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The following are all the movie theatres I have been to, rated from best to worst. In rating them I have divided them up into each individual auditorium, but each auditorium is reviewed also with the rest of the theatre in mind (lobby etc.)I have divided the theatres into four sections. There is a Top 10, a Bottom 10, and a large middle section. In this ranked middle section the theatres are all relatively similiar because, while the ranking still exists, for the most part finding differences between the theatres ranked close to one another is pretty futile. There is a final table with theatres that are not regular theatres so they are not in the ranking. If you agree or disagree with any comments, e-mail me. Maybe you can change my mind on a theatre. All numbers that appear next to auditoriums refer to the auditorium being reviewed, not the total number of auditoriums in the theatre. "Coliseum 10 Scarborough" does not suggest that the Scarborough Coliseum has 10 screens (it has 12). It says that auditorium 10 at the Scarborough Coliseum is being reviewed. Updates!!!!! 1/25/2001 |
Top 10 Theatres
| Theatre and Auditorium # | Rating |
Comments |
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A | Quite simply the best theatre in Toronto. Built in 1936, it is an old, single screen auditorium that is unique, but it also is completely state of the art (it's certified by THX.) It is the only theatre in the city that actually looks like an old theatre from the outside. It has a big marquee where they put the title of the film and actors' names, and it has a centre ticket booth. Inside, you enter the auditorium in the centre and it has an amazing effect - at once you are put right into the best seats in the house. If you see no other movie theatre, go see this one. It is a great place to make a movie experience memorable. Be careful: it is often sold out, and even in winter you have to line up outside before the movie. A lot of Famous Players' new theatres have better sound and bigger screens, but no other theatre in the area provides a better theatre "experience" than the Eglinton. It has a history and a presence that the new theatres can't match. |
| A | Although not as good as the Eglinton, the Uptown is still a great theatre. It is also an old theatre, but it has been divided into 5 auditoriums, two of which are a different theatre (the Backstage). Auditorium 1 is huge, it is THX approved, and has one of the best sound systems around. Also, it has stadium seating which is surprising for an old theatre. The theatre has a really nice lobby and entrance. In my opinion, this theatre has the absolute best sound system of any theatre rated on this site: it is full, dense, and always played loud so the whole auditorium shakes. On the downside, it is an old theatre and thus has very, very little legroom. Because of its downtown location this is perhaps one of the more exciting places to see a movie on opening weekend. Like the Eglinton it gets top marks not only because of its great technical features, but also because of its rich history. | |
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A | The Paramount theatre at Festival Hall is an intricate, well designed, and well detailed theatre with perfect auditoriums, handy (and excessive) amenities, and a convenient location. It is the perfect blend of many high quality elements - a great lobby, a great auditoriums, and technical specs that are overall quite amazing. These auditoriums - 1 and 2, are huge, with gigantic screens and among the best sound in the city. They have stadium seating, cupholders, and (to my amazement) a curtain and a stage. There is also no red light shining on the screen from the exit signs, and no light leakage from outside (both problems Colossus has). The theatre itself is probably the best Famous Player's design I've seen so far - it is "fun" without being completely annoying. It is quite obviously aimed more at adults than kids. It is also a well designed part of the downtown - unlike the multiplexes of the 70's and 80's the theatre sits above ground overlooking the city, rather than being underground and secluded. I really like the Paramount, it really combines a feeling of excitement with some great technical features. On the downside, Festival Hall is quite an ugly space, and what's up with that stupid Rubik's cube/TV? Does Rubik know about this tacky copyright infringement? Ugly, toy-inspired TV screens aside, the Paramount is, in short, the perfect new theatre. Opened May 19, 1999. |
| Varsity 1-6 | Was: B Now: A |
