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The Harvard Exit Theatre
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
807 E Roy St
(between E Harvard Ave & E Broadway)
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 323-8986
807 E Roy St
(between E Harvard Ave & E Broadway)
Seattle, WA 98102
(206) 323-8986
Now Playing:
Precious Showtimes on Flixster
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
52 reviews for The Harvard Exit Theatre
All my years in Seattle and I have never watched a movie in here. When my friend suggested it, I was a little apprehensive. I figured it would be an uncomfortable dive. Wrong.
We had to hike to an upper floor and everything does creak, but it all adds to the mystique of the place. Seats were comfy and tiered so I didn't have a Humpty head in front of me.
This is a great stopping place after eating in the area, regardless of what is showing!
Say what you will about this theatre's ambiance but they do have bonafide infestation problems as evidenced by the rat which ran across the bottom of the screen last night. Or maybe they are perks, let's do a quick pros & cons.
Pros of rat infestation:
--The girl you brought to the movie becomes legitimately frightened and you enjoy the perks of seeing a scary flick, regardless of the actual film genre
--Rats = greater authenticity
--If the rats have excellent timing they may actually enhance the director's vision of the film
Cons of rat infestation:
--Pestilence
--Would any serious film director truly support a potentially distracting rat cameo, even if it spices up one of the "talky" parts of their arty movie?
--If the rat stands in front of the projector, you'll miss important bits
There's no clear verdict here--but overall this is a fun theatre for enjoying arty films and disease-carrying rodents.
It's just a theater, but I like this one. It's sorta hidden within Capitol Hill on a side street, and it's in a cool neighborhood. I like old buildings like this, and I like old movie theaters, so I reckon that's why I like this theater so much.
It doesn't hurt that this theater tends to show films more on the independent-tip either.
The lobby is also pretty nice with a big ole piano, some film projection memorabilia, and comfy old couches. I've sat in the balcony (yeah, I'm a kid), and in the main area for movies, and both are nice options. The sound is good and picture quality is nice as well.
When looking for a place to see a film while in Seattle, this is one of the theaters which is on my short list.
Takes a step... *creeeaak*. Takes another step... *creeeaak*. Takes anot----ok, you know what, it was like that for perhaps 99% of the time I went up the stairs to the 3rd floor the movie is on (watched Moon, pretty interesting, btw). I totally would NOT want to be here after-hours.
Must be a pretty vintage theater building with the wood floors, the decor, the ambience.
So the preview begins---UGH there's bugs (or house flies??) on the middle of the screen! Stupid bugs move outta the way! And why ARE they there? Shoo fly, don't bother this dude. Concession stand is ok; why do 4 people work in that tiny spot? You get free refill on large drink or popcorn (worthwhile if you manage to get it ONLY before the movie starts). Chairs are comfy, not to hard or soft.
You'd never know this was a movie theater by looking at the building. It appears to be just another ginormous house on Capital Hill, but inside lies a two-story, two-screen, old-fashioned, off-the-beaten-path (and all other kinds of hyphenated words) cinema.
In the lobby they have cool old furniture that makes you want to get a coffee and discuss the film you just watched with the other viewers. It was really empty on a Monday night, but that just made it nice to get prime seating with lots of personal space.
Prices were right on par for what you'd pay elsewhere ($9.50 per ticket). You won't find my favorite movie snack here (Frozen Junior Mints) or all those crazy popcorn flavorings you see at some other places. But they did have some interesting choices, like fancy chocolate bars instead of all that crappy candy that looks like it contains more than it really does.
I don't go to the movies often, but next time I find one not to be missed, I'm going to check to see if it's playing here first.
What a great little theater! It's like you're screening your movie in someone's house. A very big house, granted. The cute little concession stand is located in the parlor. Really, how many theaters have a parlor? And how many concession stands serve Lindt chocolate bars?
The Harvard Exit has comfortable seating for an older theater. Even the front rows are not too close to the screen. The restroom situation is a bit confusing (I have to go to what floor?), but the signage directing you is good, so you'll get there eventually. You just may have to climb a bunch of stairs.
