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Cineplex Odeon Varsity and Varsity VIP
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
55 Bloor St WToronto, ON M4W 1A5
Neighbourhoods: Yorkville, Downtown Core
(416) 961-6304
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
41 reviews for Cineplex Odeon Varsity and Varsity VIP
41 reviews in English
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Review from Q H.
North York, ON
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
The screens are decent size, but not anywhere near large. Some rooms (I believe there are 2 of them) don't really have incline on the floor. So the view might get blocked by the person in front of you. You might feel claustrophobic in there. Seats are ok. There is just enough room to stretch your legs and move your body around.
But what makes this theater special is the VIP theater. Comfortable leather chairs with soft cushioning and recline. Table services (ushers bring menus). Small console table. And you can drink alcohol. But you can not bring your own wine. There is a bar in the theater, and you can order some alcohol beverages.
It is a very cozy environment. There are only 20-25 seats or so. Maybe 30. Despite its comfort and convenience features, the room doesn't really scream luxury. Maybe softer carpeting and more inviting decor with elegant details and trimmings could have turned this into one of a kind theater. But seriously, if they had done that, it would cost $40 to watch a movie there. Then I would expect them to serve caviar and to give me back massage!
Nevertheless, the experience is definitely special. I've only watched handful of movies here - Dark Knight (of course I watched it again on IMAX!), Burn After Reading, Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons, etc., and each experience was memorable. Screen is small, of course. But sound system is nothing to be ashamed of. Actually, you are literally surrounded by speakers in closer proximity, so the sound is more felt than heard. And sit at the front. The unobstructed clear view of the screen being so close to you is refreshing.
Want to impress your date? Buy all the tickets, and have the theater to yourselves. Turn your night into a true VIP experience. Hey, you live only once. Just starve next week if you're broke.
You can park on St. Mary street, Charles street (UT campus side), or underground parking lot right in front of okonomiyaki restaurant.Listed in: Movie lover's trail, Toronto International Film…
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Review from Melinda M.
Toronto, ON
1/8/2012
We're paying $13 for a movie, DO NOT make us sit through 25 minutes of ADVERTISING! That is abusive, IMO. We are a captive audience, so don't torture us with the SAME ADS over and over 15 minutes after the supposed start time of the movie.
I know we have a dearth of choices for movie theatres in Toronto, but I still am tempted to cross the Varsity off my list simply because of their customer abuse and MONEY GRUBBING with all the ads.
Otherwise, it's a normal movie theatre, ok seats, decent location. I just can't abide the lack of customer appreciation. -
Review from Coy W.
1/1/2012
For your not so big blockbusters you will be able to find many of those movies at this theatre.
There is definitely a lot less teens etc at this theatre vs Scotiabank but it doesn't have as much to offer in terms of amenities but has all the essentials. The good thing is that it doesn't have the price tag that Scotiabank does.
The theatres are decent and clean. The screens are nice but not as nice as some others in town and the theatres all seem pretty cozy.
Unfortunately for me I've never seen a movie in the VIP theatre and now I really want to after seeing all these reviews that mention it. -
Review from Elvis A.
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here to see a movie that was not playing anywhere else in Toronto so this is a spot to get your somewhat hard to find movie fix. The place is clean and as a part of Cineplex chain so you get to collect their Scene points.
Another thing that sets itself apart is they have VIP program which means no one under 19 for that showing. Better seats and other perks of paying the premium for VIP seating. Unfortunately the movie I saw wasn't showing in the VIP area so I will update it when I see one here.
Tuesdays is matinee pricing so kudos for that and the location is very good.
As for theater I saw the movie in theater # "8" and it has flat seating which is not my preferred form of seating. Reason being I feel the screen tends to look like a small theater if you sit the back rows.
I do like the idea for VIP showings so will try it out for sure otherwise I don't think its any better than the other two big theaters in downtown. -
Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
10/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Solid choice as far as Cineplex complexes go. Much nicer option than Scotiabank or the Y&E Silver City, for sure! They have a range of sizes of cinemas - I tend to prefer the smaller ones, but they're all comfy enough with decent sound. Concession stands are standard fare & price for a chain. Washrooms are well maintained and decent.