Most Varsity theatres are pretty much the same, except for 7/8 and the VIPs. This is a theatre that has grown to become one of my favourites in the city. At first I didn't like it because I thought the screens were too small, which in hindsight was a pretty petty dismissal. Yes, the screens are small but they fit the scale of movies that the theatre shows. Watching super-low budget films on a massive screen is somewhat nausiating, so the screen-size can be thought of as a preventative form of Gravol (if you need that justification). The sound and acoustics are excellent, with perfectly sized auditoriums which are more living room than airplane hangar. This theatre has so many things that make it excellent beyond the usual indicators. For example, it has an excellent location, with sophisticated audiences and a wonderful selection of movies. Wait... I haven't even mentioned the interior! The interior is great, by the way, subtle, luxurious, and always very clean. Bathrooms get the ol' thumbs up as well. I can't say enough about how wrong I was to dismiss this theatre. Toronto is very lucky to have a theatre like the Varsity that is exciting, technically impeccible, and classy. |
| A | This theatre, (opened November 27, 1998) is quite spectacular. It is like a newer, slightly better version of the Coliseum in Mississauga. The Coliseum is a holdover from the very short period where Famous Players actually bothered to get all its auditoriums THX approved - indeed a colossal, and very expensive, task. Thus, one cannot quibble about minor details - Famous Players obviously strived to create the best theatre it could, and in almost all aspects, they succeeded. This auditorium is one of the biggest there, but overall, there are no auditoriums that are in any way close to being inadequate. Stadium seating, cupholders, big seats, huge screen, excellent sound - there is very little to complain about in the theatre. The theatre is a tad overwhelming, but is a model of restraint when compared to Colossus, SilverCity(s), and even the Paramount. Overall, the combination of good lobby and great auditoriums make this theatre one of the best theatres in the area. The only question is, what the hell is this thing doing in Scarborough?!!? Of all places!!! (Sorry, Scarberians) | |
| A | A very nice theatre that opened May 1997. Auditoriums 9 and 10 are the biggest and best, with 7 and 8 being slightly smaller, but not noticably different. In my first review I stated: "Coliseum is a fine example of a new theatre that is profitable and yet has a concept of the fun and excitment of going to the movies." Whoops. I thought it was profitable. Still, Coliseum is one of the better places in the city to go see the latest blockbuster, or anything that requires big screens and big sounds. It has a great lobby, lots of restaurants (New York Fries, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), and as well, these auditoriums have large floor to ceiling/wall to wall screens, digital sound and stadium seating. Auditoriums 9 and 10 reportedly have 64 foot screens, among the largest in Canada. Auditoriums 7, 8, 9, and 10 all are approved by THX. The theatre has been expanded with two new screens, an enlarged snack bar, and an IMAX theatre. Auditoriums 1-4 are not the same and lower Coliseum Mississauga's overall score. (see reviews below -- you'll have to scroll WAY down.) | |
| The Grande 3/5 | Was: A- Now: A | While the auditoriums themselves are still not up to par with Famous Players' newest, its lobby and overall tone are much more mature, relaxed, and overall, more enjoyable. The floating screens in the auditoriums were very large and quite clear. The sound was excellent, but the acoustics could have been better. The seats were very plush and really comfortable. In fact, they were the only bouncy/rocking seats that I have sat in that are any good. Lots of leg room, stadium seating, and visually nice auditoriums. Additionally the lobby was very nice - subtle, luxurious, and well set-up. Unfortunatly the theatre still offers nothing more than hot dogs and nachos to those who are truly hungry (in other words, there are no restaurants) and it sometimes feels a little formal for a matinee. I think in the end, however, it balances technical specs with design much better than most other theatres, notably what I've seen of its SilverCity neighbour across the street (which I've been meanig to get to, but I always end up at the Grande instead). Overall, still one of my favourite theatres. |
| Was: A Now: A- | "About as good as a new theatre can be," I first said of Colossus, and I guess you could say this still holds to a certain extent: Colossus is very exciting, but unfortunately has a shelf life equivalent to about one or two visits. The Colossus, opened February 12, 1999, is a huge 18 screen complex with every amenity imaginable. Pizza Hut, New York Fries, Starbucks, TechTown, Baskin Robbins, Taco Bell... the list goes on. All auditoriums are THX approved, and all have stadium seating and huge screens. There are no small auditoriums at Colossus, there aren't even any medium-sized ones. Every auditorium is huge and top-of-the-line. Seats are extremely comfortable, and have cupholders as well. The sound is excellent, and the acoustics are great. Additionally, the theatre is Canada's second with a fully licensed bar (The Pod) and houses Ontario's first 3-D IMAX screen. Asthetically, the theatre is certainly sold as being a "fun" place, often with negative effects. It is all made to look as though an alien spacecraft has landed on the roof, and the design is carried through the theatre haphazardly. It isn't very subtle and it doesn't look particularily nice. Overall, the theatre is far better technically than aesthetically. On the downside exit signs reflect onto the screen and light leaks into the auditoriums when the doors are opened during the movie, reflecting onto the screen as well. One might also question the point in paying $12 just to be bombarded by advertising the entire visit. I know I do. | |
