- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Scotiabank Theatre
Category: Arts & Entertainment Cinema Cinema [Edit]
259 Richmond St WToronto, ON M5V 3M6
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core
(416) 368-5600
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
55 reviews for Scotiabank Theatre
55 reviews in English
-
Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2012
The first mainstream movie I watched on IMAX was Spider-Man 2 in 2004, and it was at Scotiabank Theater. And the first 3D movie I watched on IMAX was Polar Express in 2004. Now almost all high-profile blockbuster movies come in IMAX. It doesn't have the special event vibe anymore. Nevertheless, it's still a joy to watch a movie on a giant screen with crystal clear clarity and deafening sound system. Watching a blockbuster with lots of explosions, actions and special effects doesn't get better than watching it on IMAX. You really are absorbed into the movie screen. However, seat comfort may take you out of the experience. The leg room is seriously lacking, and seat width is narrow.
Other than that, the movie theater is a decent place. The screens are fairly large, and seats are comfortable. There is enough leg space to stretch your body. And it has the advantage of being located in club district. There is a bar next to popcorn stand. Parking is pretty cheap on weekdays. But getting out of the underground parking lot on weekend nights is a nightmare since the street is dominated by drunk people.
5 star goes to the IMAX. If IMAX is taken out of the rating, this theater gets a solid 4 for its large screens, AVX, location and bar. -
Review from Mauricio A.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2012
One of the best mainstream theaters in Toronto! It used to be called the Paramount Movie Theatre before Paramount got bought out and decided to sell its properties, including Paramount's Canada's Wonderland. However that is for another review but it explains the massive Klingon Bird of Prey hanging on top of the lonnngggg escalators which take you what must be the fifth floor of this massive theater.
My little secret: I used to have my own sort of VIP service since almost no one knew about this, there used to be ONE (1) lonely automated ticket machine on the theater floor which was always empty so I used to by-pass the long line ups, go straight up and buy my tickets and walk right in. No waiting. Ever. However since hardly anyone ever used it, I think they wised up and had removed it last time I was there. Boo.
The view from here is high and stunning and so are the prices for absolutely EVERYTHING. In fairness, we all already knew this because we all know that old theatre motto: "Movie theaters, where water and corn syrup costs 4 times more than gasoline... and we are proud of it!"
So, Concession Stand Rape aside, I must say I like this theater for the simple reason that it is centrally located and as such, a nice healthy walk from the subway during the Summer and a convenient trip during the Winter.
The theatre's screens themselves are nice, even the small ones are a good size and of course watching 3D movies can be both exhilarating to the senses and to your wallet since they are about $18 per ticket. Warning: You both may feel a bit spent after watching one.
Their lounge is a non sequitur in the concept of the lounge. As it lacks a 'cool' or heck, even a 'bar' vibe that all bars or lounges need in order to be called one. Since no one wants to hangout and have a drink at an overly illuminated, open concept bar/lounge within earshot of kids screaming: 'This is Spartaaaaaaa!' ...or whatever catchphrase is hot at the time along an invasive smell of popcorn and Taco Bell lingering like a bad mother-in-law. Unless you have a drinking problem, at which point I would question not only your taste in bars but also if you are possibly neglecting your weekly AA meeting.
Lastly, to the name... "Scotia Bank Theatre?" Really? At this pace I will be looking for the Canada Trust Sperm Bank "They are open late" and RBC buying out LavaLife 'cause... screw it, why not?
There are some movies which really deserve the big screen treatment and this is a great venue for them, however if I can, I really prefer to support my local movie theatres first.
Fun Fact: There is also a Scotiabank Theatre in Vancouver. OMG, they have found a way to breed! -
Review from Saran R.
Guelph, ON
2/22/2012
I came here to watch the Descendents and I really enjoyed the pre-movie game they had using smartphones. I believe it was called TimePlay and you can download this application on your iPhone. Then before the movie starts, they had a segment that allowed the audience to participate. One was a commercial for the Ford Focus and we had to choose which commercial to watch. The second was for a prize where the person who splattered to most paint on screen won a concession coupon or scene points.
Besides that the facilities are good with solid choices in food and drinks. I had a pleasant experience and the TimePlay experience made it a little more special. -
Review from Faye C.
5/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
This theatre is pretty nice, we had preview tickets to see Dark Shadows, and they did a good job of making an event of it. Would recommend (both the movie and the theatre)
-
Review from Susan G.
