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Empire 8 Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Arts & Entertainment Arcades Cinema, Arcades [Edit]
5657 Spring Garden RdHalifax, NS B3J 1G9
(902) 423-4860
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Empire 8 Theatre
24 reviews in English
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Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I like this cinema because it actually shows movies in non 3D. Being a person who can't watch 3D comfortably, I'd go out of my way to watch a current blockbuster in non 3D. Fortunately I don't have to go out of my way, this theatre is an easy walk from anywhere downtown Halifax.
The common areas are always clean and tidy when I go. There is not usually a line up, so I can often just walk in, pay, and go see my flick.
The staff are not super friendly, but compared to other Empire locations, they are a step above. I don't get called stupid if the ticket machine jams up, yes it's happened (Dartmouth crossing). -
Review from Ellen B.
5/17/2012
Next to Oxford Theatre, this is my favourite cinema. It's like no one goes here. The public areas are clean, quiet and orderly (very much unlike, say, Bayers Lake).
I really like Park Lane's indoor parking; no shivering your way to a freezing, ice-caked car in the middle of winter. It's also really nice to see a movie downtown sometimes, rather than in a "business park" wasteland that's deserted by the time your evening movie lets out.
The theatres aren't too large and are clean compared to the other Empires. Because this location is rarely crowded, there are no big lineups to contend with and you have elbow room when you choose your seats. I don't see many films, but when I do I much prefer heading to Park Lane.Listed in: May Day
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Review from Leslie F.
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm so grateful that there is a movie theater downtown. Not that I go too often, but when I do have the hankering to see a movie, it's nice that I don't have to go to Bayers Lake or Dartmouth Crossing, and can take get a film-fix within a 10 minute walk of my front door.
So here's what Empire Park Lane has going for it:
- location (as mentioned)
- proximity to other candy... I mean... not that I would ever take non-Empire candy into a movie. No, that would be wrong... but if I ever wanted to... there's a dollar store RIGHT there
- cheap night - All Empire Theaters have this - but movies are only $5.99 on Tuesdays
- service - I don't think I've ever experienced any baditude at the hands of an Empire Park Lane employee, so that's a plus
Minor drawbacks:
- 8 screens means it sometimes doesn't have the movie you want to see, but the selection is usually pretty good
- being downtown makes it a very busy theater. If you show up later than 7:00 on a Tuesday, expect the line to be out past the escalatorsListed in: Along the Garden Route
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Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
3/4/2012
This is a great downtown theatre that normally has a good selection of movies to pick from. Cheap night (Tuesdays) is supremely popular here, probably due to the sheer ease of accessibility for students and the like who live within walking distance on the peninsula. Read: arrive early.
I've been to this theatre for a number of different events - some are Radio pre-shows with free tickets, other times for special screenings that they do here with old movies brought back for a one-time showing. Otherwise, I like it because it's an easy meeting place for friends, and you can walk a short distance to grab a drink following the show.Listed in: Date Night!, Park Lane Mall
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Review from Asheley R.
Halifax, NS
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I mean really there isn't a whole bunch to say about a movie theatre. It is without a doubt the closest one within walking distance of my humble abode and therefore the most sought after destination.
A few things I notice different from Bayer's Lake or Dartmouth Crossing is there isn't really a ton of food choices outside of the classic foods. Ie: no Pizza Hut. I love me some Pizza Hut. But they do have Park Lane itself which offers a few different options before you go into the theatre. Speaking of which the convenience store right as you enter the theatre has some lovely looking egg sandwiches in the case. As if you'd grab an egg sandy that was likely born last week. Welcome Salmonella, hope you enjoy the show.
The only other issue I have is the washrooms! They are sooooo far away from me. Smallest bladder plus theatre number 8, equals missing Marky Mark kick some ass.
But I shouldn't complain too hard. -
Review from Charles T.
Halifax, NS
2/21/2012
I have mixed feelings about Park Lane. It tends to be the theatre that gets most of the movies I want to see first which means I tend to go to it more then some of the others. I like that they get a lot of indie films to show there.
However it is an older theatre and the theatres themselves are sort of lackluster after you get used to the newer theatres like Bayers Lake, Dartmouth Crossing and even my home town theatre in Truro. As someone who has a hard time sitting still for a couple hours, I really appreciate the bigger and more comfy seats in the newer theatres and also being able to sit up higher.
