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Cinema Village
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
22 E 12th St(between 5th Ave & University Pl)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square
(212) 924-3363
- Nearest Transit:
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Union Sq - 14 St (L)
14 St - Union Sq (N, Q, R)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
- Good for Kids:
- No
44 reviews for Cinema Village
43 reviews in English
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Review from Euripides K.
ASTORIA, NY
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great movie pics. Always a win to come here.
2 things could be improved. The slow line to enter (that can result in movies shown behind schedule), and the popcorn has way too much salt. -
Review from Eve S.
Updated - 1/9/2012
came here last week to officially join #teammargaret the cinematic phenomenon where you support Kenneth Lonegran's long delayed 2nd film starring Anna Paquin. It was okay my cinephile pal loved it. I had a groupon which was nice-don't order a large popcorn you don't need it it is too big.
The documentary about hole Drummer patty schemel will be here in the spring so I will be back.Listed in: Screen of Dreams
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2007
This theater is tiny-it used to be just one screena nd they worked some construction magic and now… Read more »
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Review from Jill V.
Jersey City, NJ
3/21/2012
I love love love this place. Seems like each time I decide to take a solo day to stroll around Manhattan, I end up here to watch a film before retiring to Jersey City. I am never disappointed with the selection (most recently watched A Dangerous Method).
I also enjoy being, generally, the youngest person in the theatre. Makes me feel wise :) -
Review from Jezzie X.
New York, NY
3/8/2012
What other movie theater in the city has such a kick-ass Old World glamorous and sumptuous theater? I was in awe when I climbed to the second floor and saw what I was in for. It was perfect too because I saw the silent film The Artist in this theater, and the theater in the movie almost resembled the very theater I was sitting in. I wish they can restore this theater and make it even more gilded, although I also kind of like the slightly old and dilapidated feel of it, almost like a post-war abandoned theater. Besides the second floor, this is a very small theater but it does play a lot of movies I like and it's near a lot of great restaurants and bars.
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Review from Jeff S.
6/20/2011
This is certainly not the most modern or comfortable theater, but they do have a great selection of movies showing at any given time. Whenever I browse their listings I am usually into seeing most of their features. For me, that never happens at a mainstream theater, which is usually playing loud and predictable crap.
The facilities are clean, the food and drink is reasonable, and the staff is pleasant. Cinema Village is a great business to patronize. -
Review from Diana T.
3/6/2012
When Groupon offered at $12 an admission for two plus a large popcorn to Cinema Village, I bought three deals to what I thought was Village East Cinema -they are both on 12th street btw. Apparently I am not the only one to make this mistake. When I got around to going to Cinema Village, as I was waiting in the lobby for my movie to start, the box office clerk informed a guy that no, this was not Village East Cinema....she directed him east. Probably a better mistake than accidentally hiking into North Korea or Iran and being taken hostage, but a mistake no less. Anyway, although I enjoy watching documentaries, I have never felt the need to pay to see one at the cinema (I feel so European saying that). Cinema Village shows primarily documentaries with an occasional indie or international film thrown into their roster. It is a cute, smallish theater and I am glad I saw Crazyhorse, a documentary about the famed erotic revue in France. ( Wouldn't be surprised if every guy watching managed a boner for the entire 2 and a half hour duration of the doc). Aside from having to wait in the tiny seat-less lobby to enter the theater, my main caveat with this place is that they don't have extra butter to squirt into the popcorn. Unless I am potentially reducing two years from my lifespan, I can't really say that I am getting a true movie-going experience...but then again, this is more of a cinema house than a movie theater (do Europeans squirt extra butter into their popcorn?).
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Review from Monica T.
4/12/2011
I've only been to this one on opening night of the films I wanted to see. That means having to wait outside in a long line, typically in the cold.
But this theater has some great upsides:
* Lower ticket prices ($11 for adult vs. $12+ elsewhere)
* Great indie film selection (we saw "The Bill Hicks Story" here on Friday night as well as "What Would Jesus Buy" years back)
* Lower priced concessions
* Spacious, clean bathrooms
The theaters are tiny but cozy and I've never had problems with cleanliness there unlike some big theaters. Continues to be a favorite I'd return to. -
Review from Sylvia B.
Brooklyn, NY
1/16/2012
It's a pretty small, intimate theater, and that coupled with its showings of foreign or indie-house films, means I'm game. Am totally coming back on a cold winter day to snuggle up with a good movie and a semi-fresh bag of popcorn.
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Review from Tom T.
Ridgewood, NY
4/13/2011
To paraphrase the World's Most Interesting Man, I don't often go to the movies, but when I do, I like to go to Cinema Village. Why? It's simple.