2/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Scotiabank Theatre - used to have zero competition, but since AMC has moved into Yonge/Dundas, they've had to up their ante a bit (they haven't really, but... they've tried).
Scotiabank is a regular hangout for me, and they do have quite a few perks over other theatres.
1. IMAX and Ultra AVX theatres: both necessary for the modern massive theatre. (Ultra AVX is newish, allows you to book reserved seats in reclining chairs).
2. POPTOPIA: a popcorn lovers dream come true. Sweet and savory flavors including my favorites: Chicago Blend (caramel corn and cheese), jalapeno, and many more.
3. Flavour packets: if you're not getting poptopia, why not add to your popcorn experience with me personal favorite, ketchup powder?
While these are small differences in the theatre experience - when you go as often as I do the little things start to make a difference.
And yes, it is expensive - go on a Tuesday or save up your Scene points! -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
2/6/2012
This reminds me exactly of the scotia bank theatre in downtown Vancouver...you walk in and there are self serve ticket booths or counter served where you can buy tickets for your show. One thing that is different is that there is a new type of theatre where the screens are bigger and the sound is louder.. I cannot remember what it is called.. Not 3d though...there was no need for that .. I mean I am already in a movie theatre..it is a complete upgrade from my home tv anyway!
Up the long escalator we go to the theatre level.. Or you can take the long flight of stairs if you feel like a workout before munching on some popcorn or candy. I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of food options there were, in particular the specialty colored flavored popcorn!
The movie theatre seats are standard, and the place is swept clean before a new show. I went to watch mission impossible 4 and good things we got there a little early because the place filled up fast. I believe in first come first serve and if someone comes late, then I should not have to move over for their satisfaction.
Just as the movie started, there was a huge whiff of burger smell....and realized that burger king was one of the vendors in the theatre.. I haven't been to a theatre in a long time where burgers were available. I wasn't sure if I was intriguesd or disgusted because it smelled delicious but at the same time it was lingering throughout the movie..
For the most part the movie went without a glitch.. I did notice the screen during the previous cut in and out but not enough to complain.... The movie was good.
When walking out, I noticed there was a booth where kids could make their own music video.... Reminiscing on the good old school days...... -
Review from Amber B.
Toronto, ON
2/15/2012
Firstly, it is fairly expensive, so go on Tuesdays (half price nights!) & bring your Scene card if you have one.
I have only been to one movie here, so I'm not the most extensive judge. What I remember most is the Escalator Of Doom! (It feels endless! And going down, you feel like you will fall over!)
It seems like they can effectively manage crowds, I went at a busy time & did not wait long to get a ticket or food. Lots of choices of movie theatre snacks (whether or not that is a good thing to you is subjective- I cannot fathom eating pizza in a movie).
It's a decent theatre from what I could see. Nothing stood out, but they were playing the movie that my friend and I wanted to see, and it did the job! -
Review from COURT P.
4/14/2012
State of the art theater. The IMAX Theater is crazy huge. Very nice staff for a Noon matinee.
-
Review from Lauren M.
11/16/2011 3 Check-ins Here
So it's come down to this...I'm reviewing a movie theater (thanks to YOU, Yelp November Challenge)
This movie theater is big, shiny and clean and has a giant escalator. Fun times. I really like the seats (big, comfy) and the screen size. The 3D movies are a lot of fun. I saw PUSS N BOOTS last night in 3D, amazing!
The prices seem even more ridiculous that other theaters. The 3D is cool but costs $16 or $19. At least on Tuesdays it's only $10.50, but still.
It also gets way too busy but I suppose most theaters do.
Some of the staff are very slowwwwwwwww..... -
Review from Ryan W.
Toronto, ON
4/8/2012
I have visited countless movie theatres in Toronto for years, but I have to say, hands down, this location is by far the best. With a fully equipped IMAX and UltraAVX theatres, you can bet there's a movie for anyone. There are giant escalators and stairs, which you can take your pick during a movie premiere ;)
I usually pre-order tickets in bulk for about $7 each with corporate discount, so I only have to add $6 to watch movies in IMAX.
What I miss the most is the IMAX laser show. When I enquired, this location is apparently one of the last to abandon it.
IMHO, the only movies worth watching are in IMAX. It's not worth paying money to see a movie with sub-par quality. The upgrade is definitely worth it if you have money to spare. -
Review from Coy W.
