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Pickwick Theater
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
5 S Prospect Ave(between Grant Pl & Illinois Route 72)
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 604-2234
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
35 reviews for Pickwick Theater
35 reviews in English
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Review from Thomas T.
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
So after reading some of these other reviews, I can see where they are all coming from. But to be honest, from my experience, this place isn't all that bad.
I had a Groupon that expired to I had to make the long trip from the far west to this nice looking downtown area in Park Ridge. Lots of parking is available and free past 6pm which is convenient. Unlike some of these other reviews, I went into the back of the theater first and was told that the movie I was going to see was in the front and to walk through the alley way. I must admit, it was pretty creepy to just walk through a dark alley way in the middle of the night, but I guess they've been doing that for years now.
So this theater is an old school theater and even a landmark. Never seen one like this before. Has the old school vibe with the ticket counter on the outside and non digital display board. Concessions area was pretty small compared to the newer theaters but you couldn't really expect much more. As long as they had popcorn and soda then it is all good.
As for the main theater, place was huge. Bigger than some of the main theaters I've seen in other newer cinemas. High ceilings, dim lighting, and an opera room type vibe. Only complaints I had was that the screen was too small as compared to the room size and there were no cup holders. If you sat in the back, then you'd probably need a telescope to see the screen (though I doubt that that place will ever fill up so just sit closer).
Overall nice place, it's good to just try at least once -
Review from Elizabeth T.
Chicago, IL
10/25/2011
Been seeing movies in Pickwick since the mid-90's when we were in high school. Came back here last night because of a foreign movie I wanted to see.
Facts about Pickwick:
1) Built in 1928; built to resemble an Aztec or Mayan temple
2) Holds 1,400 seats
3) 1975, this was put in the National Register of Historic Places
4) In 1990, theaters 2, 3, and 4 were added. You get to these theaters by walking through the small alley way connecting both theaters. Don't worry. The connecting alley is well-lit & has stores on both sides (Hallmark & Starbucks) so you'll be safe.
Pros
+ "Old world" feeling once your'e inside. Very charming
+ Abundance of restaurants surrounding the theater
+ Nice small town downtown feel when walking the neighborhood
+ Free parking
+ Cheaper to watch a movie here than the big cinemas like AMC, Regal, etc.
Cons
- Washrooms need to be updated
- Floors of the 1,400 theater were very sticky. Ick!
- In general, the place needs to be updated. Given the competition: AMC, Regal, etc. and their newer facilities, I would only go to Pickwick if it is showing movies that are not available in other big theaters. I do love downtown Park Ridge, though. -
Review from Jim P.
Niles, IL
3/6/2011
I've been to the front large and small back theaters. The complaints about the small one are valid.
Overall, this is definitely an older theater. I still like it because of the (i) large theater's interior decor and (ii) staff (at least for the large theater) and (iii) ticket prices (which are better than those at newer venues). N.B., however: a trip to the bathroom in the large theater requires going down a stairwell with several steps. That may be difficult with and for little ones. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
4/14/2009
I love the Pickwick! Well, OK, not the three little side theatres which are small and boring, but the main one that is huge and has amazing art deco architecture and a fabulous painted ceiling. Did you know it has 1540 seats? That's huge, yo! Its hardly ever crowded and the tickets are so cheap! (like a third of the price of Muvico).
Definitely support the Pickwick. There are too many ugly movie houses out there, let's keep the cool ones alive! -
Review from J. B.
Champaign, IL
4/1/2007
It's $5 per flick at the Pickwick. Don't expect to movie hop here.
Make sure the movie you want to see is playing at the Main Auditorium Theater. If you are serious about sightseeing or architecture, The Art Deco style theater is definitely worth the $5 because its history is rich.
Look up once you're seated, the ceiling is thoroughly decorated and is usually more interesting to watch than any of the previews shown on the big screen.
Pickwick also has three other screens. The others are small boxes that were made to accommodate more people and allow the Pickwick to run different movies. In my opinion, you'd be better off renting a movie and watching it in the comfort of your own home. -
Review from Mike O.
2/6/2007
This used to be our "date place" 10 years ago when a ticket cost only $1.75. Then they became an "art house" supposedly and began playing 1st run movies rather than wait a month or two when the movies were on their way out of theatres.
