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Riverview Theater
Rating Details »
3800 42nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 729-7369
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 729-7369
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
39 reviews for Riverview Theater
I used to go here weekly when Rocky Horror moved from the Heights to the Riverview. I loved the new venue, even if I hated how far it was from my house compared to the Heights.
I have also been to the Riverview several times for their CHEAP movies. I love their stadium seating, and the real butter on some of the best popcorn in town. Five stars, hands down!
Went to a 5pm show. $2 before 6pm.
Unfortunately, got the same disappointing quality of popcorn as last time - not hot & fresh, and a bit on the salty side. Ate it anyway. However, didn't bother with buying a refill.
Too bad that they can't have hot, fresh popcorn at a moment's notice. Maybe it's plain laziness, or, perhaps, a simple lack of concern.
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/14/2009
Recently went to a 4pm matinee. $2 tickets. Can't beat that price.
Since no corn was actively being… Read more »
This is by far my favorite theater. I don't go here nearly often enough.
I like that the prices are good, the popcorn is good and they play a great line up of films and that it isn't owned by a large corporation. They know the neighborhood and they know how to run a movie theater.
I also like that it has such a traditional, local feel. My grampa grew up going here. And when I say "going to" I don't mean "paying for". Grampa, RIP, had lots of stories about how to best sneak into the place. I can't say I've tried any of his tips... this place is too cheap to sneak into!
If you are on Facebook, sign up to be their "fan" and you will get a weekly note about the upcoming films.
One of my favorite theaters in the MSP area.
Cheap. Great sound AND I can fit in the seats... I'm 6'9" tall and that really means alot to me.
Highly recommended.
Great for parties also, I went to a TwinTone party there where bands were playing on the small stage in front of the screen where kung fu movies were playing.
The Riverview defies logic when it comes to modern movie houses. Your run-of-the-mill cineplex these days has 30 movies playing, about a $10 price tag on the ticket, double that if you want popcorn and a drink, suburbanite children running all over the place, and the most unimaginative commercialized decor that only matches the strip mall surroundings too well.
The Riverview, on the other hand, maintains the classy traditional cinema experience with a sleek midcentury decor that stretches from lobby to restroom, affordable prices for both movie and snacks, and a location on a slightly-bustling commercial corner that results in wintertime scenes that surely harken back to its glory days; people lined up in their full-length coats and gloves ready to see the show. Also, there's some aspect about having only once choice of movie at a time that makes the whole experience feel purposeful, more substantial, than other modern movie experiences. You actually have to check what's playing and make a positive decision before showing up. It makes one feel a little less like a cog in the commercial money machine, and that's something I can get behind.
I only WISH that something like this existed near me. Great movies shown for $2 a ticket?! Fantastic! The theatre itself is gorgeous and huge, and its so much fun to go see a cheap movie here with friends and then head out to a bar. I had such a blast here, seeing The Hangover helped, but this place is quality!!
The Riverview, unlike other single screen, second-run theaters, is actually comfortable and cool. It has a special place in my heart, because I've seen "Serenity" here a couple of times for charity, and the "Buffy Sing-Along" where they showed the musical episode and had everyone singing along and throwing the appropriate props at the appropriate times. Too bad the folks in charge of such things will not allow that to happen again (The Buffy folks, not the Riverview folks). It was much like a screening of that cult classic movie, of which I am not a fan, which the Riverview also has regular screenings of. Check the website for more information.
In addition to everything else you read about The Riverview on this page, remember this: The Riverview loves us geeks.
Awesome theater with some art deco flair that shows a variety of films and often hosts film festivals, like the EDU Film Fest that's going on right now. What I especially like about the theater is that it has a very lounge feel to it with a variety of couches, tables and chairs. The theater itself is huge and all the seats seems to be great.
Oh, and the popcorn? Delicious...but then again, isn't everything better with butter?
There's plenty of reviews that state how amazing this place is already. I can't get over it. It'll be a sad day when I have to move away from this amazing place.
Love it. 100%. Right down to the real butter popcorn. Does it get any better?
One of the best things about my little neighborhood is this lovely theater. I have lived in Longfellow my entire life, and I've been going here as long as I can remember. And nothing has changed (except the new awesome comfy seats and the sound system.) But that's the best part.
Not to mention, no one has even brought up that the bathrooms at the Riverview are friggin' awesome! I feel like it's a combination of feeling like you are going to get murdered in some vintage horror movie, and simultaneously feeling like you are powdering-up for your 1950's prom.
And it's too glam to make you feel like the cheap ass that you are for taking your date here.
Great popcorn! Great Root Beer! Great Midnight Movie (at 11:30 even), Pink Floyd, The Wall. Great big room, good quality print, decent sound. Oh yeah, cheap date night for sure. Tickets were 5 bucks each!