FIlms on offer are a surprising mix of mainstream and a few indie releases - it's sort of a halfway point of what to see between, say, Scotiabank & the Cumberland. If it weren't the regular steep chain price for films, i'm sure i'd be heading there more often - and that's not really location-specific, but it's something that generally drops a star for me on cinemas.
Bonus for having it easily accessible underground from the subway, and for being close to some good "loitering waiting for friends to turn up" places - either generally around the "mall" type areas or in places such as Chapters/Indigo. -
Review from Marie F.
7/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I actually like kids a lot... but I am a firm believer that during a movie, children should be seen and not heard!
- Give little Sally some Milk Duds if it will shut her up!
- Little Billy needs to tinkle... get off your fat ass and bring him dad!
- And who the hell brought their baby to a rated R movie... what is wrong with you?!
Varsity VIP has saved me from bludgeoning children and parents alike who do not se eye to eye with my movie credo... You see it's 19+ (which is a good start) and is essentially the movie theatre version of first class on the plane (where children are forbidden and stuck in the cannel where they belong!) The seats are large, comfy and provide lots of leg and aisle room (no more crotch or ass in the face decision making blunders boys and girls). The best part (drum roll please) is that they serve booze in this theatre and will bring it to you! Yup no more sneaking in tall cans with that illegally concealed liquorice, for $9 you can have your Cranberry/Vodka delivered to your seat before previews.
For the extra $6 it costs to go to a VIP movie it's well worth it and will help you keep your sanity. So again... I love children, they are tomorrow's bright future... but Varsity helps me keep them the fuck away from my movie time! -
Review from Jorge L.
6/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The seats are comfortable, the theatre is generally clean, the VIP is superb and the bar/restaurant is decent.
I am not that much of a fan but I can't give them three stars either. The staff here have been very friendly. I went to see a bad movie twice and they refunded our money. You can do it within half an hour from the time the movie starts.
The large refillable pop corn can be fattening. Can be really fattening. Match that with coke and you'd reach your calorie intake for the entire week. Your gym trainer will love you.
Hooray to push ups!Listed in: Where I Watch!
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Review from Ayesha A.
9/9/2011
Decent
good location, movie selection is generally a little different than most downtown theatres with the most popular movies, this one tends to have some foreign films and more artsy ones, which is nice -
Review from Nick S.
6/21/2011
This is a fun theatre to frequent on a Friday night. There's something about the crowds that just fits the atmosphere and ambiance.
They also have some interesting (e.g. crazy) food combos at the concession stand, which were designed for either: cyclopes -OR- extremely large groups of small humans eager to consume their own body weight in buttered popcorn and milk duds. -
Review from jenna m.
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
This Cineplex Odeon is a rather nice contemporary theatre. I accidently read the online movie times incorrectly and showed up two hours early for the film and the only showing of it was a VIP screening. I really struggled internally with this decision. Am I a VIP? What does the $6 extra for the ticket truly get me? Do I want to spend the next two hours in Indigo f-ing around with magazines? So, I splurged on the VIP ticket. The theatre was very small, seating capacity around 30 or less. The chairs are a leather material, ergonomically well designed and very comfortable. They recline back about 30 degrees or so. They also provide extra leg room. I am kinda tall and I often toil with having adequate limb space. The screen is maybe 12x12 and the sound was pretty good. The theatre staff go around taking your snack order. So, if you are just that lazy and do not feel like walking the 100 meters to grab yourself some food then you are golden. I was too embarrassed and apprehensive to tell her what I really wanted ( a non-fat vanilla yogen fruz and a swamp water soda pop composed of three quarters coke zero and one quarter rootbeer). If you are not self conscious about your snack selection than by all means, order away. I felt like Suri Cruise or one of Will Smith's kids at a private screening or something. It was pimp. I would definitely splurge again in the future.
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Review from Grainne M.
