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Landmark Theatres
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
10850 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 470-0492
10850 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 470-0492
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
279 reviews for Landmark Theatres
I have to say - I was pleasantly surprised at how nice this theater was.
I went for a screening of a movie. Considering they had 2 other screenings going on in addition to actual movies playing at the theaters, it was handled quite well, with the exception of the signs directing people for the screenings being useless and confusing.
There are leather (pleather?) seats and the usual stadium seating. Also there is assigned seating. Yes, those numbers on your seats actually mean something here.
Typical concession stand, but there is a bar in the theater as well. I got free popcorn and a drink as part of the screening so I didn't really look to see what they had.
Because of the way the screening came about - I had a seat that was in the second row. Not my ideal place to sit watching a movie, luckily this wasn't an action flick.
If I actually lived close by - I wouldn't mind dropping by to watch a movie. The vibe is definitely more like you are dropping by to watch a broadway show than a movie. There are ushers directing you and everything.
This theater is DISMAL. Horrible, awful, shout-it-out-loud-to-everyone-i-know bad. We left before the film started. Landmark is totally trying to rip off what ArcLight does (higher-end/higher-price special occasion movie viewing) and completely fails. Let's do a comparison, how about it fuckers?
1. The online reservation at landmark charges you one dollar per ticket, which is stupid because if you're seeing a popular movie on a fri or sat night you HAVE to reserve it online. This makes tickets like 13.50 per person which is just two dollars less than ArcLight and a much, much worse experience. ArcLight wins.
2. The online reservation system is confusing. I thought I was booking seats in the top row for a nearly sold out show when it turns out I wasn't. We were sat in the second to front row (more on that later). Admittedly, I was using my iPhone so maybe the browser is not awesome but I've never had any confusion booking things for any other theater.
3. Parking at this place is a hot nightmare. Confusing, poorly managed... they blocked off an entire aisle just so they could park two more cars.
4. The seats we sat in don't belong in the theater. We had to crane our necks up to see the screen. The fact that Landmark installed seats here is more proof that their company's ethos is nothing more "fuck you, pay us." I could have spit on the screen if I wanted to.
5. The seats aren't that comfortable and are narrow (we're thin people by the way). I've never had that problem at ArcLight.
6. When we went to get our refund the concierge/manager couldn't care less. AND they kept the online reservation fee. Thanks, fuckers!
If i wanted to summarize, it'd be a headline like this: "company tries to imitate high-end ArcLight, fails, turns out worse than a regal megaplex." I'm boycotting the entire chain and telling everyone I know to do the same.
I'm all for more theaters using the whole reserved seating process, but I think Landmark has to try to take a page from Arclight in either Hollywood or Sherman Oaks in the whole design of the theater.
I was here a few weeks ago to see Precious and I knew the screen was going to be close to me since all I could manage buying was second row seats, but the distance between the seats and the screen was totally unreasonable. There must be only two or three feet away from the screen and the seats. I'm used to that at old theaters, but this place is supposed to be new, right? I know they're trying to fit as many people in there but when you've got most of your first & second rows leaving because of the ridiculous lack of distance between the seats and screen, that should be a sign to change things around there. I didn't leave, but I know if there's a next time, I'll make damned sure I'll be earlier in picking seats further back.
The only reason I'm giving this 2 stars instead of 1 is because of all the choices they offer in their concession stands. Anyplace that carriesTim Tams like that deserves an extra star in my book.
The Landmark doesn't feel quite as comfy as the Arclight, but it is a little more posh.
I came here last weekend to see the Fantastic Mr. Fox, which was as fantastic as the title implied. It's not opening in all theaters until Turkey day, and last weekend was the opening weekend, so it was a little crowded at the Landmark, but I was honestly happy just to be in the room with that Fantastic Fox.
I liked the really wide selection of sweets at the concession stand. I'm sure they were very expensive, as movie theaters generally always gouge, so I ordered conservatively, as a good movie date should.
The parking process did seem simple enough, and it was nice to have a few nearby options for drinks after the film.
