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Red Vic Movie House - CLOSED
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
1727 Haight St(between Cole St & Shrader St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury
(415) 668-3994
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
225 reviews for Red Vic Movie House
225 reviews in English
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Review from Sin F.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2011
So sad to see it go. The 4:20 Big Lebowski showing where you could smoke out the theater was epic. Besides that I really liked their regular programs. Shame it's gone, it is missed.
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Review from Angela S.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2011
They show some hella cool shit here, and the place itself is pretty rad. I like sprinkling nutritional yeast on my popcorn, and they have it. Awesome.
It's really old, cozy, and grungy in the best possible ways.
Come for a midnight screening of The Room, and be sure to bring plenty of spoons! -
Review from Dorothy S.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2011
What's one of the best things to do during rainy weather?
Recreating The Notebook rain scene or doing your own rendition of Gene Kelly's Singing in the Rain or Rihanna's Umbrella?
Albeit all sexy and ambitious ideas, rainy day weather calls for something much better and less laborious - a trip to the Red Vic Movie House to see a movie!! It's one of the best movie houses EVER! Really and truly!
The red movie seats and the church pew seating towards the front for those inclined to snuggle with your honey bunny during the movie are just a couple of the little things that makes the Red Vic so amazingly awesome. The Worker Owned and Operated establishment is also highly sustainable and green by serving patrons with mugs of hot tea or glasses for cold beverages. They also serve wooden bowls of popcorn. Geebus, it's like going to your favorite auntie's house to watch a movie and she just made Jumble Bars (you gotta try these) and the most phenomenal Vegan shortbread cookies with a raspberry center!
Granted, movies run for a short period of time at the Vic BUT the selection of movies they play is just, well, my goodness, so incredibly, ridiculously beyond words. From cult to Oscar winners to indie to obscure to documentaries, it runs the gamut. Being a native, I'm incredibly proud that such a place exists. It's one of the GREATEST movies houses. Sure, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles (i.e., Spanish and Art Nouveau decor or fancy track lighting) but the Red Vic is that eccentric aunt's house that offers up that comfortable feeling and you get to be a guest and treated so kindly. NOW, where else can you get that genuine feeling of comfort and watch a damn good film? At the Red Vic!! -
Review from ruggy j.
8/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
If you can get beyond the pit bulls and gutter punks who've "escaped" their affluent surroundings in suburban Boise to panhandle along the streets of the Upper Haight, there are a handful of places that are relatively enjoyable... and this is one of 'em.
They should get 5 stars alone for being the only theater in the city that screens The Room (every last Saturday of the month, yo!), and if you don't know what I'm talking about, you need to get to know Tommy Wiseau, stat! http://www.theroommovi.../
Aside from that gem, this is one of the most enjoyable theaters in town. The staff is made up of some pretty cool cats with complicated haircuts, and the seats are so worn in, you almost feel like you might break them. Of course, the real attraction is what they have in rotation. They play movies that almost nobody else touches in San Francisco, including the Banksy flick, "Exit Through The Gift Shop." Sure, you can see SALT or some other blockbuster elsewhere, but sometimes it's nice to see something that AMC wouldn't even dream of screening.
If you want to ensure you'll be admitted for whatever movie you want to catch, you can usually buy tickets online in advance. This is highly recommended, because they only open the box office 20 minutes before the show, and there's usually a fairly long queue. I've even seen people turned away at the door, so do your due diligence to ensure this doesn't happen to you.Listed in: Star Search, Hipsters in Space, The Haight, Upper Haight
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Review from David C.
Mountain View, CA
Updated - 3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Quick update: front 3/4 rows are way better than the back...
5 Stars now...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2011
Great movie(s), good prices, decent food w/ vegan options... but my only downside was the seats...… Read more »
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Review from Stephanie p.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2010
Everything you'd expect from a typical indy theater experience. Cool films, friendly people, stale popcorn, and lots of character. Love the cushy bench seating and quirky intro before the movies begin.
Most recently, I saw Harold and Maude there for their 30th birthday celebration. They had a champagne toast and free cake. The people who run this place really put a lot of love into it... hope it lasts forever!
Red Vic + Alembic = date night.
**Box office only open 20 mins before showtimes**Listed in: Swoon!
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Review from mercedes g.
Oakland, CA
3/6/2011
I just went to the Rec Vic last night for the first time to see The Found Footage Festival which I freaking LOVE! I actually really like The Red Vic and would give it 3.5 stars if I could.