| A- | One of the most relaxing and comfortable theatres around. Theatre two is built in the balcony of what used to be one big, (very nice), theatre. It is not THX approved but still has stadium seating, a big screen and an excellent sound system. I don't know why it feels so laid back, but it just does. On the down side, there is not much leg room. Now an "art house" theatre. | |
Silver City 2 |
A- | A pleasant surprise mainly because it is not an exact replica of the other SilverCity theatres in the area. While this auditorium (which, like the rest of the theatre, opened November 20, 1998) in particular was somewhat underwhelming, the rest of the theatre was quite spectacular. The exterior, for one, is an impressive blend of flashy glass and solid concrete: the interior looks almost as though it is ready to explode out onto the street. There is a great, solid-rock staircase on the way in, as well as an escalator that eventually brings you three stories above the ground before you actually get to the lobby. The lobby is, as well, quite spectacular, with lots of lights amd excitement, but without the overkill the other SiverCity theatres I've seen have. The auditorium was small but had the usual big seats, stadium seating, cupholders etc. While the screen was not exceptionally big, the sound was great: crisp, clear, and suitably deep. The location of this theatre is also a plus, as there is lots to see and do in the area. Auditorium is THX approved, although there was some sound leakage from the next theatre. There have been many reports of flaws in this theatre's design that cause fuzzy picture quality and bad sightlines. I didn't experience this on my visit, but the way this theatre is crammed in to the Yonge-Eglington Centre, it certainly is a possibility. Movie selection is often disappointing. |
Middle Section - Theatres at the top are quite good, theatres at the bottom are quite bad
| Theatre and Auditorium # | Rating |
Comments |
AMC Interchange 30 Woodbridge Auditorium 6 |
A- | Overall a very nice but not overly impressive theatre. Auditorium 6 is a good size with loveseats, big screen, nice sound, and stadium seating in all but the four front rows. Concessions are lacking but staff seem generally courtious and the theatre is well designed with ample parking and a nice exterior. Sound leaks from next theatre. Seats make weird noise when you sit down. Nothing flashy but refreshingly placid in comparison to Colossus, its next door neighbour. If you feel like a quiet night out at the movies, this theatre would be the place to go. |
| (tie) | Was:A- Now: B+ | With huge screens, digital sound, stadium seating and massive auditoriums, these twin auditoriums are the best at Silver City. These auditoriums are the only two THX approved at S.C. Mississauga. Unfortunately the non-auditorium part of the theatre just isn't as good as it could be. The lobby, for example, is fun-looking, but if you have to spend more than two minutes in it you'll find it is also quite annoying. Notably, both SilverCity Mississauga and Richmond Hill's lobbies are aging poorly - this is one ugly concept used far too many times |
| (tie) | Was: A- Now: B+ | These 447 seat twin auditoriums are the only two THX approved at Silver City Richmond Hill, and are quite similiar to 4 and 5 at Silver City Mississauga. Screens here are apparently 65 feet, making them even larger than the Coliseum. This theatre suffers also from it's non-auditorium portion, as stated above, the lobby is obscenely tacky. The designers of these theatres should be reprimanded for unleashing such hideousness on the general population. |
| The Bloor Cinema | B+ | Bloor Cinema has been renovated and I have not had a chance to see the renovations yet. The old review stated: One of Toronto's oldest theatres. It is old, single-screen and certainly unique, (like the Eglinton) but not nearly as state-of-the-art. The auditorium is probably the largest in the city, even with the newer theatres around. Screen is small and sound is mediocre, but overall one must see this theatre just because it is unlike anything else around. The balcony itself is as big as a regular theatre. What it lacks in technology it makes up for in charm. New review to be posted as soon as I see the theatre again. |
