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Bloor Cinema
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
506 Bloor St WToronto, ON M5S 1Y3
Neighbourhood: The Annex
(416) 516-2331
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for Bloor Cinema
32 reviews in English
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Review from Q H.
North York, ON
11/28/2011
Movie theater that is not run by corporations. That says a lot.
This theater screens nice mix of independent movies, rare hard-to-find movies, local premieres, mainstream movies and classics. 70mm prints of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Lawrence of Arabia are frequently screened at this theater. Rocky Horror Picture Show is screened around Halloween time. And movies that may never get distributions gets limited screenings held at Bloor Cinema.
Seat comfort is acceptable with enough cushion and just enough leg space. Seat width is on narrow side. Balcony level is available. There are many restaurants and bars (not fancy ones) around the theater. Parking may be an issue.
Schedule is announced monthly. -
Review from Dishan W.
11/2/2011
I don't frequent the Bloor Cinema outside festivals such as hot docs or Toronto After Dark too much, but each time I come here I'm always treated to a great atmosphere. Anyone that's been to a Midnight Madness screening at tiff would love it here (although it makes sense to say anyone that's been here would have fun at a tiff MM screening).
You know that you're going to watch a movie amongst other like minded fans resulting in a fun movie watching experience.
The actual building while old definitely has it's charm, but I highly doubt I would ever come in here to watch a recent movie I could watch at a better quality at a cineplex or amc location. But they do have a very reasonably priced concession stand with popcorn, pop and candy.
But they are undergoing renovations right now so hopefully they get a bit more oomph in their sound and picture quality and while seats are not uncomfortable maybe a little bit of new paint or something would definitely help.
Overall for the right movie this is a great venue but for the majority of the year this is not within my movie watching radar.Listed in: My November 30
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Review from jenna m.
10/25/2011
I love the nostalgic feeling I get when I watch a movie at Bloor cinema. I feel like I am in another time, a time warp in fact. The décor of the theatre is a throwback and homage to classic theatres with an abundance of red velvet fabric and a retro concession stand. Movies prices are reasonable and the visual quality and sound of the films are usually pretty decent. The most interesting event I have been to at Bloor Cinema was a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow puppet cast! People in attendance dressed up like characters from the film and the cast actually acts out the movie up on stage! It was definitely bizarre and extremely entertaining to see this sub culture of movie fans let loose screaming out movie lines and add libs. So, if you would like to go on a strange journey than go see the rocky horror picture show with cast at Bloor Cinema! This is a wonderful heritage staple in the community and honours old school picture palaces of the past.
I highly recommend Bloor Cinema!
But make um understand its Westside foe life -
Review from Laile B.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2012
Always keep an eye on what's happening here. Can't get enough of the Repo the Genetic Opera shadow cast, or Rocky Horror. Always have the best cult flicks playing. Great atmosphere.
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Review from Monica F.
7/28/2011
Does anyone here remember when the Bloor Cinema ran the Dark Side of Oz and you used to be able to smoke weed INSIDE the theater? Man...those were the days.
I also have fond memories of the Rocky Horror Picture Show back from my High School days. I remember the first time I attended, I was called up onto the stage as part of an initiation for "virgins" and had to act out a scene with another "virgin" who happened to be a crazy drunk guy with a missing front tooth wearing a DRESS. Definitely no shortage of err-interesting..? characters around these parts.
Food at the concession stand is far more reasonably priced than at a commercial cinema, although they don't have a proper butter dispenser which is a basic item I think all movie theaters should have. I won't eat popcorn without melted butter, I just wont. It's poured from a kettle which makes for an uneven distribution of butter. Oh well...
It's conveniently located by Bloor Subway station and has a plethora of restaurants to visit pre or post show. -
Review from Jane M.
6/6/2011
We came here at the recommendation of our landlord one Sunday only to discover they were playing Alien 1 and 2 back to back. Having never seen either (I know, I know) we decided to buy a membership and go for it.
It was a great experience (and can I just say, the popcorn is enough to make you weep -- it's so tasty) and the cinema is cool and draughty, a nice option on hot, sticky summer nights.
