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Sundance Kabuki Cinema
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
1881 Post St(between Webster St & Fillmore St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Neighborhoods: Japantown, Lower Pac Heights, Pacific Heights
(415) 346-3243
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12:30 pm - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
1264 reviews for Sundance Kabuki Cinema
1264 reviews in English
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Review from Maggie C.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is my favorite movie theatre! I can always count on grabbing some sushi/ramen/crepe before catching the show. Some people may not want to pay the extra $2-3 for reserved seating but it is defintely worth it so that I can walk in right when the movie is about to start.
Other pros:
No kids/teenagers for 21+ showtimes
seats are wide and comfy
3 hour parking validation
Need I say more?? -
Review from Dan B.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012 2 Check-ins Here
When I first heard Kabuki was closing down, it felt like the City was losing yet another one of its prized treasured.
You can imagine how relieved I was to later find the theater was not only going to be saved but re-vamped to become a part of the Sundance Cinema family.
But to be honest, I didn't know what becoming part of that family entailed.
Overall, I like the new face of the Kabuki.
It caters to a more mature viewer yet still allows for the kiddy glee to overcome you and remind us all the pleasure of seeing a movie on the big screen (for those who find kiddy glee hard to find, it can quickly be achieved with one of the fine choices of wine, bubbly, or beer they serve at the theater).
The reserve seating is a stroke of genius and almost eliminates one of my favorite questions often heard at the movies:
Are those seats taken?
My second favorite question of course being:
Would like butter on your popcorn?
Speaking of food, besides the basic stuff at the concession stand, they have better than your average bar food at their Balcony Bar.
Sufficed to say, this is not the Kabuki Theater I remember growing up.
This one is a whole lot nicer, a whole lot cleaner, and now has nice plush seats where I can sit back, relax with a drink, and enjoy watching a movie. -
Review from Jennifer S.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
21 and up = no teenagers, no screaming children
Seats are reserved so you are guaranteed a seat ...
21 and up = no need to sneak a bottle into the movie anymore :) You can buy a bottle at the bar and enjoy at your seat... Just be careful and try not to kick it during the movie...
Great for date night!! -
Review from David S.
5/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The way to see a movie is to just relax, preorder a seat in a balcony, and have some food and drink on a little side table in a comfy chair. Be warned, the first row of the balcony sounds like a good idea, but the guard railing kinda gets in the way of the screen, so maybe opt for the 2nd row balcony.
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Review from Albert L.
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
The FINER movie experience.
It's been over a decade since I last watched a movie at the Kabuki theaters, before Sundance and the whole remodeling, and I must say, WHY HAVEN'T I BEEN HERE SOONER!?!?
Since the summer blockbuster, The Avengers, had just been released, it was my utmost duty as a man to watch it ASAP! Typically, I watch all my movies at the Century 20 theater in Daly City (the free parking is simply the deal breaker) but showings were all sold out and the parking garages were in turmoil (it felt like Black Friday..) Narrowing down the choices, I was ever more persistence to watch the movie, but still not wanting to pay a ridiculously inflated parking fee (it's the Chinese in me). Yada-yada-yada, this is how my girlfriend and I ended up at the Sundance.
-- $15.00 for 3D screenings.
-- +$1.50 Amenity fee (YOU CAN BRING IN YOUR OWN BUBBLY).
-- Open Bar on the Balcony level.
-- THE FOOD IS ACTUALLY MADE TO ORDER (none of that reheated microwaved garbage) Get the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla!
-- Fancy 3D glasses.
-- Secluded Balcony seating.
-- Comfy seats with adjustable armrests for snuggly time.
-- Ticket Kiosks when you don't feel like talking to human beings.
-- And best of all, you get to PICK YOUR SEATING upon purchasing your ticket. No waiting in a tedious hour-long line just so you can attempt to snag the good seats and attempt to fight the horde of movie-goers so you may "save" half a dozen spots for the buddies running late.