I just wish they would bring new movies in more frequently -- there are so many great Indies out there. Yes, I enjoyed Slumdog Millionaire, but it's been there for months and has crossed out of Indie mode. More movies more frequently could make this theater worthy of another star.
When I'm in a fuzzy and comfy sweatshirt, I feel like I can take on the scariest things in the world. And it only gets better with a cup of coffee or tea in my hand.
So when in need of a little ghost hunting combined with the thirst for independent movies, the Harvard Exit is my first choice.
And since I had just bought a fabulous fuzzy sweatshirt earlier on the day of my last visit, my protective armor was securely fastened.
The first stop was the Target/Fred Meyer/QFC that Broadway offers. Movie snacks had to be procured. Not just any snacks, oh no, as I have learned from my dear but frustratingly precise husband, you can't just grab any old snack from your cupboard, you have to go with your gut instinct and hunt down the exact special little treat that you desire.
Then we were off to the theater, which is a lot more accessible late at night when the parking is more reasonably priced and available. But that's just fine by me, the better to see the ghosts I say.
First stop, ticket counter, next stop, third floor where all the alleged action is centered. With it's drab lighting and sparse furniture you can almost picture the way it was in 1925 when it was built- the furniture flashier and less faded, the carpet back to it's original luster and the entire building at it's peak.
Did you get to the theater early? Well then, after scaring yourself silly with visions of the third floor, stop in the lobby to lounge by the fireplace and check out the old, antique film projector and the reading material on the walls regarding the hauntings and the history of the building. You'll note that the third floor did, indeed look just like you had pictured it a moment ago as you clung to your movie-going partner like an elephant who's just seen a mouse.
Finally you'll make your way into one of the two screening rooms and be greeted with a pleasant mix of film attendees as you slide your way into a relatively comfy seat and begin the process of acclimating to the darkness.
As the screen flashes on and your selected movie begins, if you're like me, you'll sip your coffee and snuggle down further into your protective hoodie and thank your lucky stars you've lived another day in your ghosting hunting journey.
Oh and those movie snacks ain't so bad either.
So I love seeing movies here. The last was Slumdog Millionaire (3 different times.. ahem, I'm a Jamal and Latika fan...) and Harvard Exit was lick-your-fingers wonderful each time.
The folks who work here are awesome (they actually smile!), the treats are cheaper than at your local 15-screen movie theatre, and I swear it seems like you're watching the movie with a bunch of friends in a rec room somewhere.
(Except your friends are hip and well-dressed, mature, laugh at appropriate moments while refraining from talking in a loud obnoxious manner and/or bringing their screaming children.) /---longest run-on sentence ever
I also like the fact that people tend to chat in the lobby while waiting to get into one of the 2 theatres, and afterwards as you venture toward your car (and in Capital Hill, that might be more than a few blocks...)
This place is easily one of my top ten favorite haunted movie theaters in Seattle.
I have never actually seen this alleged ghost, but I enjoy the theater. It is small, charming and Indy, and it is fun to admire the beautiful old houses that are situated just blocks from Broadway's vomiting crack heads and male prostitutes. Ah, equilibrium.
I love this place. The old classic comfortable designs and friendly people make this a very cool place to visit for a simple flick. I saw Word Play here and never forgot the experience. Very simple, comfortable seating, so-so prices on food, and a great size screen.
SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) Venue
Such a picturesque neighborhood on this block. Such great eating nearby. Such a coolly, awkwardly placed box office. Such a hike getting up to the bathrooms. Such great history to the building! Really cool to think of everything that happened in what's now the lobby. Such pranksterish ghosts. Such great programming. Good concessions.
Cons: Such a hassle to park. Seats and aisle space not up to modern expectations. Totally don't care--very cool theater. Always going to love coming to movies here.
Up until last night I'd always been on the fence regarding the Harvard Exit do I like it or do I not like it? Well I finally fell to one side, I don't like it. I went and saw Save Me as part of the 13th Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival there last night. The theater was filled to capacity, GBF#2 and I were lucky enough to find two seats together up in the balcony.