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This movie theatre has everything. It shows all your major blockbusters on their regular screens, Ultra AVX screen, IMAX screen and has assigned seating for some theatres. The seating is pretty standard with some theatres that recline. I wish I knew exactly which ones but I haven't been in all the theatres. The audio and visual are pretty awesome especially if you're in the IMAX and Ultra AVX theatres.
There is an ok selection of overpriced fast food and overpriced concession stand but all theatres are overpriced which I absolutely hate. There is a bar that you can purchase alcohol from and it must be consumed in a certain area of the movie theatre.
The movie theatres are on the second level of the building on top of the Chapters and tickets can be purchased on the first level. There are plenty of machines which aren't slower than a sewing machine like the AMC machines and plenty of tellers.
The only thing that sucks about this theatre is that it also has a price tag that is becoming more expensive than all the other theatres.
If you are planning to watch a blockbuster I highly recommend checking it out here otherwise you're better going to another theatre due to the cost. -
Review from Charlotte W.
North York, ON
10/16/2011
I went here last night with my boyfriend to watch Reel Steel (great movie by the way!) As with other reviews, mine is on the AVX theatre.
I have always like the concept of reserving your seats for a movie. It really takes the stress out of an otherwise very enjoyable afternoon/evening. Or maybe just for me as I am the type of person that needs to be in the theater at least 45 minutes prior to the show to ensure I get the seat I want...as in last, last row right in the middle. (I hate having people behind me because of the talking that inevitably goes on and/or the muddy shoes that I imagine to be a hair's length away...)
Anyways, the AVX takes that stress away, and for a premium (we paid 15.75/ticket) you can choose your seats. Not sure if anyone else experienced this, but my only only beef with the system is that you aren't allowed to choose seats with spaces in between other seats so you inevitably have to sit beside a random person (meaning you can't leave an extra chair between you and the other person). We ended up buying tickets for the last row which someone else had occupied. Because it was not busy, we just sat one row down. Which brings me to my other potential concern - there can always be people in your seats so hang tight to your tickets (for me, I always used to chuck them).
All in all, wouldn't come out of my way to watch the AVX. Seats are no wider but armchairs do lift up so you can cuddle or...
FYI! My boyfriend and I made the mistake of parking at the theater which cost us 20bucks!!! I am sure there are other parking lots around for less, but we were lazy. Not sure if this is the usual rate at this particular lot, or if it was taking advantage of the clubs around. Either way, can't beat the location (right at the theater).Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge -…
-
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 8/11/2011
This might be old news, but Paramount (Scotiabank Theatre) has a newly renovated theatre which shows movies using Ultra AVX (http://www.cineplex.co...). They also have one at Yorkdale, Queensway and other big locations in the GTA.
For $15.95 (as opposed to $12.75) you get:
- Reserved Seating - I wish we had this for all movies, but I am extremely pleased to see this finally come to Canada
- Reclining Chairs - not like the half way business that they had at Sheppard Grande
- Gigantically large screen - you feel completely immersed in the world of the movie. It's basically IMAX size, maybe bigger.
- Clear and crisp sound
With this experience, who needs 3D? Especially when it costs so much to do, and distorts the movie if not done properly. I see this as the future of the big blockbuster movie theatres, just like how when Paramount first opened almost 15 years ago - we thought the experience was insurmountable. Turns out, it can be topped.
If this is the future of the movie theatre, I'm pleased (except for the rising costs). Reserved Seating!! I mean, you can show up to the movie theatre EXACTLY when the movie starts and don't have to sit there and watch trivia about celebrities for half and hour. Who Would Have Thunk it!
The seats are comfy, you are reclining, but they aren't comfy to snuggle with your partner in, even though the arm rests lift up.
As for new concessions, they've opened a Kernels type popcorn store that sells Sweet and Savoury Pop-o-corn.
If I had more time, I would have tried it.
I don't think I can watch any blockbuster (which is basically the reason I go to movies these days) any other way. We saw Planet of the Apes last night (which btw was an excellent, although a little flawed, but overall excellent action packed hollywood blockbuster movie) - and you can see every wrinkle, hair and dandruff of the actors and the Ape.
Yah, I don't know about 3D, so far my experiences haven't been anything to call home about. This one on the other had... you gotta try it.
Buy tickets online and print them out at home (or on your phone) and you can pick your seats there too!
