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Bytowne Cinema
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for Bytowne Cinema
4 reviews in English
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Review from Darren M.
Ottawa, ON
12/2/2010
I actually don't believe that going to the movies is a great date... the reason is because most cinema complexes now are just full of young teens and fast food joints and the place is way over priced.
But the Bytowne is hardly your typical movie theater. It's pretty much the spitting image of the theater that used to exist in my small hometown of about 2,000 people. But the Bytowne is located right downtown on Ottawa's Rideau Street.
You can become a "member" but I'm not really sure what that entails but I know a friend I went with recently paid perhaps a bit less than I did.
The snacks are super cheap and the popcorn is in an old pop corn maker. The seats are probably the most comfortable movie seats you'll sit in and you can even grab boosters on your way in. All of the regulars knew to grab those and they used them. I'm not really sure what the deal is with them.
And of course the Bytowne is geared toward more independent, foreign or docs.
There is something charming about being in an old theater waiting for the show to start when the man running the film reel above you yells out "Be a couple of minutes folks, they didn't rewind this one properly" and no one yells back at him or seems to care.
Everyone is civil and the regulars seem to really care about this Rideau Street icon. -
Review from Coy W.
4/7/2012 6 Check-ins Here
I wish I could show the same love for this theater everyone else has...it's a very old theater that's never been updated. You're reminded of the 70s and 80s in here as the chairs are old, the style of theater is that of an old one and so is the audio and video equipment.
Don't get me wrong, I come by for the chance of watching throwback classics as they play old movies and independent movies. It's fun to watch movies you grew up to on the big screen but the movie experience isn't the greatest. For newer independent movies in a newer theater, the World Exchange usually gets some. Either case, those theaters are far from sitting in TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto. For more throwback movies you can check out the new Mayfair that opened in Orleans or the newly renovated Mayfair on Bank St which I believe are much better theaters.
Coliseum recently had a throwback movie month and played classics on their modern screen with modern audio and video and that was amazing.
The nostalgia is great here but honestly with the Mayfair that opened in Orleans and the renovation of the Mayfair on Bank St I really hope the Bytowne follows their lead.Listed in: 2012: 366 Day Challenge
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Review from Amanda D.
Ottawa, ON
10/17/2008
This is the best theatre in Ottawa if you're looking for independent and classic films. The ByTowne screens three movies on weekdays and four on the weekend. They carry films that usually don't go to the multiplexes and some of the titles that the Mayfair takes a while longer to screen. Most of the films they carry are new independent movies, but they also screen one classic/cult movie a week and often help host the occasional small film festival. The prices are reasonable, especially for members. It's $9 for nonmembers, $6 for members (plus $10 for year long membership).
If you're a movie buff living in Ottawa, there's no way you don't know about this theatre. If you're new to town or visiting, I'd definitely suggest you choose the ByTowne (or Mayfair) if you're looking for a great movie experience. -
Review from Jason D.
Ottawa, ON
10/28/2008 1 photo
Tired of the mega-hit-movies playing at your local multiplex? If I see another action movie featuring the hero slowly walking towards the camera as something explodes behind him I will explode! Looking for something deeper or smaller and more real in scope? Bytowne is the cinema for you. It is an original old-school theatre (no cup holders, no debit or credit card transactions!) that plays new independent films and documentaries, plus it turns back time and shows old classics (Psycho! Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!). You can also find films that finished their major release. And, you won't break the bank watching this top notch entertainment. Non-members pay only $9 and members pay only $6! My wife and I discovered this treat one Sunday afternoon as we wandered around outside the Byward Market district. At first I feared it was some cheesy adult theatre. But, I was delighted to note it was an independent cinema. Where else in the city could you find Religulous playiing?
