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The Egyptian Theatre
Rating Details »
801 E Pine St
(between Broadway & Harvard Ave)
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-4978
(between Broadway & Harvard Ave)
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 323-4978
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66 reviews for The Egyptian Theatre
I went to see "It Might Get Loud" with 2 friends, and it was just freaking amazing! The 5 estrellas are just as much for the movie as the theater. The theater is very cool...great old architecture that you would hope for in an old building, and of course it's an artsie place with indie flicks and that kind of stuff.
"It Might Get Loud" totally delivers. It's about the collaboration, inspiration, and creative processes of 3 amazing electric guitarists: Jimmy Page, the Edge, and Jack White. All had such great respect for each other in the film. The directer also directed Al Gores' "An Inconvenient Truth." Without giving anything away, this movie really delved into the pasts of these 3 artists, their inspiration, their creative processes...and it just left me salivating for more like a rabid dog when it was over. I could easily see it again.... Easily.
Brrr! It's cold in here, there must be some Toros in the atmosphere....
It is rather cold inside. Great for hot days, not so much for mild days. Wear a sweater, and then be prepared to pick your seat and enjoy your favorite indie flick.
I've been here a few times and I've always enjoyed the rather spacious seating, classy decor, free water stations and of course, the generous screen and sound system. The Egyptian keeps it real, and that's exactly what this city needs in a movie theater.
You won't find cheap eats and snacks - it's still the same pricey commercial fair as your local theater, but hey, someone's gotta make a living.
Went to this place the other night to watch a movie that I wasn't so enthralled with, but enjoyed the old movie theatre feeling it had to the place.
Seats were bearable and creaky but not horrible.
Interior architecture and décor was cool and made me think of some 1940s theatre.
Staff was so/so except for the manager... She was awesome...
Good sound system.
Didn't pay for the movie or snacks, so I can't speak of pricing...
This place has its on little charm & you should visit it at least once to see a movie.
Fact: This used to be a Masonry building and if you look at the door knobs, you can still see their symbol on them...
The Egyptian reminds me of El Capitan on Hollywood Blvd, except on a smaller scale. I appreciate the old school feel and the balcony seating. Because the theater is a little old, the seats are cushy but wayyyy creaky and sometimes missing an armrest.
This is very unfortunate for a fidgety person like me.
I thought Harvard Exit was my favorite Seattle theater, that is until I visited the Egyptian for the first time. It's old, like the HE, it's ornate, like the HE, it shows indy films, like the HE, and it actually used to be a theater theater, like the kind that has a stage; this is unlike the HE.
The only thing I didn't like about the Egyptian was the sound. That wasn't enough to knock any stars down from it, though. One last thing: how many time better are Harvard Exit and the Egyptian Theater than say an AMC or Regal multiplex?
The answer? They are 137.432 times better.
The Egyptian Theatre makes me cry.
OK, OK, not the theatre itself or the employees, but I'd say 80% of the movies I've seen here have left me in tears; from a few sniffles (Milk, Pan's Labyrinth) to full on embarrassing - in - public - bawling (Brokeback Mountain). That being said, the only movie I've seen here that I really didn't like was I [Heart] Huckabees, and oh well, at least is was a quirky movie instead of some crappy blockbuster. Besides, I [Heart] Mark Wahlberg.
The movies are well chosen and I appreciate that. I also really, really appreciate that prior to the movie, you must only endure a few previews (usually for foreign films) instead of half and hour of previews and half an hour of ads (like at the big chain movie theatres). The interior of the theatre is, of course, awesome, I never get tired of looking around. Tickets aren't that cheap, nor are the concession items, but hey, a movie isn't a cheap night these days...
... UNLESS YOU ARE IN PORTLAND! More on that in a coming review...
Even though it doesn't offer $3 movies and beer, you should support this local theatre! It's on the Hill so parking is a bitch. Cheap ramp nearby though.
I saw a 3D Ron Jeremy film here. It was great! This was back when everyone had laser pointers. Funniest event ever!
I like the Egyptian quite a bit. The location is fairly convenient, less than a one-mile walk up the hill after disembarking from a bus downtown. I love the design and layout of the auditorium; there are plenty of seats and decent sightlines for most of them. The seats are uncommonly comfortable, too, with low, gently reclined backrests and firm cushioning. I try to sit toward the center, either directly behind or directly in front of the horizontal aisle. I also like the variety of upscale concession choices, especially the Dreyer's "Dibs" ice cream. The stately, antiquated atmosphere also impresses.