My only regret is that this place is CLOSING for renovations at the end of June! I'm so devastated. I'm going to go a few times this month to get the most of my membership (and to get my buttery popcorn fix). After that, I don't know what will happen. I might pitch a tent outside and spend the summer keening and awaiting the day that it might open once more.
Woe is me!Listed in: Eats in the Annex
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Review from Jessee D.
Toronto, ON
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fell right in love with this place as soon as I walked in. It felt like I stepped into another decade, and instead of the flashing lights hoards of people I usually experience at Cineplex, it was dim and quiet, really mellow. The lower seats are actually comfy, and the size of the screen and sound of the movie was a nice change of pace.
I want to mention the ladies bathroom, because this really struck me. When you walk in, there's a large room with countertops and mirrors and door to the side leading to the stalls and sinks. I don't have to take up sink space to fix my hair/makeup! Such a simple thing, but it made my day.
I hope the renovations don't turn this place into another Silvercity, but instead restore some of that retromod glam I'm sure it once had. -
Review from Real B.
Toronto, ON
7/9/2011
***UPDATE***
seems this beloved little cinema is getting a makeover. I hope the spirit is not made over... fingers crossed.
Previously: It's musty - smells like your grandma's couch. Porno-vibe a little bit. Ah old school cinemas. They don't make them like this anymore... -
Review from Victor M.
4/1/2011
The Bloor Cinema in Toronto falls into the categori of many of my favorite movie theaters; it's an older movie theater with a lot of charm to it even if it isn't the most up-to-date mega multiplex. It hosts a lot of great repertory screenings and makes an amazing venue to view classics like Mario Bava's Black Sunday with Barbara Steele, and it is also a great place to see retrospectives with filmmakers and actors.
I've been to the Bloor a few times during Fan Expo Canada before the Toronto International Film Festival and it has a real character to it. Its ina funky neighborhood with lots of hip shops and sushi and meditteranan food around with a gastropub across the street, so its a nice place to spend the night out. They do a lot of repertory programming which is fun, including screenings of classic horror films by the locally based horror magazine Rue Morgue. I saw a lively Q and A here with actor Udo Kier that turned pretty raucous, but it was a great experience overall and I definitely recommend checking the venue out if you are in Toronto. -
Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
1/7/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I will occasionally drop into the Bloor to catch second-run big releases, but most of what I like to see there are special screenings, docos, small festivals and one-off events. Even though they do have a portion of their schedule for the second-run stuff, there's always a reasonable variety of retro screenings, themed programs and other stuff to keep the mix entertaining and to keep me going back.
Physically, the Bloor cinema has its charm, but is a little run down. I suppose this comes with the territory of rep cinemas, so if you can bear with some squeaky chairs and worn fixtures and look past it to the atmosphere, then it's a-ok. Ticket prices are reasonable, especially if you make sure to keep a 'membership' card throughout the year; concession stand has a decent variety, but usually the lineup and prices aren't so worth it to me.
While the Bloor isn't my go-to cinema just for the sake of heading to see a flick, I do keep an eye out for what's going on each month and always enjoy my visits. -
Review from Jay K.
Toronto, ON
10/1/2009
As I ride my bike in to work throughout the summer, my favourite part is looking up at Bloor Cinema's old marquee that's changed every night, so that even at 5:30am I know what I could expect from a day at the movies. I know it's old fashioned but the building is over 100 years old! The seats aren't the comfiest, but you're not being charged the hefty prices of a multiplex. When you come to a cinema like this you can expect a few things.
For starters, you aren't going to find some jackass 14 year old checking out his new ring tune during the movie.
The people are genuinely interested in what's on the screen because they've made a point to see it at the Bloor Cinema.
Original Reels. This isn't a run down theatre playing DVDs on a screen projector. No the owners love film, and so, they've sought out the original reels to classic films that genuine audiences love and want to enjoy again, with the same classic feel!
I will never forget the first time I stepped foot into this timeless theatre. It was to see my favourite movie of all time, Jaws. I sat down anxiously waiting the matinee showing of the first ever blockbuster. I'd never seen it on the screen before, and I was so excited that I think I may have scared a few girls down wind from us. But I didn't care, I was too excited to!
