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Scotiabank Theatre Chinook Centre
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
Chinook Center6455 MacLeod Trl SW
Calgary, AB T2H
(403) 212-8994
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
20 reviews for Scotiabank Theatre Chinook Centre
20 reviews in English
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Review from Donovon N.
Calgary, AB
3/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
I just went to see Goon at the Scotiabank Theater, which was my favorite theater as a younger child. When we got there, the escalator took us up to the main lobby, but we didn't know where to go to get tickets. Upon further investigation, we realized that the Box Office was behind us, which is a major design flaw to me. The lines moved unbelievably fast, and within two minutes, we jumped from the back of the line. Prices are quite high, about 11.50$ per person, if I remember correctly. The lady who sold us the tickets was very nice and patient (she had to deal with our confusion), and once we had our tickets. We also had to search to find our theatre, due to a lack of signs telling us where to go. The actual picture and audio quality of the movie was superb, and we had no problems until after the movie. Nobody turned the lights back on, which resulted in a few (including myself) tripping over something while trying to find my way out. I still love this theater; its my favorite one in Calgary, but a few minor design changes would be nice. Well done.
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Review from Ali Z.
5/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
There's something odd about this theatre, I've been going to movies here for so long I had long stopped noticing the Egyptian theme until my wife asked about it. On the outside there still is a giant scarab beetle climbing up the wall and the top of the food court still has remnants of hieroglyphics and a fake pyramid. The Sphinx who belched fire is no more. And the wall of the hallway leading to the IMAX theatre has the fake bricks that don't look Egyptian so much as the background set to an Ed Wood film.
All that said Chinook is still the best theatre in Calgary (and in Calgary excludes Balzac / Cross Iron Mills where I haven't been yet). Blockbuster films play in multiple theatres, multiple 3D screens and the IMAX where you can watch films at a mammoth size (good for action adventure, not so good for romantic comedies). The theatres are relatively clean as are the facilities. Given its location in a mall the theatre is swarming with teenagers leading to long lineups at the box office, concession stand and generally just milling around like we all used to do back in the day. One downside is that smaller / mini-major films don't play at Chinook resulting in a drive to Westhills or downtown to watch something not starring Liam Neeson dealing revenge with cool quips. -
Review from Melissa B.
Calgary, AB
11/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This USE to be a fave theater of mine when the Burger King was there. However, they have recently made the move to the cineplex specific foods. It doesnt bother me all too much as I do like the food there, but there just arent that many Burger Kings in the city.
Good theater though, gets pretty busy there as it is a big mall/theater. Id suggest buying tickets online or at one of those machines as I almost missed a movie once because I HAD to wait through the line to speak with a person and this was a Tuesday evening...
Very comfortable seats though, I think thats the best part of this theater. You really feel like you sitting at home while watching the movie. -
Review from Angelo T.
5/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been going to this THEEE-YAY-TER since it opened years ago! Sadly the glam and wow that it had then (Tutankahmen laser shows are a rarity these days) are long gone. Now the theatre is just packed with sweaty greasy people and rambunctious teens that I am sure will someday lead a life of crime. Not to mention an escalator that always tries to kill me on the way up and down.
Still Chinook theaters is the place to go for movies, especially if I feel like catching something in 3d. Alternative theatres are either way too far or more sketchy.
Being a kid at heart, I always liked to hit up the arcade. In confession, I sometimes wait until we are seated in the theatre and kindly excuse myself to "go to the bathroom". While my companions assumed that I'm taking a numero 2, I'm actually blasting away at Time Crisis, hardcore AZN style!
Not a big fan of their food items because it's expensive, but I like the plentiful and convenient vending machines, which ensures that I am adequately hydrated throughout the movie. They also have dipping dots!.
FYI: Dont' even think about trying to part with one of their IMAX 3D glasses, their security system will make sure you don't walk out of the building with it. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
6/9/2011
I love the ghoulish sign at the beginning of the escalator that welcomes you when you walk in through the main doors of this theater. The one that warns you that if you wear Crocs you're a terrible human being... er, that is... you risk injury to your feet on the escalator. No joke. Check Snopes.