The seats in the balcony and on the main floor suck. They are not your normal stadium seating nor are they staggered so when you have someone tall with a HUGE head sitting in front of you, you can't see jack. Granted I know this is part of the charm of Landmark Theatres and that the Harvard Exit is one of the Nation's Best Historic Theaters but that didn't make up for not being able to see the screen. There are other Landmark Theatres that I love with the same seating arrangements.
Also I'm short and have short legs but there was zero leg room for me to try to move my legs around, GBF#2 is like 10" tall so I know he was in pain because I was and I'm short and he's a GIANT! Besides the lacking leg room the seats are uncomfortable and by the end of the movie my back and neck were killing me, it's still cracking as I type this. Now I remember why I only go to see a movie here one to two times a year. Oh and I didn't even mention the parking because there isn't any. Ugh!
On a positive note I do love the lobby which they've retained in the 1920s atmosphere, with a fireplace, a grand piano and beautiful chandelier, the lobby is worth a visit at least once, plus it's suppose to be haunted so if you're lucky you might meet a ghost while hanging out waiting for your movie to begin.
Ilove this theater.
I love the old world charm of all of it.
The living room with magazines, puzzles, papers and books to persue while waitign for your friends. The regular old movie concessions.. the free water.. the old seats.
I have not yet sat in the balcony bu tI shall.
I love all of it. The whole experience of going to a movie includes finding parking or taking a bus, the wait in line and getting tickets, the visual and feeling of a building as well as the staff.. all this aside from the movie.
Then a great movie.
The theater on the main floor looks like it's been converted from an old stage theater, creating a unique atmosphere with good picture and sound. It's definitely nicer than the Landmark theaters in the U District, though it doesn't match up to what you'll get at a theater like Pacific Place or Cinerama.
Yup, I agree with everyone else here. The exit is a cool, charming theater. yes, the parking does suck, but where is parking non sucky in Capitol Hill?
And yes, definite kudos for being a niche theater and only showing indy films. I recently saw "man on wire" here-hey, is that guy ever gonna get off that wire, or what?
Cool theater, crappy parking. I like to get to screenings early so I can find an optimal seat for sight and sound. Next time, I might not get there as early as my last flick, or perhaps I'll bring an ipod. I would like to avoid hearing all the pseudo intellectual blather of the adjunct university faculty and graduate students sitting around me.
Probably my favorite theater in Seattle. The atmosphere is just so cool, the screen isn't huge, but it's nice and the seats are comfortable. Pretty much the perfect theater.
They play the best movies here! Other things I love: I can usually find parking within a half mile; the building is quirky and has tons of character; there are rooms upstairs for "lounging", not that I've ever seen anyone doing that; the bathrooms have great views.
Even though this theater is older, the view is still good from most seats -- even when you're shorter than the person sitting in front of you. And that's a good thing because a lot of the movies they play have subtitles.
A charming little theater nestled in Capitol Hill. But in need of a little love and attention. I really enjoy old theaters for all the wonderful old stories and beautiful architecture. And in that department, this place does not disappoint.
There are many good points. They support indie, import, and obscure style movies and embrace all sides of the genres. The crowd is young and responsive. Something I really appreciate with a fun movie. Didn't hear one cell phone go off or loud conversation linger. Buying tickets online is totally worth it for the popular movies since you can just go in and not have to wait outside. And since the prices are decent, it's not a big deal to pay for the convenience. The popcorn is delicious and made with real butter, a nice splurge.
Overall there is one bad point, which is enough to deduct a star. This place is not comfortable. The seats seem to be original. Meaning they are worse than coach on an airplane. Really cramped, with your knees being pressed into the seat in front of you no matter how small you are. God forbid if you or your date is tall. And it is enough to take away from your experience. Cramping and adjusting without pissing off the cramped, cranky people in front of you is not fun.
It's not like this theater needs giant cinemaplex style seats, just a little remodeling to save the original look and to offer a little more comfort for their patrons. And yes, the whole haunted thing is cute. Perhaps they could use that to get this place a renovation update.