Pros
Their history on the walls. They've been open since the 80's and it's cool to see what movies they were showing then
Vegan options as well as quality and reg movie house snack options. They use real butter and you can sprinkle it with nutritional yeast if you like that shit or one of their many spices.
My friend got their cookie with the peanut butter cup in the middle - very good!
I like the seats. They were sqeaky and moved a lot, but still comfy and there are weird church pews in the front. :)
it's a small movie house showing movies the way I like - slightly intimate, no 3-D bullshit, decent sound quality and the fes I went to was totally engaging.
Cons
The snacks were a bit high. I know I know. Compared to reg movie houses this is par for the course, but I thought since they had some alternative snacks they would have some alternative prices. Nope.
Probs the worst thing that happened to me and the real reason for this 3 star review was the staff. Most of the staff I encountered were nice enough but this one lady...I grabbed a seat with my buddies (after paying for all of our tickets) and went back up to get snacks. After spending money on snacks I delivered them and went back to go to the bathroom. Now, keep in mind, I've already spent $50 by this time. On my way to the bathroom I hear "EXCUSE ME!"
I turn around and the one of the staff women is eyeing me and said "Did you pay to come in?"
Me: Um, yes
Her: Well, because I didn't see you pay. Are you on the list?
Me: I'm on the list, I came with 2 other friends.
Her: Oh really? What is your name I am just going to check.
Me: My name is Mercedes G. I am on there. This is weird.
What really got to me is her mannerism. Instead of saying sorry and checking or even being friendly, she turned on her hill and marched away. Leaving me thinking: WHY did she single me out? I came in with a long line of people, standing in line for half an hour in the rain. In fact when I came in I was one the only persons to show my ID (which I gess wasn't really needed). When I was going to the bathroom and she stopped me I was the only one in the lobby. There were no big crowds, no folks milling about - the films had started and more folks were seated. So WHY did she single me out? Is it because I am young? Brown? Maybe she was having an off day? I don't get it!
But the thing that bothers me is that she never apologized. She never followed up with me and said "Oh your name was on there" and during the conversation she was flippant and kind of rude.
However! Past this one experience, The Red Vic was great and I would recommend seeing a movie there. I think maybe the staff need a little refresher course or something. Or eat some of that nutritional yeast and get enlightened. -
Review from Jaime L.
Sacramento, CA
5/30/2010
My friends and I (dubbed the First-in-liners) come here every last Saturday of the month for the screening of the terrible movie, The Room.
This place is absolutely amazing. Sam puts on a great show! The seats are comfy and the place is really cozy.
If you haven't experienced The Room, you have to! Get your tickets quick though, because they sell out fast!
Bring party favors, bring a football, dress in a tux, wear a red dress........and bring spoons.....lots of spoons....and for gods SAKE people, dont throw them at the screen! :P
They show lots of stuff here, so although The Room is not for kids (lots of terrible nudity, horrible sex scenes, and dress molestation) they do show family stuff, too. So check out thier schedule!!! -
Review from Kristin S.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2011
Comfy bench seats. Really good popcorn in a real bowl. Awesome films. Great for kids if the film is right for kids. A true SF gem.
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Review from Alice C.
3/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
You MUST come here to see The Room. It is one of the most absurd things I've ever seen--I hesitate to even call it a movie, as much as it is a trainwreck of epic cinematic proportions. But you know what they say about trainwrecks...you can't help but watch. And stare. For hours. Let me put it this way--it totally lives up to its reputation of being the "Citizen Kane of bad movies", yet you cannot miss this experience and adventure.
With a full theater of rowdy, enthusiastic, and witty movie goers, it's definitely a great time. The venue's very kitschy and unique--bench seats, popcorn from wooden bowls, and they even serve hot chocolate, hot tea, and coffee! This theater also plays other favorites like The Big Lebowski and Inglorious Basterds.
Oh, if you do go see The Room, make sure you bring plastic spoons. Don't ask--you'll understand soon enough. -
Review from Bucky K.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2008
Note To Self: Self, do not see a long movie here. Remember when you saw The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford and it was almost three hours long?? Remember how those incredibly lumpy seats started to hurt your ass and then your lower spine started to join in on the uncomfortableness?? Remember that??
