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The Music Box Theatre
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Lakeview
3733 N Southport Ave
(between Grace St & Waveland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 871-6604
3733 N Southport Ave
(between Grace St & Waveland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 871-6604
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
154 reviews for The Music Box Theatre
I love this place, probably for all the wrong reasons, but still, its love. I've gone to so many different movies here (hello, Little Mermaid with 100's of adorable real life little mermaids) Stonewall, The Sound of Music, the Film Festival, my beloved French Film Noir and Italian with subtitles, oh it just goes on and on and on.
Classic old world movie house with all nostalgia a girl can handle. Really, an organ on the stage with someone playing it before the trailers hit. Oh yeah.
Finally, two words: real butter.
I am once again kicking myself for neglecting a Chicago treasure for so long. Why did I make my first visit to the Music Box just recently after living here for over a decade? Ugh, just stupid.
This is another of Chicago's lovely old theaters. We are blessed to have several but this is one of the few which shows films rather than live events. I never paid much attention to it, but a listing in TimeOut caught my eye a few weeks back: Alien on the regular weekend schedule, plus Fri/Sat midnight screenings of Aliens! That was just too good to pass up, and I caught them both on the same night. It does not get any better than Bill Paxton in Aliens, folks: "We got pulse rifles, grenades, RPGs, we got nukes, we got knives, sharp sticks..."; "Maybe we got 'em demoralized!"; "Well maybe we should put HER in charge!"; and of course "Game over, man, game over!" Greatest comedic performance in a non-comedy movie in history. It was awesome to see both of those flicks on the big screen for the first time.
The lack of modern movie theater comforts such as stadium seating and cupholders is a fair tradeoff for the charms of the old-style theater. However, I wish that they would turn the lights up a bit more before the shows, so that we could see the gorgeous details! It makes me wonder if perhaps they have been poorly maintained.
They have a five-movie pass for $33, which is a great value. That saves you $2.65 per ticket over the single-show price. They also have a pretty good website too, including tips on parking nearby.
How many theaters have you gone to that have sparky lights in the blue ceiling so it looks like you are sitting under the stars? How many theatres have you been to that have such ornate architecture and play movies, not live performances? Not to many, I'm guessing, and that's why Music Box is a real gem.
To make it even better they play lots of independent films, and host film premieres. Such as the premiere for "We Live In Public". Yelp had a booth set up here because they were a sponsor, but alas, I was not here because I am a proud Yelp Elite. I was here because one of my bosses (well a partner in the brokerage I work for) was an executive producer. Awesome, right??
So 5 stars for ambience, and 3 stars because they don't take credit cards :(
Possibly my favorite movie theater in the world and the most romantic in chicago.
There's always a great selection of movies. Some nights they even have someone playing the vintage organ! The decor is so beautiful and grand. In the main theater there are twinkling lights in the ceiling that is painted as the sky. Feels like seeing a movie in some magic fantasy land! I live in Seattle now where there are many vintage boutique theaters that are lovely, but none so amazing as the Music Box!
LOVE! The Music Box Theatre is the best place in Chicago to see foreign and independent films. They offer great variety in a setting that feels like you are living in another time--heavy red velvet drapes, a moving twinkling sky of clouds and stars for a ceiling. Popcorn is always good as is the candy selection. The only downside to this place is that parking is hard to find in this area.
I always come out of the Music Box feeling like I have had a good experience, learned something new and have been transported to a different place.
One of the jewels of Chicago I always said the Music box is in the wrong neighborhood. The locals ignore it and pass it by wondering what those weird movies are that they are always showing. One time I was in line for the Cowboy Bebop movie and heard some locals who were walking by say "What is everybody in line for? Is it a porn movie or something?".
Yes the Music Box offers such a wide variety of movies and events its easily one of my top two places to watch movies in the city for me. I have seen French New Wave movies there to B movie Classics. In fact they had big audiences for "March of the Penguins." For a movie buff like me or anybody the Music Box is the mecca for a movie going experience. These movie palaces are a rarity and should be supported and cherished.
This is one of my favorite places to go in Chicago. My girlfriend and I make it a point to go here at least a couple times a month to support them. They make it easy by showing limited released films, those crazy midnight films, classics for their matinees and some of their own original stuff. There have been many times we took a chance on a film we knew nothing about just to go to the Music Box and the films have NEVER disappointed us. If you go I suggest seeing whatever is in the main theatre (unless you absolutely must see one of the other films) simply because of how beautiful the architecture is in there. The other theatres are rather small and not comfy.