Snacks are not really important to me, and most of the time I am glad Park Lane doesn't have my beloved pretzel bites or New York fries as they often call to me when I see them and even if I am not that hungry I end up with them and that doubles the cost of the movie. So while the lack of variety beyond the usual popcorn, nachos and candies is disappointing in some ways, it probably saves me ten pounds a year!
The other issue with Park Lane is parking. I know there is the parking garage there, but I hate parking garages and if you don't use them finding parking can be a pain. Great location for those who live downtown or use transit, for those of us who have to drive in, location is not a bonus!
All in all you can't go wrong with any of the Empire Theatre locations, but if the same movie is playing here and at either Bayers Lake or Dartmouth Crossing, I will opt for the latter two because of the quality of the seats and parking! -
Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
10/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I miss the days when the building I was living in was connected to the mall, and on a stormy day I could go watch a movie in flip-flops. While I don't live quite as close, it is still the only theater in a reasonable walking distance. It's not 18 screens, but they still usually get 99% of the movies I want to see. The concession stand is on the small side, because it used to be the secondary stand, but I never use it anyway (thankfully there is a dollar store next door). I do enjoy that they have the kiosks for ticket sales, but at least half of the time I go one or more is out of order. I've gotten around that obstacle by ordering my tickets online.
Cheap night is Tuesday,and because this is the movie theater for university students, the place is pretty jammed so buy your tickets in advance and arrive early.
A gripe? Only one bathroom which is at the opposite end of the majority of the screens, so don't drink too much soda.Listed in: 30 Day Challenge Lists
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Review from Kirk F.
10/7/2011 24 Check-ins Here
Why five stars?
Accessibility - both in terms of location for those of us who don't have cars and for actually being accessible for those who have limited mobility.
Selection - a good mix of blockbusters, indie films and special events (such as opera-on-screen or late-night screenings).
Entertainment - not just the movies but for cramming in a small arcade.
Employees - who genuinely seem to enjoy their work (not a universal trait for movie employees, I assure you).
Cell phones - most of the theatres, being underground, have limited to no cell phone coverage. This means people aren't whipping out their phones to text every five minutes during the movie.
Location - being downtown means that you get to eat out or a drink before or after your movie.
My only dislike? I kinda wish they hadn't added a 3D screen. This was one of my last refuges from the onslaught of headache-inducing, over-priced special effects! -
Review from Lauren O.
Halifax, NS
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
My second-favourite theatre in HRM (after the Oxford... and how I wish that Penhorn was still around).
The staff at Empire 8 Theatre are really great and will make an effort to make your movie experience the best it can be. They're often movie geeks themselves, so if you ever need a recommendation or want to rant about a particular film, look no further.
I like that Empire 8 has been putting on special screenings for a while now. There was a hole left in my heart after Thrillema discontinued, and these cult movie screenings help fill that void. Because of these I've been able to see classic films up on the big screen (most notably 2001: A Space Odyssey) with a very fun group of film fans.
Any complaint I have about this theatre is largely about the customers, so it's not really relevant. I do wish that Empire supposed "no talking/no texting" rule would be enforced, as I have had several movies ruined by this behavior. But, because they are good people, I had my money refunded each time. That type of customer service keeps me coming back. -
Review from Sarah H.
8/24/2011
I like this Theatre as it is tucked away, and not as popular as the Bayer Lake or Dartmouth Crossing theatres.
Located in Parklane, you can buy a ticket go grab some good eats, and then come back for your movie. Doing things in this order, generally, will let you miss long line-ups.
The theatre also has plenty of those "do it yourself" ticket kiosks, but personally I am afraid of them. I've had them decline my debit card (for no legit reason), and not actually print the ticket. Because of this I tend to stick to the tellers, who are usually quite friend.
Tuesdays are cheap night, so if you're looking to get a good seat 3 minutes before the start of the movie, you might as well skip it.
Also, there's the Buck A Near nearby for cheap drinks and treats - for us sane (or thrifty) individuals who do not want to spend 13$ on a drink and popcorn.Listed in: Havin' A Time
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Review from Jeff M.