Half the time, the escalator is stationary anyway. But for the other half of the time; run back to the car and grab your sensible shoes. Or take a right and get some ballet slippers at Old Navy for $10. Got 'em? Okay. Head on up to the theater.
I miss the days when the Burger King here offered a veggie burger. I was probably the only person that asked for it. Recently, they've started to offer seat reservations, UltraAVX screens (1 of only 20 in Canada and 1 of 3 in Calgary!) and chairs that aren't a million colors so you're not wondering what stains they might be hiding. The rocket seats are cozy and if you're on a date, you can lift up the arm rest and snuggle. Awww. The best part? Someone tall with giant hair sat in front of me tonight and I could STILL SEE the entire screen!
Cons: On a busy night (like their Tuesday discount night) you have to find a parking spot hours ahead of time to guarantee one that's close to the theater. As Wendy has mentioned, the South lot behind the theater is your best bet. Actually, the South lot is your best bet for parking in general at Chinook. Also, sometimes even on a cold day, the AC will be running full blast, so bring a hoodie. Or someone to snuggle with. -
Review from Wendy P.
12/15/2010 4 Check-ins Here
What's there to know about Scotiabank Theatre? Not a whole heck of a lot except it's busy (and is it just me? Or have do the staff appear a bit older than those working there a couple of years ago?)
If you're going on any popular movie night, expect big crowds. If it's something like Harry Potter and you can keep your eyes open long enough to go to one of the latest shows, do that. It'll save you waiting in line for an hour and a half before a show.
Want to park near the theatre? Me too. I haven't had any luck with that unless I've shown up super early, although I've had some luck with the super late shows from time to time. Otherwise, you can grab a spot in any of the mall's three parkades. Your best bet is the South parkade if your show runs late. You aren't getting back in the mall after it closes to get into the West or North Parkades, and in the winter, it's a long chilly walk back to your car.
Theatre wise, it's standard. I think there are about 16 theatres in all. The staff does a decent job of cleaning up each one after a showing. There's always a lineup at the concession stand and the items available are your standard pop, popcorn, candy, and nachos. There's a couple of fast food joints up here too, but you're better off walking the 5 minutes over the the food court for the non-movie theatre prices. -
Review from Gabe A.
4/22/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I remember when the Chinook theatres opened in 1999: who would have thought the Egyptian motif lifted from the "Mummy" (which was quite popular at the time, though who can say why) would become such an eyesore and lame. Teens these days must be wondering why the dumb decor?
As a multiplex experience, Chinook is the best you can ask for. A surprisingly tight lobby - just try coming here on Harry Potter's opening day and finding even an inch to breathe, it will feel like you're riding the escalator to your doom - extremely overpriced food vendors (and amazingly the only Tim Horton's in the entire mall!) - surly teens and ticket rippers from all walks of life - huge screens, including the massive IMAX auditorium on which to see the latest Hollywood disasters, in 3D, in surround, in awe! They have also introduced D-Box in some of the theatres though I haven't experienced it.
There is something communal about joining the masses for the latest massively hyped movie event: jostling for space, lining up like cattle at an abattoir, blearing and being force-fed popcorn, mouth-breathing and chortling through the entire experience. Bring lots of face masks because believe me: the ratio of teens in this place for the new Twilight can bring a savage tear to your eye. -
Review from Dustin H.
4/7/2011 14 Check-ins Here
Okay, I'll come right out and say it; I'm a movie theater junkie. When people give me the "I'll wait for it to come out on DVD" line, I stare at them like a perplexed little puppy. In fact, the industry often can't crank out movies fast enough to keep me satisfied. By Wednesday or so, I'm normally salivating, waiting for the weekly crop to come in.
Far and away though, the one I spend the most time at is Chinook. It's not only conveniently located, and home to (I think) the most screens in Calgary (Sunridge might be up there, but if memory serves I still think Chinook wins) but it's also home to several other little touches that at least the majority of the ones in Calgary don't have.