At $5 it's not as good of a bargain as before, but we still go there occasionally. Pickwick lets you bring in Starbucks or Lisa's Italian Ice products from down the street too. Seats are not the best but on a Saturday night the place sells out in the little theatres in back. There's always room in the main theatre though.
And the main theatre is still a masterpiece inside, like no multiplex will ever compare to this architecture.Listed in: Insider's Guide to Park Ridge
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Review from Ericka A.
12/6/2008
I came here for the Polish Film Festival showing of Andrzej Wajda's Katyn. The theater is pretty impressive. It's very old school and inviting. They had my reservation ready and handed me my tickets when I gave them the confirmation email printout. I'm not sure who normally runs the place, but I think people for the festival might have been in charge of most of the ticket transactions. They were very efficient and friendly. I got to break out my few Polish phrases, so that's always a highlight for me.
The theater itself, as stated before, is old. You aren't going to find the highest quality movie format or stadium seating; however, their seats aren't horrible either. I was a little disappointed that the movie shown was clearly a copy. Subtitles were a bit off and the film itself was slightly fuzzy. And no, the focus wasn't off, it was definitely a bootleg. I saw the same movie at last year's Minneapolis Int'l Film Fest and it was perfect.They would do well to make sure that films shown are either the real deal, or in better shape.Listed in: Chicagoland: E Euro Euphoria, Silver Screen Samplings
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Review from Jason C.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2010
Read that 4 Stars as an average: 5 Stars for the main auditorium + 3 Stars for the back theaters.
The Pickwick is a restored movie palace that mostly shows first-run features from major studios. New releases get the main auditorium, which seats about 1400 people (it's huge!) and is GORGEOUS. My one nitpick with the main auditorium is that the screen itself is relatively small, looking to be about 1/3 smaller than the screen at the comparably-sized Portage Theater. Still, if there's a big studio movie you want to see, it's worth the drive out early on weekends for $5 matinees just to spend some time in the place!
The back theaters are nowhere near as interesting. Small, low ceilings, and very dark, but with passably comfortable seating. They're not anything special, but if you live nearby it would still be worth $5 for matinees. However, the back theaters are definitely not worth the trip when there are various preferable options around the city. -
Review from Laura N.
9/20/2009
The first time I visited the Pickwick was on an elementary school field trip to see a live performance of "A Christmas Carol." I don't remember much about the trip aside from the cute boy I sat next to on the bus and tickled under our coats (which were draped over our heads). We were in third grade, what do you expect?
The next time I visited was a few years ago to see a private screening. I had forgotten how awesome the inside of the theater is. It has character and class, unlike the mucky, sticky, overpriced modern theaters.
Now that I live in the area, I pass it often and had not been inside... until a couple weeks ago to see a film. The tickets were surprisingly cheap compared to other theaters, the staff was extremely nice, the place was clean, and overall, I had a great experience. I'm so glad to live nearby.
Now if only I could work on getting the theater to show captioned movies.... -
Review from Jenny V.
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
We were excited to go to pickwick, so we went to the box office and the guy tells me Tangled is showing in their back theater..okay.. back theater is small, like small small. and the theater itself is the old kind, our large drinks didnt even fit in the drink holder! it was cool that an old theater was still around but we were excited to see the main theater that holds over a thousand? next time we'll walk to the box office and see whatevers playing in theater 1!
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Review from Tim S.
Skokie, IL
4/27/2011
Does anyone really give a crap about a theater review? I mean has the world gotten that anal were people check the reviews on every single place they are debating on going to before that make the verdict to actually go? The heck if I know, but if you are one the type that appreciates a nice thorough review on anything and everything, well than I am your man :)
I felt the need to write a review on Pickwick, because something about it makes you feel as though you traveled back in time. When I went to this place, I felt as though I was transported to a time and place in which I was not born to or familiar with. The main theater leaves you in awe. You are first confronted with the old school ticket booth that shoots out a raffle-like ticket stub. The only thing that reminds you that you are in the 2000's is the fact that the box office clerk asks for $7 instead of .50 cents.