The lights dimmed to a 1/2 packed house and the film started immediately. It was vintage all the way, packed full of streaks, a sepia film stock & those cigarette burns Tyler Durdan made mention to in that popular chrome magnum flick. Now I must have seen Jaws 30 times in my entire life, but watching it on a big screen was like seeing it for the first time again. The audience laughed at all the right parts, jokes that were still funny to me. And when the film finished an audience clapped. When was the last time you saw a movie and a theatre did that? I'll tell you I visit a tonne of movies every month, and it's very rare. But that's what you get when you come to Bloor Cinema.
The theatre may not be modern, the aisles may be sticky and the chairs are a little stiff, but those are minor details when dealing with the real life movie magic this venue has to offer. -
Review from Mavis M.
Toronto, ON
6/29/2009
"Vintage" is a nice way of describing this place. If by "vintage" you mean old, musty-smelling, and downright grimy, then yes. It is really, really vintage.
Movies at the B.C. always keep my on the edge of my seat, primarily because the seat is so uncomfortable that I suspect it was recycled from the tilt-a-whirl that was part of the rickety, held-together-with-spit-and-chewing-gum county fair I attended every summer as a kid, a seat that was invariably repaired with duct tape and invariably bruised my ass due to only a thin strip of vinyl between me and the rusted (squeaky) springs. However, like the tilt-a-whirl, I keep coming back for more.
I patronize this theatre because I am cheap and so is the Bloor Cinema. And somehow, it attracts good indie films, throwbacks, and festivals. I can seldom resist His Girl Friday on the big screen. Oh, and they let you bring in whatever food and drink you want.
Still, and maybe I'm too attached to cleanliness and comfort, but if this place wasn't within walking distance of my front door I wouldn't bother.
Now, if they started showing sing-along musicals I might change my tune. -
Review from Fabio N.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2010
This was the first movie theatre I went to when I arrived in Toronto. It was a cold and boring night, and I didn't have a TV to watch the Oscars (I did say it was a boring night), so I looked for a place -- any place -- where I could watch it. To my surprise there were a few movie theatres showing it, and the Bloor was one of them.
About the place itself: it's an old cinema. This describes both the pros and the cons. You won't find the best projection or sound here, but the atmosphere compensates.
The real attraction here is the programming, of course. This is an indie theatre, with special events and even workshops. There's the Toronto After Dark Film Festival, if you're into horror movies, and I went there to watch Close Encounters Of The 3rd Kind recently.
So, what's the catch? Well, after the Toronto Underground Cinema opened, the Bloor started losing ground. The Underground is all the Bloor seem to have been one day, but with better events, room, seats and equipment.
The truth is the Bloor Cinema is in dire need of renovations to recover its former glory and keep its post as a top movie-lover place. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/7/2008
This place is a solid fixture in the moviegoer scene, arguably the most popular in the rep cinema circuit. Because of its location, it sometimes attracts way too many students for my liking, but I still love it and respect it as one of Toronto's cultural institutions.
I haven't seen any regular screenings here -- that's not the point of this place, anyway. I've primarily attended the Bloor to see lower-profile film, commercial, and animation screenings, as well as director retrospectives -- one of which was in honour of Russ Meyers, an experience where I sat beside a new friend of the opposite sex and had the high-pitched pronunciation of "awwwwkward" ringing through my skull.
Also, the Rocky Horror Picture Show is an annual staple. But warning: for hot ticket items like this, line-ups at this venue can go around the corner.Listed in: Celluloid love
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Review from Thomas B.
North Bay, ON
5/21/2009
Not the best/most-up-to-date place in Toronto. Actually has a very vintage feeling to it which is nice. Comes with a stage and balcony. The screen isn't wide screen like those of the ones found in most cinemas nowadays. But always a great experience.
Maybe it's the events I go there for but I have never had a bad experience at Bloor Cinemas. My biggest complain would be that when the place is filled with people, they should turn the AC on or something cause its like a sauna in there.
