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Empire Granville 7 Cinemas
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
855 Granville StVancouver, BC V6Z 1K7
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Granville Entertainment District
(604) 684-4051
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for Empire Granville 7 Cinemas
13 reviews in English
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Review from Robin M.
10/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's tough to quantify a theatre's worth -- especially when it's an older cinema that has a steady rotation of art-house and foreign films (I'm looking at you, subtitles) but holds none of the classic independent theatre charm we North Americans have come to expect from a second-run joint.
But the price is right, and despite being located smack-dab in the middle of the Granville wasteland I can't argue with the selection. You're not likely to find the next great independent flick here, BUT you will find something that you're not going to see at one of the bigger, albeit more comfortable, theatres in town.
So, yes, I'm a fan. And why not? Sure, the seats are pretty terrible and there is no leg room to speak of, but are we really *that* privileged that we can't sit on a flattened-out chair for a couple of hours of our lives? Good prices; good popcorn; mostly good films that I may not otherwise get the chance to see -- good times, is what I say.
Good times, indeed. -
Review from Patricia L.
Vancouver, BC
10/7/2011
I used to love this theater, not just for it's location but also because they always showed a wide selection of movies (not just your typical Hollywood muck-muck).
This theater used to have that cool downtown vibe. Now it's just washed up like an old pair of sport socks that have been run through the ringer 100 times too many. They don't keep your feet warm anymore, smell bad and are all holey, but you still just gotta wear 'em because they're just there.
Flash forward 2011 VIFF - After our first film fest movie here I felt really really sore and old, like back breaking bone-cracking O-L-D from sitting for over an hour in their old-a$$ rickety seats. I also think I blew a face fuse from trying not to breath through my nose because the place smelled like warm beer-flavoured pee. But I digress, back to the seats! The spots are really tight and uncomfortable. The heat was unbearable and the place was just really hurting.
I tried to give it a chance and think back to this theater's glory days, but after my fourth VIFF film in this theater that ran for over 2.5 hours (time in my life I will NEVER get back), I simply can't stop ranting like a crazed person who's been put in a corner like "Baby" from Dirty Dancing. I just want to stab myself in the eyes now when I think of the remaining 7 movies I still have left to see at this awful theater. It makes me feel like I just want the festival to end. Now.Listed in: I HEART Everything Else!
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Review from Amy T.
11/26/2011
A part of me loves this place because it brought back memories of high school, simple times and saving money to watch movies with your friends, but another part has moved on. I'm not stuck up, but I really love my leg room and elevated rows/seats, - especially when someone who's 6 feet is sitting right in front of me.
Empire Granville 7 Cinemas is an old style movie cinema in the heart of Granville Street. The washrooms aren't as glamourous, the theatre is smaller and there isn't much variety in food/snacks. I do love the location and the prices are more than reasonable.
Empire Cinemas still holds a special place in my heart, but overall I enjoy watching my movie in comfort. -
Review from Mandy R.
8/19/2011
I'm sorry, but I love this place. I usually end up getting suckered into going to Tinseltown with a friend because the movie selection is more accommodating to all tastes there, but the Granville 7 is a Vancouver institution (remember that old theatre that used to be across the street, beside the Commodore, that had that weird overhang that covered the sidewalk? what was that place called?!? it's Urban Outfitters now...).
I dropped by here for the first time in ages the other night on a Tuesday and paid $5.99 to see a new release. Hot damn! I'll take it. They let me order the kids-meal at the concession, $7.50 for a soda, popcorn, and a full size chocolate bar. Concession stands are always outrageous, but it's like that at every cinema so I can't say I'm surprised. I love the layout of this place, with all the different levels. You can get a lovely view of the Commodore and Granville Strip from the upstairs level. -
Review from Erin U.
10/15/2011
Went here with a group of friends today for the vancouver international film festival. Despite being right on Granville the theater actually has a good selection and isnt all Hollywood crap. I know that during the film festival its different but I was looking at their regular movies as well. Comfy theatrers, good seats, and the popcorn isnt outrageously priced. Staff seemed awesome and the whole experience was great...until I walked into the blinding sun from the bottom floor theater and almost went blind..but hey, who can complain about the sun!