After you get your tickets, you are shadowed by old colossal granite decor. The bathrooms are called lounges, and when you walk down to them, you know you are not in a contemporary theater if things were still questionable up until this point. Once you shake you dong off and head on over to the main auditorium (this after washing your hands of course), you are surprised to find that the place seats over 1,400 people (which I'm sure never fills to capacity.) The place has a very high ceiling and is composed of the same granite in the lobby. I do not suggest sitting in the back of the theater even though some people did. The reason why I urge you not to is because the screen does not compliment the amount of seating proportionately. Although, there were still some people that sat all the way in the back. Weird. The only thing I have to bash on is the fact that the speaker system is pretty outdated. There, at least from what I saw, was only two speakers. A left and a right. If you are all into feeling the sound effects of the movies you go to watch, this is not the place to go. However, if you want to go on a romantic date, this place definitely gets my vote.
The staff is very kind, and if you join their mailing list, you get a free small popcorn. If you are the type that requires more than a small popcorn and want to go for a large, you can pay $3 to upgrade. In close, guys take your girlfriends here, they'll love it and then the two of you can walk around in downtown Park Ridge. I did notice a lot of sushi places in the area too, so if that is your cup of tea, you can even make it a dinner and a movie. I can't comment on the sushi places though, I'm not a huge fan of sushi to begin with and have not been to any of the restaurants in the surrounding area. Oh, and there is also a starbucks around the corner if you want to do something a little bit simpler. Have fun! -
Review from Valerie R.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2010
5 stars in the front theater, 4 in the back.
I have a special place in my heart for this theater. I've gone here since I was a kid (I have a fond memory of my Grandpa taking me here to see Snow White when they re-released it. He fell asleep and kept snoring. I was mortified!) and although it isn't the $1.50 it used to cost ($7 now) I still think this no-frills-vintage theater is one of the best. -
Review from Allan M.
Chicago, IL
7/20/2008
If you see a movie here, make sure you're seeing it on either theater 1(the main theater) or theater 4(the upstairs theater in the back addition). Don't bother going to see any movies on their shoebox theaters, which are theaters 2 and 3. I've had the (mis)fortune of braving seeing movies in 2 or 3 a few times, before Crown/Kerasotes 18 opened.
I'll now give a quick lesson here, for those not familiar with this theater. The way to identify the movies that show in either theaters 1 or 4 is to look in the Tribune newspaper ad, and look for the movie that's listed at the very top(for theater 1), or the movie listed at the bottom(theater 4).
That aside, I've always loved theater 1. Gorgeous theater, and one of the biggest movie theaters in operation in the Chicago area(and biggest in the northwest suburbs). Don't think I need to say much about their well-known main theater beyond that. Theater 4 isn't bad either, and the ONLY decent theater of their 3 theaters in the back addition. Like others have noted, the concession prices aren't too bad, and you can take Starbucks drinks into any of the theaters.
The Pickwick also hosts interesting non-movie events in theater 1 from time to time, such as having performances of the Park Ridge Symphony Orchestra. -
Review from Raul b.
7/15/2010
This is another one of those hidden gems of a theater in the Chicago area. The theater itself is a landmark and it sits in the middle of down town Park Ridge surrounded by small locally run stores and some chains stores as well. Its a perfect compliment to the charming down town area. I first started going here when I started attending the GFest convention as they have their film festival at the theater after the convention closes everyday and after the theater shows their normal movies.
The theater itself is massive and easily holds 500 people. Its a palace to movies with its art deco interior and washrooms. The seats are more comfortable than other old school theaters I have been too as well. The interior is beautiful with high ceilings and sweeping seats that lead up to the very large stage and screen. The snack bar is very cheap compared to the chain theaters and its just a great experience to see a movie here.
I highly recommend just seeing it at least once.Listed in: Theaters
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Review from Lauren N.
Gurnee, IL
1/7/2011
"...but its not a bad alley!"
Went here today because I had a Groupon. I had never been to Park Ridge, or the Pickwick theater before today and was excited to see it. We got to the theater and we were told the movie we wanted to see was in the back theater, odd. Walked around the back. Was told the theater was upstairs, which would have been nice to know since my brother has severe back problems and doesn't do stairs very well. Once inside the theater, which was small, we discovered the drinks did not fit in the cup holders. The movie itself was fine, the screen is a bit small but not terrible. Bathrooms were clean. When the movie was over we noticed the entrance we came in was now blocked off, and we were supposed to go down a different set of stairs. No signs as to where it led. We went down the stairs and found ourselves in a back alley, not particularly safe, still no signs. We finally found the front of the theater again and I complained to the guy at the box office about the entrance being blocked off, he said well they do that because people are coming in for other movies and it gets too crowded. I said but the door lead to a alley and there weren't any signs saying as much, to which he replied "there was a exit sign above the door" I said so? It led to a alley and we weren't sure where we were. He replied that "its not a bad alley" I said that didn't matter they should have some signs that at least tell you how to get back to the front of the theater. You could tell he didn't care at all, as he offered no apology.