I hold back that fifth star for some reason: my rather small and flat feeling traditional style old school theater seat! Maybe it was because we were in the first six rows, but it could have been a more comfortable hour and thirty-five minutes.
I see this place has got nothing but good reviews but I just wanted to throw my experience in the bunch. I went here today for the first time, but cant say I extraordinarily loved it. The ticket kiosk was nice and it was nice to choose my seat(though honestly a bit confusing for a first time visitor). I wasnt aware ushers walked you to your seat, no usher walked me to my seat as I have seen other people say, but I didnt think anything of that. The seats in the theater are the best part cushy and very comfy, now HERE IS MY REASON FOR NOT ENJOYING MYSELF.
This theater (perhaps because of its location and movie selection) cater to an upscale crowd. The problem with this is that "upscale people" not all but a great deal, tend to to have a sense of entitlement and feel they dont have to follow the rules.
First, now I dont know if this is allowed or not, but a woman sitting next to me brought her own food and it was highly ummm aromatic to say the least. It really bothered me to smell that during the whole first half of the film, it was very garlicly and vinegary and annoying, couple that with the popcorn from another woman = horrible smell
Second, though it has happened before I have never experience what I experienced today. A mans phone went off in the theater and it was ringtone that was a song not a regular ring. Well the few times this has happened before in a theater i was in, the person whose phone was ringing was in a rush to cut the sound off, find the phone etc. The person whose phone went off today simply let it keep ringing, yes thats right folks just let it keep ringing. After someone let out an audible sigh the man then slowly walks out the theater still not silencing the thing the whole time.
Similarly, another sense of entitlement group/lack of common decency(just older) were the elderly people sitting behind me who were talking audibly throughout the whole movie like they didnt have a care in the world and could give a damn if they were disturbing you. They WERENT EVEN TRYING to whisper, they simply talked in low speaking voices but to be sitting directly behind me this was soo annoying and clear in my ear, but what was I was gonna do tell the Golden Girls to STFU?(unlike them I have respect) so I just suffered.
Third, I found the blue stair lights deeply annoying, I want my theater dark, not with a bright light. Those lights are so bright I seriously thought someone had opened their phone when the main lights went down and in my search to see who it was , that was when i discovered it was the aisle lights. Airplane aisle lights arent even that bright.
At any rate, I mention the clientele they are catering to because I really feel like that is why these incidents took place. Just as I do not go to theaters that I know a lot of teenagers go to because I want to hear the movie not them talking to the screen, to each other and bright cell lights illuminating through the whole movie, I also do not want to be disturbed by your food you chose to eat and you not having the common decency and respect for others to silence your ringing cell phone or whisper (because of course your the only ones that matters).
The theater was nice but nothing besides the seats would make me want to give a glowing review of this place.
No matter what you say, the people in the theater with you can disrupt the movie for you and who wants to go snitch on somebody and in the process miss part of the movie while your telling.
Unless needed (as it was today because it was the theater closest to my house showing the movie I wanted to see) I wont intentionally return.
last night i went and saw the movie crazy heart. this movie is one in the envelope series. i'd recommend this movie to all. the story line is from a novel by thomas cobb and is truly fantastic. the acting is wonderful with jeff brides,maggie and robert duvall all of whom had a q 7 a after the movie. the music is excellent and written by t bone burnett who also attended the q & a and the director/writer producer scott cooper also joined in on the q & a. is was a great session
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/13/2009
last night i went and saw broken embraces starring penelope cruz this was a really fantastic movie… Read more »
Put your nose in the air and stunna shades on and check this place out when you wanna see a movie. Star status y'all!
Aside from being set inside a mall, this place is kinda shee shee (whatever way you spell it).
My friend got hooked up with free tix to this place so we ended up here one weeknight to see some movie with Matt Damon called the Informant or something. Dark comedy, not really my thing, but interesting.
I thought it was interesting that you have to choose your seats and the usher walks you to your seat. The seats are extra cush... awww.... so if you have hemroids (yes I went there) or a sensitive toosh, then this is what you need for a night at the movies.
The ushers even give personal announcements and hang around if you need something. I swear they would even offer tissue if it was a tear jerker... That will be the next test if they want to get 5 stars. Wipe that tear off my face and you will get my unconditional Yelpy love.