Want some Tim Horton's with your movie-going experience? Chinook has you covered. Want to see that new jaw dropping blockbuster in IMAX perportions? Chinook is the only game in town. And hell, if you REALLY want to go cutting edge, they just renovated one of the auditoriums into the new ULTRA-AVX style, with a new (much larger) screen, brand new sound system (which, when you go as often as I do, is a marked difference), and the real kicker; brand new, larger, more comfortable seats... that move! This is really an entirely different experience than anything I've ever been through before, and I can't wait to see some of the movies that will take advantage of this new technology.
So, if you wanna be old fashioned and just grab a bag of popcorn and sit in a standard theater, I sure won't fault you... hell, that's still one of my favorite ways to spend an evening. But if you really want to experience something that's just that little cut above, then this is the only place to go.
Also, do yourself a favor and head down on a Tuesday night, when Chinook has recently decided to bring back the old 'cheap ticket' night. If there's one thing better than going to the most cutting edge theater in the city, it's doing so for less than the competition. -
Review from Jane B.
Calgary, AB
12/20/2010
I love this theatre, I can't really say why. I think it's the energy of the theatre.
I know it's super busy, yes that is right it's always busy. But if your smart and you buy your tickets online, then there is no wait in lines for tickets!
Just be prepared to get there early enough to get the seats you want. I usually go get my seats then wait in line of popcorn... or I slip out and do a little shopping at Old Navy since it's so close. -
Review from Christopher W.
Calgary, AB
12/15/2008
This is a big theatre (17 screens) located in Chinook Centre with a somewhat confusing Egyptian theme happening. It shows the newest movies at standard ticket prices, but there are a few things that make it stand out.
One is the Pizza Pizza franchise located in its concession department. This is good pizza, although it has never been open when I've been there. Yeah, no sense opening it up on a Saturday afternoon or night. Too much money might be made....
Anyway, the other feature of this place that caught my attention one day was the arcade. We watched one fat kid dance up a sweat on that dance fever game or whatever they call it. This kid was wearing shorts and high socks and was really getting into the thing, with sweat dripping off him onto the dance platform. We feared for his safety, but were almost mesmorized by his moves. I mean, damn, he was making it happen. It was entertaining and worth the price of admission right there...... -
Review from Daryl D.
Calgary, AB
3/13/2011
I have been to a lot of theatres in my day, but this (Scotiabank Theatre at Chinook) is my favorite ^_^
I love the Egyptian theme, every decor item is gigantic! It looks like a lot of work went into it. Something else I really like about this theatre is that it nearly has a food court in it, frachised restaurants such as Tim Horton's (yummy!!) and Pizza 73, and even a Burger King! I have never seen that at any other theatre.
Also, there is an extensive arcade area with a variety of games from shooting games to Dance Dance Revolution and recently a simulated Hurricane hehe.
I find it's wise to get tickets and food about 45 minutes prior and then go sit in the theatre with my hubby and just talk...or whisper. Last time we went, I notice it took awhile for the screen to come alive with pre-movie features like Celeb Q&A stuff, but thankfully the movie did eventually start, just slightly late.
Also, the bathrooms are pretty nice, with a spacious Art-Deco theme going, but the doorway in/out can be wider since after a movie when everyone is coming to empty their bladders, the lineup into the bathroom blocks the way out.
Other than that it's still my favorite theatre in Calgary :) -
Review from Emma G.
2/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
I think they should start charging me rent with how much time I spend here...
Honestly, though, it's your run of the mill big movie theatre. You go here to see movies like Avatar and eat expensive popcorn...this isn't the place for indie movies or anything like that.
I am in love with the new deal they do on Tuesdays - it's like $11.50 for a movie ticket, popcorn, and a drink. Considering how much it normally costs, this is an awesome deal! You can also get it without the popcorn and drink for like $6 or something. Heads up, go early to buy your tickets, especially if you're seeing an evening show, because it gets busy. Ditto for weekends (including Sundays!).
Also, get a Scene card. It's free and gets you free movies, plus 10% off concessions. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
3/6/2010
Getting through the labyrinth of cars in the parking lot was just like a test driving course. It irritates me trying to park at the Chinook Centre on a Friday night, why do I even try to do it.