I will not be going back to this theater, their service was horrible and the place itself was just passable. I'm glad I had a Groupon because I would have been very upset had I driven all that way, to sit in uncomfortable seats, get led into some back alley, then fronted off by a employee. No thanks! -
Review from Lauren P.
5/5/2010
awesome theater!
very cozy place... awesome decor... the architecture give you an authentic feel..
very clean very cheap... and if you sign up for their newsletter they'll send you a coupon for FREE POPCORN...
oh how i love bargains
and clean locations ^_^ -
Review from Erin K.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2009
I agree with the previous reviews... The theater is beautiful and tickets are quite cheap. It's also conveniently located in the center of Uptown Park Ridge. Parking is easy to find, but be sure you don't back in to the spaces in the public parking spots! They mean it.
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Review from Tara M.
Des Plaines, IL
5/20/2007
Now, I've been to movies here, but not since high school (late 80s/early 90s) and oddly I never saw a movie in the main theatre... but we took our kids to see Shrek 3 on it's opening night and my husband and I were pleasantly surprised at the size! Dear Lord, I forgot how big the old theaters were! It's been years since I was in one of these and I was thrilled to have taken my kids there! I did miss the stadium seating that you get at the modern theaters, especially when someone deicded to sit right in front of me just before the movie started... but they moved shortly thereafter and I got over the temporary inconvenience. The sound wasn't the same either, but it wasn't bad. Considering it's still very much what it was when it opened, I think it's an awesome experience! My kids could not believe the size of the theater... or that that's the way all of them were when their parents were growing up on the northside of Chicago.
If you're into that nostalgic feel... I so totally recommend heading down to Northwest Hwy and Touhy to catch a flick!Listed in: Family Friendly in the NW…
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Review from Kelly Y.
Chicago, IL
11/23/2009
Ok. Here goes- I have been going to the PICK WICK since I was a little girl- saw GREASE there as my first movie. UMm can u say loves Olivia Newton John?? Soo the tikets are cheap, seats are decent, and its not usually very crowded which makes for an easy time in and out. There arent any credit card machines to buy tickets in advance or al that jazz, because it has a more retro feel. The popcorn people are usually teenagers and thats ok by me!
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Review from Dorotka K.
Franklin Park, IL
7/8/2010
Pickwick is such a classic theatre! I have attended several concerts here, as well as saw a movie or two. As far as the concerts: the theatre is plenty big, but the sound was not perfect, but definitely good quality compared to other places I have gone to. As a movie theatre, it is not very comfortable, as the seats have not been updated, so after a 2 hour movie, your tush hurts. On the plus side, ticket prices are reasonable and the popcorn is great!
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Review from Chris W.
Chicago, IL
6/12/2009
Why would you see a movie here? It's an experience.
A very tiny strange smelling pop corny experience but very cheap and
very cool. Free popcorn if you sign up for their weekly newsletter.
I'm not sure what news they'll have though other than "hey we're still
not closed down yet!" It's a bit of a landmark of course which is
great and I'd always like to see it open. If you're familiar with the
five buck club at Kerasokes you should know that you don't even need
to sign up for a card at Pickwick. All shows before 6 are 5 for kids
or adults. After that the shows are $7 for adults and $5 for kids and
seniors. They've only got limited showtimes and 3 movies at a time,
but they're movies that are out at other theaters too currently
(always current shows). It's a nice quiet spot and a change of scenery
from your normal movie theater. At least worth one visit to make your
mind up for yourself wheather you'll be back or not! I will.Listed in: Looks that are Decieving!, Date Night
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Review from Sarah F.
Madison, WI
9/29/2005 2 photos
The main theater was constructed in the 20's. It is nice that this place has survived and it definately has some character to it. They don't play artsy movies, which bums me out a bit.
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Review from Tony R.
Chicago, IL
9/4/2010
Great place to take the family. I agree that the main theater is worth it and the back theaters are ok. This is not the same old movie theater at every mall. This theater is clean with a ton of character. Try it once and you will see. Nothing like this in the city.