We need to get into this behaviour so that we all buy tickets ahead of time - then you can check and see if you even and to go that movie based on the # of seats that are filled up and what's left. How awesome.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/9/2010
I don't know. I still call it Paramount.
Its great because it's beside a Chapters (okay fine,… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jorge L.
7/24/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Probably the best movie theatre in downtown Toronto. There is a great restaurant overlooking Richmond... ok granted there is nothing exciting to see at least there are WINDOW seats. You can buy booze before watching Miley Cyrus.
The IMAX is superb but bring ear plugs in case your ears are sensitive. It can be very loud.
The popcorn... tast like anywhere else. There are two concession stands with about six cashiers - now you can imagine how busy it can get. The theatres are decent size and guaranteed not to have bed bugs (TIFF is smiling).
They show Met concerts at times for opera lovers who can't afford to fly :(. And sometimes, they play UFC for those who thirst for blood - this is on top of its long line up for horror flicks.
I am a fan for sure.
They have refillable large pop corn too if you don't care about your weight. Easy on the iced tea... but they'd refill it in case you finished it in the middle of the movie.
Pee at your own risk, the washroom can sometimes be unclean. Yuck.Listed in: Where I Watch!
-
Review from Dave M.
9/2/2011
While I've been to Scotiabank before, I feel compelled to write a review, based solely on my recent experience with their newly-added Ultra AVX screen.
It has been covered in another review already, but basically you get a kickass larger screen, crisp sound, fully-reclinable leather seats, and best of all, the ability to specify the seats you want when purchasing the ticket.
I can't begin to tell you how many times I've gotten to the theater so early, only to be screwed out of a good seat by someone who arrived after me, who was just less distracted and went in to sit down before I did. NO LONGER! I love the idea that I can fart around until 5 minutes before the show, and just march right into a great seat. If only every screen in every theater was like this, I'd actually want to go out to the movies more often.
As for the rest of the theater, fairly standard stuff, not much to report. -
Review from Hideki K.
7/1/2011
This movie theatre is great! I love their 3D screens and poutine.
I practically come here once a week to catch a flick (too many good movies to see), and like their movie selection a lot better than the AMC Yonge & Dundas 24 theatre, although the AMC is in a better location.
If you frequent this theatre or any Cineplex theatre, I recommend that you sign up for their free http://Scene.ca movie watcher card.
https://www.scene.caListed in: Best of T.O
-
Review from Martin W.
7/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Excellent theatre. I have been here many times over the years and watched many movies. I have never had a bad experience here. Back in my undergrad years they had an incredible student discount deal that had me practically living here. I am sad that the deal is long since gone.
Prices have creeped up over the years. That is the one thing that really sucks. However, their IMAX and UltraAVX theatres are really outstanding. The UltraAVX is assigned seating and really impressive.
Do not forget to get your Scene card as you get 10% off on concessions as well as earn points to free movies. The Scene card has allowed me to see plenty of free movies. What is really cool about the Scene card is that you can watch the free movie on any of the theatres, including the more expensive 3D theatres, at no extra cost.
The place does get busy, so if you aren't into crowds that could be a problem. Bathrooms are also less convenient to get to than other theatres and sometimes, especially after a movie ends, line ups get really long.
What you will notice between this theatre and the AMC at Yonge & Dundas is that they don't carry the same selection of movies. One theatre will get a big blockbuster movie and the other theatre won't. I'm not sure why they have to split the movies, it probably has to do with proximity between locations, but that means that neither theatre gets all of the big blockbusters. This can be a little annoying if you really prefer one location over the other.
They do have cheap parking here during the week. If it is Friday or Saturday though, you are out of luck and parking just about everywhere is expensive. -
Review from Joy S.
Woodbridge, ON
Updated - 4/17/2011
Hold on tight while riding the escalator its like being on a ride at Canada's Wonderland!
After your amusement ride head to the bar and grab a beer and hang out in the fancy VIP 19+ area.
The only disadvantage is the placement of washrooms.. some are so far away you are running back hoping you didn't miss the entire movie!Listed in: *****, #1 Movie Theatres
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/11/2010
This is my favourite movie theatre in Toronto!
Im terrified of the enormous escalators! When I ride… Read more »
-
-
Review from Tara Z.
9/19/2011
I don't know if there's anything I can really say about this--movie theaters are mostly the same, I think. TIFF was showing movies here this year, though, and I commend them for how well organized everything was. We got there half an hour early to get seats and it was so nice to be able to talk without stupid movie trivia and car ads playing in the background.