The seats are not the most comfy and there is no place to put your drink except in your lap or on the floor...however I commend them for sticking to some of the original designs for this beautiful theatre.
My only warning: I'd skip the Rocky Horror Picture Show they show often. They typically provide a shadow cast for this....while I appreciate the audience participation for this movie, the shadow cast seems to be a ridiculous element not needed, it distracts from the actual film and tends to attract little 15-17 year old girls..and pedophiles of course. Having to enter I was felt up by a 16 year old boy to make sure I wasn't carrying any weapons on me. I appreciate safety, but if my movie going experience requires me to be felt up by a 16 year old boy for weapons, count me out.
Other than that one warning, PLEASE go see something here and support this theatre.
I am incredibly happy that this place exists, and in close proximity to...myself. The building is gorgeous and they show a great variety of movies. My boyfriend and I came to see Eine Frau in Berlin, which we both assumed we'd miss because it is a small, foreign film, so I was glad it was showing. The seats are a bit uncomfortable (we were in the teeny-tiny theatre) but the sound was quality. I imagine it would be even better in the larger theatre. The bathroom gets an A+. The staff is INCREDIBLY friendly.
My bratty complaint: we went to a 1:20 showing on a Sunday and chose this time assuming there would be a matinee discount...and it was $18-19 for the two of us to see this movie. Granted, I should have done my research but I was a little perplexed as most independent movie theatres I have visited have matinee pricing.
Regardless, I look forward to being a regular patron of this wonderful place.
Programming: Wonderful resource for independent films/docs that would be otherwise impossible to find in the Chicago area.
Space: Stunningly huge classic theatre with red velvet curtains, glittery ceiling, opera boxes and all! A palace indeed, and surprisingly it's in great shape. Plus the women's bathroom is clean-- YES! Maybe this is just me, but I also hate the feel of a crowded theatre, and the Music Box has never disappointed with there being under 10 other viewers in the giant space.
Neighborhood: Lovely! Lots of shopping/coffee/eats around, and two el stops within walking distance.
Pricing: First showings M-Th are $8.25 (around 4-5pm) and they now accept cards! Sweet!
Seriously, Chicago has got it good with the Music Box. Back in dear NYC, our indie film default (i.e. "UGH WHY IS THIS PLAYING NOWHERE ELSE") is the Angelika-- which has none of the old-school charm of the Music Box, but does have: a) snotty employees, b) irritating Soho art students who are secretly from California, and c) $12.50 ticket prices. ?!?!?!
Music Box, you just plain make sense.
I love the midnight movies and the special events. There's a lot to improve on in terms of the seating, the sound, and the friendliness of the employees. But the movies make up for it and the popcorn is delicious.
The 80's movies they show at midnight are a great time. Especially Angy Inch! Repo The Genetic Opera is a newer indy film which has a great following. Don't miss one of these showings - the costumes people wear are worth the ticket price! I'm on the mailing list but listings are on the website too. And I get the $33 pass for 5 movies. It saves a little. (It wight make a little more business sense if it were more like $29 cause they'd feel more than just $4 cheaper and Music Box would make more on popcorn in the long run...)
Anyhow, I highly recommend.
What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said? It's nice to see that in the modernization and glossification of this city that gems like the Music Box still exist. It hearkens back to a simpler time and they have pretty cool screenings. It's old school and I like it! My only peeve about this place are that the seats leave a bit to be desired in the comfort forum. I'm neither big nor very tall and they just aren't very comfy. I guess that's the price one pays for a bit of nostalgia, eh?
I love that this place exists.
I love that they showcase films that wouldn't otherwise make it to (even) Chicago.
I love that they've kept the joint classic, classy, and clean.
I love the events they choose to host in this space (e.g., An Evening with Don Hertzfeldt, Belles & Whistles).
I love the staff.
I love that at $9.25, movie tickets are cheaper than AMC--and that includes the privilege of some seriously rare screenings.
I love that there seem to be old-timers who'd sit in on any film shown here (theory solidified by their presence at and reaction to Dod Sno, a Norwegian film about Nazi zombies).
The Music Box Theatre in four words? No frills, all nostalgia.
So, it doesn't have the razzle-dazzle of AMC River East. But the Music Box's main theater with crimson curtains and twinkling stars? A lost treasure in my book.
Known for their restored classics and hard-to-find documentary programming, the main theatre is large with good sound quality and a big screen. Though the seats are a bit uncomfortable you'll quickly adapt.
I saw "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" here and loved it! I'll definitely be staging my return very soon.