I'm a sucker for creaky movie houses showing small run films. Harvard Exit is surprisingly spacious inside and luxurious in a '50s sort of way with dark wooden interiors, heavy cloth hangings, and other era-appropriate accents. Seeing a film here feels like much more of a cultural experience than going to a neon appointed, teenager staffed, sticky megaplex.
There are only two screens at the Exit, one on the ground floor and one on the third (I believe... there's a lot of stairs), and the theaters themselves are spacious for an indie house. I've never been to a screening that's entirely full. The screens are as large as you'll find in many traditional theaters so you never feel as though you're paying to watch someone else's TV.
With only two screens there's only ever a couple of films on offer here. Depending on how popular they prove to be one or both may run for as little as a couple weeks or as long as several months. Don't put off seeing that little French import for too long, but don't worry that it's going to disappear after only two days of play time. When you finally do make it tickets hover right around $9.50 with discounts for seniors, students, kids, and matinees.
The neighborhood the Exit occupies is a valuable asset as well. If you're looking to make an evening of it there are all the restaurants along Broadway or 15th from which you can easily make it to the theater. After the show it's just across the street to Joe Bar or back onto Broadway for more potent drinks.
Even though it's still as expensive as other movie theaters, at least here they play movies that are worth paying $9 to see.
I love that this place is within walking distance from my house. It's cute and cozy inside (even though it's supposedly HAUNTED)! However, it was not the most comfortable two hours of my life.
But, despite the fact it's haunted and you leave with a sore bum - it's STILL better than Regal Cinemas.
I heart independent movies. They only play independent movies. I just wish they played more I want to see!
When they do, it's a great experience. It's an old brick building that's part of the neighborhood. It's an ideal place for a movie date. I like that it's ridiculously close to where I live, I LOVE that it's proximity let's me/us drink beers up to 3 minutes prior to the start of the show.
I've never seen the ghost that presides over this theater. Fireside tales aside I have seen many a great picture in this theater. Times have changed since this place was built but the theater has stood still. The charm of the old design may be described as inconvenience. While the seats are not the most comfortable in town, the most comfortable theaters in town don't show the best pictures so, it is a compromise.
Old theaters remind me of the movie Cinema Paradiso. Theaters are emotional spaces. Dark and brooding spots. Ironically, voided eyes take and sell tickets. Information is painfully bestowed upon patrons by a staff who would rather not be confronted with large groups of people on a daily basis. Robotic ticketers can be found in any theater but what sets this theater apart is its tucked away location and run of flicks. And based on those contributions to Broadway and Seattle, I give this place four stars.
The Harvard Exit has been housed since 1971 in the Women's Century Club, itself built in 1925. It was the first art film house to open in Seattle, a distinction it shares with the Grand Illusion in the U. District. (My sister was one of the first ushers here before she matriculated at Brown; she loved working there).
It was purchased eventually by the Landmark Theatre group but still operates mostly the way it has since its inception, with the addition of another movie screen.
In some ways comparable is the Seven Gables (also in the U. District), but I find the screen similar to a long train car: viewing movies there is like sitting in a tunnel and watching images flickering at the far end,,,
It is probably my favorite movie theater in Seattle for several reasons:
(1) The wonderful "parlor" style lobby with its early 20th c. decor and furnishings, nearly all retaining the originals; large Palladian windows with Venetian blinds.
Most movie theaters do NOT have a lobby-parlor of this kind. Once the movie gets out, YOU get out, too, simply because there is NOWHERE to linger--unless your idea of a good place to talk and relax is to sit next to a wall of pinball machines.
(2) The building itself looks out across Roy to the clubhouse of the D.A.R (Daughters of the American Revolution), the Loveless building with its charming shops, and the original buildings of Cornish College of the Arts. It marks the informal "entrance" to the historical Harvard-Belmont district, something non-Seattleites (or at least non-North Capitol Hill residents) probably would not know.
(3) The quality programming (which currently includes the film version of "The History Boys" and "The Queen," both outstanding British releases.
One of the first and most memorable movie moments when I saw Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Conformist" with Jean Louis-Trintignant and Dominque Sanda when it opened the flood of art house, foreign film that began at that time (at least for me) and led to the independent films that seem to carved a large niche of movie-going today.
