It took me a while to discover this place but I wont forget now.The theater I was in was a bit weird, but the programmation here is refreshing.The staff is super helpful and friendly.People that come here seem to overall be movie enthusiasts and I had a nice time chatting with my seat neighbors.Last but not least look at this front! This element alone justifies the trip in my opinion.

Didn’t go in to see a movie but it looks cool outside. This theatre shows movies in films, the day I went by, it was showing Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in 35mm film. Which is rare to see nowadays. You can truly experience a film filmed by film.

Such a hidden jewel. Many people, myself included usually go to the bigger theaters that’s more modern, however I genuinely love older theaters. I appreciated this place for multiple reasons. The first was the movie choices they have. I love indie films so this was great for me. I usually watch indie films and shows on the Sundance app but I’ll start enjoying more here. The second thing that I appreciated was the staff. They are sooo friendly and I mean from the ticket both to the concession stand. Third thing I appreciated was the usher coming in right before the movie started and not only going over safety precautions but also introducing the previews that were going to be shown. The last thing I appreciated was they Swedish Fish. Lol. And also the popcorn was really good and they have popcorn flavoring for free! I’ll definitely be back in the future. Thank you for the experience.

Very cool old-school theater. Saw Parasite here. Good sound, great venue to watch a movie.

Awesome place. Great theater. Cool area

This place always has the best movies that you wont find elsewhere! The staff is always nice and friendly and they listen to requests - they also will listen to what you think about a specific movie and what your interpretation of it is. I love to come here and I know you will enjoy it too :)

Angry little short haired girl working New Year’s Eve should not be in customer service. She is lazy, rude and passive aggressive.

Called about changing our ticket after we missed our show and the manager, Michael, was super friendly & accommodating and allowed us to come the next day. Thank you!

Originally I gave this place a 4 star but recently I have returned a few times and always received impeccable service. Some of the friendly staff (not movie staff) but STAFF in existence. Everyone is incredibly informed and invested in cinema. The presentation from the sign outside, to the auditoriums, to the crowd who regulars this cinema all create a classic and genuine movie going experience. Whoevers idea it was to start 35mm screenings of movies- thanks! Please do more!!! I beg you!!!

Authentically historic theater, showing interesting movies. The theaters are a little shabby (though absolutely clean) and the screens harder to see from the back. Very friendly staff

Cute and cozy theater, not the most comfortable chairs but the service and quality of the theater make up for it.

Absolutely NO OUTSIDE FOOD allowed! They do check. However, there are a couple tables inside that you can sit and eat at before going into the theater.Note that they theater seating is a bit nontraditional since this is an older theater. The seats havent been renovated and the armrests dont go up. The seats are a bit slanted, so some of them are angled away from the screen...you have to see for yourself to understand.Its a quaint theater though, and Im glad that its still around and showing movies!

Decent movie theater. Seats were comfy. Projection and sound had no problems. I was in the left hand theater upstairs. The screen looked like it was not perpendicular to the seats, but its no worse than sitting off center at any other theater. Upstairs the seats are steep, stadium style, so viewing was excellent. The bathrooms were old but very clean and spacious. Easy parking in the underground garage up the block.

Absolutely lovely place with very unique themed theaters. Lots of film options and nice little bar, too. If you drive here youll most likely have to park in a garage if youre not able to find a spot nearby immediately.

Historic theater, a bit cheaper and shows more independent films, but not my usual movie spot in Berkeley

If you ever have the opportunity to see something here on 35mm, do it...

Fun food, great staff and lovely theatre.

Cool, local theater that has been around for a long time. The theater is big, but the seats are very basic and close together. We didnt mind since the theater was not packed, but something to keep in mind if youre sitting next to strangers. One thing I appreciate is that they had a cooler with free water! No price gouging for water - plus one in my book.

I appreciated everything about the theatre, except for me the upper balcony seating didnt have enough leg room... please note that I was in the first row of the upper level balcony seating. Otherwise I recommend.

Love this movie theater. Totally chill atmosphere!

Usually has movies other theaters dont have. Cushy, old-school theater.

Very old. Needs to be remodeled. Big time.

Theres something about this theater thats just kind of magic. Its got a lovely, old-fashioned cinema feel, but the screen and sound are totally modern. And everyone who works there seems to really like what they do. All three commercial theaters in downtown Berkeley are great in their own way, but I think that the California is my favorite.

I love old school theaters staff was great i loved it!

Cool theater with a historic feel.

A pretty decent venue. The staff was friendly and helpful. (Shout-out to the guy who had to deal with an older woman hassling him about railings. Fair concern, but obviously not his fault.) A bit odd as far as layout goes, but that could be it having been a live theater in the past or something. Seats are pretty clustered, so use the restroom before you settle down. There are also a plethora of stairs, so for those of us with mobility impairments... There will be troubles.

Quaint, kind, and friendly little theatre. The main screen is very large and the movie watching is just as wonderful as youll get from any larger theatre. Theyre always showing very cool smaller films so you should be able to find something you like. Also all their old movie posters are free for you to take!

Always loved this theater. Thanks for keeping it up for us! Great movie!!!

Cramped seating, oddly-angled small screen in an old movie house that has been chopped up into three theaters. (I was in theater #3. Maybe theater #1 is better.)First-run prices for second-run movies or the occasional arts film. Unless you can only see a particular movie here, see it somewhere else. Youll be more comfortable in the metroplex for about the same price.