| York 1 | B+ | One of the largest auditoriums in the city - and THX approved. Unfortunately it is fairly plain. Also: the seats are extremely small, armrests uncomfortable, and often the sound is played too loud. However, the theatre is quite exciting to go to as it is downtown, and often the place to see a new film. As far as downtown theatres go, one of the best. But then again, amongst the best of the downtown theatres, the York is certainly the worst. Confused? Built in 1969. |
| AMC Kennedy Commons 2 | B+ | Nice auditorium, unexceptional theatre. The auditorium itself was quite good, with large full-back seats, lots of leg room, stadium seating, cupholders, and (yes) loveseats. The screen was big, but nothing spectacular, and the sound was quite good. Inside, the auditorium was also nice looking, but when the movie started there were too many bright lights everywhere that proved distracting. Also annoying: a staff guy kept coming in, walking up the aisle and across the rows to tell people to take their feet off the seat. This was incredibly rude on the part of the theatre as it inturrupted the movie for everyone watching. The rest of the theatre is a spectacular failure, however: dull, boring, overall unimpressive. AMC is obviously no rival to Famous Players. Incidentally, Kennedy Commons is also quite dull in comparison with AMC's very posh new American theatres. |
| The Grande Barrie |
B+ | A very nice, high quality Cineplex Odeon theatre that is just short of being great. Although it has comfortable full back seats, large screens and digital sound, the stadium seating seems to be on a little bit too gradual an incline: the back middle to back sections are far away from the screen and the head of the person in front can still get in the way. Other than this however, the theatre is quite nice: the lobby is subtle and classy, the theatres are all easy to find. Ample parking outside, ATM machines are located at the door. |
| The Grande at Orion's Gate 2 Brampton |
B+ | A very nice Cineplex Odeon theatre: exterior, lobby, and layout are all great, however auditoriums seem somewhat lacking. Marginally nicer than First Markham Place, it is pretty much exactly the same except for layout and some larger auditoriums. Again, stadium seating is not quite stadium, and seats rock back and forth. This auditorium was pretty big with large screen and good sound. There is lots of parking and some ATMs at the door. Nothing too impressive, but decent. |
| SilverCity Yorkdale 8/9 | B+ | Easily the worst and least interesting of Famous Players' megaplexes. These auditoriums are the largest there, with the second largest screen. They are nicely sized with stadium seating, full back seats, huge screens and excellent sound. However, light leaks onto the screen from the outside, making the auditoriums more on par with Colossus than the improved Paramount. The lobby of the theatre is horrendous - dark, gloomy, and confusing. The food selection in good and the location in excellent, with ample parking. Entrance could be considered hard to find. Not a theatre I would ever feel I wanted to go to unless it was very convenient. There is nothing here that can't be found elsewhere. Except Yorkdale of course, but that wouldn't involve going to the movie now, would it. I suggest if by chance you find yourself at this theatre, hop on the Subway, ride for 15 minutes to Osgoode station, get out, walk west on Queen, turn south at the CityTV building, and go to the Paramount. |
| The Royal | B- | An almost charming, well situated, and simple old single auditorium theatre, as well as Festival Cinema's only location with digital sound. The sound is fairly state-of-the-art sound, and the screen is of decent size, but it is a far cry from any of the newer theatres. While the auditorium inside is nice, it isn't spectacular, most probably because there is no balcony or upper level. Seats are new, but they rock and are set at an angle which feels like they are pushing you out, making a two hour movie a tiring experience. Needless to say, no stadium seating. However, the theatre has a great-looking old-style exterior with a really nice marquee and a clean facade. The theatre's location in Little Italy is excellent, making for a good dinner/movie combination. Overall a good theatre, just not the best. |
| First Markham Place 2-10 | B+ | Much like the Grande at the Sheppard Centre, only smaller auditoriums and smaller lobby. To get to the theatres you have to go up a huge escalator, which is quite exciting, especially for those who watch videos all the time and go out to the movies only once a year (my parents). The auditoriums are a moderate size (all are apparently the same) with pretty big screens, excellent sound, cupholders and full back seats. Like the Grande, the seats rock back and forth. The slope, however, on the stadium seating seems rather small: field level stadium seating, perhaps? I found the sound to be sort of hollow and the auditorium to give a cold, uncomfortable feeling, as many Cineplex Odeon auditoriums do. Overall, a good theatre. |