-- Oh, Parking isn't bad either. Semi-residential area with meters everywhere and free parking starting after 6PM. Or opt for the J-Town Parking Garage one block away.
So sit back, relax, get tipsy, and enjoy the show. Sundance, you set the standards. And they are high, my friends.
One word review of The Avengers?
MARVELOUS. -
Review from Maya S.
5/12/2012
The first and only time I watched a movie at Kabuki was when The Sixth Sense came out. I just started middle school then so that was some time ago. Wow has Kabuki changed. Folks have recommended this theatre if you're looking to experience going to the movies, grown up style. A ticket costs a bit more here but every dollar is worth it. Theatre is clean. Staff is friendly. Food and drank is available. Seats are spacious and comfortable. Theatres are small so tons of people aren't packed into one theatre. Any seat is a good seat (except for the very first row of course) which you can pay for and pick online ahead of time. Plus, I love the movie posters in Japanese. Very Kabuki.
I would be careful with too much much drank which you can bring into the theatre. I got a little too comfy yanno and was almost ready to fall asleep at the beginning of the movie. Plus, I had to get up and pee in the middle of the movie which I NEVER do because I hate missing any part of the movie. Regardless, still a very cool option.
There's metered parking around which ends at 6pm, the Kabuki parking lot and the other Japantown lots. I parked at the Kabuki lot. After 6pm on weekdays, I believe it's only $1 per hour. Kabuki validates parking and takes $2 off your total. My total was $3 so I only paid $1 for parking.
Super + that Kabuki cares about and does what it can to be green. -
Review from Nique F.
4/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I am now incapable of sitting through a movie without a glass of wine in hand. Thanks Kabuki. I saw a flick here during the SFIFF and spent most of the day fantasizing about how lovely it would be to sit in a dark theater, nursing a goblet of Pinot, as I always have here. So, it's only fair that I went mildly ballistic when they told me only the upstairs theaters allow alcohol, leaving me with no choice but to purchase some Perrier or a coconut water, at an appalling $5 a pop. Now, that's a real horror story, don't you think?
Anyway, I do love this theater (especially the upstairs, grown-up section). They feature a good sampling of indie and foreign flicks along with some mainstream goodies. It's gotta be one of the most comfy and civilized spots to see a movie, making it a great date night launching pad. Hop over to Japan town for a cheap dinner before or after, and you've gotten your dose of culture for the day.
Classy digs, cushy seats, quirky films and booze for purchase that you can take into SOME of the theaters. This must be the reason that liquor stores sell wine in those mini bottles. Noted for next time!Listed in: Date Night, Go Solo!, Late Night Grubbin', Culturize Me - SF
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Review from L S.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
What an awesome theatre. After having my last three movie-going experiences ruined by less than polite audience members, this place is a breath of fresh air. There are over 21 showings - I am a convert. Watching a movie with a delicious cocktail in darkness because no one is texting and giggling is amazing. Am I an old crotchety McGee at 30? Possibly. I don't care. I'm an old crotchety McGee with a cocktail!! Totally worth the cost of a ticket.
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Review from Marcus R.
Daly City, CA
5/5/2012
I am really cheap and I always get annoyed with extra charges/sur-charges BUT I am more than happy to pay extra for
1) No ads before the movies. I do not need to see a Polar Bear playing football with Cokes.
2) Some areas are 21 Plus which means far fewer obnoxious people
3) Seats had two armrests, plenty of space and lots of legroom
I normally avoid seeing movies, especially new movies on a Friday night but this was a great experience. -
Review from Neil A.
Montara, CA
Updated - 5/18/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Although I love this place I've come to see some of the many warts it has. NEVER and I mean NEVER go here for a matinee showing. You can't get an adult beverage to add to your movie experience and paying extra for assigned seating in an empty theater is just stupid. On a side note... I wish this theater would just do away with all the bullshit extra fees and just roll it into the ticket price. I mean, I don't mind paying a bit more for the +21 and assigned seating but don't give me the "convenience fee" crap. If you're going to pull that crap maybe I should stop payment on my credit card for the time that the movie started and it took an additional 10 minutes for the house lights to go down or the inconvenience I experience when you have a god damn private function going on and I can't get my amenities at the bistro....