Toronto, ON
2/3/2011
I've almost completely given up on my dreams of being rich and famous, so a trip to the VIP cinema is about as close as I become to feeling special. I love it there. Special side of the cinema, away from all the normal people, small screening room so you feel like it's a preview or in some way better than seeing the movie everywhere else, people who bring your order....and wine! The seats are really comfy and recline a little so it's like being at home-but better. Wine is pricey but having a full bottle wouldn't really enhance the experience anyway!
I've also tried the regular cinema and it was also good. The last day I went it was strangely chilly in the theatre though so I ended up sitting with my coat over me. Heating is probably a good idea for winter. I also decided to live with my thirst when I realised a bottle of water from the vending machine costs $3.50.
I really like it here and I will definitely be back...especially now that I have my Scene loyalty card. I'm determined to save my points and get a free movie! -
Review from Elaine K.
8/12/2011
This is our go-to theatre. It's super close (10 minutes max by TTC or bike) and it's just generally a good place to see a movie. The lineups at the ticket office are always short, and the theatres are comfy. They also have a great selection of independent movies. Apparently they serve booze at their bar, but the concessions are pricey enough. I'm not going to buy beer there.
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Review from Avitania B.
Toronto, ON
7/29/2011 18 Check-ins Here
One of my favorite movie theaters in Toronto, and it's not just because it's a stone's throw from my place. They show a mix of big studio movies as well as indies. Both the VIP and the regular theaters are clean and comfortable. And you can't beat the Telus Tuesday 1/2 price nights! The concessions are nothing special, though, and it can get a little bit crowded; however, it's still a very good, reliable place to catch a movie.
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 10/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
This review is on the *VIP* part of Varsity VIP Cinemas.
After The Social Network was sold out on opening night, we decided to go see Wall Street 2 at the VIP theatres and pay the extra $5 (original ticket $11.98+taxes) to see what it was all about.
So what do you get for an extra $5?
- someone to ask you what you want at the concessions and get it for you. This only happens before the movie starts, and either you can wait until they come ask you, call them over, or as you walk in you tell them. Seems like they have 2 people working the theatre. you still have to pay the regular fee. so really, all you're getting is the not waiting in line
- you can order alcohol. we got one pint of beer and a glass of wine = $12
- leather plush seats with arm bars that raise. they are close to gether in pairs, with a small table to put your food beside it. I don't know if I would want to share this with another person. the seats, not the table.
- the lovely smell of airplane (for some reason)
- smaller screen, and you're up close to it. we were in the 2nd row, and it was big, but not too big. except I saw the texture of the screen from where I was sitting, and it kind of bothered me
- it's also lower, so if someone got up to go to the bathroom, you'll see a head running across your view
- intimacy of watching the movie with a small group, feels like you're at home. when I'm a little tipsy, and I'm that comfy, I think i was a little obnoxious. Sorry people!
- 1 ad, 2 trailers, then the movie started
These theatres have been here for a while, but not sure if they have updated the technology like other theatres. Would I come here again? I'm not sure. Maybe if it was something I really needed to see, and there was no other tickets.
Great for groups, you'd get the whole place to yourself.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2010
I like that it's still the same theatre that I went to in high school, but with upgraded sound… Read more »
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Review from Chris P.
10/2/2010 6 Check-ins Here
I've never tried the VIP experience here but the regular experience does me just fine.
This location doesn't get as busy as most unless you're trying to see a movie on opening night. I've never had to stand in a concession line longer than 4-5 people and the staff behind the counter have always been friendly and competent.
The theaters are starting to show their age a little as some of the seats aren't as comfortable as you can tell the foam in them is at the end of it's life span. The seat I sat in last night also had a loose arm rest. -
Review from Cyrus B.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2010
As a movie buff and aspiring filmmaker I take it upon myself to search far and wide for the best theatre experience Toronto has to offer.
All-around, Varsity is it. Which is odd, because as far as theatres go, it's not the biggest or the flashiest... but it has a classic je-ne-sais-quoi about it. A feeling of the ever-cliched "movie magic" hangs in the air here, and it makes whatever you happen to see that much more cozy and special. Most of the other Cineplex theatres are good for sheer size, but the overwhelming sound and picture create a sensation similar to being blasted backwards on The Bat at Wonderland. Which is exactly what I'm looking for every now and then... just not every weekend.