Went to Toronto After Dark film festival this year. Had an absolute blast!
Also, Bloor Cinemas is where Pure Pwnage always hosts their episode screenings. Have never been let down. Always a super fun time.
R.I.P. T-Bag -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
Bloor Cinema is awesome because:
a) It looks & feels like those old movie theatres that I never had the pleasure of seeing. They have balcony seating and old squeaky seats and a stage, which makes for a great movie-watching experience.
b) They play all sorts of independent, new and old movies that you won't find being screened anywhere else. They were the only theatre in the city that played Repo! The Genetic Opera but I missed it because it only played for 2 or 3 days.
c) They play Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live cast allll the time. Obviously Halloween is the busiest day, with line-ups around the block, but it's a fun time. And what other theatre in this city will let you throw toast at the screen? -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
11/17/2008
I'm a firm believer that you can gauge the worth of a city based on its number of independent cinemas there are. With that number shrinking in Toronto all the time, it's good to see the Bloor Cinema alive and thriving in the Annex. The Bloor has a rich history in the city, having celebrated its Centennial in 2005.
The staff at the Bloor are people who love film with a passion, and it shows. Every day of the week features multiple screenings across genres, periods and from around the globe. It's no wonder that so many of Toronto's amazing small film festivals choose the Bloor as their main theater and home base. Having worked for some of these festivals I consider the Bloor to be like a home away from home.
With its classic movie palace interior, large stage, upstairs lounge area along with balcony seating, the Bloor offers the classic movie experience. The concessions area isn't some monstrosity of neon corporate fast food chains, but a simple booth with a wealth of candy options, along with popcorn and sodas. The theater's staff is friendly and informative about the schedule and about film in general. And, if you're not a jerk about it, they will let you bring in outside items like coffee from Starbucks (within reason of course). The laid-back atmosphere leads to a pretty great movie experience. And since so many cineastes love the Bloor, you can often find a clutch of people milling upstairs near the washrooms or outside smoking, discussing the movie they just saw or film in general.
The Bloor is in the "middle of the universe" aka Bloor/Bathurst, pick up a schedule in front of the cinema, in your local alternative weekly or on their website.
Pros: great film selection, supports independent film as well as foreign, classic and second-run films, amazing film festival screenings, lovely staff.
Cons: Standing in long festival lines out front all but guarantees your hair will smell like Ghazale's famous shawarma, the exhaust fan from which blows out directly in front of the theater. The PDF of the schedule has zero navigation options, sometimes they show a movie I really love at the early showing when I'm still at work :( Check that schedule, kids. -
Review from Christina S.
5/5/2009
I love the Bloor and wish I could make it to more showings, more often, but their wonky movie times make it difficult! On the plus side, when I actually manage to find a movie I want to see there at a time that I'm not at work, it makes for a whole event, usually with a group of people.
The admission charges are incredibly reasonable and the popcorn is 20 times better than the stuff you'll find at the bigger theatres. That taste is the difference the love of a small theatre will make. -
Review from Kat F.
4/4/2009 1 Check-in Here
Great rep cinema that has a steady rotation of hard-to-find movies, especially foreign ones. While you wait for your date you can go browse the racks at Sonic Boom next door (they're open late).
Unfortunately the most recent movie I saw at Bloor Cinema was the worst I've ever seen (called "4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days") that was inexplicably UNANIMOUSLY recommended by critics and regular folk. I actually walked out, it was so unbearable. But I do recommend the theatre for a spacious, comfy viewing experience! Cheap, too!Listed in: Decent Movie Theatres
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Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2008
Indeed, Toronto affords you different movie-going experiences. Going to the larger first-run theatres, you are afforded the opportunity to queue up at a kiosk to order your tickets, conveniently (read: "do your own up-sale") pre-order your snack options, sit in a close-to-empty theatre and hope that this Ben Stiller movie doesn't suck as much as the last Ben Stiller movie but realize that thirteen minutes in, the dictionary is now offered a new level of definition for the word "suck". If you don't fancy such an experience, rep theatres in Toronto are the way to go, and the Bloor is one of the best ones to go to.
