge deal, they're an indie theater, I get it.
2. Cash only....again, not a huge deal. It's just one extra thing to think about before going to see a movie.
3. You cannot buy tickets for future dates...a weird policy that they choose not to disclose on their website.
So I wrangled together a group to go see Inglorious Basterds on opening night. I had a bad experience involving sold out shows and terrible seats with District 9 last weekend so I decided to buy tickets in advance this time. After work I hit the ATM, and spent 15 minutes trying to find parking before getting to the box office and finding out that I can't buy tickets for Friday until tomorrow. I don't get off work until 5 so I can either rush back to the Castro tomorrow night, hours before the show and HOPE it isn't sold out...or I can buy tickets online for another theater and know I'll get seats. Sorry Castro, I'm gonna go with the sure thing here.
I love the old school feel of this place.
This is what movie-going should be like; a grand theater with charming decorations.
None of this chopped up movie house (i.e. Chestnut Theater), where your legs are jamming into the person in front of you, or where the movie complex boasts 13+ theaters (Daly City).
I've been here for several sing-alongs, but also recently went to the see the world premiere of "Fruit Fly."
Each time has been so fun!
I saw "UP" here last night and loved the experience. I don't usually go out to the movies since they're so expensive, but this was totally worth the $10. The organ player had a song list from all the Disney classics. The 3-D movie looked and sounded great. The seats are incredibly comfortable and the cup holders are the perfect size. I say that because one friend fell asleep and the other put her cocktail in the cup holder - perfect fit.
Watch out for a massive line to the men's room.
The boy and I were looking for something romantic to do to celebrate Valentine's Day, and when I found out the Silent Film Festival was having an event here, then OF COURSE we had to come to watch a horror/comedy!
What a beautiful, beautiful theater. It's absolutely magical watching an older film when it's accompanied by an organist.
If you've ever wanted to be transported into a different era, a different time, and into your own personal Narnia, take a trip to the Castro and step foot into this majestic theater.
It's simply breathtaking.
I turned into a bobble head, constantly roving around looking at the tall columns, beautiful ceiling, and art around the room.
I came here last night to see the very last showing of Milk in this theater, and I couldn't have come on a better night.
The film, well, it was amazing. How many times do you get to sit in history and then watch it play out right in front of you?
It's rare to find a place that keeps with its historical charm, and I have to say my favorite part was the ticket booth!
Classic, little one man booth, and the tickets remind me of the good ol' carnival days.
The Castro Theatre is simply a marvel, and it encapsulates the whole movie going experience.
I can't wait to come back to see more films here, and on a side note:
***
Harvey Milk, thank you for consistently demonstrating what the human spirit can do.
Anything.
This theatre is beautiful, extraordinary, magical, and just beaming with history.
I just came here for the SF Asian American Film Festival and I fell in love with it. The crowd is enthusiastic and happy. Really, one of the best theatres around! Also, the popcorn isn't that normal gross theatre popcorn, it's all natural and has a healthy feel.
Incredible and I'm in love!
This place is BEAUTIFUL!
I came here the other night to see Milk with the boy. The interior was gorgeous, the seats were comfortable, and it was nice to spend a rainy evening inside a lovely and warm movie theater with tons of other people. It was especially nice to see Milk here :)
If it's your first time, check out the ceiling!
Picture it:
Oscar's night, right after the ending. We stroll up to the theatre in the light and misty rain into an opulent theatre where we were warmly greeted by in person and by our senses.
After reading another review, we decided to head to the balcony to take in this 70s movie and try to get an older feel for it. The theatre is perfect for it anyway, but we though taking it in from the balcony would add to the effect. They were right!
We saw MILK right after it won Sean Penn an Oscar. How wonderful was this night? Perfect.
I highly rate this theatre. I am very uncomfortable in most theatres mostly because I get fidgety after just 90 mins or so, but this place has gorgeous decor, cushy and comfy seats, is well maintained and clean, and has an organist open the movies up instead of a dozen+ stupid previews. They may have 1 preview at most, thank goodness. I did not sample the food, but I'm sure it's tasty. The popcorn smelled delishhhhh.
1 star for a gorgeous retro theater.
1 star for being in a great part of town off major bus lines across from Nirvana (YUM) and near my hair dresser.
1 star for the live organ player
1 star for showing interesting thought provoking and often socially and/or economically relevant movies.
Eleventy Billion Stars for the Young Frankenstein showing prior to a live Q&A with Gene Wilder where he sang a few bars of Pure Imagination.