Varsity is nestled on top of an Indigo bookstore and shopping plaza in the Annex, has friendly relaxed staff, and most importantly, carries some of the best movies (often limited release/arthouse/indie pics) that other theatres in Toronto simply do not.
It only rears shy of perfection since the screen size and sound systems don't match the gusto needed to show action blockbusters and 3D movies in all their gratuitous glory. When Transformers 3 hits theatres, go the Scotiabank theatre. For everything else, there's Varsity. -
Review from Spiro P.
Toronto, ON
12/6/2010
This is my favorite cinema in Toronto. I like that it's only a block away from my house. I prefer the seats in this venue as opposed to the uncomfortable extra padded seats.
The sound and screen quality are pretty good.
Not many noisy kids at this theater. -
Review from Alana C.
4/12/2011
My favourite theatre in Toronto, although TIFF BLB is better technically Varsity is great for large scale releases. I also like that they will do smaller scale releases, foreign films etc. No obnoxious kids screaming and running around, even for movies that are more youth oriented. It is pretty central and not gigantic like AMC or Scotiabank, so you get fewer crowds. I also find the people who attend movies here more respectful. If it is playing here, trust me - I won't go elsewhere.
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Review from susan c.
2/16/2010
The theaters are clean, seats comfortable, and the audience civilized. I love that they offer Fresca as a fountain drink and I can get 10% off with my Cineplex points card.
I don't often find myself in this neighborhood but if I did, I'd see more movies here, especially in the summer when I am as sweaty as balls in polyester briefs and The Varsity blasts their A/C.
(I am voting No, Not Good for Kids. Please don't let your bratty rug rats ruin my one good escape in life.) -
Review from Real B.
Toronto, ON
7/8/2011
Call me a snob, or elitist or whatever but this is my favorite "mainstream" cinema in town. Man, the hours I've spent here!
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Review from Kevin D.
Toronto, ON
6/19/2009
DEFINITELY MY FAVOURITE CINEMA IN TORONTO.
I've realized lately that I'm not nearly as avid a moviegoer as earlier versions of myself. However, when it's time to sit in a comfy cinema with popcorn bucket in hand, Varsity is the only place to go.
The clientele seems to be a bit older than Scotiabank Theatre (nee Paramount) and AMC Yonge/Dundas, so I tend to have an infinitely more enjoyable experience. They offer the pre-paid online ticket purchase option, which cuts the lineups to nill, plus they'll validate your underground parking at Manulife Centre to $3, which is awesome on a cold winter's night.
The best part of Varsity is the VIP option. It's well worth the $4 approx. surcharge, but the perk are great. WARNING- the screens are significantly smaller, hence the title 'Screening Rooms'. They offer in-seat service including popcorn and alcohol sales (finally Canada!). Best of all, there's super-comfy seats and small crowds so you can really immerse yourself in the experience. -
Review from Victoria M.
Toronto, ON
8/11/2009
The Varsity is my fav. place to go see a movie in Toronto. Mainly because of the VIP.
Yes the ticket price is a little bit more (I think maybe 3 or 4$) but I think it's worth it. The theaters are much smaller (approx. 20-40 seats, depending on the room) and so are the screens, but if this doesn't bother you then you'll like it.
The seats are much more comfortable and allow you some great leg room. Not to mention the little tables are are great connivance when the cup holder isn't enough. The extra money on the ticket price is a huge benefit when it comes to the service because you don't have to wait in the lineups when it's busy.
I have found that the VIP bathrooms are very clean which is always a plus in my books. But if there's a line up I'd suggest to use the bathrooms at the far exit across from the 2nd concession area.
The regular theater rooms are okay if you want the whole movie experience but I prefer the VIP. If you go in the mid afternoon you may not have anyone else in the VIP room with you which makes it feel like you're right at home.
Also, if you're parking they validate it after 6pm but if you're taking the subway it's connected which is nice so you don't have to walk in the cold or the rain when it's gloomy outside. -
Review from Melissa G.