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/25/2011
I love this place! What more can I say? The world would be a much better place if all theaters… Read more »
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Review from Salsaboy S.
Oakland, CA
5/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I don't care that Sundance Kabuki charges an Amenity Fee. It's a beautiful theatre with a wonderful selection of sometimes hard-to-find arthouse, independent, and foreign films. It also is the main theatre complex for the San Francisco International Film Festival, which shows some truly wonderful films.
It's definitely worn a bit as it has aged, but it's still a lovely theatre with some lovely screening rooms.
Among my favorite places to watch a movie. -
Review from Jon T.
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
You know, I really love the whole beer, wine, food thing that's going on upstairs. And I like that it's a landmark theatre, so the selection is usually pretty good. But to be honest, I don't go out of my way to come here, mostly because it feels so out of the way. If I'm in Japantown to see a film, it's more likely going to be at SFFS's new home at New People.
Though to its credit, the theater is very well kept inside, and I mentioned the beer right? -
Review from Kevin J.
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a unique and fun way to enjoy the latest and greatest movies. There are several wine and beer bar stands located throughout the theater in the 21+ section, while one central bar is loaded with hard liquor. The prices are hefty for $10/glass for wine or beer, but the novelty is great. Picture yourself in a comfy chair surrounded by other adults who wont be checking their phones or talking loudly to one another while you sip your alcoholic delight and revel at the show in front of you.
You may not be pleased with the film itself but I'm sure you'll enjoy the food and beverage choices while you sit back in your reserved seat of choice. -
Review from Adrian M.
Alameda, CA
4/9/2012
Quick, let's do some an exercise! Name 5 things you HATE at movie theaters!
1. Annoying teenagers/people who talk/text/yell during the movie
2. Repeat number 1, that's how annoying it is.
3. Parents who bring their children to inappropriate movies (no, Machete is not okay for 8 yr olds.)
4. Gross seats or sticky floors
5. Poor audio/video quality
Now, look into my pocket watch and imagine a place where these things do not exist. Your stress dissipates and you sip your drink. That's right, YOU have an alcoholic beverage inside of a movie theater. You could also have real food (no, popcorn is not in that category although it's there if you want it).
Sundance Kabuki realizes the need for a cinema directed at the discerning movie goer who likes to be immersed in the movie, not their neighbors conversation. Yes, I completely agree, it is PRICEY but as Mitt Romneyish (see me date this review?) as this is going to sound, it's part of what keeps this experience what it is. Don't get me wrong, I still do 4 dollar days at Chabot theater or a sing a long in the Castro but when I know I need a great, quiet audience, I'm going to someplace like Kabuki.
Theory: the audience is just as important as the film. If the audience is not there with you respecting the movie, it makes the film so much worse for it.
Dare I say it but Kabuki revives a small piece of the picture palaces of the 1920's?
Then why not 5 stars you ask? Oh, you didn't ask? Too bad, I'm telling you anyway! =D It is pricey and it's not the full romance that I feel when I go to a movie in LA/Hollywood at the Arclight. Also, there is one really great theater and then many small ones. It's kind of a nice "screening room" feel but I'm paying so I would prefer the big screen.
Cheers though Kabuki. I appreciate you.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Jeremy G.
4/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My only knock on the Kabuki Cinema is that they don't support day drinking. Lame!
Otherwise, it is a standard theater with standard and comfortable seating. I suppose I will have to come back at night for the full experience. I really wanted to try that Mockingjay drink! -
Review from An-Nhien L.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Reserved seating: Awesome.