Cleanliness. Fair priced conessions. Interesting movies that I just can't see anywhere else.
Now, there are some improvements that need to be made. Waiting for a seemingly neverending Q&A (which goes so long the Q&A after the showing you're seeing is cancelled) on a cold sidewalk is annoying. Sometimes you need to learn how to end things on time. -
Review from Will R.
2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Compared to some of the other Indie houses- IFC, Film Forum, Walter Reade, Angelika, Sunshine, This place does not stand up whatsoever. I recently watched the Turin Horse here, it is Bela Tarr's most recent film. I had previously seen it at Lincoln Center Film on it's opening night. Compared to that experience, this was awful. The Exit sign near the front screen (we were in one of the 2 main screens) illuminated the entire room with it's rancid neon red. The volume was turned way down, and anyone who has seen a Bela Tarr film knows they are as much about sound/music as they are about the visuals so my Lady and I were extremely let down. The other reviews make mention of how this place is so sensitive to what it shows, I don't disagree at all but I do take them to task for aesthetic judgments such as the lighting inside the space and appropriate volume levels for specific films. In the future, if they are showing a film I want to see I'll try to see it elsewhere and use Cinema Village as a last resort.
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Review from ANASTASSIA B.
Brooklyn, NY
3/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great theater to get away from heavy crowds of people who go to the movies to watch flicks like "X-MEN". It's a little tight, but clean!
And they do show some kick-ass films, which means indie films :)
It's like the cozy cafe you go to where even though you know you'll be able to hear everyones convo because it's so small, but you just can't help but crave their americano over starbucks. -
Review from Sharlene C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/12/2012
meh, i wanted to love this theatre since i try my best support the indie theatres as much as possible. i was admittedly lured in with a groupon. 2 tickets and large popcorn. first off, my screening of "margaret" was in the theater in the subterranean lair. the theatre remind me of the size of a film forum theatre, but there was a foul smell throughout. it would come and go. the staff are really nice, but please do something about the odor.
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Review from Brett W.
7/28/2009
What a charming little theater that totally endears itself to me.
I went here to see "The English Surgeon," a gut-wrenching documentary about a British neurosurgeon.
I cried a little*, which felt a lot more acceptable here than, say, Regal.**
Sometimes you can't get there too early (they'll ask you to come back in a few minutes), but if you get there too late, a long line forms. Timing is key.***
And thankfully I still have in my possession one sad-looking student ID. Gimme that $7.50 discount ticket.
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* Sometimes a boy needs a good cry. Or ten.
** Where I'd probably get hate-crimed.
*** My life is plagued with bad timing. But whose isn't? -
Review from Rey P.
Manhattan, NY
10/24/2007
Stopped in for the first time in awhile to see the Wagstaff/Mapplethorpe documentary and had a great time.
All indie and limited release films here. They used to show anime movies back when that was too dorky and no one else would. Sure it's tiny - like the size of your living room tiny - but that also makes it so darn cute. The requisite staff of slightly stoned film students were all very friendly and charming, the popcorn was tasty and crisp, and the film was an A+. I left feeling like I should pay more attention to what they play just so I have an excuse to stop in again.
The best part of the evening, though, was when stoned concessionaire served up my drink and popcorn, dropped some kernels on the counter, and then started eating them. Off the counter.
"Fife fif-thy," he said, with a full mouth, his film student hair flopping into his eyes.
How cute is that? -
Review from Max M.
Manhattan, NY
9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love the face that this place shows movies that few other theaters do. But it is really poorly managed. The night we came, no one was manning the concessions stand and because of the cramped space on the second floor in front of the theaters, we could hear people chattering outside while we were watching our movie. The seats are also kinda uncomfortable. BUT great movies!
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Review from Jonathan S.
New York, NY
12/6/2010
Okay. So small screen, small theater... indie movies okay. I'm a filmmaker I get it.
I went to see a movie here a few weeks ago and the projection wasn't really that great. It was a little out of focus, the framing was a little high, and analog sound! Analog sound. On a new print. In 2010.
I won't be back unless I just have to see something that isn't and never will be anywhere else in the city. This theater is making indie films look bad... literally. -
Review from Sean S.
3/14/2009
I love this little theatre because it's right in my neighborhood. It's address close, as in half a block away... and yet I don't think I've been there in a few months.
It's one step removed from film forum in terms of carrying all of the really obscure art flicks, and b/w classics, but they do carry a lot of new indie films. The place has three screens too, so you have a few options. I also love the old style sign above the entrance.
A couple of weeks ago there was a line down the block waiting for some new film that had everyone talking. Might have been the Wrestler...