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Review from Daria Z.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2005
This place is spectacular. They are not a second-run theater anymore as new releases keep popping up. A note you should make before coming is that they've slightly adjusted the price of admission - a ticket will now cost you $6 instead of the usual $5, but if you come for a matinee it'll be about $4. The main screen is the front which seats 1,000. The other theatres in back are much, much smaller, but they have a very intimate, coffeehouse feel - although they truly are nothing special in terms of decor. I always check with the PIckwick before I go to my regular theatre because it's a great bargain and the location has many other things to offer.
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Review from Ben H.
Cleveland, OH
5/3/2010
This is a tough one to evaluate - It all depends on what you're looking for. If you put a high priority on comfort seating, this is not the place for you. If you're looking for a bargain show, this place is great. $5 on a Saturday night is a great price - the catch being that you're not going to have stadium seating (or even comfortable seating for that matter). The building is vintage, & the concessions are cheap - but the seating is the ultimate equalizer.
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Review from Patricia B.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2005 1 photo
To say that this infamous landmark is glorious would be an understatement. This beautiful theater in Park Ridge will take you back to the glory days of movie viewing. And with over 1,000 seats, you don't have to worry about scrambling to get a chair for the next (and last?!) Star Wars flick. This used to be a 2nd run theater, but now you can catch Hollywood's latest and finest for as low as $4! (You heard me, $4). Plenty of parking and popcorn waiting for you and they will even let you carry in your Starbucks coffee to enjoy during the movie. (No need to hide it under your sweater!)
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Review from Bill M.
12/29/2005 2 photos
Opening in 1928, the Pickwick is the landmark movie house in Park Ridge. Its distinctive art deco design, by the architecture firm Zook & McCaughey, and glistening marquee makes this the architectural pride of this suburb. It is still a popular place to go for grateful moviegoers, and the low ticket prices help too.
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Review from banana l.
Chicago, IL
8/10/2007
5 stars because it's a huge theatre for cheap cheap cheap cheap cheap.
they used to show 'old' movies but now they've been getting a lot more recent shows. the main theatre is the biggest ever seating over 1,000 people. and it's freaking HUGE. seriously. HUGE. when you get in there, look up. you'll see how huge i'm talking about.
great place to go for a movie. -
Review from Marian L.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2005
Great little old-time theater that has one huge screen in front and a handul of smaller screens in the back. If you can wait a little bit after that hot new movie comes out, you can see it here for only $5...(children and seniors are $3 a ticket)!! Located in the quaint little neighborhood - Park Ridge. Plenty of parking and great for dates! Movie selection changes every Friday!
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Review from Joe K.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2010
I have always loved having a place on the National Register of Historic Places about a mile from my house. Even better, it is great that it was in the Siskel and Ebert credits. I have gone there for cheap second-run films ever since I was a kid and now there are slightly less cheap first-run films, which also isn't bad. The front theater is huge, beautiful, and uncomfortable - if you're smart, you won't go and see a big blockbuster on opening night (the third pirates of the Caribbean movie was downright inaudible). The concessions are basic, and you buy a ticket at the door from the ticket taker that says "admit one." Go here!
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Review from Bobby D.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2010
Even the smaller cinemas ain't bad, But PLEASE, Don't EVEN THINK of dividing the main stage, THAT wouid be a BIG mistake.
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Review from Mike N.
Elmwood Park, IL
10/6/2010
Seats were a bit uncomfortable, but great value! Concessions were great too. I'll definitely be back.
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Review from Michelle F.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2005
I enjoyed this little theater, but be aware of it's limitations - it is an OLD theater and therefore does not have modern sound equipment nor seating. We were not uncomfortable, and staff were friendly, and it is definitely worth the cheap price. I recommend it - but if you're coming to see the latest Star Wars, you may be disappointed with the "big screen" experience.
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Review from Chris J.
Park Ridge, IL
Updated - 5/10/2010
Iron Man 2 opening night. Walked in two minutes to showtime, no problem, there are THAT many seats. True, they aren't the best seats, but you can't beat the space and convenience a 1400 seat theater affords. (Iron Man 2 was awesome btw.)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/28/2009
The main theater is awesome. You can see a movie on opening night and not have to worry about… Read more »
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Review from c p.
Raleigh, NC
5/3/2009
Beautiful place to see a movie... even if it's a dud like Wolverine!