For the most part, I am not a theatre movie goer cuz I am like a fidgety 3 year old when it comes to sitting for long periods of time. But if I was a movie goer, this would be among my top places to watch a movie.
Good selection of films. I was hard pressed to find a theatre showing "An Education".
HOWEVER!!! Make sure you reserve tickets well beforehand! I went to a 7:20pm showing and bought tickets 15 minutes prior, and the only seats available were the front two rows. Once we got to our seats, it was ridiculous how close up the seats were to the screen. What's the point of paying $12.50 and sitting in a nice leather reclining seat when I'm not even going to be able to see the screen clearly? No one should be sitting there. A few rows back, I heard people saying they'd bought their tickets that day at 4pm and those were the best seats they could get. Ridiculous.
Although today's viewing of The September Issue was not my first time at this fancy theater, it was my first time watching a movie in their room filled with comfy leather couches and armchairs instead of normal theater seats. This was a pleasant surprise, except that the person at the ticket counter did not tell me that and allowed me to choose an empty seat sharing a loveseat with a stranger when there were plenty of empty seats that I could have chosen (I like to watch certain movies by myself - namely, those that no one will see with me). It was awkward to have to sit next to this stranger, and she didn't seem too happy about it either. Luckily, it was an older movie and an early showing so I was able to hunt down an empty couch that had a better view of the screen anyway. I would just think they would tell you that in advance.
Other than that, this is one of my favorite theaters when I feel like splurging on a more expensive ticket than my local AMC. I also love the snack bar here - they sell cool things like pocky sticks and nice tea. The lounge/bar downstairs is a nice touch as well.
Finally: free parking! Awesome.
Went to see a screening of "Broken Embraces" here. This was my first time visiting this theatre and I was pleasantly surprised! It has really comfy seats and there's even a bar so you can have a drink before watching the movie.
Before the renovation of this theater, it was small, dank, and downright nasty theater. Yeah, they showed all the cool indie flicks, but the seats were budget and it smelled funny. I would rather bear the traffic and drive down to the Laemmle in WeHo.
Then they remodeled and I swear angels were singing when I stepped into the new theater. They built the new theater in the section of the Westside Pavilion that was outdoor. They did an incredible job. They have a cute wine bar where there are comfy couches that you can chill with a beer or wine and wait for your movie to start. They even have a screen of all the movies and the times when they will be seating, so you don't have to keep checking in with the staff at the entrance. You can buy your tix from a live person or go to the kiosks. I prefer the kiosks since it is quicker. You pick your seats and it is stadium seating. The have more upscale choices at the concession stand like Pocky and vegan cookies...so LA. The staff are very nice compared to other theaters. I don't give it a full 5 stars because although the theaters are bigger than before, it is still smaller than the larger theaters like the ArcLight, AMC 15, and Cinema De Lux, so there shows sell out quicker. They show both indie and mainstream films here and the crowd is mixed, although it tends to be sway to the 60+ age group for showings before 8PM and then the hipsters come in after that. Also, the parking is a nightmare, so if you are watching a newly released picture that is very popular, allow yourself at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your show to get parking otherwise you will get stressed out looking for parking, get tickets (if there are still some available) and run to your theater and miss the sneak previews or even worse...part of the beginning of the movie. Some of the smaller theaters have couches instead of the regular seats, so you can snuggle with your honey during the movie. It is cool to experience, but I wished the couches had higher backs. I had to slouch way down into the seat so I can rest my head and I am short, so tall people must be uncomfortable in these seats.
Ever since the Landmark opened, I come here now instead of the Arclight since it is closer to home. The picture and sound quality are very good and the seats are nice too. You may even see a celebrity from time to time, I saw Gene Simmons and his family here. This place rocks.