ANyway, if you haven't been here, check it out. It's very cozy, and a nice break from the big theatres in the neighborhood... -
Review from Tina C.
4/13/2010 2 photos
Small theater yet produce big results.
I came here to see "Warlords" with a good friend/Asian language enthusiast along with his mother to celebrate her birthday. With only two theater rooms equipped with stadium style seating is quiant without all the hype of a mass multiplex hustle and bustle vibe. For one adult tickets are $11.00 as Cinema Village plays low budget films, and foreign films as "Warlords" (fantastic movie with powerful quotes). Jet Li is my man, skilled and trained in Wushu!
I rate Cinema Village four stars, despite of the size, not easily handicap assessible for those who have difficulties walking to climb one flight of stairs as the ramp is for wheelchairs only. Box Office is located outdoors, theater staff is pleasant. Facilities equipment is boisterously loud as we arrived early sitting on the lower level and can hear the mechanics of the facilities equipment in usage. -
Review from DJ W.
New York, NY
8/8/2008
It's a typical older theater as far as its layout. Just a few screen; small theater rooms.
But it's the films and the price that make Cinema Village worth checking out. Tickets are like $10 and popcorn was under $4. Not many places in the city can boast either of those, let alone both.
But the films that show here are the real draw. The only screen in Manhattan that premiered Lucky McKee's 'Red' a film adaptation of the Jack Ketchum novel. Not to mention Tarsem's 'The Fall'.
Neat place, not very crowded and easy on the pockets. Don't expect fancy seats or elaborate screens. -
Review from Diana B.
New York, NY
6/29/2008
Love its alternative film showings. Small theatre, nothing special about it but its selection of films.
Nicely located near Union Square: easy transportation and good things nearby: shopping, eating, etc. -
Review from Regular J.
New York, NY
4/1/2010
You come here to watch flicks not usually shown elsewhere, so how much do you have to put up with? You have to wait outside until the movie nearly starts - be there punctual because they don't run commercials and actually begin the movie on time. Once inside:
Screen - Many complain about the size, yes they are smaller than your AMCs, but they aren't microscopic, and you aren't watching 3D. If it does its job and doesn't detract from the movie, I think it's ok.
Seats - They need new upholstery, and they are not plush or deep, and some makes squeaky noises. Tip, sit right at the back and you got head rest against the wall.
Atmosphere - Small cozy rooms, seats maybe about 50, most shows won't be at capacity so you have your choice. It's less likely that you find the usual idiot texting or munching his popcorn loudly here. The floors are clean and absent of spilled sticky soda, there are no weird smells, the toilets are well-maintained.
Sometimes there are special events, like we got a Q&A after the show in the theater with the director of the flick. -
Review from Lauren B.
Manhattan, NY
8/13/2011
While I can appreciate the absence of previews, this place is cramped and not well managed. Good luck traversing the confused fools bumbling around outside.
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Review from Joleen Z.
New York, NY
3/13/2008
Super small theatre but they always play the best indie films. I saw the Unforseen there last night and I'm not exactly raving about the flick, but the theatre was great! It's very small, probably 50 seats in each theatre and not much leg room, but I kind of love how small it is!
I feel like i'm in on a secret!
If you're in the East Village and not in the mood for a huge blockbuster with loud teenie boppers and declasse mothers that bring their screaming babies to the movie, go here. It's a breath of fresh air. -
Review from Hank C.
5/24/2009
A mini-theater. There's smaller theaters, like a larger version of a home theater, with probably around 60-80 seats a theater. Sound is good, screens are a bit smaller, and seats are okay... fixed armrests.
Not bad overall. Ticketing outside, but there's a small unit in the main entry. -
Review from Jason G.
11/21/2009
Tiny screens... which is strange, but also, very cozy. I don't think they necessarily do a good job operating the equipment. I think the movie I watched today was projected in the wrong aspect ratio.
The reason this place is review-worthy is the film selection. There are movies playing here that you can't see elsewhere. -
Review from Pamela S.
12/22/2010
Little neighborhood theaters like this that show independent, artistic, thought-provoking films over the schlock you'll see at the megaplex are what make NYC great. Sure, I like Kips Bay for the Inception or Avatar blockbuster, but I thank my lucky stars that I also have access to theaters like this. Sure, the screens aren't large and the rooms aren't big, but economically, that wouldn't make any sense.
Listed in: Museums, Theaters, Cultural…
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Review from Kathryn B.
New Canaan, CT
3/17/2009
I kind of love this little movie theater. They only play three movies on any given night but they are always solid films. Last night a bunch of friends and I went to see 'Examined Life.' Not as funny as I expected but still a great look into contemporary philosophy.