Its excellant, best popcorn with REAL melted butter, plus average priced. Unlike the other ones where its $5.00 for popcorn. Plus $3.00 admission is a must, plus its HUGE so you don't feel cramped & have to sit by some stinky guy...
Very nostalgic & retro.
Con: Parking, we usually park in the clinic parking across the street otherwise its street parking. But free is always good..
The Riverview Theater is a hidden gem. Cheap tickets, comfy seats, delicious popcorn, and a huge lobby that feels more like a retro lounge.
They don't take credit cards, though, so bring cash.
Four years of my life were spent working at an independent movie theater. If there was a movie version of those years, it would roughly be a hybrid of 'Empire Records' and 'Waiting'. It can be easily understood why I would be a bit of a cinema snob given such a background. Riverview Theater is a chain-haters dream. The place maintains it's original 1950's decor and prices close to the film noire era. We're talking $3 tickets and $2 popcorn for a comfortable seat, high projection quality and newly updated state of the art sound. They may only show second-run features, but they only choose the best and typically within weeks of leaving the mainstream megaplexes.
It's also worth noting that the quaint Riverview Wine Bar is kiddie-corner to the theater and serves up well-priced wine flights that are perfect for a balanced date night. Ownership even goes as far as hosting local film festivals, live sports screenings and big screen video game contests. Riverview is a legendary Twin Cities original that not enough people take advantage of!
Everything about this place is fantastic (atmosphere, snacks, prices that can't be beat) EXCEPT the bozos who come to see movies here. Expect during your viewing the entire audience (and it's a huge audience as the theatre is gigantic) to laugh when things aren't funny, spaz out in general, and cheer, whoop, and clap too loudly at the "good parts." i don't know what it is about this place, but it is the noisiest audience ever.
The Riverview Theater is a MPLS gem. Unknown, and tucked away in the Longfellow neighborhood, this is a great place to see a movie. Only $3 per movie, and $2 for matinees, it's a bargain. They also have awesome popcorn.
Looking for a romantic date night? Try the wine bar across the street, then cross on over to see a flick...
The final stop in my 38th St. extravaganza. Simply put, a wonderful theater for a surprisingly low price.
My mind seems to wander, and I forget about this place from time to time. But whenever there is actually a movie in theaters I want to see, my girlfriend invariably reminds me: "why not wait until it's at the Riverview?"
If a movie is worth a damn, chances are it will end up at the Riverview. The Riverview will charge you no more than $3 to see it.
I knew I kept that woman around for something.
I am a huge fan of Riverview for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
1. Cheap tickets all of the time. $3 for an evening show, $5 for Rocky Horror which is no longer hosted there.
2. Movies that I actually want to see.
3. You can always bring a bag of your own food and sit and enjoy. Word around the water cooler is that they have amazing popcorn, not being a popcorn person, however, this is of little use to me.
4. Lobby area is nice and loungy.
5. Free parking and on a bus route.
Awesome joint. Cheap tickets (for mostly second-run films, but also some new gems), real stadium seats from the '50s-'60s (before the trend came back in the '00s), REAL butter, AWESOME lobby decor, cool local community vibe. The Heights is the bomb, but this is the best deal for your dough.
Dude, when I was a kid I saw a double-header of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "My Left Foot" here. Later, they hosted films in conjuction with an orginization called "Asian Access Media" and played all the classic HK movies at midnight -- John Woo, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Tsui Hark, Maggie Cheung, etc. At the time, very few cities had a theater showing these films. Fucking awesome memories!
A neighborhood institution, known for its popcorn. Given the cheap movie tickets and the occasional free showing of important goings-on-in-the-world, I can't much complain about the not-so-comfortable seats ...
Cheap, big, beautiful, cheap, real buttered popcorn, cheap, really good selection of movies, bordering on great selection of movies.
Also, it's pretty cheap.
This is my favorite theater by far! The best prices, the best popcorn all in a 1950s? style theater - go there, you won't regret it.
I think most of what I'd say has already been said (great design, great prices, great popcorn, great staff), but the best thing is the variety of movies. They run box office hits, but there's also always a good selection for kids and usually a less well-known movie or two. They ran Let the Right One In, a Scandinavian vampire movie which was one of my favorites of 2008, for a long time. They do all kinds of interesting things -- I see they have a Hitchcock film festival coming up!
I can't get enough of this place.
I am ashamed to say I had never been here before. I've lived in Mpls all my life, and had never checked this place out. Wow. I can honestly say that if I have my choice, I will never see a movie any where else again. Much of that is a result of my love for all that is retro, but this place really is great. The charm alone would draw you back time and time again. Everyone needs to expeience this place, even if only once. It exceeded my expectations, and that does not happen often! I am excited for the next time I get to go!
I use to go here all the time when I was in middle school. I love the cheap tickets, I love the Riverview Cafe. I still think there popcorn is expensive in relation to the price of the tickets but in the end, you still only spent seven dollars. Which seems to get you nowhere these days.