-
Review from marija k.
Toronto, ON
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's an okay set of theatres, there really isn't much you can say about the theatres - they exist, they are well placed, there's plenty of them, there's an IMAX screen, and the seating is comfortable. Now onto the amenities. They are questionable at best. I do not get thrilled over the idea of being able to get a beer before going into the theatre, it's not the first thing I crave for when I enter such an establishment.
Toilets are far apart, so that's one downside. Staff are not very good at crowd control. Whenever I've seen a blockbuster there (last week HP pt2 in 3D) staff are horrible at trying to maintain a certain semblance of queuing discipline. Another downside, and this is endemic in most theatres - overpriced food. Do I really believe that a medium diet coke (12oz) is worth $4.25? There's a reason people sneak food & drinks in, and that is due to the pricing.
Location is not the best, as others have noted. Escalator is horrible to go on if one is terrified of heights - so thank god for that elevator.
One dangerous aspect, and the designers never thought of this when constructing the place -- the exit is at the foot of the down escalator. People have this tendancy of getting to the bottom and just standing there while they rifle through their purses/rucksacks. There is always the potential of a "pile up" and it has happened on a number of occassions. -
Review from Teena D.
12/30/2010
We saw "The Fighter" there tonight ... excellent movie!
Depending on what theatre you are in will determine your experience. I've been in huge LOUD ones (right on!) and I've been in small ones.
I found the sound on the movie today sometimes hard to understand.
The price of food is outrageous (I never get food there). Almost $11 plus tax for a Burger King burger/fries/pop ... crazy!
There aren't enough bathrooms on the theatre level ... I hate having to climb stairs to pee :( -
Review from Michelle G.
Toronto, ON
10/21/2010 3 Check-ins Here
We went and saw a movie here on Telus Tuesday, where we got a discounted movie ticket, and a free popcorn and a drink. The combo ticket was cheaper than buying a regular ticket. Can't go wrong with that. Avoiding the massive price of snacks is always nice.
It's close to the Osgoode Subway station, I loved the copious self-serve machines, and the seats were comfy.
What is with the bathrooms though? First of all, they were kind of hard to find, and secondly, for a big theater there aren't very many stalls. I'm glad I went on a Tuesday in the middle of a movie, because I can't imagine what that looks like on a Friday or Saturday. -
Review from Nick S.
6/21/2011 1 photo
Much like the Scotiabank Theatre in downtown Vancouver, this one is huge and comes with it's own food court. The tickets are a bit cheaper than AMC, and being Scotiabank, the amenities are of course good.
Definitely the place to go for a good 3D or IMAX show. -
Review from Sanita M.
5/8/2011
This is good cinema. However, always crowded and not that close to the subway Osgoode station (cold winter days). Also difficult to find parking on weekends, expensive parking downtown.
So, I prefer other cinemas that are inside the subway buildings, haha. Like Sheppard, Eglinton or Varsity ones. -
Review from Nicole H.
Toronto, ON
10/18/2010 10 Check-ins Here
Scotiabank's a cinema I don't mind going to when there's something like TIFF screenings, or it's a quieter weeknight or weekend-day screening, but when it's super busy on Friday and Saturday nights there, I break out in a rash of rage. That's not the management's fault, but does tend to make me rethink going there at peak times. Overall:
* Pros
- Plenty of self-serve machines in the ticketing area if the lineup is long
- Upstairs has a reasonable amount of seating/loitering space in the lobby/concession area, so you can wait out of the way for friends.
- Reasonably comfy chairs, and tiering is good so tallness of the person in front isn't ever an issue
- Location; not the fact that you get spilled out into clubland on weekends, but just the fact it's super easy to get to via subway or streetcar.
- This place generally has the best selection of new releases and big releases downtown.
- The big escalator ride. Yes, i'm a big child. Zooooom!
* Cons
- Price of concessions is ridiculous, like any cinema mega-chain.
- Washrooms within the ticketed area are really small - there may be two ladies washrooms, but there's only a few stalls in each!
- When it's really busy, holding people outside the ticketed area as they're trying to get to their cinema while big lineups file into their ready screenings can be a logistical nightmare.
- Inconsistent staff quality; some are helpful and efficient, some are slow and apathetic. Doesn't really help me rate you well with such choppy quality, Scotiabank!