So, they have uncomfortable seats. What else?? They have church benches, coffee served in ceramic mugs, popcorn served in wooden bowls, and home-made cookies and brownies. The theater has a DIY mentality which one would assume comes with the theater being a CO-OP. What's a co-op Bucky K. you ask?? A co-op is when a band of theater projectionists and popcorn makers band together, make weapons from speaker wire and movie posters, attack the owner, and keep him in a broom closet, and make the theater their own. It's like an American version of Stalinism with a smidge of Darwinism minus the Walrus.
The theater doesn't begin tickets sales or even open their doors til 20 mins before showtime and all tickets are $8.50. Most shows are second-run and the line-up is always interesting and borderline fringe. I dig it the most. Speaking of fringe, if you are lucky you will see some street toughs get into a fight over a weed deal gone bad while you are walking to the theater. Just consider that a free preview.
Very cool theater and I am currently flogging myself for taking so long to visit...Listed in: Let's Go Out To The Movies...
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Review from Nish N.
11/28/2007 1 Check-in Here
The Red Vic is one of those reasons you should be thankful to live in a big city like San Francisco. I suppose you'd call it an art house theater, and as some reviewers have mentioned it's been worker owned and operated since 1980. All good things, as is their tasty popcorn, and comfy seating.
But the real reason to patronize the RV, and this should go for any theater, is their stellar film calendar. You can find it online but they always have print versions just outside the box office, and it's with this latter version that you can plot and plan your monthly viewings. Take December 2007, for instance, which screens The Simpson Movie, Across the Universe, Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten and Control amongst others (each movie shows for 1-3 nights tops).
You can see, it's a mixture of hard-to-find documentaries and larger release films that get another "big screen" chance. Planning into January 2008, look for me watching The Darjeeling Limited, Lynch, and My Kid Could Paint That.
Tickets are $8.50 for adults but you can get a 4-admission punch card for $27. -
Review from phil h.
12/13/2007
As my loyal fans know, I like the movies. Good movies, bad movies, educational movies - bring 'em on. Being the movie guy that I am, I was shocked to realize that there was a movie house in SF that I hadn't been to yet...the Red Vic!
*cue theme from Jaws*
That all changed when I saw Sharkwater last night. Beautifully shot and a movie with a message - go see it! If the sharks don't float your boat, take a look at some of the movies that were/are at the Red Vic in December:
Once (my favorite movie of the year)
The Simpsons Movie
Control
Baraka
In the Shadow of the Moon
Across the Universe
Winged Migration
Joe Strummer - The Future is Unwritten
As you can see, the Red Vic is the perfect place to catch either an indie darling or a film that you might have missed in the metroplex before it comes out on DVD.
It's really a four star theater that gets bumped up to five for the film lineup, serving popcorn in wooden bowls and for the communal church pew-esque seating in the first couple of rows. I'll definitely be back.Listed in: Movie time!
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Review from Drue C.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2007
There is nothing like watching a movie the Pope would most definitely not approve of while seated in church pews.
If you like small art house theaters who play pre-film shorts of angels taking popcorn bowls to the lobby and monsters eating people who don't take their trash to the lobby as a reminder not to leave your garbage under the seat then this place delivers.
I know its a co-op and all however $8.50 for a movie that came out far enough in the past to be available for $4 at the local video store seems a bit steep.
Somehow this does not prevent me from seizing the opportunity to check out David Bowie in tights on a screen larger than the one I have at home.Listed in: Movies? I like movies!
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Review from Tadashi Y.
San Francisco, CA
5/30/2009
I like how the employees actually seem to LIKE working there, unlike many of those at most major cinemas. The Vic typically runs old movies, so I only go there if it's an obscure title that I don't have or can't find on DVD.
$9.00 for adults is kind of steep for something I can get on DVD, so going to the Vic is more for the ambience than just for the flick. There's couches for couples to snuggle in. (or threesomes to squeeze into.) The bench seating definately makes the place snogging-friendly. They do have a $30.00 for for admission punch card, but it's cheaper (if your schedule allows) to take advantage of their $7.00 2pm matinees. -
Review from Catherine O.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2008
Red Vic's is one of those nostalgic places that make you wish movie theaters still ran this way. So, 10 reasons this place is awesome?
1. Popcorn in wooden bowls (I think I ate salad out of these bowls in the 90's) & Soda in clear cafeteria-ish cups.
2. Decent comfy seats-Along with normal seats & pew seats (feels like church to me!...maybe movies are the new religion!)
3. Either I'm in a half church setting or in grandma's house holding the bowl of popcorn in my lap and soda wedged between my thighs, because sorry honey, there are no cup holders!