Drawbacks? The sound quality isn't so great. It seems pretty loud at some times; at other times, merely hissy, as if all sibilant sounds are somehow over-done. Also, the lobby is pretty small for SIFF screenings and other large events.
I'm tempted to give the Egyptian FOUR stars, just because I always have such a good time there, but three stars is more accurate of the experience for regular people, I think - I'm just a nerd who really, really loves movies and goes crazy for midnight showings.
On the BOO side, the audio is pretty terrible. My boyfriend and I have brought earplugs on occasion. It's either way too loud or way too quiet, and always sounds distorted.
Broken-ass, uncomfy seats.
FREEZING cold. I really think of all the problems, they should be able to do something most easily about this one - we've ended up literally huddled together for warmth! It really, really gets uncomfortably cold in here.
Focus issues.
Very expensive snacks/coffee bar.
The YAY side:
I love the decor. The old bathroom always makes me feel like the mirror's going to write REDRUM on itself in blood while I watch, or I'm going to see a dead girl in the mirror, them spin around to see there's REALLY NOBODY THERE AT ALL. Also, there's always soap and papertowels.
The theatre itself is old, but beautiful.
But mostly: the movies. They choose good movies. Some of the midnight showings I can remember seeing here include Better Off Dead, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the 1979 B-classic "The Warriors" and many more. It's a pretty great time.
If plush comfort and perfection are your most important parts of an experience, you might want to choose a more modern theater. But for great movie choice and a lot of fun, the Egyptian's great.
Um ... seriously? Four and five stars, for the Egyptian? Yes, there are positive parts to this movie theater, but absolutely none of them have to do with actually seeing movies.
It's independent, it often plays little-known indie movies (a rarity in Seattle), it's a landmark in many respects, it has cool midnight showings, and it's fairly central - all good things. But in terms of an actual movie-going experience? Yikes.
The seats are cramped, falling apart, and if you aren't careful, you'll have a sore spot on your back or ass from where some rogue spring was poking you for 2 hours. I actually started sinking into my seat (and I am not a big girl) and had trouble getting out. The place is filthy and dingy, and often smells of mildew (and it's freezing inside). I've actually seen movies here that kept slipping out of focus (seriously? What year is it? 1942? LEARN TO FIX THIS).
But by far the worst part of the Egyptian is the audio. I've been here a few times and been woefully unable to understand a word that was said. I'm not sure if it's the speakers or the wiring. Something is clearly faulty (or maybe just very, very old) but I've literally seen films here where I caught roughly a third of the dialogue, and I've found I'm not alone.
I'll leave the Egyptian to the hipsters and the "I'm not a tourist" tourists. There are far better theaters in Seattle.
What I like about the Egyptian:
1) Its big yet cozy feeling with its theatre-esque vibe
2) They play midnight flashback movies
3) Can always find a decent seat (unless its during SIFF but still not too shabby)
Things that could use improvement:
1) I second the comment about it always being too cold in there despite the numbers in the audience.
2) They play the same movie for a month or so at a time. Since I live right next door it sorta sucks to have to go out of the way to find a movie instead of hitting up my local spot
All in all, its probably my favorite Landmark theatre
One of the original movie palaces and still a classic. Beautiful brick exterior, ornately wrought interior decorations. Great programming. Wonderful urban feel. Cool midnight movie program.
Cons: parking's a bitch, and the seats aren't all that great--small, old, busted springs. But you have fun in addition to the movie, and that's thanks to the theater. I'll probably always love this place, as long as it doesn't start falling down.
This is by far one of my most favorite theaters here in Seattle along with The Neptune.
-Excellent size screen
-Comfortable seating
-Excellent choices for movies
-Classic Midnight Movie showings like Goonies, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Dark Crystal
- There is a very beautiful and eerie feel to this theater and i think it is because of how old it is. I hope to see this place maintained for years to come.
SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) Venue
Charming theatre if I lived in Seattle this would be MY movie place for sure. I like the yummy vegan cookies they sale in the snack shop too.
The Egyptian theater has charm. Lovely painted interior with beautiful curtains. Independent films. In a great neighborhood. Go for a dinner and a show, then a lovely stroll through Capitol Hill and discuss the show!
The Cons:
The AC is always set to "freeze patrons to death"
The snacks are super expensive (which isn't to say that the snacks at any other theatre are any less expensive-- they are. But they're still expensive)
The sound SUCKS. Thank God for ear plugs.
The Seats are totally uncomfortable.