No wait kiosks grading scale A Excellent
restrooms grading scale B Above average
ushers grading scale B Above average
Reserve seating grading scale A Excellent
Where the Wild Things Are
Directed by Spike Jonze grading scale A Excellent
Spike Jonze Dave Eggers Writing credits screenplay D Below average
Cast grading scale A Excellent
Music by Karen Orzolek The Yeah Yeah Yeahs grading scale A Excellent
cinematography Lance Acord grading scale B Above average
Production Design Art Set Costume grading scale A Excellent
What I like in a cinema - decent selection of films, lovely snacks, a good vibe, nice fellow patrons, easy access. I think people, that the Landmark fits the bill.
Parking is free, snacks are a small step up from the usual megaplex fare, there was at least one slightly left of centre film on show when I last went, the seats are large, comfy and recline, people around me seemed to be polite and silent. A good thing mostly.
If you get there early you have a Barnes & Noble and a StarSucks to keep you busy. They also have some DVDs and film books for sale in the hall.
3 stars only since it's a mall + screening room feel - I much prefer the old school atmosphere of a theatre.
I seem to be in the minority about this place, as I like it but don't love it. I don't love paying $12.50 for the 2nd showing of the afternoon. I don't love their higher than others prices for snacks. I do appreciate it's cleanliness and the lack of commercials, etc. And easy parking, my friends. But, I don't feel the need to be told what I'm about to see by a future actor of America. If that's part of what my $12.50's going for, I'd like some of it back.
Wow! Thanks to yelp I had the chance to check out The Landmark for the first time ever this week to see "Extract" and both the movie and theater were fantastic.
Clean and sleek interior with ultra-comfy cushioned leather stadium seating? Check, check, check.
After reading other reviews I'm intrigued by this mysterious Landmark "living room"... how does one go about buying tickets for a show in it?
Was here last night to watch Michael Moore's new movie. I've been here in the past many times and I can say this place is a step up from your usual movie theaters.
4 stars for many reasons:
-the reserved seating
-plenty of kiosks around to buy your own ticket instead of waiting at the window
-a barnes and noble next door if you need to kill time before your movie
-concessoin stand sells food you don't see at your typical movie theater
-lounge bar if you want a drink before the movie or hang right after
-wide, leather reclining seats
-ushers and a concierge at your service
-loves seats in one theater
the lists goes on.....
plus, if you're a visa signature member, you get dibbs on reserved seating and discounts on food
I went to see a screening here last night. I was amazed at the renovations, I hadn't been to this side of the Westside Pavilion since it was an outdoor shopping area. The theater seemed well kept, nice leather seats that literally rocked a little if you leaned back. That was cool. Armrests do go up in case you want to hide your face in someone else's shoulder for a while.
Oh...also I think the sound was a tad bit to loud--but no one else seemed to notice.
Everything seemed like it was trying to be a little more upscale for a movie experience. There's a wine bar/lounge right before the the theaters.Comfy place, also had some domestic beers that i've never seen before. Kinda pricey the beer my hubs had--canned was $6.
This place is definitely AWESOME! I wouldn't say 5 stars, but it's close! I'm diggin the leather love seats and reserved seating. One theater (#11) has only 8 or 9 love seats, creating a very intimate, exclusive environment.
I was totally curled up on the couch, allowing myself to get completely comfortable, which is nearly impossible for me in a regular theater.
How come I never knew about this place before?! And the prices are cheap! I'd much rather pay $12 for reserved love seats than $11.50 or whatever it is, at The Bridge...ANY DAY!
Coming from the Bay Area where there are 9 Landmark Theaters in a 20 mile radius I was disappointed to find only one in L.A. Granted, they have good coverage of indie releases, but I can't overlook the venue. Both the CO and Bay Area locations had a weekday and early weekend showtimes pass where you could prepay for 5 movies and two people could share a pass. I think it was ~$35 last I checked a few years ago. The W L.A. location said that they "didn't accept the passes", although they said they'd make an exception this time. I'd have to agree with Anna L that it's a bit upscale for my tastes and out of synch with the feel of the other Landmarks I've visited.
It was a Saturday, yesterday actually. I decided to have some me time and go catch an early afternoon flick at this treat of a theatre. I went to see the new flick Shrink(very good movie by the way!)