4. NO rude, interrupting people!!
5. Again NO rude, interrupting people!
6. Indie flicks are always such an eye pleaser.
7. As mom always said, put away your dishes @ the end.
8. SMILES :)
9. 3 Yelp stickers on the window. Hoorahh! The seal of approval!
10. I need a ten...Oh yeah...black cherry soda. Word! -
Review from Matthew R.
Sacramento, CA
4/4/2007
You are a jackass if you have lived in S.F. for a number of years and haven't checked this place out.
Embodies so much of what I love about our city.
Yay Red Vic! Ya-hoo for you! -
Review from Siamak S.
Santa Monica, CA
12/13/2007
My first experience at the Red Vic was years ago when I saw Pulp Fiction for the first time. I walked knowing I just saw something special - I just couldn't remember it - and then we went Kaz a Man next door - that was fun but don't remember that either. I think there was more in the hookah than the tobacco. Back to the Red Vic - one of my favorite movie houses of all time - the ipidimy of an art house. comfy seats, (if your a shortie make sure no tall sits in front of you there is not much of a slope) good sound and a good size screen.
I was there for my cousin's screening http://www.yelp.com/ev...
Go see some art and get enlightened at the Red Vic Fo Sho. Tell em "Fo Sho" Sent you.
Go see my cousin's film Fo Sho too!!! "A World Between" http://www.aworldbetwe...Listed in: Sia's Favorites
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Review from Jason R.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2007
Red Vic you're awesome.
They hosted a screening for me last week (http://www.yelp.com/ev...) and were awesome every step of the way.
I love the intimacy of the room and just the friendliness and lack of pretension of the folks who work there are giving me the warm fuzzies right now.
I wanna make more movies just so I can show them there. -
Review from Halle T.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2008
I came here to see Manufactured Landscapes last night. I love the idea of a collective movie theater. It feels so San Francisco. It felt great to support something other than the enormous AMC theater in SOMA or on Van Ness.
I just couldn't give the last star because the seats were SOOOOOOOOOOOOO uncomfortable. My bum still hurts.Listed in: places that should accept…
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Review from Cade P.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2009
Finally went and saw something in the Red Vic.
First impression---meh.
But the staff is all very friendly, kind, and seem like they actually want to be there. The theatre itself has padded benches in most of the rows, which makes it much more comfortable. I personally hate most movie seats, so this was a very nice pleasant surprise.
They make their own little movie intros (you know, reminders to turn off cell phones, not to leave trash on floors, etc.). Very cool and fun bonus.
Nice selection of movies.
Only drawback is the lack of food choices. The ones they do have are quite nice though--gourmet chocolates and other nicer-than-your-regularly-overpriced-movie-candy selections. I'd gladly pay their prices because the offerings are much better. -
Review from Hassan S.
San Francisco, CA
9/2/2007
the red vic has the potential to be one of the best theaters in the city, but it just can use more care. The screen is very small and the projection isn't that great.
i love the couch seating setup, its really a cool idea. -
Review from Paul B.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2008
Sometimes I have to remember that I shouldn't review a movie theater by the movie that I saw there. Last night, I saw The Assassination Of A Perfectly Good Story By Some Cowardly Scriptwriters, and I didn't really like it.
But the Red Vic itself was pretty cool. It reminds me of a smaller version of my dearly departed UC Theater in Berkeley-- one screen, delightfully quirky pre-movie bumpers, and rapidly changing art-house movies.
This brings me back to my first point, however: most movie theaters are chain operated joints which show major studio popcorn-fests. The Red Vic, like the UC Theater, Parkway, and other indie houses, chooses its own movies. So if I didn't like The Assassination Of One Of Our Countries Well-Known Anti-Heroes By Failing To Give The Plot Any Momentum, will I like any of their other films? Watching the trailers, I think I've got a 50-50 shot-- one I think I will like, the other will just piss me off.
The Red Vic isn't well appointed: it's not well decorated, the theater speakers are hanging by chain ala a nightclub, and the wall of flyers and posters is more reminiscent of a coffee house than a movie theater. But that's not a strike against them-- quite the opposite. It lends a homey, comfortable feel to me. And the fact that you can get a break on tickets by buying in small bulk is really cool.
Ultimately, I'm glad that I saw The Assassination Of Poor Casey Affleck's Career Even Though He Did A Good Job With The Role And People Will Still Love Brad Pitt Anyway at the Red Vic, because I didn't feel like a freak when I cheered at Nick Cave's appearance. I'm sure I'll be back for another movie. -
Review from Hannah Q.