I love foreign films. This was the only place playing Nilge Ceylan's Three Monkeys. I loved the movie, hated the theatre. The seats were uncomfortable, the popcorn was burnt, and the theatre was filthy. Of course, I will be back, because I like the torture of sitting in a crowded, cramped, dirty theatre; squinting to read the subtitles.
Absolutely go see this movie. Turkish films are full of drama, angst, smoking, and there are never happy endings.
I wrote an extensive review in autumn 2008 detailing the problems of the Music Box Theatre (see below). I am happy to see that in autumn 2009 many of these problems have been corrected. The Music Box had some significant successes with their distribution arm in the past year, and it looks like some of that success has enabled them to tighten up at their storefront concern. The staff has improved vastly; the concession stand operates more smoothly than ever; their Web site is updated appropriately and regularly; promotional activities have more spirit and professionalism than in days past; and all in all it's a much more pleasant place to be these days. I hope that some new seats are on the docket (I recently heard a man tell a staffer that a spring in a seat ripped his pants) and that the sound system can be enhanced (though it did sound better than usual on a recent visit); if not, I'll still be coming here. Thank you, Music Box, for your continuous improvement--you are a gem and it is great to see you polishing yourself proudly.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/16/2008
Okay, folks. I am going to drop some real science for you on the state of the Music Box Theatre… Read more »
I love this place, it is so funky in an old sort of way. There only 2 theater, 1 very big one and a tiny one, the decor is so cool, you just have to go to experience it,
If you're interest in a rare screening, movies that made by someone who care, or just plain sick of the good old blockbuster, take a trip here, it'll worth your time.
Remember, this is and old place, please don't come here and then complaint about no plush seat!! Please....
My only complaint is the popcorn, could be a lil more warm I guess, but that's a very tiny complaints. It sure won't stop me from coming back here.
AHHHH! Amazing. Beautiful, clean and perfect.
Charming, to the last.
I've attended a few events here over the years: Crispin Glover's ridiculous "What Is It?"... thing, Spike and Mike's Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation, and Control (about Ian Curtis). I love stepping into history in this place, feeling like I should be wearing a suit from the 1920s. It's beautifully preserved, they DO have a snack bar and the restrooms are, happily, totally functional.
The oldskool organ player is all kinds of fun, too. Show up early for your movie if you want to catch him.
If you're lucky, you'll catch the organist before the show begins.
While the seats are incredibly uncomfortable, you'd be hard pressed to find a theatre like this anywhere else in Chicago. You feel special coming to a picture here... truly like you've been transported in time.
I last saw "Outrage" here, but have seen many others, including "Rocky Horror...".
Give it a chance. Take a date. See a great flick.
Sick of Owen Wilson? Sick of Jim Carrey? Prefer Juliette Binoche or Catherine Deneuve? The Music Box is for you! It's a well-preserved gem that shows foreign, indie and oldie films.
Adorable theaters with wonderful nostalgia, great movies, a snack stand and friendly employees. They show daytime movies and also show midnight movies on the weekends. Rocky Horror Picture Show comes through every once in awhile. Their website is also set to show what's coming in the whole month so you can look forward! Can't get enough!
Such a fun movie theatre! Just saw a documentary in the "small theatre" and it was a really fun experience. The place was tiny, and it was painted as though you were outside on the French Riviera or something. It was hilarious - fake grapes hanging from the ceiling, and everything! The picture and sound quality was good. It was such a unique place to see a movie. Much better than the cookie cutter Loews, etc...
My only complaint: it was freaking FREEZING in there!
A little nostalgia on the North Side!
The last movie I saw here was the Wrestler, and before the movie some fella played the old time organ for a spell, which was pretty cool..
The main theater is HUGE (that's what she said) and I was happy with the seating and the sound and the snax.
I've had the pleasure of seeing two Rotoscoped movies here. I saw Waking Life when it come out in the main theater, and then A Scanner Darkly in the small theater off to the right of the entrance.
This theater probably has no more than 35 seats in it, and you feel like royalty because it reminds you of some rich chap's private viewing room in Hollywood. Very cool.
They also get a lot of indie and foreign films you are unlikely to see elsewhere.
PS - props to the fact this place is about 89 steps from my place.
A TALE OF TWO THEATRES
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of cleanliness on one side, and the age of filth on the other, it was the epoch of nostalgia and simpler times past, and it was season of despair and sticky floors.
I speak of course of the wonders of the main theatre at the Music Box and the horrors of the small theatre.