Parking is easy squeezy lemon peezy. From the parking garage you just take 1 or 2 escalators to get to the theatre's enormous lobby. You pass Westwood Tavern http://www.yelp.com/bi...
which you can get a drink and some nibbles before your movie. They also have 21+ screenings which you can drink during the movie.
The room showing Shrink, instead of having a normal seating had lounge style seating with about 25 pleather and upholstered sofas, way comfortable, each separated by a foot or two and all of them with slim side tables.
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8/1/2008
I came here with an ex of mine, and me and her were more than happy at the fact there was a full bar… Read more »
Watch out Arclight, you got some competition on my new favorite theater. Though, I should impose some restrictions for this unconditional love I have for the place. Can't fall too fast, now can I?
Been here a couple of times now. Always the same. Kill time in the book store and see what's new. Try your best to get the lounge seating. Right there in the second row of lounge sofas and you got yourself a fun date going.
Hungry before? The Tavern on the first floor has an amazing shrimp salad and some delicious burgers. Even have racer 5 on tap.
I think the only down side to this place is that the concession stand is a little pricey for movie food and they don't have your typical movie foods. Which can be both a good and bad thing. You get to try something different and new, but you don't have those staples you've come to love.
Back to the theater. I love the lounge seating. You get a little sofa or a bean bag to your party and it really is a whole lot nicer than a home theater set up that wont break the bank.
I got to admit, I didn't expected it... This is one of the best theater I've ever been to! We were here for an advance screening on Thursday for the movie The Perfect Getaway, The leather recllining seats were so comfortable and big where I can just fall asleep in it!
You park your car in the Garage and take the escalator up. You kind of get the feeling you are going to walk through the mall to get to this theater. Am I wrong. You go up the escalator, and there it is, that huge space is the lobby of the theater by an entrance of the Barnes and Noble book store.
The Consession stands were awsome, although I sent my sister out to get the snacks, I checked it out when we were about to leave. They have all kind of snack. Candies and snacks that you don't see at a regular movie theater.
The restroom is so cool!...lol
They are clean, new and very trendy.. yeah a trendy restroom for a theater.. :-)
I would most definately come back here. Even if it's not a screening and I have to pay for the tickets!
Saw The Hurt Locker and Gene Simmons here, all in one night!
Ballin!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/21/2008
Me and my lady got our cherries popped at this place last night. We scoured the earth for a theater… Read more »
I was here for a private screening of a small indie film earlier this year.
I didn't buy tickets or stop by concession or even the bathroom.
I tend to avoid anything that has to do with waiting in line.
BUT my goodness the theater I watched the screening in was really nice.
The stadium seating and leather reclining seats were great.
Why didn't I know about this place when I living closeby?
I would drive all the way to CC AMC! or freakin Arclight in Hollywood!
I'm a fan of Arclight theater, but the location steers me away to CC AMC.
Next time I'm in la and have an urge to watch a movie, it's going to be here.
And I'll have to stop by the concession stand and potty room! =p
My favorite theatre in L.A by far! They have TIM TAMS (sluuuuuurp) that's always sold out! The food and drink selection here is unreal. From coffee to fresh pretzels from La Brea bakery...this is a theatre like nowhere else in L.A!
The staff does introductions to every movie, making the audience feel at ease and at home at Landmark. The service is top notch, even the chairs are top quality. If you're lucky you will get the studio with sofa style seats. Highly recommended!
I'm still partial to Arclight Hollywood as my theatre of choice, but the Landmark comes in a close second and is definitely the best screening option I've come across on the Westside. The seats are plush, comfy leather and the armrests can be pushed up if you want to cozy up with your movie going companion or try to be slick and cop a feel.
If you go early to purchase your tickets you'll generally have your choice of all the premium center seating to reserve from. Then either grab a bite at one of the many restaurants in the area or go knock around the Westside Pavilion for a few until the movie starts. Fellas be warned though, Forever 21 and H&M are opening up soon so don't arrive too far in advance or it'll be "what do you think of this?" and "does this make my butt look big?" before you know it and you'll be wondering how dinner and a movie turned into real life Confessions of a Shopaholic.