Denver, CO
3/20/2007
WARNING: This review says nothing new or deeply insightful. This is just a recap of all the other phenom reviews.
Great independent movie house. Popcorn is phenomenal. Couch seating. Odd movie times.
If you're a tourist in SF and really want a taste of some of the better culture offered here, skip Fisherman's Wharf and try the Red Vic.Listed in: I'm a Popcorn-olic
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Review from Jill D.
11/21/2007
Almost 2 hours of David Bowie in tights.
Leaves me saying "Dance! Dance magic dance! Dance magic dance!"
Not the most comfortable seating but I had a blast with my friends reliving the glory of Labyrinth last night.
And my boyfriend and I are dressing as Jareth and Sara in the ballroom scene for Halloween next year.Listed in: Jake's List
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Review from Viv C.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2007
I popped my Red Vic cherry with a late night showing of "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" in 3D about a year and a half ago. Who doesn't love hokey 3D movies?
Since then I've under-utilize this movie theatre. I have no excuse besides laziness for not keeping up with the great selection of indie and cult movies showing here. Every time I've been, I've enjoyed myself. Well, watching Matthew Barney's Cremaster series got a little tedious at certain points but still, I can't think of anywhere else where one can watch the Cremaster series. Netflix only carries Cremaster 3 and it's only the final half hour or so (when he's running around the Guggenheim museum.)
But I digress.
The seats are okay. The benches could be more comfortable but at least they are clean (from what I can see.) The food choices are nice too, but I'd be cautious about getting popcorn with nutritional yeast. I heard it can be a bit overwhelming by the end of the bowl. Otherwise, grab a calendar while you're there to stay informed of upcoming shows. -
Review from Richard F.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/25/2011
RIP Red Vic
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/2/2011
Love this place! The staff is great, the movies are not run of the mill and the pop corn is tasty. I… Read more »
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Review from Eric L.
11/5/2008
Red Vic is a great spot, and boy do they have interesting taste for films! You cannot buy tickets for the movie until about 15 minutes before the film starts. Luckily the Alembic and Escape from New York Pizza are next door in case you arrive too early.
I've always heard my friend the Judge sing Red Vic's praises, but I always figured it was because he lived basically upstairs from the theater. Plus he's an interesting character himself, he always tells me about some goth "Blood wrestling" that I've GOT to see. I dunno about that..
Anyhow, I went a few weeks ago to catch a campy sci-fi horror movie called the Lost Skeleton of Cadavara. It was an excellent choice. And it really does showcase the Red Vic's strength, interesting titles, that probably wouldn't have very much time at a "corporate" movie theater chain.
Tickets are $8.50, and the schedule of the movies they are showing is listed on their website. Good date place, lots of close places to eat and drink, and the small intimate theater setting is nice.Listed in: Haight
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Review from Sharon T.
San Francisco, CA
1/26/2007
Last night the Red Vic restored my love of movie-going, which had started wearing away recently due to some bad experiences at the Loews on Van Ness. I may never sit in another multiplex again.
Their punchcard system is such a good deal and keeps you encouraged to come out for more films. The staff there are funny and friendly. The popcorn is served in re-usable bowls which leads to not only less waste, but the illusion that you're watching a movie in your parents' basement. And they have option not just of real butter, but also yeast!
Did you hear me, vegans? Fucking nutritional yeast popcorn! That's so rad. Maybe my experience is biased because I saw such a warm fuzzy film: Danielson: a Family Movie. But the overall experience made me so happy. -
Review from John G.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2008
It took me over a year after moving to San Francisco to finally hit the Vic. It's a shame, because they always schedule a variety of interesting film titles, from class-A documentaries & foreign dramas to grade-Z cult hits. It's small and a little ramshackle inside, which makes you feel like you're having a private underground screening just for you and 50 of your closest friends. Projection and sound quality are tolerable; nothing to get psyched about. Food selection is limited to the basics. But it's an independent theater in a corporate age and you gotta support it for that fact alone.
So why am I not here every other week?
One basic reason: It's no bargain. At an average of $8.50 per ticket, you're paying a fairly high price for second-run films on a small screen with so-so image quality. For an extra buck you could go to the Sundance Kabuki and see new releases, with laser-sharp projections on a huge screen, and even have a cocktail bar on the premises, too.
My suggestion to the Red Vic owners? Make one showing per night -- probably the last screening -- a beer showing. Either sell beer or allow people to BYO. I'd be willing to pay $8.50 for a second-run film with a cold brew in hand. -
Review from Wes F.