| Coliseum 5/6 in Mississauga | B+ | Same sort of idea as Coliseum 7/8/9/10, with smaller screen, lesser sound, and no THX approval. But compared to most other theatres it defintely has great sound, big screen, comfortable seats. Overall, like the bigger auditoriums but less exciting. (And you can't help but feel ripped off if you see a movie that's playing in these auditoriums and the higher numbered ones, and you have to see it in this one - for the same price.) |
| The Regent | B+ | Another old, single screen theatre, this one is not as nice as any others. However, it does have digital sound and a pretty big screen, and also has its own unique charms, such as its arched lobby, and an actual balcony (which was closed when I was there). Seats are comfortable but low to the ground. Did not show the film I saw (L.A. Confidential) in its proper aspect ratio. As with Capitol, theatre is not nearly as nice inside as it once was - while the roof looks the same, most of the walls are now bare in the actual auditorium. Nonetheless, Toronto should be proud it still has theatres like this operating. |
| Varsity 8 | B | One of the two old auditoriums in the Varsity complex. A good-sized theatre with a big screen and really good sound (it's the kind where the whole auditorium shakes, but it doesn't hurt your ears.) Suffers most because it doesn't have stadium seating and because the seats are a little odd: they're comfortable at first, yet increasingly less comfortable as time passes. Not as nice looking as the new Varsity theatres a few steps away. However, when Phantom Menace came out these were the two auditoriums Cineplex Odeon chose to apporve with THX, so maybe I'm missing something. |
| Uptown 2/3 | B | Two near identical theatres that are not nearly as nice as Uptown 1, but still decent. They have nice sized screens and excellent sound, but leg room is extremely cramped and sound leaks into both from the upper (far better) theatre. They are notable for having the craziest stairs to get into a theatre - watch your step!!. No stadium seating. |
| Hyland 1 | B | A good theatre, although not as good as the Hyland 2, mostly because of this auditorium's shape. The screen is high up, there is no stadium seating, the roof is low (except at the front) there is a centre aisle, sound leaks from the other theatre and the sound is distorted and echoes. However, the seats are comfortable, the screen is of decent size, and the sound itself is good (before it begins to echo). The theatre as a whole is also nice and in a good location. But it is obvious that when they divided this theatre into two, auditorium #1 suffered more than #2. |
| Fairview 6 | B | A pretty good theatre. It has a big screen and sound, seats are Ok, leg room is alright. Basically, it is a simple above average theatre. Lobby is really cool in how it wraps around the food court beneath it. During the film, there were really serious problems with the sound and they had to stop the film. But since they were nice about it and gave us free passes, I've already forgotten that it even happened. |
| Coliseum 1/2/3/4 | B+ | I originally said of this theatre: "A really good auditorium with excellent digital sound and a big screen that unfortunately suffers because it's just not as good as the screens a few feet away from it (Coliseum 8/9/10)." but upon visiting it again more recently I would have to change my opinion. I had forgotten how small the auditoriums are, that there is no stadium seating, and that the seats rock. These auditoriums not only pale in comparison to the Coliseum's others, but also to the lesser auditoriums in Colossus, SilverCity and Coliseum Scarborough (which are all far superior). The auditoriums do have really great sound, though. |
| Sherway Cinemas 1/2/3/4 | B | These similiar auditoriums are all quite mediocre. The sound in them is excellent, but the screens are all fairly small, there is no stadium seating, the seats themselves are only ok etc. Asthetically, these auditoriums look more like the old Varsity and Fairview theatres than the newer Varsity or Grande. A good theatre, but overall underwhelming. |
| Sussex Centre 3 | B- | In simple terms, this is the basic multiplex theatre but with really comfortable seats. Screen is small, not wall to wall. When I was there it played the THX trailer and showed the film advertised in THX in the paper, but apparently there is a much better theatre (Sussex Centre 1) which actually is THX. Sussex Centre 3, however, is not. And it shouldn't be. Nice lobby. |
| Cumberland 3 | B | An unextraordinary theatre that is semi-redeemed only by the fact that it shows art films. And also, notably, it is one of few theatres with a glass lobby. |