I love watching movies at the Landmark. I can get tickets online and reserve seats, and then I don't have to worry about coming too early. I like the snack selection pocky's, tam tams, and a few other unique snack choices. Lots of old people watch movies here, which is great. This means there aren't any annoying high school kids here. I'm even more than happy to watch an independent film by myself here in the middle of the day.
I definitely liked the modern decor!
I came in for a special screening so I'll have to go back to experience it again but for now, I liked what I saw. Although, I did find the lobby area a bit weird as it wasn't really cordoned off and the mall just kind of blended into the theater. I suppose it was meant to be that way.
As you walk in, you'll see some ticket machines (ultra fancy!), the concessions to the left and the Wine Bar to the right.
There was one person taking tickets but it was blocked off so I think some people can easily sneak in (not that anyone really would do that, right?).
Our seats were comfortable and I liked that I could rock in them not that I did much. I recently went to the Arclight and Landmark's seats are definitely nicer and cushier.
Picture and sound quality were excellent.
Restrooms were clean though they needed more sinks. Or at least another area of mirrors. Some women would just stand there fussing while some of us needed to wash our hands!
This is the best theater west of the 405.
The seats are comfortable and even slightly recline.
The sound is good and they remind patrons to disconnect from their cell phones for the duration of the movie.
The snack bar seems to have a good selection though I was too full from dinner to partake.
The one downside is the parking lot at the mall/theater can get a little crammed and crazy on Friday and Saturday night. i recommend getting there early.
My boyfriend and I found this theater yesterday, as it was one of the few playing It Might Get Loud, and we were already in the LA area. Parking is free, which is a plus in LA. You take an escalator from the parking garage up to the theater.
When you buy your tickets, the person at the ticket desk shows you a computer and asks you to pick your seats. There are NO student discounts here and one ticket came out to $12.50. A bit pricey if you ask me, and no student discount?? hmm..
As you walk into the theater, there are like two people standing at every door, or inside, like guards almost! I didn't like that at all. They have to show you where your seats are, as if you are at a concert or something.
Once inside, we enjoyed the movie and the seats are super comfy!! I would like to try out the theaters that have the couches, that might fully win me over!
This theater is trying to be very upscale with it's food/wine/beer etc. I still prefer Alamo Drafthouse in Austin over this place! More charm, and you can order straight from your seat!
Of all the movie theaters i've been to whether locally or when I travel to other city/ states the Landmark Theatres 'Hands Down' is the best one I ever been to!
Not that I dont mind paying for parking, but its parking structure was under the theaters and there was no charge. Cool!
Once we purchased our ticket, were asked to pick our seating arrangements. Initially thought, okay just like the archlight - no big deal. Among other reasons to like this theater is how the seating is structure, one can have Shaq sitting in front of view and he wont block your view at all. Seats in the are in 45 degree angle and you almost have 3 to 4 feet above the person seating below you. Also, there seats are the most comfortable ever!
Among other things, they show quite a few indie films as well along with the current hollywood films.
Highly recommend this theater for being friendly, beautiful, clean and enjoyable... would definitely come back again!
I call this place "Arclight 2.0". Harder, better, faster, stronger...
Let's hit the major highlights shall we?
1. Free parking. This totally appeals to the cheapskate deep within me.
2. Assigned seating. Sure, the Arclight has it too, but the seating here is better. The stadium seats are at a steeper angle, decreasing the chances of having your view blocked by a giant head. I like it!
3. Bar and 21+ screenings. The Landmark is giving the Arclight a run for its money.
4. Indie screenings with cool surprises. There have been special events with directors and actors. It's a really nice treat.
5. Right next to a mall. You can get some naughty snacks from the food court (or the Starbucks at Barnes and Noble) before hitting the movie.
6. Superior 3D glasses. You wouldn't think it's a big deal... but it is. These look like slick sunglasses from the 80s. They fit nicely, even over your normal glasses. They're never crooked and they never slip, which is a problem I often encounter at the Arclight.
Improvements to consider:
1. Adding chili cheese fries to the concession stand menu. If you know me, you'd understand why.
2. I couldn't agree more with Eric I. There needs to be an arcade.... with House of the Dead and DDR. I am also open to Galaga and Ms. Pacman if you want to keep it old school.