East Pennant, NS
6/18/2011
Fan Farorites is awesome........if you enjoy watching movies on the big screen, this is where to do it! Older films that you may have missed or ones you saw in the past you fell in love with, Park Lane 8 is the place...
Recently was able to see,
Carpenters The Thing
Conan The Barbarian
Prince Of Darkness
ALIENS
and Big Trouble in little China.
Had a wonderful time with great audiences.
Staff were cool and seemed to have a knowlege of the films they were showing. -
Review from Mel H.
10/15/2011
This is pretty much the only theatre I go to. The location is smack downtown and the selection of movies is usually decent. My only complaint is not one specific to this theatre, but rather Empire as a whole. Why you gotta be so expensive!
Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge
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Review from Jesse G.
Timberlea, NS
2/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
How I wish this theatre wasn't downtown, and thusly, so far and inconvenient for me. Alas, it is worth the drive! In almost all respects they surpass the giant multiplex in Bayer's Lake, and I would rather come here for most of my movies.
I haven't had a bad experience with the snacks here, but I will admit I don't come here as frequently as my usual haunt, Empire 18. That being said, I've always had fresh, salty, buttery flavoured popcorn that tastes just delicious. I've yet to get the poutine here, or anything else really, so I can't say much in that regard, but being a smaller theatre can have its advantages. I think better food, and better service, is one of them.
Again, since I come here so little, I may just have been here on good days, but the staff are slightly more friendly than at 18. That being said, it was only slightly, not enough to really make a difference. I do hope to see more good service as I come here more, though.
Now, the atmosphere, the building, the decor! My favourite bit. This is a beautiful theatre. The individual theatres themselves all have nice arches around the doorways, with cute little names. Inside, they are VERY large! Much bigger than the 18, with lots of legroom. It feels a little old-timey, but in a good way. More personal and homey feeling, with curtains on the sides of the screens. Unfortunately, it seems they're still using projectors (18 switched to a digital system some time ago. It works smoother and has a better picture), but this is usually unnoticeable. The only time I would urge you to go to another theatre is for a movie with good 3D effects, or that's worth seeing in IMAX. One feature I noticed that I liked, was that the hallways after entering the individual theatres are very long and wide, so that if there are lines to enter a movie, they can be contained inside the theatre.
I will admit; I prefer Empire 8 over 18. If it were closer, I would frequent this one more. That being said, 18 is still better for bigger films that benefit from being seen in higher definition. Other than those flicks though, I may just be trying to find my way downtown more often! -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/25/2010
Park Lane is the theatre most Haligonians on the peninsula will trot to if they're looking for a wide release movie and don't have access to a car. Located in the bottom of the Park Lane Mall, this theatre is decent and serves its purpose well, but is not without flaw.
Park Lane has recently removed one of its concession stands, meaning you can no longer get New York Fries, Pretzels, etc. at this theatre, only popcorn and nachos, which is too bad. I liked the fries at this location and this has essentially doubled the lineups and wait times for food. If you're running late you may have to go without. Also this can cause a crowd to gather in the theatre lobby which can be annoying if you're looking for friends or trying to get to your movie on time.
There have been times when the popcorn has tasted pretty bad, but these incidents are few and far between. It is expensive though, so if the popcorn doesn't taste right, be sure to tell a manager. They charge far too much money to get away with substandard food!
The theatres are all have pretty comfortable seating and some have retractable arm rests. I assume this is a feature for over weight people who may get a little uncomfortable in the seats. Or you know, if you're making out at the movie (classic) and you keep bumping into the arm rest.
That being said, try not to make out at the movies kids, you're better than that!
Overall this is a fine theatre. The movies are usually decent, they occasionally have one off films, fan favorites and late night showings which are fun, and its location is ideal for those of us without vehicles. The prices are a little high and the concessions can occasionally leave something to be desired, but it's not the end of the world. If you're looking for a film in the heart of our fair city, look no further than Park Lane Cinema.
...but seriously, don't make out. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
10/30/2009
If you live downtown, this is likely the theatre that you head to in order to see most of the blockbuster releases. I find that 'Park Lane 8', which is the name of this Empire Theatre location, is also quite good at showcasing smaller indie flicks as well. Just in case Saw V wasn't going to lure you in...
Park Lane 8 also gets big ups from me for housing many of the Atlantic Film Festival movies for two weeks every September.