North York, ON
4/4/2009
The Varsity is a great movie theatre due to its location, its unique combo of screenings they offer and its great access to the TTC and parking.
It is on Bloor Street, which is great because it is close to plenty of restaurants of all types you can grab a bite before or after you see a movie at the theatre.
Also, if you are going to the movie to keep yourself busy before you hit the bar later in the night, the theatre is just a hop skip and a jump away from Yorkville and near the TTC if you wish to travel further downtown.
In terms of movie selection, the Varsity shows mainstream and independent films. It is hard to find theatres in Toronto that show independent films so this theatre is a real treat in terms of variety.
There is also parking underground, where the prices drop to $3 for parking if you show your movie ticket on the way out.
As well, if you wish to kill time before the movie, they have great places to check out like the Indigo/Chapters, Starbucks, Bloor Street Diner and more inside the Manulife Centre. -
Review from Tara A.
2/22/2010
With the Oscars just around the corner, I find myself venturing to the movies an awful lot lately! I have to make sure I make an educated decision about who's going to win!
With that being said, I have been heading to the Varsity and more specifically the Varsity VIP. Not only can you park in the underground for 3 dollars (cheaper than if two people were to take the TTC- and we all know I try to avoid that system when possible), but with the VIP you get served drinks, beer, wine and I think spirits, in the theatre up to 5 minutes before your show.You also get the opportunity to screen a movie with approx. 20 other viewers rather than with 500 of your closest friends.
I saw a movie matinee there a few weeks ago and my friend and I were the only two people in the VIP theatre. It was like a private screening. I'm not saying that will happen for you but if it does, its awesome.
Definitely check out the Varsity and enjoy some VIP treatment. You deserve it.Listed in: Sunday Toronto Tour
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Review from Meghan N.
Mississauga, ON
7/8/2010
How had I never been here before?! We saw a movie on Tuesday night in a VIP cinema - what a great experience, and definitely worth the extra few bucks. The screen isn't as huge as the usual theatre, but it's WAY bigger than my house, and I loved being able to have a beer while I watched my movie. Plus the seats that go back, the armrest that goes up, and a side table to put my drink and snacks? Sweet!
We'll definitely be back - especially to take advantage of the awesome Tuesday deal! -
Review from Leslie-anne W.
Toronto, ON
12/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I might have seen Harry Potter twice just so I could go to the VIP. An offer to go to the Varsity VIP is hard to turn down! The seats recline, each person has a side coffee table and there is seat-side concession service from a friendly cineplex odeon employee. The only thing missing is a foot rest, but I suppose this isn't your living room at home, even though its close. I wouldn't see a huge blockbuster movie in the VIP where sound quality is important, but smaller run/indie films are a pleasure to watch in this den of movie luxury.
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Review from Jimi S.
ON
11/20/2008
Perhaps I like the Varsity because it is in close proximity to another store: Indigo. It's great to be able to buy tickets and lounge about Indigo and catch up on new book titles. Most all other things about the theatre are similar to any other theatre in the city, like, same concession stuff, same protocol of ripping tickets and directing traffic, probably same carpet choices, and high quality sound and picture. What stands out in experience (and price) is the VIP theatres, where you have tables in between a two person cozier seat setup and high schoolers come in and take your order. It's a little absurd really, but good for a lark/ a take on romance. It is good for more room I suppose, but the regular set up (these days with tiered seating and ample foot space) suits me just fine.
One of the cashiers, was nice enough to point out that I had sufficient points on my SCENE card (a points card offered by a Scotiabank) to get some free movies. (I think I was paying for the experience with my debit card, a SCENE card and so she checked somehow). Anyhow, we got everything for free and discounted refreshments.
Also, the Varsity is a good mixture of indie films, and Hollywood fare. -
Review from Noel D.
3/17/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is my favourite theatre in the city... They have a good balance between Hollywood blockbusters and independent films, so you get the best of both worlds. The theatres are in good shape and the sound is good. The concession area is also a highlight as they have frozen yogurt in case you don't feel like popcorn and other junk food.