San Francisco, CA
4/21/2008
This movie house plays great flicks. I went there for the annual 4:20pm showing of the Big Lebowski (on 4/20). I can't remember much of it, but I think I had fun. Some people were dressed up as characters from the flick, which is always fun.
They have real butter and yeast for your popcorn.
They showed a few retro advertisements, including an old one with John Waters telling everyone not to smoke.
Only downsides is that the seats aren't that comfortable and they don't have cupholders on the armrests, but whatever...
The Dude Abides. -
Review from Twinstar G.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2011
Amazing place! Community feel, Fantastic Popcorn! and the joy of putting your scrilla back into your independent neighborhood movie house. Very cool. Very fun. Check it out!!
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Review from George H.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2009
This is a FUN movie experience. The theater, employees, and audience have a lot more personality than anything you'll find in the mega-theaters downtown, plus they played the trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles before the movie alongside a funny homemade no-smoking warning.
They also play not only new movies but also the classics...The Warriors was just on the big screen last month, for those of us who missed out when we were little. I like the place so much I don't even worry about whether the bowls and cups are clean...instead I think it's great that they're not using throw-aways. Now that says something! -
Review from Brandy H.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2007
Reasons I love the Red Vic:
For their 27th anniversary showing of Harold and Maude they gave everyone a huge piece of chocolate cake on the way in and a white daisy on the way out.
If you're going to a busy show and you time everything right - you can get a slice of you say potato from escape from new york, get in line and finish it by the time you get to the front door.
By far the best popcorn toppings and homemade cookies I've ever experienced at a movie theater.
And of course all the awesome movies. -
Review from Eric G.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2005
Yes, the seats are uncomfortable. But where else do you find such an eclectic array of awesome indie films?
I wish I could give this place 10 stars. Maybe I can hack Yelp somehow...
Please be aware that the popcorn bowls, mugs, and glasses at their snack bar are reusable. And you'd better not leave them under the seat! THE MONSTER WILL GET YOU!!! -
Review from Bob H.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2005
I have always wanted to live in a neighborhood that had its own cool movie theater, and this dream of mine has finally come true. The Red Vic is the movie theater I always wanted to live by: independent and hip, homey and inviting, they rotate different, interesting movies in every few days.
The screen is small for a movie theater, but when you sit down you get it. You are all on couches watching some fascinating but probably obscure flick together. It isn't a small movie screen, it is a really, really big TV screen, you are at home, and these people, the others who came from all over this city to see this unusual movie, they are your cinematic family. And in the kitchen someone baked you organic treats. How thoughtful. -
Review from Akshay S.
San Francisco, CA
6/16/2007
Awesome place for an indie movie. Worker owned and operated for years, so it feels like you're going to a friends place. The theater isn't big, but you can enjoy couch-like seats if you get there on time.
Next time I have to try the popcorn w/ yeast topping. -
Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
2/25/2008
Oh, the Red Vic. It's uncomfortable, and it's often hard to see when there are tall or long-torsoed people sitting in front of you. But it's the Red Vic (not to be confused with the Red Victorian), and they have really cool newspaper-like fliers.
If you've got out-of-town visitors, bring them to a weird movie here.Listed in: Within One Square Mile of Me, Consider the Past
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Review from Umami Y.
Los Angeles, CA
8/31/2007
A midnight scary film showing (I'm a sucker for scary movies).
My friends roll up, half drunk, bottle of wine in tow.
One of them decides to sneak in the bottle of wine, proceeds to finish it, then promptly passes out on those cozy theater benches.
Watching a scary movie when someone is snoring very loudly next to you, less than ideal.
Five stars for providing a venue where such a circumstance could occur. And my profuse apologies to the other seven theatergoers that evening. -
Review from Arash M.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2010
Red Vic is a very unique movie experience. A single screen theater, on a small street, that serves food and drinks in real bowls and glasses.
I personally love the place. It has a wonderful charm about it, and a very comfortable feeling. They have some old school movie theater seating, along with some couch like furniture, so you can sit with a date without a barrier between you two, or grab one of the bigger ones if you wanna cram 4-5 buddies on it.
The selection of movies is also quite interesting. They'll play old cult classics like The Fifth Element, to documentary time movies like Good Hair, to short films, to stuff like Avatar (No 3D here).
And for whatever reason, it's the only theater that I can go to watch something alone and not feel like a creep.