Mixed reviews.
Came here to see The Cove last nite and would like to give more stars, but the bar stopped short!
The good:
5 stars to the theatre: Clean. Great stadium seating. Assigned seating. Helpful staff, not like the ones you see at other theatres barely in their teens who can't even point you to the damn restroom. Concession stand offered cool stuff including pocky sticks and wasabi green peas.
The bad: The "bar"
1 star: Great design. decent wine list. What looked like vodka was Han soju being poured off as "vodka". At $12 bucks a pop, I could've gone downstairs and gotten real cocktails cheaper. And it was jigger poured!!! Damn it. Beer n wine list was decent, again overpriced.
The pizza squares tasted fresh out of a box n put into a toaster oven.
The nicest offering on the menu was a frickin hot dog.
There was a Caesar salad on the menu, but I was afraid to ask.
My choice: If you come here for a movie, do just that. Skip the eating n drinking to another establishment in the area.....
I hate going out to see movies, and I'll tell you why. I hate going and paying a lot of money to sit in a smelly, dirty theater with a bunch of strangers who are talking, or their cell phones are ringing, or any other of the thousand and one ways in which people can be rude. All of the employees hate their jobs, and because of this they transpose their anger at the desolate circumstances of their lives onto you, and therefore they hate you as well. Further, the seats are uncomfortable, and by the time you get there (unless you like to arrive early and wait in lines) all of the good seats are taken and you have to sit in the very front. Basically, the theaters treat you like cattle... pack 'em in, pack 'em out, and thanks for your money... here's a validation for your parking. What, it won't cover the full amount? Sorry, fuck off.
But there is change in the air, I can smell it. And I finally experienced it for myself last night, at the Landmark Theater at the Westside Pavilion.
I ordered the tickets online, and reserved the seats that I wanted, so no problems with getting a cramped neck. I walked in, and didn't know where to get my tickets (where IS the will call, anyways?), walked up to a girl, who just took my credit card, swiped it, and printed my tickets for me. All with a smile? Hmmm, what's in the kool aid?
We walked into the theater, and an usher (an usher? is this the 1930s? awesome!) showed us to our seats. And the seats were... wait for it... wait for it... COMFORTABLE! That's right! They reclined, and the armrest folds up so that my girlfriend can get close. And they were PLEATHER! No more dirty, stinky fabric... it's not leather, but imagine how much it would cost to outfit an entire theater in leather? Not in this lifetime... Oh yeah, and other than laughing during the funny parts of the movie, no one was talking, and not ONE cell phone went off!
5 stars, and I don't see myself ever going to another theater again. This place rocks. I'm very excited to be able to see movies not in the comfort of my own home (wait baby, we're going out on a date tonight? what's gotten into you?). That's right, my game has stepped up, and it's all thanks to Landmark.
These five stars are for all the damned-friendly young folks who work at Landmark. I go there for the movies, but I appreciate how nicely the burgundy-shirted troop treats me. Give them a paid day off on me. Thank you.
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1/2/2009
I lived in NYC for years and after I left, I knew I wouldn't have the myriad choices of independent… Read more »
This place is amazing. I've never seen a theatre look so spankin' new and spotless; really modern design too. Like one of the girls wrote before me, "The Landmark is the Rolls Royce of movie theatres." Located directly across from the Barnes & Noble bookstore and connected to Nordstrom and the rest of the mall, parking (structure offers both underground and rooftop parking) is completely unlimited and free.
My friends and I came for a Yelp advanced screening of "500 Days of Summer", checked in at the Yelp/Fox Searchlight table and went through security. No cameras were allowed, so I had to run back to my car and put away my camera. The movie theatres are huge with super COMFY "sofa" seats. Some reviewers have mentioned reserve seating but I don't really know anything about that :/
After the movie, my friends and I decided to explore around for a bit and flipped through a binder showing all the 12 theatres' seating charts. Most of the theatres seat probably around 250 people but some were quite small and intimate, seating around maybe 15, with actual sofas to lounge in!