I can't count the number of fine films I have seen here that would never have been shown at the multiplex.
The only regret that I have is that the refreshment stand has been moved from the entrance lobby into the living room, as the staff tends to be pretty obstreperous and not really aware that others might not share their sense of humor.
That said, I enjoy spending a half an hour after a movie is over on a rainy afternoon and enjoying some moments of serenity--it sure beats Starbuck's for atmosphere, in my opinion.
Let's hope, perhaps against all odds, that the building is not demolished soon and a 6-story retail-with-condos-above or a multiplex cinema doesn't take its place.
Magic.
Back home in Arizona we call any spot surrounded by a force field of goodness a vortex. And Harvard Exit Theater, my friends, is smack dab in the middle of our very own Capitol Hill vortex. There is so much magichappyfun right there on that street with the (now closed) Coco La Ti Da, the Daughters of the Revolution Hall, Joe Bar, and Cornish.
One time my boyfriend and I were there to see a movie when we were first dating and a doddering old man got up, out of nowhere, sat down on the piano in the lobby, and played the most beautiful tune I have ever heard. The room was silent but for the popcorn popping. When he finished, he got up and slowly reached for his cane. The room erupted in applause. I touched my face and my hand came away wet. It was a perfect moment.
I've never seen a bad movie there, since they choose them with care, having only two screens. The popcorn is good, and they have a regular and exotic candy selection. Sitting up on the balcony you get a taste of the first moviegoing experiences in Seattle and it feels good.
The floor there has absorbed many of my heartfelt tears, and the walls my laughter.
I went to see the movie The Savages here, and it was a great experience. Who needs stadium seating and giant cupholders when you can walk through an elegant lobby/refreshment area and watch a good independent film with heart from the balcony?
I have just one question: how do they manage to escape that smell of butter (for popcorn) that pervades all the new cineplexes?
P.S. If you drive, arrive a little earlier on popular nights to find parking.
I'll qualify this review by saying that I've only been to this theater once, and in that visit I had a very mixed experience. The theater itself seems nice enough. I always enjoy theaters that are a bit older and have character...this place oozes 60s theater...it's great!
The crowd, though, was atrocious! I've never been to a movie where people were constantly getting up and walking around and talking to their neighbors at full volume. The people completely ruined my experience. Hopefully this isn't the usual crowd there, as I was attending a promotional showing of a documentary and not a regularly scheduled showing. I will be back, but I certainly won't if that experience is repeated.
This is such a great place to see a movie! It reminds me of the old-timey theatre in my hometown, with plush seats, a cozy lobby, and a sweet upper deck for the cool kids. Plus, I finally found out why people are raving about the popcorn. They actually put real butter on it, which I've never seen before. It can't be any worse for you than that day glo yellow goo in the googaplex, and it make for damn tasty popcorn. I wish I could see every movie here.
Plus it's haunted! Badass!
The Harvard Exit, discreetly tucked behind the Deluxe Bar & Grill, under the shade trees that line Roy Street, is a Seattle institution. No really, it was an institution. It was constructed in 1925 as the clubhouse for The Woman's Century Club. According to the Landmark Theatres' website, "the club continues to hold meetings in the lobby, although the building was sold in 1968 for conversion to a movie theatre." Legend has it that some of the original Woman's Club members haunt the theatre, starting fires in the fireplace or turning on the projectors when no one is in the booth. It's one of Seattle's most haunted landmarks, is a stop on the Haunted Seattle Tour, and is featured in the Seattle Museum of the Mysteries around the corner on Broadway.
Voted "Best Movie Theatre Lobby to Wait In" and "Best Place to See a Movie Solo" by readers and critics of the Seattle Weekly, the building is a delight in which to catch a flick. The lobby is a gorgeous parlor, lined with period furniture, displaying a couple of old projectors and an antique grand piano. The tall windows look out onto the picturesque street, lighting the room on a rainy or snowy afternoon -- a perfect place for waiting to see a film in a cozy theatre.