| Film Factory 3 | B- | Probably the best of the five Film Factory auditoriums I've been to. Sound is good, theatre is a decent size, and the seats (while bouncy) are quite comfortable. Screen does have rips accross it in the top right and possibly bottom left. No cupholders, no stadium seating. |
| Plaza 2 | B- | A pretty basic theatre with decent sound and ok screen. At this theatre, the lobby is really the only thing worth going to see (not including the movie itself, of course). The screen is too high up on the wall. |
| Plaza 1 | C+ | All round mediocre theatre with a nice lobby. There are really bright lights in the auditorium which only show off how ugly the theatre is. Notable for its underground lobby which mimics the old-style movie entrance, to great effect. Unfortunately the subway is audible, but they played the movie so loud when I was there that it covered it up. |
| Imperial 1 Barrie |
C | A theatre that was once one large auditorium, but is now eight pieces of crap. This auditorium is the best of the eight, which is not saying much. The screen in this auditorium is way too high up on the wall, giving one a sore neck when one cares to watch a movie on it. |
| Film Factory 1 | C | A theatre that is comparable to the Imperial. This auditorium is bad because it has poor sound, a really bad screen, and a really gradual slope on the floor (so that your view is not only obstructed by the people in the row in front of you, but also by the people in front of them). Known most of all for its bouncy seats (ahem), the Film Factory is quite a crime against nature. This is the second best auditorium there. |
Bottom 10 Theatres
| Theatre and Auditorium # | Rating |
Comments |
| Film Factory 5 | C- | A theatre that manages to be worse than Film Factory 1. That's bad. But it's still a bit better than a TV. |
| Film Factory 2 | C- | Has everything that's bad about the Film Factory in general, but with really uncomfortable seats. Sound isn't really great, screen mid-sized, no cupholders, no stadium seating. Also, the light from the exit sign shines onto the screen, making any scenes that are supposed to be dark turn out red. |
| Imperial 2 Barrie |
C- | Worse than Imperial 1. Notable for the fact that there are really neat stairs going up to it. Otherwise awful. |
| Carlton 5/8 | C- | Two identical theatres that are as bad as they come. Fortunatly these screens get extra points for playing really really obscure films that are often exclusive engagements and thus seen nowhere else in the city. Tiny screen, small auditorium, no leg room, bad curtain, ugly, nothing outside... the ugly cousin to the Varsity VIP (which is about the same size but it better designed and executed.) |
| Imperial 5/6 Barrie |
C- | Bad auditorium - speakers pop and crackle, musty, small screen and cup holders that dig into your arm. Makes watching a movie an unenjoyable experience. The walls are covered in that disgusting grey foam stuff that bad theatres generally seem to have (the stuff that serves no other purpose than to collect dust and grow mould.) |
| Imperial 7 Barrie |
C | A small, "livingroomish" theatre that has a tiny screen and poor sound. How poor? Well, there's one set of speakers, and they are behind the screen. That's it. Seats are of the type where you can feel the springs (which of course dig into your bottom) and leg room is limited. The only good aspect - and I say this jokingly of course - is that the disgusting grey foam stuff seen in bad theatres is in abundance here, but (get this) you can actually touch it!That is the highlight of the theatre. Overall, an awful screen that should be avoided. (And by the way, the foam stuff is actually hard and solid. It feels just as disgusting as you would think, however.) |
| The Kingsway | C | A really bad theatre that is forgiven only because it is old and still in one piece. Not to say by any means that this is a good place to see a really good movie, but it does have its (few) charms. The screen is made of three or four pieces, which is pretty distracting. The seats are the oldest, most uncomfortable seats I have ever been subjected to sitting on in any public place. Recently renovated - new review to be posted. |
| Film Factory 4 | D+ | So bad it makes the other Film Factory auditoriums look good. The screen is exceptionally small and square-shaped, the seats are uncomfortable, and the sound is awful. Plus sound leaks from the other theatre quite a bit. |
| The Circle Alliston |
D | A really bad theatre. Perhaps the only theatre left in Canada where smoking is still permitted inside (and phones ringing) The theatre has no air conditioning, nothing remotely digital and a bad screen. It plays second or third run films. It hasn't been renovated since the second world war. On the plus side, it is really cheap, all the time, and there are never any line ups. Ever. It's also a small-town, 30's era theatre that is still a single sreen auditorium. Quite rare, but perhaps not the best example of such a thing (in other words, don't make a long trip to see it). Originally, it had a simple interior that suited the theatre quite well, a nice lighted curtain and a small triangular marquee out front, but these have, of course, changed over time. |