I saw the Hunger Games here at midnight. Why would you choose to see a midnight premiere of a movie anywhere else but here?! I've seen Harry Potter at midnight at other theaters and I just hate the concept of a movie starting at midnight and having to arrive at a theater 2 hours early just to guarantee you and your party can sit together! I've never seen a movie upstairs in the lounge-y area where you can drink but it's on my bucket list for sure! -
Review from Cindy M.
3/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Love, love, love this theater.
However, as I wrote in one of my Yelp tips, don't just waltz in here on aSaturday night at 7pm and expect to find two seats side by side. Purchase online, purchase early, and choose your seats ahead of time.
And aside from those awesome perks, there is amazing snacks, food, and 21+ movies which means you can take the entire bottle of wine (and food!) to your seats--without having to sneak it in your purse ;) Oh yes, and a bar.
It's near some great restaurants on Fillmore (Dosa, SPQR, and State Bird Provisions), the staff is very friendly and helpful, and the selection of movies is pretty awesome. And let's not forget the aesthetics: unlike most theaters, the decor is beautiful and the thought of your purse accidentally falling on the carpet doesn't make you shudder.
Some folks have complained about the prices, but for the (very) few bucks more than a standard theater, you get so much more perks. -
Review from Heather K.
Bay Area
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was my first time to this theater, to see the premier of THE CRUMBLES.
Never been to a movie theater that serves alcohol - very cool!
Seats were large and very comfortable. The entrance into the theater is really nice with its glass ceiling and again unlike any other theater I've ever been in before.
Parking can be difficult. There is a parking garage underneath the theater, but it fills up fast, we were just lucky to have gotten the last spot in the small lot. Also keep in mind that the theater validates - $2.00 off.
Overall, wonderful first time experience at the Kabuki! -
Review from Elizabeth L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/8/2012
We watched 21 jump street here on a Wednesday night. Drinks + center seats. The bathrooms were clean and big. We had two bottles of wine...made for a great night :)
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Review from Anita D.
San Francisco, CA
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's pretty pricey. $27 for two people.
but it's a more sophisticated and posh theatre. You don't have to deal with teenyboppers in the 21+ movie theatres.
They serve liquor which you can bring in.
Wine by the bottle about $36.
Reserve seating. -
Review from Curran H.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2012
Sundance Kabuki gets one star for being spacious and clean, and another star for showing some decent movies. But they lose 3 stars for their idiotic and ludicrous pricing system.
A "matinee" showing is supposed to be a lower-priced showing. There's zero justification for charging $11.50 for a matinee, and then trying to justify it by saying that $2.00 of that is an "amenity fee".
"What, pray tell," I asked the clerk "is an 'amenity fee'?"
"Well, we don't have any corporate sponsors that we play ads for, and for that extra $2 we offer services like 'reserved seating'" (hardly relevant in a showing with just 4 other attendees), "and we recycle" (you should do that anyway, and the city even pays for its collection).
On their website, the theater attempts to justify their "amenity fee" by saying "In an industry that notoriously ignores 'green' ideas, we try to be an evolving conscientious citizen with our extensive building remodel and in our daily practices."
Well, rubbish. First, your huge central atrium space is a serious energy-waster, as are the continuously-operating up and down escalators. There's simply no getting around it: the movie theater industry is inherently UN-green. It's far greener to simply stream a Netflix movie into your home over the interwebs, rather than heating/cooling a huge common space and 8 cavernous theater rooms, projecting a huge image on a screen, powering big sound systems, etc. If Sundance was so concerned about being "green", they'd close up shop and be done with it.
So, I'm sorry. The movie house industry is slowly committing suicide by charging prices that are utterly out of proportion with other forms of entertainment. Sixty years ago, theaters had a monopoly on motion pictures, and then television came along. Forty years ago, it had a monopoly on first-run motion pictures, and then videotapes came along, and then DVDs, which were pretty much as good as theater-quality images and sound. Nowadays, what's anyone's motivation to pay $11.50 to see a matinee (much less $17.00 to see a NON-matinee?!) and have to deal with the inconvenience of seeing a film on someone else's schedule, finding and paying for parking, having to share a room with noisy strangers, not being able to pause the film for a bathroom break, and being held hostage to overpriced drinks and snacks when so many other options are available?