Aside from the lobby, the theatres themselves are beautiful: the large main auditorium boasts a second floor balcony and ample seating for the large screen. The second theatre, added in the 1980s, was originally the 3rd floor ballroom.
Aside from the Harvard Exit's aesthetic appeal, the films they show are the real reason one goes to the theatre. Independent, innovative, foreign language, documentary, controversial: it is a long time host of the Seattle International Film Festival and the Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.
This is a place where you come to get away from the bustle of the street and the monotony of the work week.....the films will open your eyes and touch your heart. And maybe make you uncomfortable or down right gross you out. That's what our love affair with the movies is all about. Why not do it in an interesting setting?
My favorite movie theater is Seattle! This theater is really cute and I saw Once here, which just made it that much cuter.
A great theater, despite apparently playing garbage like 'Tsotsi' and 'Summer Storm.'
Haunted to boot.
Scion threw an event here a while ago. They were showing a movie about graffiti. DJs were spinning in the waiting area upstairs, and they were giving out free drink tickets. This is the first time I've been able to legally drink beer in a movie theater, as far as I know. The movie was cool and afterward we got a bunch of free gear from Scion. I also saw Pan's Labyrinth here with 3 friends. The two hippies were "disturbed" by the "violence", while my other friend and I were laughing hysterically at the gory parts. The Harvard exit is like a big, cool old house with a movie theater upstairs.
You just gotta love the charming feel of old classic movie theaters. Ideally located for a decent date right off Broadway, you can grab a bite, head in for a movie, and head back out for some dancing or coffee or something else, all in the same vacinity. This place is pretty great and has a good offbeat selection. The last movie I saw here was probably about a year ago, Eagle vs. Shark, but I think this may have been the only theater that was playing this. It's cozy enough, charming enough, and it's got a good selection. What more do you want in a movie theater?
This theatre is always showing the movies that I want to see. They screen films like "Capote" and "Americanese". It's not much in the way of "awesome audio or video", but its selection of films more than makes up for it.
I love coming to this theatre because it reminds me of the Chez Artiste and the Mayan in Denver. Awesome and independent movies in a cozy setting off the hustle and bustle of Broadway. I typically like to head over to Joe Bar beforehand and do some lounging, since going to this theatre is like a total chill-out. I also must say the concessions are 10x better than any commercial theatre. I'm not embarrassed to say that there were many nights when my ex and I would just go in to get popcorn and chocolate only to walk back home and enjoy it while watching rented flicks. This is a perfect place to impress a new girlfriend with you're ability to scope out the small unique gems that Seattle has to offer as well as showing off your indie film appreciation.
This place is full of old world charm and independent movies. You can also get that delicious Mexican soda from the concessions stand. It doesn't really have an intuitive lay out and the only reason why this baby doesn't get five stars is you have to arrive twenty minuets early find parking.
This is weird...but I think if I had to choose any place in Seattle to have my (future, non-existent dream) wedding, the Harvard Exit would be it. I suppose movies are more my religion than any other religion -- so I suppose a movie theatre would have to be my church -- and this is the most beautiful church (err....movie theatre) in the area. Not only does it play wonderful movies that general don't play anywhere else -- but the lobby is beautiful and homey and perfectly musty and lovely. I love this place.
We love this theater! We always park in the lot a block down on Harvard for $6. Usually we're going to a free screening so six bucks for the two of us is a steal. I saw "HELP" and "Yellow Submarine" here when I was in high school, as well as countless other movies. It's just the kind of theater that Seattle is known for, and I love that.
the harvard exit is the only theater i've ever been to alone. it is also terribly romantic.
if we are being perfectly honest with each other, internet friends, i will admit that i have more than one daydream in which i meet a handsome, charming (and also unaccompanied) stranger and am swept right off my (outrageously comfortable) theater seat.
unfortunately, as we both know, these strangers are usually creeps.
I love this theater so much that I will forgive them for showing _The Queen_ on both screens this week. The last movie I went to there was part of the Viva Pedro festival, which is pure win so far as I am concerned. Plus, I'm comfortable enough there to show up in pajama pants for the late show, and you can't beat that.