The Pros:
The movies.
The midnight weekend movies.
The love. I'll never stop coming here, as long as its open. If you love movies, look at the schedule for the Egyptian.
Most weekends I'll grab a sweater and ear plugs, drive around for an hour looking for parking, take in a movie at the Egyptian, and be really, really happy that I did.
I still remember the first movie I ever saw here it was Run Lola Run back in 1999 and it was fantastic unfortunately not all films I've seen there have been as fantastic but that's ok I don't blame the Egyptian on my sucky taste in movies.
The Egyptian is one of my favorite theatres to go see an independent or foreign film at. The lobby does have a bit of a smell to it but I can get over that because the Egyptian decor is cool and makes this theater unique from all the others ones in the area.
The seats are actually pretty comfortable as well but be careful where you sit you may end up with a head blocking your view which if you're seeing a film with subtitles can be a bit of a pain the neck.
Oh and if you are ever afraid the movie will sell out have no fear you can buy your tickets online just to be on the safe side.
This is what I want out of a movie theatre. Old building with beautiful Egyptian design inside. Now days, movie theatres do not take pride in their interior design so it was nice to see that the Egyptian had a cool theme inside.
The concession stand seemed to be cheaper as well. If I remember right, a large refillable popcorn here is $5.75 and large refillable drink is $4. Ok, that is not "cheap" but I'm sure it is a bit cheaper than other theatres.
We sat through a long movie (Mongol, it's great btw) so luckily the seats were pretty comfortable, the sound was good, and the screen was large.
Another plus was the parking garage that was across the street.
Zipzap Zubidy Bop!
4.75
Of all the theaters I've been to in the last few months, which isn't much, but to me is a lot...THIS is what a theater should be like.
The seats were actually more comfortable than most of the "newer" theaters I"ve been to.
I figured out the problem, the seat backs are too SHORT at most theaters to let my amazon-tall self slouch and relax comfortably. The seats here aren't amazing, but are preferable to me.
The dcor, oh god, how can you not love it? I almost didn't notice all the hilarious SIFF "previews" as I was gawking around at the ornate and beautiful details in the theater.
The sound system got a bit "tinny" on really loud parts, but overall was just as good, if not a bit better, than other theaters.
This was day two of the free SIFF previews yelp sent me on (thanks yelp and Michelle, was wicked fun!!),...and the best of the two. Better movie in a better theater w/ excellent yelper company by my side.
Next time I want to see a movie, this theater is in my top picks to see what's playing first.
I saw a good SIFF movie here. Free of charge thanks to Yelp! Thanks for that.
This place has really great atmosphere. Free ice water in the lobby. It has an awesome sound system. When the characters were talking really low, I had no problem following their dialog. I can't wait to see some midnight movies here. They play tons of them, though I'm kind of confused as to when they start. Hmm.
Minus one for the seats. Sometimes I loathe being tall. It happened at this theater. I adjusted, readjusted and then realized I would have to deal with it and be uncomfortable.
Had a funny experience in the SIFF line. Some girls were drinking on the patio at Bill's across the street. Seeing that we were waiting in a MOVIE line, they shouted, "Hey! Who played the dad in Back to The Future?" A couple of people yelled back at them, "Crispin Glover!!" They thanked the people and one of them got on their phone and told the person they called, "Yeah, it was some dude called Christian McLover!"
I don't know about you, but that sounds like one sexy sandwich*.
*Yup, I stole this joke from a hilarious movie. Which one was it?
This is a great place for independent films. It's like the movie hall of yesteryear.
This is in a great location to have drinks or tapas before or after a movie and the concession stand actually has some pretty great snacks!
Maybe the seats aren't the most comfortable but they do have cup holders. They have capacity for just under a gazillion people so there's always room (at least every time I've showed up).
Parking can be a bit tough so consider, cab, bike, bus, etc. or park over by where you're having all those after movie drinks.
I'm a fan of the landmark theater chain's commitment to showing quality, oftentimes overlooked movies. With a handful of these scattered throughout Seattle, The Egyptian is possibly the farthest from my house. However, I usually find that the movies that are playing there are worth the drive. In my mind, what sets the Egyptian apart from other Landmark theaters like Guild 45th or the Harvard Exit is that the seats actually accommodate tall people. There's plenty of leg room, so you're not trying to see the screen over your knees. Also, the concessions here are worth a stop. Along with the typical soda and popcorn, they have an espresso cart and other interesting treats. If you get there before the lights go off, take a look at the interior.