After 15 minutes we did manage to squeeze into a space in front of the theatre. Of course there are all the advertising antics to promote the new Alice in Wonderland movie. So just getting through the doors I had to jump over the fuzzy ball that Twiddle Dee had passed over to Twiddle Dum with a pink flamingo. The whole bottom and top floor was inundated with characters from the movie, the mad hatter, the Cheshire cat and different playing cards.
This theatre was a madhouse, there are no placard boards stating the movies that are actually playing on the top floor, so we had to manoeuvre through the crowd again. So down the escalator we went to the rabbit hole area to look at the large movie posters so I knew who was acting in what.
Once we decided we went back upstairs and the large serpent head greeted us once again. The line ups were atrocious and everything was next to sold out. So after all that I didn't even actually enter the viewing areas; but I did go into the bathroom and it had a lot of leg room and it was very clean.
I will have to go back on a weekday and update this review. -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
10/16/2009
Yesterday afternoon a girlfriend and I made an impromptu movie date. Aren't those fun?!?!?
While trying to decide which theatre to pick, I admitted that I hadn't been to any in Calgary for at least a few years. I did however remember the one in Chinook mall as being good, but I decided that I owed it to not only myself, but to my fellow Yelpers, to check it out.
Here's what I found:
- We went in the afternoon and it wasn't too busy, which I liked. Obviously though, come the evenings & weekends, I know for a fact this place gets packed.
- Concession offers all your standard movie snacks and while the staff were super polite, their tills were quite slow. Not their fault... but we did end up waiting a little too long.
- The theatres themselves were AMAAAAAZING. Super comfy seats, super huge screens, cup holders, tonnes of room, tonnes of rows, HELLS YES.
- The washrooms were clean, which kinda caught me off guard. My most recent experiences with movie theatre washrooms have left me jaded.
- Prices were a little hefty, but that's movies these days. I am still super glad we paid the $45 (2 admissions, 2 large drinks, 1 large popcorn and 1 bag of nibs) and got to sit in the warmth, have a date, and be entertained for 2 hours. What other form of entertainment can keep two sophisticated, sassy and sexy women completely entertained for 2 FULL hours for only $45?!?!? 'Nuff said.
Overall, I really really really enjoyed my visit to this theatre. By far, my favourite theatre in the city.
I'll be baaaaack (C'mon, put some Arnold in your voice!!!) -
Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
12/6/2009
My love of the Chinook theatre can be directly attributed to the giant egyptian theme it still has going on. I thought it was cool when I was like ten and it first opened, and I think it is super cool now, too. I mean, the head shoots lasers from its EYES!! Heck yeah!
You can also drink inside the theatre - there is a place where you can booze it up. They have a mini food court, but like all movie theatre food, it is marked up by a lot. The popcorn "deals" advertise $0.50 to a $1.25 in savings OMG except that it is like twenty bucks for a popcorn, two pops and a snack which they fail to cost out.
The place isn't bad when it isn't busy, but when it is busy it is super scary. And have you ever been motion sick during a movie?! A couple of times I have failed to anticipate the crowd and the only seats for a group have been at the very front. Jerky action movies with crappy camera angles up close are pretty nauseating - I once spent the majority of "Hitch" with my eyes closed so I didn't puke. I didn't even feel screwed over because it was such a crappy movie.
And that really is my biggest problem with Scotiabank theatre chinook: unless guaranteed a large audience, you will not see a single independent movie within this theatre. If a movie catches on (see: Napolean Dynamite, Lost in Translation, etc.) then you can see it, but otherwise it is brainless blockbusters and chick flicks and kid movies. That's not always bad, but variety and quality would go a long way to getting me back into the movie theatre.
Giant lasers and egyptain themes, no matter how awesome, do not a good movie make. -
Review from Moez T.
Calgary, AB
11/27/2009
I have seen more movies at Chinook Centre than anywhere else in Calgary. On a quiet night, it's hands down my favourite place to see a movie. On a busy night, it is definitely my least favourite.
On a few occasions, I haven't made it past the escalator. As you approach the top, it becomes immediately clear if you've picked a quiet night or a busy night. On some of those busy nights, the ride up was immediately followed by a trip back down. When this theatre is busy, it is maddening and upsetting the amount of chaos involved. It really wasn't designed for handling 17 screens worth of audiences lining up for tickets or food.