The Landmark offers great customer service with really nice and helpful employees and security as well. There's even a bar/restaurant located right next to the theatres on Level 1, so you can get your drink on before or after the movie haha. I also like how it's really close to the 10 frwy, so there's no way you can possibly get lost getting back onto the frway unless you're a complete dunzo.
Only things I don't like, but don't really have a problem with are that I live too far away :( and the tickets seem to be a bit more pricey than your average theatre. We didn't have to pay for our movie, but my friend saw that a movie ticket was $12. Even though it's a bit pricey, it's totally worth it.
Having paid $7 to pick up my tickets at the LA Film Festival Ticket Center, I appreciated the free parking here but it took over 10 minutes to find a space. It was confusing to enter the structure because some car had blocked the turn and there was no signage ahead of you other than valet. They really need a space count display for each level. I prefer the floor plan for the Arclight, but I went here to watch My Dear Enemy. One faucet and two of the soap dispensers didn't work.
Restrooms were clean yet I wish they had lock indicators so I wouldn't have to check for feet to know if the stall was available. The picture quality was okay even though the projectionist used a Mac for the ads. The sound is fine. The theatre didn't seem large but the seats were comfortable. We went to the wrong floor/theatre at first because our tickets didn't have the number on it.
Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
Oh fair cinema, how I love thee. I love you free parking, clean bathrooms, and gumless seats. I love you Barnes and Nobles. I love you computer, which I use to pick out seats days in advance, and I don't so much love admitting I am a film/literature nerd to the world.
I love you wine bar, that you can sip on a cold glass of chard till the moment before your film starts (you have your primo seat after all).
I even love (read can stand you after a glass of wine) you maroon shirted film gentleman who quirkely announces no text messaging before the show begins.
I especially love you 21+ shows, as I am over 21, and don't like 7 year olds hellraising over rated R.
I hope our love will sustain the test of time.
This is a fabulous theater to attend for those who want to be pampered. It is super convenient to get to (free parking garage), here you can wait for your date to show up whilst browsing Barnes & Nobles or Nordstrom. The snack bar has a full coffee bar, full regular movie snack bar, plus lots of other eccentric treats.
Upon purchasing the tickets (either online or in person) you select your seats so getting to the theater early is completely unnecessary if you don't wish to view all the trailers and pre-movie advertisements. The stadium seats have plenty of leg room, with tall cushy backs that recline while viewing.
All in all, I just can't go back to generic.
Behold, the westside's answer to Arclight!
You get the same luxe set up and exclusive vibe, reserved seats, plenty of indie flicks and big picks, excellent picture and sound quality, (for the most part) pleasant concierge service, plus lots of great concessions. No, you're not gonna find my beloved Arclight caramel corn here, but they more than make up for it with their delicious one-size-fits-most generously poured and topped tart fro-yo (I get mine with berries and choc chips, so good), delicious wasabi peas, artisanal choccie and all sorts of other overpriced goodies you won't be able to resist.
They've also got something Arclight does not -- these very cool small format theatres called the "living rooms" where the assigned seats are on cushy sofa lounges. You can snuggle up with your hunny and see the latest flick so cozy it's like being home. But better. Because you're not. Know what I mean?
Inside the theatre is a very modern decked out wine bar that periodically does happy hour type specials and always has some cool movie themed cocktails. This week, Star Trek, of course. They serve a tasty little personal sized pizzas, too. And there's a hidden little smoking patio just off the bar if you've got one of those in tow.
All that for a dollar less a ticket and, the coup de gras of good cinema -- unlimited free parking! You hear that? Freeeee!!
If you wanna mix it up or kill some pre or post-movie time, you've got the entire mall to entertain yourself (and your wallet) with, a Barnes & Noble complete with Starbucks Café for the caffeine-addicted (who, me?) and, of course, the super fab new Westside Tavern downstairs should you feel compelled to get yourself good and liquored up. Who, me?
Random sidenote... this is a great spot for celeb sighting. It's where they all come to hide out from the crowds at the Arclight. If you've got out of towners hangin' around, this one's a must on the to-do list.