- Location; you get spilled out into clubland on weekends, and those crowds are a real buzzkill when you're coming out from a fun movie-going experience.
Basically it boils down to: Scotiabank - yeah, it'll do.Listed in: Moving Pictures - Toronto…
-
Review from Robin D.
3/27/2011
Theatre is okay.
Rather talk about the expensive underground parking next to it. Went to watch a movie on a Saturday night. Parking was $19 while we watched one movie. Owww. -
Review from Spiro P.
Toronto, ON
12/11/2010
The screen outside the building is reminiscent of the scene of the screen from the movie, "Blade Runner."
There are a lot of neon signs to be found inside the theater; however, the viewing experience is good.
There are not many independent movies that will play at this venue, but sometimes they play concert screenings.
There are many food and concession stands; however, they do not sell any health foods.
I hope that there will be a growing trend in movie theaters selling healthier food items. -
Review from Dom L.
Toronto, ON
8/14/2010
Great screens, great location, and great food choices--just don't mind the prices. Love the escalator and decor, it always makes seeing a movie seem like an event, and the IMAX is amazing. The employees here are usually quick with cleaning and getting your concession items.
But why oh why doesn't this theater have any discounted price times? A ticket for general admission (normal film, no 3D, no IMAX) is currently $12.75, and unlike with the Y&D AMC, there aren't any ways to get the ticket price down a few dollars. As a result, I don't see very many movies here, even though I would love to. -
Review from Chris D.
ETOBICOKE, ON
8/13/2010
For a movie theater, it's good.
The place is huge, parking space is cheap but keep in mind that towards the end of the week the spaces will be full. It's besides Jack astors so you could grab some food their while you wait, or you could also engulf yourself reading in Chapters. Lastly, the seats are comfortable.
Downside, aside from the price it's no where near a subway station it's like 4 to 5 blocks from Osgoode station and if you wait for streetcar it's better if you walk, and besides sometimes it's too crowded. -
Review from Andrew M.
Kingston, ON
11/3/2010
- Reasonably good location in downtown, not as good as AMC though (a bit of a hike to subway station)
- Like AMC, ridiculously high prices for admission and concession stands. Fast food is available for sale at the concession stands, which is convenient but costs twice as much as outside the theatre.
- Too much advertising. Seriously, do you have to name your theatre after a bank? Also, there are a zillion ads before the movie starts - AMC has far fewer ads than this theatre. And there are billboards everywhere in the lobby of the theatre.
- Like AMC, you have to go up a loooooooong escalator (fortunately only one, unlike AMC) to get to the movie theatre.
- Seems to attract far more of the rowdy type than the AMC, as this theatre is surrounded by clubland. Not terribly family-friendly at night. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
7/31/2009 2 Check-ins Here
A pretty standard theater that I sometimes have no choice to go to because it is occasionally the only venue that is playing something that I want to see downtown. I'll usually pick AMC first because A) It's closer, B) Far less busy, and C) There are fewer d-bags after the show let's out.
There are several fast food joints in this theater as well as a full bar. I don't think that you're able to take your alcoholic beverage outside of the cordoned-off area though.
Oh yeah, it's also the only location that has IMAX downtown. IMAX is pretty cool for the extra couple of dollars- I made the mistake of going to see Watchmen in IMAX format and what I recall vividly is Dr. Manhattan's appendage being several multipliers larger than my entire body.
They also validate parking for the lot underneath so you can end up paying only $5 for the evening. -
Review from Jennifer L.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 12/7/2009
This special applies to other Cineplex Odeon and Famous Players cinemas!
http://tuesdays.telus....1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/24/2009
Remember half priced Tuesdays at the movies?
Get this: Tuesdays now mean a FREE giant bag of popcorn… Read more »
-
-
Review from Amanda A.
Toronto, ON
8/24/2009
I like this Theatre. Maybe I am kind of biased, because this is where my husband and I went for our first date - but I'll spare you the details of my love life.
Can I be honest? I love that huge escalator ride. I dare not walk up it. I enjoy every moment of it (unless I am late for my show). It helps to bring the whole movie-going experience to epic proportions.
This theatre always has the 3D movies - there's never a long lineup to get your tickets or food, because its well staffed. I find the theatres pretty clean and the shows always start on time.
I could review the Burger King at this location seperately - as they've had to inform me "we are out of burgers" a number of times. Well, what exactly are they the King of then? That is just as irritating as when Popeye's runs out of chicken or biscuits.