Good collection of indie films. Some sound bleed thru from neighboring screen. And the upstairs screens are at an odd angle to the seats. The staff is very good.

Theres plenty to not like but stop using Market Force as your mystery shoppers because Market forces a scam and Ive Mystery Shop there twice and all the other service and everything was good as far as that was concerned by them using Market Force makes people waste their money and time so stop using Market Force for your mystery shops use another company

Simple theater with an antique and vintage feel. The power went out on the entire block when my friends and I were watching a movie, but the staff were incredibly helpful and worked to get the film back on track. Typical selection of popcorn, snacks, and sodas.

Beautiful theater. Reminds me of a mini Manns Chinese Theater. Great staff, very polite and helpful. Total 5 star experience!

Clean theatre but totally outdated. Only 3 urinals in there bathroom for men so expect a wait to use the bathroom after a movie is over. The seats are absolutely uncomfortable.. how much would it seriously cost to add some decent seats?

Great old cinema.

One of the best art house movie theaters in the area.

Nice theater. Parking can be difficult so give yourself enough time.

THIS PLACE Will Take You Back In History. ITS Like The Stanford Movie. THEATRE. AND The Parking Is Great. THE Streets Are Popping. TRY Joes Ice Cream Place On Shattuck St.

A very decent movie theater!

Always enjoy the movies shown here!

Unique theater with unique and standard movies. Great friendly staff.

Lovely theatre, good people too!

Such lovely decor inside This theatre

Very cramped seating. Im about 60 and I was uncomfortable in those chairs. The location is convenient for students, but thats about the end of the positives I could find.

Love that a staffer with a sense of humor comes out to do an introduction to the film.

Another Berkeley gem. Always has the best films and great concessionsAnd friendly staff!

This theater play good movies! The screen is fine and service is friendly.

Nice cool cinema with no commercials

Great theater for indie films and some major studio releases. Conveniently located near BART.

What a cool theater! Super old and majestic! Check it out! Do yourself a favor!

This place would take you back to the 50s, I loved it. However the screen size, pictures quality, and the sound quality are not up to date. With that said, it still a place worth visiting.

Friendly staff make for a nice experience.

Amazing theatre. Great line up of features, and a welcoming staff

They are the best in california and they will continue to be. Really enjoy my time there...

Great place it was. Lovely services & customer care straight from the entrance!

Issues with sound system in theater 2

For a fun old movie theater this throwback is great. Snacks arent even as pricey as they could be. Dont expect your super giant IMAX like screens and youll be happy.

Nice theatre. Offset seating is a little odd but plenty of seats so not a problem.

Yay, local theater! Love that they use real butter in their popcorns, and they have a variety of popcorn seasonings. Street parking can be tough.

Beautiful decor and a friendly service. Pricey ticket (in part because of ordering online and a late showing) but worth it for the classic feel and support of non-Cinemark establishments.

First, I dont know what the point was of a theater worker going in the front of the room before a movie to give their political opinions. While the opinions were totally unarticulated and based on zero fact, he also stated his opinions may be that of the theater itself. I paid for a movie, not to hear someone of his level (not a political science analyst) share his uninlightened views. I wont ever be returning to any landmark theater if this is allowed. Second, the screen was on an angle to the audience, making it somewhat awkward.

An older theater with OK screens, but good programming. Friendly vibe, centrally located.

Old-fashioned theater with comfortable seats and standard pricing

The Movie Theater is good, some rooms were small but it didnt take a way the feeling of a watching a good movie.

Nice atmosphere from an old theater but the screen and sound quality wasnt quite the same as some other theaters

Great staff. Cute theater

I love this theater and the staff are wonderful.

Cozy theater but no elevator. Friendly staff.

It was great. Really cool selection of movies

Small old fashioned theater. some charm.

Independent theatre showing indie films. Very nice staff. Clean, but theatre is a little down on the heel.

This theater plays great movies, but the facilities are rather old and run down (albeit gorgeous).

Better food than the other theaters in Berkeley and a fun old times kind of feel :) Great for one time events.

Wonderful. Theater was celebrating its 100th anniversary. Glorious retro film experience.

Quaint old-fashioned local theater with a lot of community activites

Nice old theatre good staff.

Best movie theater in the East Bay. Huge screen

Great selection of indie shows. Theater itself is a bit worn but the charm makes up for it.

Cozy theater showing less well known but good movies.

Love this theater. Charming!

Great theatre with original decorative details.

Super fun theater for the inside crowd.

Clean, friendly, sound not over-loud

Eye say two thumbz up. Tha seatz are fantastic. Tha way dey dem tha lightz. Tha laughz really tickle me.

Show some more avant-garde films.

Great selection of independent movies in a small theatre.

I never been here but I saw this in G-Eazy’s Far Alone music video

A nice theatre with a fun staff

Small fun old style theatre .

I like how the customer service is very nice and welcoming

Classic old style theater!

Really nice movie theater, usually playing interesting films but popular shows can get crowded.

Power brown outs killed the movie three times in one sitting.

Always showing the best movies!

A nice place. With friendly staff

Good service

Watched Robert Reichs film premiere here. Convenient location for students.

Its a funky, old theater with stiff seats, no cupholders, and enough charm to make up for that.

The downstairs theatre is the last, big screening room in berkeley. its worth extra planning to catch epic films when they show in that room.

The extremely cramped leg room drags down the rating of what would otherwise be a fine movie theater, with a generally good choice of high quality films.