Retro decor with a neighborhood feel. Very friendly staff and reasonably priced movie tickets. I believe there is a discount if you see more than one movie in a row. I can't count how many times I've spent 4-6+ hours here.
Real buttered popcorn and the concession stand isn't too expensive. They recently remoded and the seats are much more comfortable than before.
I had to take off a star because they didn't renew their contract with Transvestite Soup. This means no more Rocky Horror Picture Show parties, so they aren't ***** awesome anymore.
This place is unique. The art deco style, the neighborhood setting, the friendly staff, the vibe. One of the best places to see a movie in the Twin Cities. And now with a cafe / wine bar across the street for a pre/post drink and bite.
real butter.
And I met Chuck Palahniuk here at a reading. He did make someone faint with his stories.. folks claimed it was a health related issue... but chuck still counted it. nice work!
Saw Goonies at a saturday night show.
I dig this theater.
You know in Annie when Grace sings "Lets go to the Movies" and everyone dances and they dress up and end up at some fantastic theater... that's the scene that plays in my mind whenever I show up at the Riverview Theater. I always want to burst through the door singing
"Anything you
can imagine...
Songs and romance.
Life is the dance.
Sitting in the darkness,
popcorn on your knee!
Give the maid the night off!
Turn the kitchen light off!"
Granted I don't have a maid, but if I did she would totally be a part of my Riverview Theater experience. I am not sure if it's the retro feel of the theater or the popcorn buttered with real butter, but going to Riverview actually feels like going to the movies, or at the least the way movies were supposed to be. Plus tickets are cheap!
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Bottom Line: Lets go to the movies, just wait and see! (and eat the popcorn!)
I like to sit in the corner of the lobby if I get there early and pretend that I'm in that Kevin Kline movie - what's it called? - Ice Storm. The feeling that the lobby invokes in me may well have nothing to do with 1973, but that's about when I attribute it too. And the furniture seems right. (I realize that it's supposed to be 50s retro, but I wasn't alive in either decade, so I'm sticking to my guns)
Post-show, I always try to leave time to go across the street for a drink at the Riverview Wine Bar. They have a nice selection, if not surprising, and the folks behind the bar make an effort to find something you'll like. It's a cute place to boot. The food's pretty good too. I wish they'd set up a satellite bar in the theater itself. Because the popcorn is divine at Riverview and would be even better with a cold beer, eh?
This theater is one of the most comfortable ever. The single screen cuts down on the hub-bub of more recently built temples to the talkies. The popcorn is fresh, the staff are kind. The chairs are being replaced soon, though the current situation is far from displeasurable.
I love the bathrooms, built behind a art deco wall, there is plenty of space to primp, talk and relax.
The art deco furniture in the lobby is comfortable, and one feels perfectly at ease lounging before a show.
The best thing? This theater shows independent films! Also the prices are discounted to 2 and 3 dollars.
The Riverview has been home to Asian Access Media (grilling before watching kung-fu is always recommended), eclectic movies, and last stop before retirement film reals.
The crowd here is always fun and attendance guarantees an awesome time.
Costs are low so prices are low as well! Win!
$2 matinees, $3 evenings, children and seniors $2, and all day Tuesday $2. It's the perfect place to catch the movie you didn't get around to and they have excellent midnight movies on most Saturdays. It's by far my favorite theater.
We had a great time watching all the shorts here before the Academy Awards one year-that was a real treat to know which movies they were talking about!! WIth yummy cheesy day-glo nachos and Jr. Mints, how can you go wrong? It's a wonderful place for date night-and we just saw Juno there. Love the new seats where it feels like you're sitting on the couch at home.
I saw my first flick here about 1974? Pippy Longstocking.....hey! She was a hot liberated woman! My first crush and I was only 6....Not to mention all the Godzillas and James Bonds.....It's great that this place is still around and unchanged. What a great neighborhood. Used to be a joint right next door called the Happy Host Cafe. Now it sits empty waiting for an entrepreneur to open it back up......Have a great time at the Riverview!
Real buttered popcorn? Yes. Stadium seating? Yes. Cute retro waiting room and interior? Yes. Hot staff? Yes. Movies for only $2? Yes.
This place continues to amaze! Cheap movies, great popcorn, stadium seating and great retro lobby. You can catch an entire trilogy in a weekend. They participate in the International Film Festival in the spring and often have independent films and documentaries. Hey and it'd be a sin not to check out the River View Wine Bar across the street! All this in one little corner of the city!
OHMIGOSH! I used to live less than a mile from this theatre-we would walk to this theatre on the weekends to go see movies-Momories!!!!
this is a pretty great theater, whether they're playing the cheap movies, something from the local film festival, or a special event like their super bowl party. they don't accept credit cards. just a heads-up.