The food/drinks are completely overpriced at Park Lane 8 but that's just a problem of theatres everywhere. There is a little mom and pop convenience store outside of this theatre, which is open nightly until 9pm. You can get all your movie snacks (minus the popcorn) for a fraction of the price, just be sure to shove them in your coat on the way in.
I find that Park Lane 8 is quite good for showing a wide breadth of movies at it's theatre. Something for everyone.
Unlike Joshua Y, I have only ever had one projection mishap at this location (and i've probably seen over 100 movies here). Admittedly, it was annoying that the sound didn't work when 'Lymelife' started and even more irritating that it wasn't possible to restart the film. Watching a few irate movie goers respond to this *relatively* minor upset was well worth the trouble in my mind. How do these people respond when someone cuts them off in traffic or when the grocery store is out of their favorite fruit? Does carnage ensue? Anyways, on our way out of the theatre each person was compensated with 2 free movie passes as well as $20 worth of concession vouchers. That's a $40 apology!
Honestly, for that kind of money, i'd miss the first 5 minutes of every movie! -
Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
11/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is the "it" cinema in downtown metro.
Stop by to check out anything from the latest Blockbusters, to the occasional showing of independent films. The cinemas are spacious and comfy (not stuffy and noisy like some other cinemas), which make for some great flick-watchin'.
Right in the heart of downtown, this cinema is conveniently located on the bottom level of the Park Lane Mall, and so it hosts a ton of students and metro-downtown dwellers. The great thing, though, is that in spite of the hustle and bustle, the place is still comfy.
Ticket and concession prices tend to be a a tad high (as is the case with pretty much every theatre nowadays), but you can offset the price by smuggling in your own goodies (shhh!) or by using reward points/gift cards. I'm not sure if there are still student discounts offered here- I know they used to accept the SPC card when I was at Dal. Students might want to check that out and see if this is still an option! -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/10/2009
There is something wrong with the Projectionist at this movie theatre.
You know when there is something wrong when people don't want to go and see a movie on opening weekend because they are afraid something will go wrong during the movie. This happens all the time at the Empire Theatres at Park Lane mall. I don't know if it is an inexperienced or uncaring Projectionist or old equipment or Management. In any case this problem has been going on for over a year and is bugging everyone I know. If this wasn't a problem this movie theatre would definitely get four stars at least. For now, they will have to settle with three.
With that aside, lets get on the good parts of this movie theatre. First off they have quite a few theatres at this particular Empire location. It is not often I feel like I am missing a movie because of the lack of theatres which is good.
They have plenty of overpriced popcorn and ice cream to choose from. I can't fault them at the pricing however, since every movie theatre over charges in North America. The staff can go from good to bad but I have a feeling they have a lot of rookie's on an ongoing basis. I just wish there was more consistency with the quality of their staff.
As for the movie watching experience, the place is quite clean in comparison to the other movie theatres I've been to in North America. I do wish that the staff would play more of a security roll and enforce some rules about cell phones and people causing a disruption more often. But I have only had a few situations where that has been a problem.
At the end of the day, I still go to Park Lane mall to watch a movie at Empire Theatre. They could do a lot better at their skill with a Projector and their staff could be a bit faster on their feet, but it does deserve three stars for being clean, having plenty of theatres given their space and offering popcorn which for me is a food group all by itself. -
Review from Lacey H.
4/10/2010
Midnight movie madness! This theatre hosts a Saturday classic movie showing at discounted prices for those able to keep their peepers open into the early hours of the morning. Tonight, it's A Clockwork Orange and in the past I ventured in with a group to see Jaws, which was so much fun.
Although I tend to fall asleep, I can find comfort in the fact that it's cheap and if you choose, you can also have popcorn as part of a combo deal. Besides the late night film-fests, you can also see new releases during regular hours. It's the only place in the downtown core where there are multiple movies showing under the one roof.
Snacks and entertainment abound, with a fun little arcade to enjoy a pre-movie game. Grab some fries and a soda and head on down the stairs for some big screen fun! -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
5/17/2010
If you live on the Halifax Peninsula and you're looking for a movie theatre, you're probably going to end up at the Empire 8 Theatre eventually. It's located in the Park Lane Mall on Spring Garden Road and is the only major theatre in the downtown that caters to the mainstream cinema goer.