The main attraction for me is the decor! I'm a sucker for detail and I love the theme of this theater!!
I'm not a huge fan of the seats. I feel that they could be upgraded and also sort of felt squished between the people who were sitting around me. The celly was on vibrate and it turns out...the seats picked up the vibration three seats down. When the movie was over, the ladies were questioning who's phone was going off the hook. Damn sensitive seats.
The SIFF film I saw, "New Castle" was awesome. This is the Australian surfer boy film that the ladies are raving about. Even more rad was the actors being there after the movie for the Q&A portion that follows. Hawt!!
Seeing so many responses about the midnight movies here will have me coming back sooner than later!!
The midnight movies at the Egyptian are probably close to being one of the best things I have ever experienced. Whenever they show The Goonies, the crowd is amazing! Cheering at all the right parts and clapping when Chunk and Sloth slide down the sail.
I appreciate the fact that they take pride in the films that they choose to show. It is definitely noticed.
Along with the Harvard Exit this is probably my favorite theater in Seattle. The screen is great and the interior is awesome.
I caught my second SIFF film here last night. (A Korean flick called "Woman on the Beach." Don't bother. Really.) The bathrooms reek of piss. Actually even the front lobby reeks of piss a little. The AC was on full blast and was gusting cold air all over my exposed limbs. (One of my all time pet peeves is air blowing directly on me, so you can imagine my irritation.) I had to put my cardigan on, wrap my hoodie around my legs, and take my lovely date's shirt and place it over my chest to keep from freezing to death.
I think the sound failed for a few seconds at some (non-critical) point during the movie, which would make it the second equipment failure I've experienced at the Egyptian in one week.
Boo to movie theaters that can double as meat lockers!
What's not to like?
Central location
Non glaring staff (are all landmark theatre employees snobs?)
Slightly off center movies
That tiny theatre atmosphere
Worth the drive
It's really all about two things here. One, good arthouse films. Two the midnight showings. And I'm only neglecting a star because the seats are hard and I have long legs so my knees hit the back of a seat and it hurts... Bad. Anyways, the other rant is that sometimes they need to finetune their scheduling so that midnight movies start letting people in before midnight... Not at midnight.
Oh those midnight showings, that's the highlight of the place. I don't care if you own the movie, and have seen the movie... It's always fun seeing it on the big screen with other fans. Raiders of the Lost Ark, Tron, Monster Squad, Big Lebowski, etc etc. When I see a movie I saw as a kid... I revert to a child again. I know... "awww". Anyways, you have to go for a midnight showing. For reals. Even durring the Seattle International Film Festival they have midnight showings. Oh, one thing... Don't be surprised if you see a guy wearing kneepads... Just don't tease me in front of me, wait till I turn my back.
Wow, an old-school theatre that shows artsy flicks but is not grimy. What a novel concept!
My SIFF six pack took me to lots of theaters, and this was by far my favorite. Love the fact that it has curtains and box seats.
The main problem with this place is its name. Or rather, that I always get it confused with the Varsity or Neptune. Typical conversation ...from yesterday:
"So, honey, where is 'Science of Sleep' playing?"
"It's playing at the Egyptian."
"Crap! I don't want to drive out to the U-Districts! Parking is going to suck!"
"Hon, you're thinking of the Varsity again. The Egyptian is the theater that's, like, three blocks away."
"Aces!"
Anyhow, that minor piece of confusion aside, I really like the Egyptian. As others have mentioned, its got a good selection of films, and rarely gets even vaguely full.
But, even though it usually doesn't fill up, I recommend going early so that you can get a seat in the midway isle row. Tons of leg room, and no heads blocking your view. Movie bliss!
The Egyptian has been my home for numerous midnight movie events. The fact that they played my favorite film Back to the Future there should give them a million points alone. I've also seen several other movies there, both at midnight and during the daytime.
The screen is massive and makes movies a real spectacle.
On the down side, the Egyptian is rather a pain to get to when it comes to parking (especially if you want FREE parking), but for the most part, it's worth the wait.
The seats can be uncomfortable (especially for a 180 minute viewing of The Godfather Part II!), but generally, the overall design and layout of the theatre makes up for this fact - the theatre is beautiful!
There is nothing finer than that first glimpse into the Egyptian; you are awed at the infinite ceiling and all that crushed velvet. You might even look to your date and wonder aloud why they don't make theaters like this anymore, being reassured by their enthusiastic nodding in approval. But before you start singing the praises and vow to never go to another theater, prepare yourself for the crushing disappointment that is sure to follow within an hour and a half. The searing hip/back/butt pain from sitting fairly still for an hour and a half on a seat that has not been re-padded in this half of the century will quickly kill the buzz this beautiful theater first wooed you with.
