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Plaza Theatre
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Cinema, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
1133 Kensington Rd NWCalgary, AB T2N 3P4
(403) 283-2222
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
20 reviews for Plaza Theatre
20 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
9/21/2011 ROTD 12/12/2011
The Plaza Theatre is easily my favourite place to spend an entire afternoon.Not only am I a fan because their film selection is impeccable, but also because I am in love with their community involvement. I can't even count the number of films or events I've attended at the Plaza.
All of the best films I've seen in theatres, I've seen at the Plaza.
I have also attended countless lectures and nerdfest's here- "The Bicycle Thief" on 35 mm, a few consecutive weeks of Japanese films and lectures from my favourite film professor...as well as festivals such as CIFF, Fairytales....and most recently the People's Poetry festival put on a double feature of "Ladies and Gentleman...Mr. Leonard Cohen," and "Howl," based on Allen Ginsberg's epic. As a film nerd, and possessing a degree in English Lit, I have to say that The Plaza Theatre appeals to my senses in every way. Soon, they are also hosting an event in the first week of October which is a multi-arts gala of Calgarian artists, musicians, poets, etc, called "Fragments," which I am looking extremely forward to. Additionally, I attended a showing of "The Cove" last year in support of an animal conservation non profit. I also die of happiness whenever they decide to have a Coen brothers week or something of the like.
I just don't have enough good things to say about the Plaza. It's charming as all hell; from the old timey-ness of its single theatre, to the bathrooms with posters plastered everywhere.
Plaza, je t'aime.Listed in: a list for book worms,…
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Review from Devon B.
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you're looking to take in a movie at a theatre with the latest and greatest in high-tech sound, lighting and visuals you should probably drive to the suburbs and go to a theatre with all those things.
Nope, The Plaza is all about character. It's old (75 years I believe) and you can tell. But this is why The Plaza is so great- it doesn't take itself too seriously. The whole operation is different and more laid back than pretty much any other theatre I've been to. The canteen is basic, but you can always get a big bag of buttery popcorn and a huge drink to enjoy the movie with. The washrooms are run down, but in a very fitting way.
The movies they show are sometimes obscure, sometimes old, but always interesting. They played the original Batman movie from 1966 (Adam West) a couple of weeks ago and I loved every minute of it. Of course they do play new movies, but they are open to playing pretty much anything that is entertaining and worthy of having a "legacy". You'll never see 17 Again playing at The Plaza...I hope.
The layout, being a bit dated, can be a pain. The line for the canteen can reach the front door and beyond. The seats don't have lumbar support or the ability to tilt for a more relaxing position.
Simply put this is for those who want to take in a movie and enjoy it- not for the flashy stuff that makes up the theatre, but for the movie itself. Call it nostalgia. Call it being stubborn. Whatever it is, The Plaza is a gem and a great place to take in a movie from time-to-time. -
Review from Shannon M.
Calgary, AB
10/20/2011 7 Check-ins Here
The Plaza Theatre is a Calgary landmark. I love everything about this cinema - the outside facade, their eclectic and diverse film selection, and their popcorn is the best cinema snack in Calgary!
They're one of only two places in the city that bring in a wide variety of independent and documentary films that you might nit have the opportunity to see otherwise. I spend so much time here each year during CIFF, but the film-festing continues year round at this quaint little theatre.
Ideally located in the heart of Kensington, it couldn't be easier to spend a perfect afternoon enjoying a leisurely lunch with friends before checking out an obscure foreign film, and then chatting about the nuances over coffee.
The Plaza's annual Halloween showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a YYC institution, but their ever-changing lineup of - often short-run - films is always inspired. -
Review from Angelo T.
3/23/2011
Leave it to a theater like the Plaza to have interesting posters that you excite the pop-culture nerd in you as well as leave you in your tracks to reflect on the image before you. Leave to a theater like the Plaza to have said posters placed on top of the urinary stalls.
Spoiled by huge theaters I find that the seats are awkward. If you have to share treats, theres no cup holders for you to dump stuff on. Nothing more impressive than having to eat hand-warmed M&Ms.
Its located in the bullseye of Kensington. One can continue a night of gallivanting after a movie without having to remobilize in your vehicle.
I also like the special events held here. I saw the premeire of Fubar II and I was blown away at how the Plaza is able to host one crazy party.
One request, please don't take down the 7 samurai drawing at the door! -
Review from George D.
Calgary, AB
11/13/2010 ROTD 12/8/2010
I want to give a plug for these guys.
I saw a movie there tonight and it started on time, there were NO COMMERCIALS, the popcorn was good, the service was friendly and the price was right.
Parking too was a snap; at street level and close by. Better yet, it's in my corner of Calgary, in lovely Kensington. In particular I thought the sound system was superb for the documentary movie I saw, "Waiting for Superman". It's a good movie by the way. If you haven't been down to Kensington lately, a movie at the Plaza would be a good excuse to see what's new in the area. -
Review from Brad C.