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Review from Reena M.
10/4/2010 2 Check-ins Here
My biggest qualm about this theatre is that it doesn't cater towards short people. It's the worst when a huge, tall person with big hair sits in front of you during a VIFF film. It sort of takes away from the movie.
The concessions are alright, and it does remind me of a cute old-style theatre that would show news reports of WWII attacks in the 40s. -
Review from Roanna Z.
10/4/2010
I don't know what the projectionists were smoking, but 35 minutes into our film, it started showing backwards and upside down, even the dialogue was backwards.
I felt like Alice In Wonderland, only I never take pills :-}
The VIFF was in charge, and announced that it was not possible for a quick fix, and we were given vouchers for another showing.
They were very efficient about it.
*ps. 5 bucks for popcorn? -are you insane? -
Review from Jenn L.
Vancouver, BC
11/12/2010
Nice staff, good location.
But...
The seating is terrible! Some of the cinemas have no angle, so wee people like myself can't see subtitles. The seats are also extremely close together. -
Review from Doug G.
9/7/2010 12 Check-ins Here
Reasonable price, good movies
Empire Granville lacks a lot of the 3D high tech spectacular venue perks that you get from some of the larger venues, but it also lacks the high price you typically would get from them as well. I find Granvile 7 to be a great place to watch movies, without the huge crowds and at about half the price of the competitors. Seating is comfortable, but again it is older seating, and not the comfort of newer theaters.
One big caution -- the seating is not angled well for watching subtitled movies, so if your movie is subtitled, someone sitting in front of you may make it difficult to read the subtitles.
The popcorn is good, overall I enjoy the more relaxed, intimate atmosphere here. -
Review from Christian M.
Vancouver, BC
10/14/2010 10 Check-ins Here
While personally I prefer to visit Pacific Cinematheque or Vancity Theatre for a comfortable movie-going experience, I have really enjoyed the experience of VIFF at the Empire Granville. The concession prices are pretty steep, though you kind of have to expect that at all movie theatres now.
I've yet to see a wide-release blockbuster at Empire Granville 7, but the screenings for the VIFF films have been great at the staff has worked really well with the VIFF volunteers to ensure that movie-goers get to where they need to be. -
Review from Darien C.
BC
12/4/2008
Back in my day, Granville Street Cinema was the main downtown theater. Things changed, Scotia moved in and suddenly Granville because the boutique spot.
The flicks shown here tend to be either older, indie, foreign or just bad. During Vancouver Film Festival time, the theater comes to life as one of the main venues for the up and comers.
As a non mainstream theater, the prices are surprisingly high. Tinseltown is a far better bet for a mix of reasonable prices and comfortable theaters. Still, the atmosphere is far less chaotic and the location more central.
For us downtowners, Granville Street Cinemas works well for a classic night at the talkies. -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
12/29/2008
On a recent evening at Granville 7 there were but a dozen people in the theater. It's such a great feeling to have an entire theater shared by only a handful to people. (Albeit probably not great for the longevity of the place.)
The purple velvet chairs are soft, comfy and not the least bit stinky. Although the cup holders are a bit awkward and kick-able in the front of the seat, I appreciate there being no trace of sticky to the floor.
At less than $8 the ticket price is good. The low price is beat by Hollywood Theatre on West Broadway, but that extra dollar is definitely worth it for the selection of, well, the *seven* screens at Granville 7.
I've also visited during the film fest (it's nice to see the theater busy!) and Granville 7 becomes a fun venue instead of its usual lonely self. -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
10/14/2008
My boyfriend and I attended Empire Granville 7 for a showing of a Vancouver International Film Festival world film premiere this past month and I am even more of a fan of this theatre for supporting local and international talent! During non-festival days, Granville 7 shows 2nd-run films for $7.99 (a steal) and while the theatres themselves are far from new, they are comfortable and the screens are just big enough that you don't risk a seizure if you sit a bit closer than usual. Good popcorn too!