However, it's still a great experience. They have Tim Horton's, which is just awesome. They also have other food choices, including Pizza Hut, but they could have just Tim Horton's and I'd be happy. The screens are top quality, probably the best in Calgary, so every movie is fantastic. So when you're in the mood for a double double and a movie, like I am almost every day, do some shopping and see a movie! -
Review from Zoe L.
Calgary, AB
1/3/2010
Scotiabank Theatre is my choice for the big blockbuster movies. Their stadium seating makes a movie experience that much better. My most recent experience here was to see a 3D film.
My Husband and I decided to go to a movie around 4 so we could beat the evening rush a bit. The parking around Chinook Centre is a small nightmare. We went to buy our tickets about an hour and a half early, there wasn't much of a line-up at the ticket counter. When we returned the place had already filled up, mostly with people trying to use the automatic ticket machines, which are right in front of the escalators. We chose a line to get some snacks and of course we ended up getting the slowest guy ever. I could tell he could care less about his job. We joked with the guys in front of us about it a bit. Once we finally got to him, he didn't say more than a few words. We asked for butter on our popcorn, which you usually have to pay extra for, but he didn't charge us and did 2 layers! So this guy made up for his slowness in butter. They have jacked up their prices for snacks and drinks. One thing that I kinda like about this theatre is they have people with disabilities working here. This time there was a woman in a wheelchair ripping the tickets. We picked up our 3D glasses, which we had to pay $3 each for. The theatre was practically full 40 minutes before the movie. They always seem to do a good job cleaning the theatres between films. During the film we realized all that extra butter we were given was leaking out the bottom of the bag, which I would have liked to have noticed before I got it on my jeans!
Scotiabank Theatre is a great place to go to watch those kind of movies that you have to see on the big screen. The IMAX is a key component to this place. It is usually busy here, especially on the weekends, so get there early if you are going to see a popular film! -
Review from Jollean C.
Vancouver, BC
12/4/2009
Top 10 Reasons that this is the best movie theatre in Calgary!
10. Bad-good things to eat that are better then popcorn when you don't have time for dinner (i.e. fries) (I wish they'd sell sushi).
9. Video games to pass the time when you get there too early (air hockey, DDR etc.).
8. Lots of ways to buy a ticket means ticket lines are never too long (they have tons of Interact machines) -- I just miss the days when they were encased in King Tut housings.
7. The funny Egyptian decor - ever notice the giant scarab beetles on the outside? The giant pharoah head used to have frickin laser beams coming out of its head! Dr. Evil would have been proud.
6. Tiered seating so you don't have to worry about giant lugheads or Marge Simpson hair.
5. Large washrooms that are fairly clean (even though the dryers take FOREVER).
4. Imax Theatre - watching movies like Kill Bill, Harry Potter and Underworld on a gargantuan screen was AHMAZING!
3. Lots of theatres (17 I think) so even though it gets busy (and it can get crazy busy), if you are smart and understand the art of movie-going, you will know what time to get there for.
2. The sound: this place is soundproofed, you can't hear the projector like at some other theatres and it's definately been THX-calibrated. I like my movies loud and proud.
1. The size of the theatres. I will work my schedule around to ensure I'm in theatres 1 or 2 or 9 or 10 which are the biggest. You get the middle seats in the middle of the theatre and you are sweet-spotting it.
I take my movie-going seriously (you couldn't tell, could you?) -
Review from jodi l.
Calgary, AB
2/8/2010
Ive been several times now to this Movie Theater,its quite busy each time Ive gone.Nicely laid out with fast food,popcorn etc.Also have arcade games to pass time til your movie ...I like the debit stands they have avail to get tickets too.Esp when there is a line four feet long to get tickets-the debit machines do all quickly.Yesterday I went to see Avatar-3D and it was a good film..The one thing I didnt like this time was we ordered from the Burg King-we order two poutines,large fries and three med drinks and it too 40 min to get our order....WOW.But the Theater is good,lots of space for seating,clean,courteous employees.
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Review from Yo U.
9/26/2009
This place is a chaotic dump. I go here only because it's in the Chinook Centre.
