South Coast Village Cinema
Santa Ana, CA 92704 (714) 557-5701
- Good for Kids: Yes
14 Reviews for South Coast Village Cinema
This arthouse/indie theater is one of the best in Orange County, and is conveniently located across Sunflower from South Coast Plaza. This means that rather than buying another Gucci handbag, you could check out a film then hit up the Ross around the corner if you still need to buy something and still have hundreds of dollars left over!
The last film I saw here was Jim Jarmusch's Coffee and Cigarettes, and this was the only theater within 30 miles that was screening it. The employees are friendly and knowledgable and the ticket prices are low when compared to pretty much any other theater in the area. I have yet to go to Classic Film Wednesdays, but I do remember that not long ago they screened Terry Gilliam's Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas.
Saw "Into Great Silence" here. Snoooooooze. Even though I hated it, I LOVE that this theater brings in art house movies to this convenient location. Regency has done a nice job refurbishing the seats and renovating the bathrooms. Tons of eating choices at South Coast Plaza across the street, and at surrounding strip malls.
I love Classic Film Wednesdays here, as Flashback Tuesdays at the Edwards University 6 have ended.
Food is cheap. Tickets are cheap. And it's never really that packed since they only announce the films a week ahead of time. The people who work there have a sense of humor.
Cool little theatre that is a throwback to the days when theater going was about watching movies. You won'tt find stadium seating, flashy marketing, preshow "entertainment" (aka commercials), or any of the other modern "advances" of newer theaters, but you will find a great place to watch movies. Probably one of the most relaxing theater experiences I've ever had. My only fear is that they don't pull in enough people to make a go of it long term.
I've only been to this theater once, and I really enjoyed it. It has that indy film atmosphere and makes the visit so enjoyable. I saw the movie "Once" here and it really made the film even more enjoyable. The speaker system was sub par and the film was loaded with specks and crackles. It didn't have that modern feel of most of the new theaters that we have now. I really loved it. Overall the theater was really clean and although the snack bar didn't offer as much as any of the other theaters offer it didn't matter. If you are looking for a fun, uncrowded good time visit this theater.
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Regency Theaters: Thank you for taking over this ailing Edwards location and reviving it as a truly great art house. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I have seen so many indie and foreign films at this theater over the years and was saddened when Regal/Edwards decided to finally close it down. But, Regency stepped in, put in new seating--reclining high back seats with moveable armrests in the larger theater--and improved the sound and projection systems.
I took some time off this week from work and actually saw three movies, all at this theater. What can I say, they had some great films playing and the air-conditioning was a treat in this late August heat.
Every Wednesday they have "Classic Film Wednesdays". Last night I saw "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" which I had never seen on the big screen. Next week is "Monty Python's Life of Brian". Classic Film Wednesdays are only $6 so its a bargain.
So again, thanks to Regency Theaters for keeping this art house open.
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i went here last night to watch an independent foreign film..
the ticket prices are definitely reasonable at $6.50 each
it's cool to be able to watch these kinda movies nearby rather than having to go to LA or wait for them to be released on dvd.
although, inside the theater it was freezing cold and the seats recline too much..
after the movie ended, we were greeted by an usher who had a silver tray with an assortment of mints saying "have a nice evening".. which was nice and nonexistent at other theaters!
+ right near Cost Plus
+ have free posters and postcards advertising upcoming indie films
- the AC was on in the evening
I remember this place, only having been there once and I can't remember which film I saw. However I used to drive by it all the time and I recall thinking many a time, wow it's still there. Probably due to the demolition of the other Edwards SC theatre that was hidden off of Bristol (at Sunflower) but offered many classic and first-run movies with, I believe 4 screens. Neither was much to look at inside, no real legroom and hadn't seen better days since probably the early 90's.
But it is a "real" movie theatre and nothing like that abomination at Metro Pointe. You'll catch pictures here on the big screen from days ago, and some new ones (think "arty") in the way they were meant to be seen.
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One of the my favorire theater. 3 screens? and indi-film is terrific!!! Always good choice. Sometimes parking lot is crowd.
Sadly, this theater has just closed - too bad. The last movie I went to see there was Brokeback Mountain. Standing in the queue that stretched all the way down the sidewalk, wondering if anyone would show up to protest or hurl insults from passing cars, and being slightly encouraged about life in the OC when no one did. The Register has an article on the closing saying that in addition to University Town Center, art house films will now be shown at Westpark in Irvine.
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5 Stars for a dear, departed friend.
Films I saw here:
Trainspotting
The Whale Rider
Princess Mononoke
Raiders of the Lost Ark (revival)
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (revival)
March of the Penguins
A Very Long Engagement
And others that I can't even remember.
I hate when movie theaters I love shut down. But what can you do?
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I remember seeing Sid and Nancy at this place 20 years ago. I still vividly remember that film...I suggest Netflixing that one to anyone. I live a bit far from this cinema, but thanks for reminding me that there is some place cool to see a REAL FILM in this county.
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Update as of 5/7/07:
"Regency Theatres reopened it on March 23, 2007."
http://www.cinematour....
Even though I have not been in ages, glad to know this place is still going strong.
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This is the theater where I saw Trainspotting a long long time ago. The movies here tend to be 'art' films that are limited to releases in LA and New York.
It doesn't have 20 screens (only 3), stadium seating, or vending machines for $3 coke (or at least the last time I went it didn't).
South Coast Village Cinema gives me access to limited release movies without driving to LA or waiting for it to come out on Netflix.
Link to a more detailed review from someone who actually put some thought into it:
http://www.haro-online...
They offer you mints on a tray as you exit the theater. I like that.
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