| Stratford Cinema | D | A horrible theatre that is musty and dirty, uncomfortable, and breaks every basic rule of how to make a good auditorium. When I saw 'Return of the Jedi' in the theatre they had to stop the movie twice at the beginning and re-thread the projector because it was put in wrong. After that they proceeded to play the entire film out of focus. Awful. |
Other Theatres (not in ranking)
| Theatre and Auditorium # | Rating |
Comments |
| Cinesphere | A | Not included in ranking because it is an Imax theatre, and to include it would just not be fair to the other theatres. An absolutely amazing theatre with a huge screen and excellent sound. As well, comfortable seats and stadium seating. It is also historic, being the first permanent Imax theatre anywhere. |
| Colossus 3D IMAX | A | A great 3D theatre, but perhaps a little small in comparison with other IMAX theatres. Sound is amazing, screen is large, seats are comfortable, and 3D glasses are light and somewhat comfortable. Location in Colossus is of course a plus, with ample parking and lots of things to eat. Ticket prices are ridiculously high. It's a good theatre to be sure, but somewhat disappointing. |
| Omnimax | A | Also amazing, just like Cinesphere. This theatre's screen is in the shape of a dome and thus goes all around the audience. Excellent theatre. |
| Varsity--VIP 2 | A- | A very small theatre (actually a 'private screening room') with a small screen. But since it shows art films, the screen size doesn't matter that much. It has the biggest, most comforatable seats and the most leg room you will ever experience in a theatre. It has tables, people who take your coat and bring your popcorn, and is quite different and should be experienced. It has SDDS, although there was a problem with a speaker whe I was there (it was popping). Unfortunately, it does cost more money. |
| The Capitol (Now Closed) |
B+ | Old, single screen theatre with good sound, a big screen, and huge, comfortable seats. Compared with Bloor and Regent, this theatre is the best technically, but worst asthetically. And since technically it doesn't compare at all to the any of the newer theatres (Coliseum, Silver City) it doesn't really excel in either area. Has a balcony. Theatre used to look really quite nice inside, but today most of the decorations are gone. |
| Hollywood North (Now Closed) |
B- | A theatre sort of in the same vein as Uptown and Eglinton, only not at nice (all three are old Famous Players theatres). It is an old theatre that has been restored but it has suffered considerable water damage since restoration. In addition the sound system is poor and the screen is small. Every subway that goes by is clearly audible. It is, however, unique. It is not as good technically as it should be, considering that sometimes it is the only downtown location playing a major release. In doing research I was surprised at just how nice this theatre used to be. It had a big old marquee and a nice front. As well, the lobby was quite posh, and the theatres were a nice size. It was, incidentally, always a two screen theatre. |
| Glenway 1 (Closed Fall 2000) |
B | An extremely boring theatre which is unexceptional except for this one auditorium, which has a huge screen, excellent sound, and is itself quite large. Seats are unfortunately very small, legroom is limited. |
| AMC 30 at The Block Orange, California |
A | A great theatre, surprising considering the mediocrity of AMC's Canadian cinemas. The theatre is very classy, very comfortable, and despite its size, never looks like it has 30 screens. It also has a "Film City" theme, with lots of movie posters and quotes integrated into the design of the theatre. This AMC theatre would be in the top 10 if it were in Toronto |
| Edward's 21 at the Spectrum Irvine California |
B- | A very mediocre new theatre that seems quite dated by Canadian standards. It is a megaplex, but it has fairly unomfortable seats and stadium seating in only a couple of auditoriums. ALso, the theatre is really really hideously ugly - a combination of too much pastel and too many mirrors. The outside of the theatre is nice, however, and the IMAX screen is great (very big). |
| Mann's Chinese Hollywood California |
A+ | Certainly deserves its place as being perhaps the most well known movie theatre in the world, as well as the home of many stars handprints, and the place of many a glitzy premiere. The theatre is large, with a gigantic screen and great sound. It is also THX approved and has great acoustics. While perhaps a little run down, the one auditorium is very ornate with lots of intricate details. Seats are comfortable, and there is ample leg room. In short: as good a theatre as I've ever seen. On the downside, no stadium seating. |
85 auditoriums rated