Found in the Annex, and thus afforded many places to visit before and after the film for dinner, drink, what have you. Add to this that it's right on Bloor steps away from the Bathurst subway station, so you've no excuse not to go.
This is an old-school movie theatre with old school classics being shown. They do their best to rotate into the repertory roster films that are classics, new and old, so you're able to go see Casablanca in a full-screen cinematic experience as well as some just off first run decent movies. The seating is a throwback to the days of old, so you run the risk of having a 6'2" female volleyball player with a large plumed bonnet sitting in front of you, but that's part of the old school feel, innit? Oh, and the popcorn is dandy as well. -
Review from Michele g.
9/5/2010
For anything rare, cultish, campy, dark, funny, weird, or festival-related, the Bloor is your place. It's totally old school and awesome in the fact that you're not going to find the latest shitty rom-com or teen movie here. So yay for that. The seats could use a renovation, but that's a minor quibble compared with the ferocious programming this theater offers. I was here most recently for The Devils screening with Ken Russell in person. The Q&A was long, and more importantly, before the film. I'm assuming it's because they had to wheel him back to his hotel for bedtime. But it was a rare and great opportunity. Thanks Bloor and Rue Morgue!
Listed in: Totally Toronto
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Review from Ruth W.
Toronto, ON
10/20/2010
It's a bit crusty, run down and the chairs ain't that comfy, but for all these reasons and more I really enjoy my trips to the Bloor Cinema. When the lights go down and the screen begins to flicker, I feel like I'm in one of those old war-time cinemas that only reel (like the pun?!) film fans know about. Their programming is a bit hit and miss but there's generally something I want to see each month. It's nice and cheap too.
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Review from Rachel L.
Toronto, ON
11/28/2009
The Bloor Cinema is simply an institution of my Toronto experience. I love seeing its marquee as I walk along Bloor and I've had many lovely cinematic experiences here. I love everything about it.
I'm not an out and out cinephile but the Bloor always has a great repertoire for the casual cinema goer and the more serious crowd. Their website is comprehensible and their tastes eclectic, plus they host the shadow casts for "Rocky Horro Picture Show" and "Repo! The Genetic Opera."
On occasion Bloor has events, too, which so far have been a lot of fun. Last autumn they turned the place into a dance party that let people dance on stage while showing bizarre films in the back. It was a fundraiser for the place, I think, but also a good idea. They also showed Obama's inauguration. Considering the magnitude of the event, Bloor simply had to open its doors to have a successful time.
You'll most likely wind up at Bloor for a film festival, though. They host 'em all.
And you should know that there are no previews when they screen films. This means when a film starts at 7, it STARTS at 7. Be there on time!
My faaavourite part of Bloor is that it's vintage and old timey. One screen, big comfy seats, a ticket booth outside, lights, camera, action. I love it.
P.S. They filmed "Being Erica" here! -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2008
My favourite second run in Toronto, the Bloor has somehow survived where many other of its kind have fallen apart. A Bloor St fixture for many, many years, this movie theatre constantly keeps its lineup fresh, often mixing recent releases with classics. I've been lucky enough to catch a few of the original Indiana Jones films, as well as some Star Trek classics - basically the stuff you don't see on the big screen anywhere.
Lately, the Bloor has been renting its space out a lot. While it's not rented as often as the Royal on College, I've definitely been noticing the monthly schedule (available online and in print at the theatre) having more and more highlighted days, pointing out that this is a day/weekend/week where the theatre will be playing films from a small film festival you've never heard of, or from a school or some other private function. Personally, I find this results in me wanting to see less films here, but I guess they've got to pay the bills somehow. -
Review from Kat T.
5/9/2009
Minus one star for the seats in need of rehab to keep the spring out of my ass. Otherwise the Bloor supports film festivals, seats more than 1200 people and has a panoply of food and drinks to select from. Support the local cinema!
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Review from Plank D.
Scarborough, ON
4/14/2009
Previously under the banner of the "Festival" chain of cinemas which were about six or seven movie houses preserved in the original art deco design, the Bloor still represents the original movie going experience. The theatre shows its age and the cracks in the wall are hard to hide, but it makes the environment all the more visceral and real.