Empire 8 is a great facility with lots of seats and variety in movies. All your major releases will pass through here and are nicely complimented by smaller films. There's a little bit for everybody and I really like that.
Lately Empire 8 has been having midnight movies featuring a lot of great movies (Most recently they showed Jurassic Park). Be sure to check their web site to see what movie they're upcoming "Fan Favorite" showings.
Movies are, unfortunately, not a cheap night out on the town, between snacks and a ticket you can be looking at over 20 dollars. Keep this in mind on Tuesday nights when Empire 8 offers tickets for $5.99! This is definitely a great price for a movie and should certainly give you something to do some upcoming Tuesday (especially with Lost coming to an end...but that's another story).
All in all, Empire 8 is probably my favorite theatre in Halifax. It's conveniently located, runs most of the major releases and plays great classic movies from time to time. Go on cheap night and have a great time! -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/9/2010
The Empire 8 theatre at Park Lane is a great place to hang out and catch a flick. Built when theatres were generously accommodated, there's plenty of room to stretch out and relax while noshing down on the expanded snack bar menu. Forget popcorn - this theatre has recently branched out to include TCBY yogourt in their concessions.
From the main lobby, you descend a flight of stairs to the viewing level, from where all the theatres branch off. I've always felt like the Empire 8 is a lusher, more comfortable theatre than the multiplexes that are plopped down in suburbia.
Another bonus is that this theatre is less likely to be crowded on a weeknight, sometimes giving you the entire theatre to yourself. I hate to admit it, but I've even fallen asleep in their comfy chairs. (No reflection on the movie - I fall asleep at the drop of a hat!)
Try the Park Lane theatres. Until you do, you won't know what you're missing. -
Review from Jim G.
7/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I enjoyed seeing two movie at this theatre in as many days--Captain America in 3D and Horrible Bosses. The theatres are large and clean, and the seating is comfortable. Overall, a favourable movie experience. What stops me from giving these theatres a five-star review is the signage. I found the theatre with the help of Yelp and saw the theatre sign from the street. When I went inside the mall, I found no signage to direct me to the cinemas and walked up and down two levels but couldn't find it. I walked outside and around the block looking for another way in and couldn't. Ultimately, I found the theatres in the basement, near the food court (I'm used to theatres being on the top floors). A minor point but I was almost late to see Captain America even though I got there early because I couldn't find the cinema. If anyone can point out that I merely missed the signage as a weary traveller, I'd be happy to update my review.
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Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
2/13/2010
When looking at Parklane Mall from the outside I still can't figure out where they're hiding this movie theatre. Rest assured nervous folk, the movie theatre is in there.
The reason I like Empire 8 the most is because it's super convenient to get to. It's only a 2 minute walk away from Dalhousie, where my boyfriend spends a lot of time. It's nice to have it so close so we can take a movie break in the middle of the evening.
It's a pretty comfy seating situation too. The chairs are cushy and the backs aren't too straight. I hate sitting in a theatre chair when the back is ridiculously straight and it actually hurts your neck after a while. This theatre isn't like that at all.
Along with the regular new releases, they also play some random old classics. I don't really understand why you'd pay full price for a ticket to a movie you could rent for half the price, but to each their own. I prefer to see the new releases in theatre and watch the old movies at home. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
3/5/2010
I have only been to this theatre a few times, it really is great to have a theatre in the downtown core for all the walkers.
It is your typical theatre, although it is a little different, I have gone there and the line ups were going into the outside courtyard. It moved quickly but really there was no where to line up, not like out at the Empire in Bayer's Lake.
It is a great place though, grab your popcorn and catch the movie. The theatres are a little small, at least I found that. -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/12/2009 2 photos
This is the only first-run, multi-theatre cineplex within walkable distance for those living in Halifax, so it's got a lock on most movie-goers. While I wouldn't say there's anything special going on here, I certainly don't have any reasons to complain about it. I get my ticket, I eat my popcorn and I enjoy my movie. Unlike some theatres, I've never noticed an issue with excessively dirty floors, which is a good thing. The seats are decent - non-reclining with a blue velour cover. Trés chic. In short: go here if there's a movie you want to see and you're willing to pay the price to see it on the big screen. It's really your only option, but there's nothing wrong with that.