Answer: there is none. And yet the theater industry's reaction to this reality is to just stuff their fingers in their ears to block out the criticism, and keep jacking prices up.
News to Sundance Kabuki: I don't care enough about seeing a movie before it comes out on DVD (or it can be streamed) to pay $34 for my wife and I to watch a film in your theater. And you can take your "amenity fee" and insert it in the nearest available orifice. -
Review from Tanya B.
Seattle, WA
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Very cute! Has a bar. Went here for a SFIFF movie, was great.
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Review from Sandy L.
San Francisco, CA
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
My favorite theater in San Francisco! I love what they did with the renovation...especially, when you can watch a movie and have a drink at the same time! Awesomeness!
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Review from Jennifer C P.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's always a special treat to go to a place that you love so much about it.
These are the reasons I love Sundance Kabuki:
I love how clean and modern it is.
I love how you can buy your ticket online and pick your seat.
I love the large, plush, comfy seats.
I love how the audience is mature (no cell phones, talking, etc.)
I love the delicious fresh popcorn in paper sacks.
I love the option to have sexy dinner and cocktails while watching a movie.
I love the easy parking on the street or the paid garage.
I love the quality of movies they play - Sundance quality!
I love the clean restrooms.
I love the friendly, professional staff.
I saw two movies here in one week: one with my girls and one for a dinner date. I loved it both times!
I wish all movie going experiences were like this.Listed in: Uniquely Fun Dining!, Japantown With My Otaku
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Review from Walker C.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2012
Very good amenities. Very comfortable seats. Book in advance as others say. There are some bad seats but you will learn).
Full bar. Drinking in the theatre allowed on the balcony!!
The sound is just OK and if you are near the back right, you can hear road noise through the exit doors. But I don't come here to see IMAX or 3D movies anyways.
Great date spot. -
Review from Tab C.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2012
I really love this theater. There is reserved seating, so no fighting over seats or having to get there super early to make sure you aren't sitting in the front row.
When there is a new movie that I know will have long lines, I choose to go to Kabuki. This way I avoid the hour wait and can walk in 5 minutes before the movie and not worry about a thing.
If you're over 21, I highly recommend the balcony. Spacious, comfy seats where you sit in pairs with a small table that has drink holders separating you from the couple next to you. You can also bring in drinks and food from the bar upstairs.
Downside is that they don't have the best screens in the city (century has better) and their snack bar is limited and pretty pricy. I paid over $10 for a small drink, a small container of chocolate covered gummy bears and a chocolate square. -
Review from Erica R.
San Lorenzo, CA
4/25/2012
I am a little embarrassed that I was so late on experiencing this theater. It was great..I don't want to watch a movie at night ever again unless I am going to Kabuki. The seats where comfy, balcony style seating, the fact that you can buy a bottle of wine, beer or mixed drink is awesome. The crowd was grown and mature. It was overall a great movie night! You wont be disappointed! ~ Unless the movie you picked sucked! lol
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Review from Lam N.
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Terrific theater. Cool J-Town vibe. But hide your valuables in your car.
First off, I'm guessing only in SF will you see people roll into a movie balancing plates of sushi and fig salads. I like that there's a restaurant and bar attached. Not because of the boozing ability. But the mere fact that there's a bar means you have to be 21 (for certain shows), and that gets rid of the tween crowd, and screaming kids.
I love that you can select your seats as you buy your tickets. No more pressure to save entire rows.
I like that you can sneak in all kinds of Japanese snacks from Ichiban and Daiso nearby. But maybe you should think about leaving the Natto at home.