Student discounts are awesome.
Bad for the theater, but good for me: there are always tickets. I don't think anything sells out even on opening and closing night. -
Review from Jess H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/16/2010
Cinema Village is a nice, solid movie theater. It has a lot of stiff competition (hello, IFC), so it pales in comparison to some of the other fantastic venues around town. It's especially sad that they don't have enough room for you to wait for the show to start, which is annoying on cold and rainy days (tip: go to Joe's and get an espresso while you wait).
However, it definitely holds its own as far as price and quality of pictures. There's something so beautiful about tiny, sticky theaters. Don't forget that this one exists. -
Review from mike c.
New York, NY
9/24/2009
Theaters are a cross between a large basement rec room and a small college lecture room. Film selection is interesting. Theaters are barely adequate. They are small--clean-not particularly comfortable (heat and a/c seem random)--but there are worse places to see films
Concessions are reasonable. Box office prices-bit high. Much prefer the IFC or Film Forum-but it is nice to have this venue around. -
Review from Steven L.
New York, NY
7/12/2009
I went to meet friends here for a screening of Dead Snow a few weeks ago - my friends had tickets ahead of time, but I didn't. There was a line outside and it was sold out, but I waited with my friends just in case something changed. After everyone got in the box office attendant said there weren't any tickets, and I was about to leave, but some guy came up with two extra tickets and offered to sell them each for $10, so I bought one.
The manager wouldn't honor the tickets though - they were legit tickets, but he said that the show had been oversold, and he couldn't let anyone else in. He refunded the $10, but they shouldn't be overselling screenings... -
Review from Joolie T.
5/26/2007
location? marvelous. selection of indie flicks? marvelous. ticket pricing? pretty great. space of theater/showing times? meh.
although it may be small... it's very humble and clean. it's a great place to catch a good indie film with a very small group (less than 4) of friends- but better for a date or to go by yourself. the staff all smile and the ticket booth guy has a British accent. i was blushing as i gave him my money. lol. we watched "The Host". very good.
i guess i didn't like that they only played the movie in 3 time slots a day. pretty inconvenient sometimes... but great for an after-work screen showing.Listed in: Union Square- my turf
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Review from sean m.
Eagle River, AK
5/26/2006
Very small theatre! Theatre was squeaky clean and the concession prices are reasonable. Staff were friendly. Plays indie films so didn't expect a huge screen. Not much in the way of leg room for anyone over 5 foot tall. One bad thing about the place if someone has some body odor issues, everyone gets to participate in their odiferous delights. Dude in the first row was funking the place up! Tickets $10.
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Review from David L.
10/17/2008
I've seen a lot of great movies here, I like this place... The theatres themselves are small and quaint, although one in particular is oddly designed... Beside the wonderful movie selections, I really have nothing to say good or bad about the place itself.
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Review from Andrew J.
Astoria, NY
7/7/2007
This place is great. The programming concentrates on rare and art releases. Most of the time the stuff that they play here will either never see a major or even city-wide release, or it will but the release will be a ways off. I caught Bujalski's "Mutual Appreciation" here last year with Eric S. during our, what we call, "Employment Drought". It's a small place with only four screens. They also have a good student discount. I haven't been back in a while--mainly because the films they play usually line up to what we play at the cinema I work for--but I want to go back soon.
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Review from Denis J.
New York, NY
2/28/2007
It's great to get off-the-grid, indie films here but I once saw a really good movie completely out of focus on one side of the screen and the owner didn't seem to care. Odd... Avoid the digital screening room.
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Review from Rebecca L.
Brooklyn, NY
11/21/2008
i love you.
you're cheap, reliable and intimate.
couldn't ask for much more. -
Review from Alison C.
8/13/2008
Small, underground, intimate, and dedicated to Indie film lovers. While slightly worn out, this theater is on a fabulous block (next to Gotham Bar & Grill) and gets an educated crowd looking to avoid the crowds and film disasters to be found at the megaplex a few blocks away.
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Review from Kate G.
7/27/2009
Small theaters. The box office seems a bit disorganized, and show times sometimes run late. And I think it is expensive, if you're not a student. But I always see something interesting.
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Review from Wally C.
New York, NY
2/1/2010
I like this theater, have seen about 4 movies here. The bathrooms are in the basement. The theater is ok size, pretty clean. They show ok films there as well, combining mainstream with slightly indie films. Sometimes, they participate in film festivals, show those kinds of films. I'll go here again.
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Review from Lauren P.
Burlington, VT
5/10/2009
Convenient location, solid movie selections, reasonable prices, and four stars for the good looking bearded ginger who sold me my ticket.
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