In my opinion, the best part about Varsity is their VIP theatres. They only cost something like 3-4 dollars more than a regular ticket, but you get to sit in reclining leather seats and someone will actually take a food order before the movie starts. I think these little theatres hold about 30-40 people, so it's definitely an intimate way to catch a film. If the movie I want to see is playing in the VIP then you can bet I'm upgrading. -
Review from Ayelet B.
12/13/2010 1 Check-in Here
I didn't know about this type of movie experience and came based on the showtimes. When I asked for tickets, I was told it was a VIP screening and I just went for it. What I liked was it was a small theatre. The seats were really comfortable and no one talked during the movie.
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Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
10/9/2008
The Varsity is a theatre like the rest. The only main difference is that because it's on Bloor at Bay, the people who frequent it are a bit more urban, generally a bit older and there are far less hoards of teenagers.
If you want to really go all out, do the VIP. It's great on a date. Smaller theatres and you get a table to put your food and drinks on. They have waiter service and you can even get a beer while you watch a flick.
Much more humane if you ask me. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
7/27/2009
Solid theatre- best of uptown (because it's got parking) and downtown (transit convenience on bay subway station). And because it's not RIGHT downtown (i.e. Queen & Richmond) you don't get the annoyng amount of crowds.
IT's a great place to meet at because ou can sit around at the chapters until the movies starts and after the movie you can go to 7 West (24 hours) to talk aboutthe movie or whatever. Probably the best theatre in downtown toronto to meet with a large group of friends. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
Although I don't quite like the layout of the Varsity, I really like it mainly for the balance of film offerings -- it has the best balance in the film line-up, catering to both the film snob to those who only go for films with big-name marquees.
Like Jimi, I like the fact that I can kill some time at Indigo Books downstairs before meeting up with a friend. In fact, I kind of include that visit in the ticket price -- there's gotta be something else that makes the experience worthwhile, after all.
As for the oft-discussed VIP theatres, I've only been there once, and sure... it was a spacier affair, with ample leg room and fewer people. However, I really don't think I'd pay the extra price to sit in this room again. Paying more money for a smaller screen and bragging rights? I think not. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
As much as people want to believe the Varsity is an upscale theatre because of the VIP rooms, let's be honest here -- it's a Cineplex Odeon, people spill their drinks on the floor, and teenagers sell you popcorn that also ends up everywhere. The place feels sticky everywhere, it smells, and the washrooms are dirty.
That said, they do have a decent selection of films, and the clientele are generally much older and (sometimes) mature, so don't worry about them showcasing a Hannah Montana party. But do expect people to come here after an expensive dinner and many bottles of wine, and be rowdy and annoying (I've witnessed it on many occasions).
I obviously do go to the theatre when they're playing a movie I want to see (and they usually are) but if I had the choice, I'd rather go to an AMC -- comfier seats, removable arm rests, they sell Icees, and the gross butter machine that lets you make your popcorn soggy and fattening. The Varsity offers no such leisures, but the good movies and proximity to Indigo AND the LCBO is a pretty good consolation prize. -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
11/25/2008
The Varsity offers up a good mix of mainstream, indie and arthouse films. Perhaps it's the theatre's proximity to the TIFF ticketing offices, but it always seems like when there's a less-mainstream movie I'm just dying to see, it's usually playing exclusively at the Varsity for its first run.
I have yet to endeavor into the VIP area but I have heard good things about it. I mostly like the Varsity for their selection of films and for their Yogen Fruz at concessions. Yes, fro-yo is important to me. I refuse to apologize for this.
Another lesser known fact about the Varsity is that a lot of special screenings or "sneak previews" happen here. As one of Cineplex Odeon's less ginormous theatres (I'm looking at you, Scotiabank!), special events can happen here without the pressing need to fill an auditorium of 700 seats. For example, a special pre-screening of Danny Boyle's Sunshine was held here before the film's initial release - Boyle himself flew in (and got stuck in air traffic on the way!) to give a Q&A session after the film. You can't buy an experience like that, and I have had many such moments at the Varsity. -
Review from Luke A.