3/6/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Oh, Plaza Theatre. Is there anything you don't do?
The Plaza Theatre is a gem, and possibly the last in Calgary of a dying breed: the Independent Theatre. And the Plaza truly is an indy theatre, more so than the Globe or the Uptown (also great theatres, by the way). It is entirely possible that the Plaza alone is what gives Kensington much of its charm.
The Plaza seems to have redefined itself in the past few years by playing host more and more to a variety of cultural events. Personally I have attended the Fairy Tales Film Festival, the Midnight Film Festival, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pages at the Plaza, and various other films. They also play host to the $100 Film Festival and the Calgary Film Festival.
The collaboration with Pages Books on Kensington is perhaps one of the more interesting and unique endeavours. Once a month the two neighbouring businesses present a discussion, debate, Q&A session, or what-have-you, by a Canadian author.
As others have commented, the seating is not the most comfortable, but all the other features more than make up for this in my opinion. The popcorn is great, staff are friendly, restrooms are clean, and admission prices are reasonable.
Bottom line, if you live here or are just "passing through", make sure to visit the Plaza. It is a one-of-a-kind theatre in a city that has very few one-of-a-kind venues. -
Review from Carol K.
10/19/2011
I told myself that I should stop giving out so many 5 star reviews, but I can't help this one because I love the Plaza! The last time I was here was for the Calgary International Film Festival a couple weeks ago. For the first time, I noticed that there are no cup holders. I tweeted about it. They replied and offer to have one of the staff hold my cup for me next time! Now THAT is customer service!
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Review from Andrew D.
Calgary, AB
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I absolutely love this place. The plaza is a classic independent theatre that exudes Calgary's love for cinema, not to mention it's old movie house smell is quite intoxicating. Much of my fondness for this place lies in it being the perfect way of ending some of my SAIT night classes. I mean theres no other way to cap off 2 hours of statistics than a documentary on the history and revival of "A Chorus Line".
The Plaza is definitely one of Calgary's treasures and I am looking forward to the next time I'm in....
OHHHH SNAP!!! they are playing "Machete Maidens Unleashed" this weekend!!!!!!! WHO'S IN????!!!!! -
Review from Mike M.
Calgary, AB
7/18/2010
Everything that is great about Kensington can be summed up with The Plaza Theatre. Quaint, cheap, personal, with a great selection of movies.
Anytime I go to the movies, I always look at what is playing at The Plaza first. Although sometimes I feel like they play some movies for way too long. In February, "An Education" was there for an ENTIRE month. It is a great movie, we get it. But for a whole month? Come on!
The seats aren't the comfiest, but that is part of the character.
Movies rarely cost over $10, so it is a great way of getting you out of the house and seeing a movie that you've maybe never even hear of!
And make sure you bring cash for the concession stand, you don't want to not be able to have fresh popcorn while enjoying your movie, right?!
Afterwards, make sure you head over to Higher Ground for a glass of red wine or a warm latte. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
1/20/2011
Saw a movie here tonight. Friendly service, didn't try the popcorn so I can't comment on it. Clean bathrooms too (in a theatre? novel!).
Not a fan of the seating. Sat in the middle of the theatre and had the screen blocked by two not-very-tall ladies. Result was having to sit forward, which I did anyway because the movie was compelling, but ugh, neck strain. My companion, who is a head taller than me, had to sit forward as well.
Aside from that, I'm a fan :). Would come back for their events, movies and amiable service. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
3/13/2010
I would like to put a personal shout out to the Plaza Theatre not as a Cinema per say but as a venue for non profit events. I haven't actually seen a film here but it doesn't matter, the theatre venue is offering our non profit group a couple of nights in May to show some cultural films at next to nothing.
This venue is in the heart of Kensington and the quaint and obvious character film venue will give our group the city exposure that it needs. Thanks so much your work in the community, the showing of obscure and independent films plus your loyalty to the local film scene here. This totally deserves a huge yelp recognition. -
Review from Danny F.
Calgary, AB
9/22/2008
Perhaps Calgary's most artful art cinema the Plaza supports documentaries, independent, and foreign films. The tiny grubby lobby creates an interesting first impression and the washrooms are a bit scary but they only help create the 'at the movies' ambiance of a small historic theater. A regular hosting venue to the Calgary Film Festival and the place to catch midnight showings of cult classics like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the plaza is a great venue for an interesting night out.
Oh and try the popcorn, it's great.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
10/16/2009
I love film. I am film-obsessed, and I am a pretentious little bugger who often scoffs at Hollywood films and laments the death of the artform based on what is in wide release at the time. All of my friends are thankful that there is a place like the plaza in existence, so they can shove me down there and make me shut up for a few minutes. They bring the best and brightest of the film world that don't get a wide release to Calgary, and I can't exactly lament on the state of the world during those, now can I?!