Since my early teen years I frequented all of the Rep Cinemas in Toronto when under the "Festival" banner, seeing greats on the big screen like "On The Waterfront", "Streetcar Named Desire", and a number of old Hitchcock movies. The choice in old films has diminished, as have number of old Rep cinemas in Toronto.
Luckily, we still have the Bloor and they have still kept the theatre in the relatively untouched sate of its initial glory.
The Bloor is unique, not only in its style but also in its playbill.
They often host small film festivals and also bring in talent from the films that they show.
This is one of the only places left that not only celebrates film, but also celebrates the movie going experience. -
Review from Shawn B.
Oshawa, ON
8/13/2010
From cult to camp, doc to drama, the Bloor Cinema is a movie lover's dream. Its roster can include psychedelic Japanese horror like House, a selection from the After Dark Film Festival, cult favourites like The Big Lebowski or Annie Hall, or even straight-up Rocky Horror Picture Show action on any given night. Buy a membership to help keep the theatre alive - it's included in the cost of your first ticket, and is good for six months from the date of purchase.
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Review from Jimi S.
ON
12/3/2008 1 photo
bloor cinema seems to be one of the last few testaments to the huge movie theatres a whole whack of folks my age and my parents age and probably their parents grew up with and enjoyed. there might be another couple of theatres in all of toronto that have a balcony.
the building its in has been around for about 100 years and at one time inside it must have been quite elegant. youd think that there would have been stage shows there once, as the theatre itself seems akin to a proper broadway size theatre.
ive both seen and hosted film screenings there and seen it bubbling to capacity, which of course always makes a moviegoing experience that much more exciting (so long as there are no talkers).
the tickets are cheap, the festivals are fun, the movies are a good mix of second run flicks and much older ones. if your vision is limited to the blockbuster movie theatre, dont come here as you might be disappointed - theres no tiered seating or hoohaa. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2008 1 photo
Back in the day long before I was a thought in my mother's mind Toronto had grand theatres, places where going to the movies was an event and was a pleasant experience. Bloor Cinema has been in Toronto for ever over 100 years and while the city has changed and the movies played inside have defiantly changed, the theatre is very much the way it was in that long time ago. You are not going to find Lindsay Lohan's latest movie at Bloor Cinema and you are not going to find the same movie there for two nights in a row. Bloor Cinema is what most would call an Art House theatre, but that is not giving it enough credit. Bloor Cinema plays the movies you can only see when they come out on DVD. It is the place to go when you are looking for something more intelligent than George Clooney's diatribes. I can recommend this theatre to all those people who know that movies can be more than distraction and who appreciate where film has come from. I don't recommend this theatre to most of the people I went to high school with, because well, you wouldn't get it.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2008 1 photo
The Bloor Cinema is probably the only independent theatre left in the city. That's not a fact, just an observation. They feature tons of foreign and independent films and they're one of the only theatres in the city that still sells memberships and offers a cheaper adult ticket. They have horror movie marathons and quirky festivals going through all the time. It's worth looking into if you're a true movie buff, or if you're just nostalgic for the days when theatres seemed like places to experience movies more than strip malls that show blockbuster films.
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Review from Anonymous A.
11/9/2008
The Bloor Cinema shows all sorts of movies and has hosted a Palestinian Film Festival, as well as the Toronto After Dark Festival (horror movies, lots of them). Old classic movies are shown along with newer releases such as WALL-E.
Good old-fashioned one-screen theater.
The only problem I've run into is one or two seats were broken. This is really only a problem when the place is packed, otherwise it's easy to find another seat.
The balcony is very nice and I would recommend sitting up there. The closer you are to the screen on the floor, it seems that the seats tilt upwards, it's a little disorienting. -
Review from Karren J.
Markham, ON
1/16/2011
If anyone free in the town and looking for a good time pass, I would suggest bloor cinema is the ideal place to go in.The seats are ok and it is clean but I can not say this is the great place or the worst one. But I would say that you can go there once and have fun