Finally, love the theater, love J-Town, but I hate that its in such a ghetto neighborhood. During a Harry Potter Screening, my car was broken into. Some passersby managed to find some of my things and left me clues to follow to catch the perp. Every time i'm in J-town, i see smashed glass nearby. Moral of this story: hide the things in your car, park in the garage (they validate in the theater!), and carry a bat. -
Review from Jennifer O.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/25/2012
So when I went to see "Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" I hit the concession stand just before the previews and movie started.
I need fresh popcorn (why do the carb load if it's not worth the calories, right?) So I asked Marcos behind the counter, "Is that freshly popped" (it was not).
I'm a professional. I need the real goods.
So I suggested to Marcos that I pay for it now, see the previews that were starting and that I'd dart back out, grab my (fresh) popcorn and dodge back into the theater.
And you know what?
I didn't get that "Well, we can't do that" and other customer service b.s. Marcos just "got" it.
EVERYONE was happy.
(Well, I was and that's all that counts, right?)
This example is why I love the Sundance Kabuki: Service
And and important note: the theater is clean, not sticky. I cringe when my feet stick to the floor from spilled soda.
I love you Sundance Kabuki!Listed in: If We Break Up, This is MY…, If You're Stalking Me, Let Me…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/24/2011
I used to be a movie theater whore: I'd go to any theater playing the movie I wanted to see, parsing… Read more »
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Review from Gene A.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2012
If you want to watch a movie in comfort this is the place and they have a sushi bar & cafe upstairs.
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Review from Kate S.
Flagstaff, AZ
3/18/2012
I like this theater. But, we always have to buy seats way way way in advance so we pretty much have to plan that we want to see a movie the day before or early in the morning if it's a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
I like that I can get a glass of wine and BF can get a beer. I like the snack options. The theater seats are normal. Nothing out of the ordinary. I kinda feel weird putting my wine glass in the cup holder cause it sinks down too much and i worry my seat neighbor may put their hand in my glass or something.
Otherwise, nice theater, good selection of films, we'll definitely keep coming back. -
Review from Andie L.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I don't see movies very often, but if I do I go to Sundance Kabuki Cinema. Sit in the balcony. They're the best seats and you can drink while you watch your movie. Their food upstairs ain't bad, either. I love, love, love coming here!
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Review from Kyle K.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2012
Super clean and worth the couple extra bucks they charge.
It's also a good place to have public sex during early matinee on a beautiful day as no one is there and you just might see a movie worth seeing. -
Review from Shree R.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2012
Very cool spot! One of a kind! If you purchase tickets for the special theatre you can bring in outside food and drink and set up shop at your own little private table attached to your seat. Gives new meaning to dinner and movie night in.
On top of that you can purchase booze from the bar and chill in the lounge (yes, they have one) or take with to your seats. And by George, they have a pretty decent beer selection!
Not a drinker? No problem. Still a very cool experience for the fam bam. The concession stands are stocked with snacks a plenty, including baked goodies.
Just go! -
Review from Dru M.
1/4/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Ok...I have to start off by saying I'm in between 3 and 4 stars, but due to the cleanliness or lack there of...I have to go with 3. Hopefully I can increase my review after my next visit. Below are a few of my pros and cons.
Pros -
*Great variety and times of their shows.
*Comfy chairs in the theater.
*Even though we didn't buy any refreshments...the concession stand appeared to have a lot to pick from.
*Friendly staff
*Kiosks to buy and pick up tickets.
Cons -
*Small, filthy restrooms. Wait was about 15 minutes....pretty ridiculous for how many theaters hey have.
*Movie screens were small, which was a surprise to me. Obviously they are large enough to see everything, but obviously much smaller than the wall can handle.
Overall...I'm very happy to call this my neighborhood movie theater. I just hope they clean it up a bit.Listed in: Wonderous Western…
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Review from Karen T.
4/5/2012 3 photos
I give them 3.5 stars for letting me drink in the theatre!! I also like it's a less rowdy theatre with more adults than kids. I give them less than 4 stars because it is real expensive, and the food kind of sucks. I tried the pizza and the chips and dip, no bueno. You can at least make your own chips if you're going to be charging $6 for chips and salsa with side of sourcream mixed with some onions I think, couldn't taste anything special.