Other than that, I am a fan of most of their midnight movie selections and since they are part of the Landmark Cinema family, they consistently bring good quality independent film to the Hill.
Pros:
Great creaky old movie house; midnight movies; happy to let you bring your own snacky food; in my neighborhood; plays a good mix of movies.
Cons:
$9.25 for a movie? You think you're that good? You could win a lot of hearts and minds if that were $8, or even $9, carrying quarters sucks.
Okay, the seats are creaky (even more true of the Uptown theater on lower Queen Anne), but the Egyptian is one of the few remaining movie houses with only one screen, and a very large one at that.
Ornate Egyptian Revival/art deco interior decor makes this a classy if funky stand-out, especially after one has suffered through monstrosities such as the rabbit-warren of screening rooms at the kitschy Metro Cinema or at the already down-at-the ears Meridian 16.
I have been surprised over the years by the consistency of quality of the selection of films shown here (among commercial venues, the highest, along with the Harvard Exit) shown at this large, single-screening movie theater.
This has included the crowd-pleasing "Amelie" to the art-house "Brokeback Mountain," Pedro Almodovor's "Talk to Her," and the remarkable World War II documentary "The Sorrow and the Pity."
I saw "Brokeback Mountain" twice here, and I was astonished that no one at either screening was talking to the person next to her/him, loudly munching popcorn, wandering in and out, "looking for the action," or laughing at a continuous barrage of sound-bites, which is usually the case when I've seen a "flick" in a movie theater.
Audiences often feel as if they are entitled to do anything they would do in front of their own television at home so that the movie screen has become just an enlarged television. Talk out loud whenever you feel like it, discuss the film, and prop your shoes on top of the seat in front of you...
There definitely IS an audience for "serious" cinema, not just cheap thrills, in Seattle, and I've found it frequently here.
(Also, one can always find here a seat away from someone or ones that are talking or munching popcorn in the seat(s) next to or behind you, not possible at the Seven Gables, Uptown, multi-plex).
Pray AGAINST the day that the Landmark Corporation doesn't tear the whole building down and put up a 6-story condo/multi-cinema-plex. We've been awfully luck so far.
This is my second favorite theatre in Seattle.
Indie Films, Art Films, Cult Classics, Oh My!
I really love to drag my boyfriend to films showing here. He likes to go to the Egyptian too, but doesn't always like my choices in films to see there. I am just happy that the Egyptian is nice, big, and shows all the off beat films that I want to see. It has the midnight movies too which are awesome, I have to admit that I usually have a little problem getting sleepy during the midnight movie and try my hardest to stay awake. But the best part is they play all sorts of new films and cult classics, which is best to see on the big screen.
Love this theater! Have never been for the midnight shows, but always catch something unique and different here.
The seats are amazingly comfy (however they are not movi-plex quality), but you can't beat it for the huge theater surround-effect. Also, the concession stand snacks rock and its probably my favorite movie theater popcorn aside from Harvard Exit and NW Film Forum.
All this yelping is making me fiend for the Egyptian...its time for a movie!
Midnight Movies at the Egyptian RULE! I've seen everything from Young Frankenstein to Pan's Labyrinth to Scarface here. The Stranger is sometimes at these shows giving out T-shirts and stuff. I used to take art classes at SCCC upstairs. This building is cool. And haunted.
Seeing hot Australian surfers on a large screen? Oh god, yes.... yes.. yes.. You see, I had no idea that the movie was about Australian surfers (it slipped my mind) and once I bought a siff book about all the movies being played, and the realization that the SIFF movie I chose to go to courtesy of yelp was this, my ears perked up like a happy bunny. The last time I saw a movie here was for SIFF a couple years ago and I had to sit in the balcony. Those seats? No bueno... feel like old wooden school seats with no leg room for these gams on mine. But otherwise, its a great theater and I got to drool at the glistening, tanned bodies of Aussies... and a couple of the actors in the movie were there afterwards! I got scared and left before I could say hi.
The Egyptian is a beautiful theatre that shows art house films in Capitol Hill. It's part of the Landmark chain, which regularly shows great movies, but it has a character uniquely its own, unlike most chain theatres.
This was the first theatre where we saw a movie in Seattle, so it will always have a special place in my heart.