The small theatre is total crap. When I went it hadn't been cleaned from the previous show (or ever?), there was a ton of trash on the floor, springs sticking out of the seats, and the screen was just slightly larger than a 60" flatscreen. No thanks.
The main theatre on the other hand is great. Spacious, old but acceptable seats, twinkling stars above, a vintage red curtain, and an organ player to open the show.
If you're going, just make sure the movie you're seeing isn't in the small theatre and you'll be a happy camper.
I remember my first time at Music Box to see Jim Jarsmuch's "Coffe & Cigarettes" Music Box's reputation is storied and well documented, so I won't bother explaining it to you. Instead I'm just going to use this space to recall all the fun I've had there over the years. As a transplant, it's one of the required spots to visit in Chicago at least once.
It's too bad that there's such a big difference between the main room and the small side theater in the Music Box.
The main room, along with the rest of the theater, is cavernous and oozing with history. The side theater, while charming in its wee size, has a small screen and less stellar acoustics. There's also a loud air-conditioning vent that cycles on and off during the showing, making it difficult to hear.
The theater is definitely worth a visit, but it would probably be wise to determine which room your movie will be playing in before you decide to go.
One of my favorite spots in the city. Fond, fond memories from high school of friends and me coming here because we wanted to go out but unable to see concerts since we were too young to get in. My film snobbery started here: the Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, the Emperor and the Assassin, Tarnation, Meeting People Is Easy, Kikujiro, A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket, Barry Lyndon (can you tell I adore Kubrick?), and many other movies. A truly special place.
This is why God made movie theaters. Gorgeous building, great programming, unparalleled special events. One of the best places to see a movie anywhere, period.
Before I die, I will whisper a list of the best things to do in 3 hours or less, and without question or hesitancy, it will slip through my lips...
"the Music Box Holiday Show."
Go. Now. Bring friends, Sing loudly.
If you want to fully experience the Music Box you definitely have to see a movie that is playing in the main theater. Yes the seats are uncomfortable, but that's how it is in old theaters. I have seen a movie in the small theater as well and you just don't get the full experience of a classic theater, but I just had to go and see Motel Hell! And when I say small, I really do mean small.
The ticket prices are just about what any modern day theater would charge, but you just can't go anywhere to see the kind of movies they show. Music Box does offer a discount card, but I don't go there that often that I think it'd be a good idea for me to purchase. If you're driving make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find metered parking.
All in all it's a beautiful theater and I'm glad that it's still around!
By far, my favorite place to see a film in Chicago. This quaint little theater on southport is like stepping back in time.
The film selection ranges between films of an older era, cult favorites (midnight showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show) and current indie releases.
Often times they'll show films based around holidays or events, including a recent valentines day showing of Casablanca.
Overall, the perfect place for a fun night out or a romantic date.
Okay, okay...I know everyone loves the Music Box, but I need to put my two cents in as well - Love It! From the sign outside, to the theaters inside, it is wonderful. If it weren't for the Music Box, I wouldn't have seen some cool, old, classic films, and new, hip, foreign and indie flicks.
The Music Box is one of Chicago's best attributes. I am always complaining that Chicago lacks the kind of serious emphasis on culture that both coasts have, but the Music Box is definitely working to change this perception. I remember seeing some really unique Italian horror flicks here a long time ago that re-ignited my love for old horror. Oh, and there's an affordable parking lot!
This theatre allows patrons to hark back to the days of when watching a movie took place in an environment that resembled theater than movies.
Nostalgic in its look and feel, you'll feel as if you stepped back in time the moment you open the door.
There are several theatres located within this establishment. I watched a foreign french film called "Tell No One"...which I recommend, in the smaller theatre.
You can partake in the standard popcorn and sode if you prefer. Movies pretty much start on time with no previews, at least not what I saw that evening.
Parking is on the street and can be hit or miss, though I can walk to this theatre if need be, El trains are a bit of a walk to this location.
This is a great place to see a movie, then patronize any of the many bars and/or restaurants in this neighborhood.
There should be more movie theatres that show more foreign films, but until that happens, this is a sure bet.
Are you kidding me with this place? I LOVE it. I just went for the first time and the atmosphere was well worth the price.
Sure it was a little messy by our 7pm show, sure it was freezing outside and about 100 people were waiting to get inside, sure its a bit more pricey for a show - but it is worth it!
Maybe it is just the Christmas show that gets me in the mood, I will need to return to see how it compares without the holiday sparkle, but for now I can say that the Music Box has a new fan, one that will return for years to come.