Toronto, ON
9/14/2008
Tucked away in the Manulife Centre, the Varsity thankfully hasn't been done over with all sorts of gaudy decor like the newer movie theatres. It also tends not to have the rowdier crowds that go with them.
That said, its screens aren't all that impressive (a bit small and without stadium seating, for instance) by "modern" standards, though the sound, as far as I can tell, is fine. For the regular Varsity screens, I would give three stars.
What really makes the Varsity stand out is the VIP section: for a few extra bucks, you can see a movie (often the best one currently playing) in a more intimate, "screening-room" theatre, with bigger seats, little tables for your snacks, etc. It's an effortless way to class up a movie date. -
Review from Lila S.
Toronto, ON
8/25/2010
I love the Varsity. It's still the shiz.
Broke my heart when they tore down the Uptown and closed the Eglinton but if you're a movie fan and you wanna see a flick, skip Scotiabank and AMC -- it's the Varsity all the way. -
Review from Kat F.
Varsity is one of my favourite movie theatres in the city - in fact, I try to avoid going to any of the big theatres if at all possible. When you're looking up movie times on http://www.tribute.ca make sure you don't get duped by the VIP showtimes because you can't attend those showings as a layperson.
The self-serve kiosks are decent and almost always in working order, but beware of sold out shows. You'd be wise to show up early to pick up tickets as the theatres aren't THAT big and sell out quickly on popular nights. I'm also a big fan of the Indigo downstairs for killing time while you wait for your friends to show up. Usually I buy my tickets and then head straight for the magazine rack in Indigo while I wait. -
Review from Dishan W.
9/24/2010 23 Check-ins Here
Don't expect to watch the next the next "Cats and Dogs" film here, because the Varsity actually makes an effort in not showing horrendously bad movies. I think of it as a more "mainstream" version of Cumberland Cinemas with a good mixture of great storytelling and mainstream popcorn flicks being shown here.
A lot of the movies they showcase here are ones yet to go mainstream. Not to boast about my impeccable movie tastes but examples to my above claim are the fact that I was able to watch Pan's Labyrinth, Hurt Locker and Slumdog millionaire months before hype surrounding each of them came about.
I enjoy the Varsity V.I.P experience but only for a certain type of movie that does not require a large screen to enjoy (aka movies without spectacular special effects) and they seats are the comfiest I've sat on in a theatre here. I hear you can also booze it up while V.I.P'n as well. Not tried it, but people enjoy that right?
They now have Far Coast coffee drinks, a few bar options and Yogen Fruz to go along with the general Cineplex Concession stand menu. And I always enjoy having a warm coffee drink to go with my Yogen Fruz when I'm not in the mood for popcorn :)
There is something about this place that makes movie going classy and enjoyable. I really enjoy the crowds here and I notice there are a lot of solo movie goers here (a group which I'm a part of) so it makes me happy to see people watch movies because they enjoy them and not just as a medium in which to be social.
They also have an aquarium!!! (Well a big fish tank at least). -
Review from Kim B.
ON
1/8/2009
As much as I love dodgy independent theatres, with their horrible seats and sticky floor, it's nice every so often to go to a clean, slightly homogenized theatre such as this one.
However the main difference between this and say, a massive Silver City is that they actually play movies here that other big-box theatres won't and unlike independents, you don't have to wait forever until they carry the movie you want to see.
Last time we went, we saw the movie "Milk", which I highly recommend. Just a note. -
Review from Paul S.
Toronto, ON
8/2/2010 5 Check-ins Here
If a new release movie isn't playing at the Varsity, I'm probably going to miss it. I love this place that much. The weird thing is, I always seem to see the flick in theatre #8. I could walk through there with my eyes closed & find my usual seat. Like people have mentioned before, the seats are big & comfortable & I love the fact that I can stretch my feet out. I'm a big man & it's nice that I'm not going to be wedged somewhere for 2 hours. The staff is friendly & helpful & tend not to 'grunt' answers to your questions. Not being a fan of popcorn, we usually grab some snacks in the Valu Mart downstairs, buy our $4.77 Cokes & proceed to the theatre. (Usually #8).