This is the place to catch independent and foreign films. They are also a huge part of the film community, supporting Calgary's International Film Festival and also the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers. And they are also a big supporter of the surrounding area of Kensington.
However, and this is a big however: they do not have butter for their popcorn! I need the butter! It is an essential part of the film going experience!! -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
12/1/2009
I recently went and saw a movie at The Plaza Theatre and I was pleasantly surprised.
Not only does The Plaza play movies that NO other theatre in the entire city plays, but it is also located beautifully in the heart of Kensington. The actual theatre itself is A LOT larger than I thought it would be (it's HUGE) and it's got beautiful portraits of old school actors/actresses in it.
A movie is around $8-$9 bucks for a late show on the weekend (pretty much the cheapest in town) and the staff is friendly.
The theatre isn't PACKED and loud, but rather welcoming and intimate.
The ONLY reason the theatre loses a star is because the day I went, it smelt super funky. It smelt like sewage and that was a HUGE turnoff.
I'm hoping it was a one time deal, and I can guarantee I"ll be back again to double check that :) -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
11/21/2009
One of the things that makes the Plaza Theatre so awesome is when they have their frequent cult film extravaganzas. The reason this is so neat is because some people actually dress up. I'm referring mostly to the couple of times I've seen Rocky Horror Picture Show here. It's been quite an adventure.
If you're like me, you like to experience a movie every now and then that hasn't been completely Hollywood-ized and actually gives you something to think about. The Plaza shows movies that aren't main stream, but independent or foreign. It's nice and refreshing to know there's a place to go to watch something different.
The movie theatre itself is nothing to write home about. It's pretty basic. The screen isn't as giant as some of the other theatres, and the seats might not be as comfortable, but it's still nice. They don't have the largest concession either. You can get your popcorn and drink, and I think some candy.
It's a nice place to go every now and then, but only when something really different and eye-catching is playing. I do enjoy my time at this independent, unique theatre. -
Review from Erin D.
2/26/2011
I am never going to another movie theatre again!!. As a Kensington Resident, I feel lucky to have this theatre in my back yard. It is one of the only places in Calgary that makes me feel like I live in a big city. It is so fucking cool inside, the schedule is fantastic. I love the the times of movies rotate on a daily basis giving you plenty of options to choose a day that works for your schedule as opposed to being stuck with the same option every day. It's a big, beautiful old theatre, with great sound and a perfect sized screen. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to enjoy a movie outside of a multiplex setting. Seeing True Grit in this theatre was the highlight of my moving going year so far. Viva local movie theatres!!
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Review from Daryl D.
Calgary, AB
4/12/2011
Rob & I have only been here the one time, but it is a unique theatre. It is noted to be the oldest running theatre in Calgary, since it has been around since 1935, and still standing. To anyone who has not been before, it is a simple, one-cinema. Tickets & concession available right at the front, and it never gets all crowded like the mainstream ones do. However, this theatre does not play the mainstream stuff. This is a good place to see Indie films or some older classics. Another plus: this one has an actual stage & curtains, great for burlesque shows, for instance :)
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Review from Jollean C.
Vancouver, BC
12/19/2009
Even as a film school graduate, I am not one of those arthouse-indie-diehard down with HD people. I like multiplexes. I like my theatre soundproofed, THX-calibrated, my screens big, my sound bigger, the theatre gargantuan and a perfect spot right in the middle.
So the Plaza is everything I shouldn't like. I can hear the projector, the seats aren't comfortable and the sound is sketchy. But, the Plaza, besides its adorable kitschy charm, does some really cool things for Calgary. I mean, where else can you catch Japanese film fests, CIFF flicks, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, a play (with film bits) called For the Love of a Zombie or more recently, my first intro to Dr. Horrible's Sing-along-Blog (a short musical superhero film by Joss Whedon)? I went because it was conjoined with the cult classic 'Once More with Feeling' which Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans know as one of the series most unique episodes where Sunnydale is possessed by a singing-fetish-demon. On a -37 degree night, over a 100 people showed up for this and I delighted in how many sang along (despite the annoying Emo's that decided to 'dress up' and act out the scenes on stage). The heckling got to be pretty fun though. Emo's go home!
So, where the Plaza isn't perfect, it's damn unique in its offerings and for that, I'm fond when I can get my sing-a-long on. :) -
Review from Gordon L.
Calgary, AB
3/24/2010
A true Icon of Calgary. This theatre plays host to some of the most impressive films in history. An interesting venue to say the least; has a small town appeal in the mass of a bustling city. A treat for any cinema buff. Original and a Great Escape (hoping to see that one there one day).
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Review from Yo U.
9/26/2009
The Plaza is alright if you take it for what it is: a small independent movie theatre without all the bells and whistles. If you live close-by, it's nice to be able to walk over and see a movie every now and then.