This is one of Chicago's best kept secrets. Although I have only been here a few times (i live far), I always walk away satisfied.
The sound and picture quality is not the best. This is, however, an OLD theater playing OLD movies, so you kind of have to expect that. Would I change it if i could? No. The shitty quality is part of the experience, really.
The staff is a little quirky, but friendly nonetheless. Just say something regarding Jim Jarmusch's genius and you'll receive a loving nod of approval.
Their popcorn is bomb.
Friday/Saturday night admission is a bit pricey ($9), but the place needs to stay open.
I had a very interesting time here last night as I watched the Burlesque show for Valentine's day.
1. I don't know why they were so unorganized? This is a relatively large theater, and I would have thought they could have handled the crowd much better.
2. The atomosphere is AMAZING IN THIS THEATER!!. It is soooo cool, and is totally retro to a 1920's theater. Still has a lot of (what I think) are the original details and ornamentation from the original design.
3. There were lots of drunk people, but that made it really fun.
I was really frustrated with the fact that it was general seating, which made it really difficult to get a good seat, and left a lot of single seats open, but not available to those with two or more people. It was really chaotic, and I just didn't know what to think .
The show was really good, but I just couldn't see anything. I was in the second to last row, so I was a little upset that I couldn't see the main stage. The view wasn't that bad, but it could have been better.
I think the next time I come here, there will be more stars in my review, but let me settle into my experience.
The Music Box is an excellent theater, and I highly suggest you go visit it.
Love it. I bow down to it. Coolest theater in all of town. Seen quite a few movies here. Really I just come for the atmosphere. Twinkling stars on the ceiling, the organ player- Speaks of the glory of early hollywood- back when it actually meant something, it was regal, genuine.
Best film I've seen at the 'Box, other than a short film i was in was "Brand Upon the Brain" narrated by Crispin Glover and accompanied by a full on Sound Fx department. It was a hoot. F*in' fantastic.
Keep your eyes peeled for things like that, I was lucky enough to walk right in on opening night.
And, if your gonna complain about the price of the 'Box, just shut up. Really? Look what you are paying for. The Experience. Think about it before you talk shit like that. We have it so good.
this place doesn't even need a review but i'd much rather write this then do actual work. Music Box, or 'MB' as i so affectionately call it starting now, has great programming. and...there are more than one screening rooms unlike Facets. the owners did a great job of making the Music Box visually appealing and i feel awestruck every time i go there and look at the artificial starfield above the audience.
i will, however, whine about how small the restroom is and how when i saw 'A Christmas Tale' last month, these drunken d-bags came in and one of them threw up on the floor. i smelled his beer vomit from the back of the room. thank you drunken stooge for being a retard.
The Music Box Theater is a great little place. It has a couple of screens in with an intimate, old-fashioned ambiance. Happily they show a lot of movies here that are so far off the radar they don't come anywhere else in Chicago. You can catch some hidden indie gems here that you'd otherwise miss.
This, combined with the special events (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Musical Sing Along, Don Hertzfeldt Premiere and Q&A), midnight movies (Rocky Horror Picture Show) and cult classics (The Italian Stallion - Sylvester Stallone's first movie... a crazy softcore porn) makes the Music Box a very special spot for any cinemaphile in the city.
Romantic older theatre in desperate need of renovation and restoration, located in a moderately fun neighborhood. The Music Box almost always has a great lineup, including some older flicks quite often. I also saw the Irish indie "Once" here and loved it.
There isn't anything particularly memorable about the theatre itself, other than walking up under its marquis. But for some reason, I always enjoy seeing a movie here. Maybe it's the legroom... or the nostalgia. Whatever it is, I wish them much continued success. It would be nice to see The Music Box ownership invest some much-needed therapy into their flagship product, that is the theatre itself.
I admittedly do not frequent this site enough to speak about The Music Box with any measure of authority, as a business or an iconic film-house, so I'd recommend you to Yelper Tommy A.'s extraordinarily written and insightful review in which he states, "I am tired of Chicago businesses reveling in their mediocrity, and that is exactly what The Music Box appears to be doing." Read the whole thing, you'll get a new perspective.
What a doll of a theatre! It's age gives it more charm than any other theatre I've been to. You won't find many of the modern conveniences here that you're used to, but you can't help but love this place's character.
Maybe I love it so much because I met John Cusack here last autumn. I told him I loved him, and he got a "yikes.. thats great" smile on his face. Therefore, the Music Box Theatre is magic. Your love story can spark just like mine did!
A Chicago must.