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Review from Todd C.
12/29/2011
I'm giving you three stars because I'm trying not to be a little bitch about this.
Every time I look up the movies at the Kabuki and begin the process, because yes it is a process, of buying tickets to a showing, the "convenience fee" is always very convenient for me because it reminds me why I never go to your theatre, because of the convenience fee. Funny how that works, isn't it?
Seriously, let's talk like grown-ups about this. And yes, actually it's just called a "Fee," $1.50/ticket, though I can't imagine why it would be there other than for 'convenience'. ('Processing'? 'Holding it for us'?) But whatever; have it your way. So let's talk about this Fee. The Fee gets added on when you order online, which you kind of have to do in order to get decent seats what with their reserved seating, which, okay. Just "okay" because you know what I'd rather have more than reserved seating? A theatre where people shut up. I don't get that here.* THAT'S a convenience I would pay for, but, yeah, I don't get that here. So that's problem #1: a fee you're forced into paying because of their business practices.
Problem #2, afore-mentioned, is that people still talk here, don't act like the semi-eponymous grown-ups who purportedly occupy this movie theatre night in, night out.
Problem #3 is, fittingly, the $3 Amenity, or "Excuse me?" fee that gets tacked on, if you're buying online, right at the checkout. To put it in context, you have a penultimate page that gives you your "Amount," there's a whole table and the "Amount" column is way at the right (read: final), and it's the bottom # in that right-hand column so, yeah, anyone who's spent some time in the second grade pretty much reads that "Amount" as the total, ie, the grand total. The tricky part is, however, that you then go to the checkout page, and there are all these fields to input, they need your CC# and what have you, and in really teeny font in between a few of those fields is the information that your Actual Grand Total is, you know, $3 more than the Amount they showed you on the previous page. No explanation as to why. Just the digital legerdemain.
Oops, you appear to have lost a star over the course of this review. Indignity's a bitch, ain't she?
Honestly, if you want an grown-up movie theatre without the purloining, go to Embarcadero, or the Lumiere, or the Vogue, or the Castro for cryin out loud, now that's an adult theatre everyone can be proud of.
*Not that I'm knocking, I mean you don't get that anywhere these days, surrounded as we are at all times by Philistines, it's just that I want to call bullshit to the extent that this place purports to be a theatre for grown-ups. It's not. It's just a theatre that costs more money and has booze and nicer food (and so costs even more money). People don't act any differently while they're sitting there, they don't refrain from whispering, from working their cell phones. They act like regular Americans, golly, if a little on the arriviste side.
ps: Sorry for being a little bitch about this. -
Review from Matt J.
San Diego, CA
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Chairs are much more comfy then at regular theaters. You can drink booze and eat dinner during the movie. The arm rests are wide enough for two manly arms to share. Assigned seating.
What else do I have to say. -
Review from Stephanie C.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2012
after experiencing the wonderful kabuki theater, i never want to go anywhere else to watch a movie. ever. im dead serious. nicest place ive ever been - clean, modern, sophisticated. i was just blown away by the fact that there were bars and lounges here. there's even a little kiosk right in front of the actual theater doors if you want to buy some beer, cider, wine, or candy right before you take your reserved seats.
the food and drinks are fantastic. i tried one of the cocktail specials that had rum, pineapple and some blueberry something in it and it was DELICIOUS. i had to slow down with drinking it because i didn't wanna get too buzzed for the movie. oops. i also shared a margarita pizza and a dessert pizza [nutella, marshmallows, and strawberries drizzled with chambord] with two other friends and we finished that up pretty quickly. -
Review from lynda T.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
OMG! I haven't been here in so long. Completely a different atmosphere. Pre-Seating Tickets, ECO friendly, Comfy Lounges. Full Bar. Awesome! Artsy Fartsy Fun!