This is really your average theater - but with IMAX Digital 3-D, good service, and a really big-ass escalator. I approve. -
Review from Jane S.
2/1/2010
I originally went to this place to meet a pen-pal of mine (how old-fashioned of me!), way back when it was still named "Famous Players Paramount."
I really like this cinema. It's spacious, has IMAX (and provide all the other films that require special eye wear), and loads of things to eat / drink. I absolutely dig that they serve beer. Do all theaters in Canada do this? If so, I should probably consider the move on up.
Though, unlike a few reviewers before me, I had no trouble loitering by the windows without a drink.
I didn't have to wait too long on the ticket line (or the food line), because this theater was well-staffed.
Overall, a lovely, mainstream movie experience. -
Review from Dishan W.
8/20/2010 27 Check-ins Here
I almost feel like I should give this place two separate reviews
I would give it 5 stars for those midnight/opening night screenings of big blockbuster movie events where you line up for hours with other fans as nerdy/geeky/keen as you are and really take in the atmosphere of coming out to a big time movie and watching it with people that have great screen reactions. There's no other place in downtown Toronto with an IMAX screen, and come on there's a Laser Show at the start of every screening! (I may or may not know it by heart and secretly sing it in my head everytime I see it).
The downside is probably the same reason I mentioned above. The over saturation of people that are geeky/keen/nerdy that are loud when the time does not call for it. The Scotiabank is my least favourite place downtown to watch a nice non-blockbuster movie. I would still give it 3 stars, because while it's extremely overpriced, it does have a good selection of grub (and free popcorn toppings which will probably kill me!) and the bar there is not as overpriced as you may think, and I've caught a few Jays games while having a drink before a movie and it beats waiting for other members of your group while standing around.
I have had some issues with some of the consession stand employees, but then I do go quite a few times a month, so I do not expect to receive stellar service all the time. But they really could afford to speed things outside the main concession booth.
So 4 stars for me, averaging out the 5 star and 3 star experience!Listed in: Your tiff Guide!
-
Review from Karl R.
9/8/2009 3 photos
This used to be called Famous Players Paramount Theatre just as Canada's Wonderland used to be called Paramount's Wonderland. It all makes me wonder what Torontoids did that so horribly offended Paramount that they took their names off our entertainment venues?
It's been renamed, inexplicably, the Scotiabank No Loads Mutual Fund Movie Tellertorium or something ridiculous. The movies are about magic, fantasy, being transported to another world. Only in Canada, or maybe Toronto, does it make perfect sense a chartered bank resonates in perfect simpatico with escapist fantasy.
Good: All the theatres are contiguous and that means if you time it right you can sneak into another movie on the same dime.
Bad: The maximum capacity screen has a little snaking tape line they use when they expect a big crowd. Alright. But they don't let you get into the line until they no longer need the line and make you line up to get into the line up and shout at you if you try to use the line that seems to indicate it's the line for the movie. Does that make sense? No? Good. Because it never made sense to me.
Bad: You also can't chill out before the movie at the window side bar seats unless you purchase a beverage. They'll yell at you for that too.
Good: They actually have movies you want to see. Not like the AMC Dundas 24 which is a pretty hassle free theatre full of people who never yell at you but rarely ever shows anything that won't depress you or has teen vampires.Listed in: When you're alone and life is…
-
Review from Elvis A.
8/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Being the flagship Theater for Cineplex chain place is one what is expected i.e. lots of screens the obligatory IMAX and the new way to churn money from the consumer Ultra AVX screen. The IMAX here is bigger than the other cineplex IMAX screens but surely not the biggest IMAX I have seen. Lots of overpriced concessions but what I like here is that there have a bar that serves wine and beer! Ultra AVX is really nice and if you are a home theater enthusiast you will enjoy the extra oopmh on the sound and humongous screen. I actually prefer it over IMAX as most of the movies are not shot in IMAX. In downtown if I want to see a big budget flick I would either watch it here or the UltraAVX version of AMC at Dundas. Now if they have matinee shows I would give it 5 Stars as Tuesdays don;t necessarily work for everyone ;) 3.5 Stars overall.
-
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
4/29/2010
My absolute favourite movie theatre in T-Dot. I've spent far too much time here, hell, I practically used to live here, but no complaints at this end.
I love the entire experience; From the moment you go up the gigantic escalator (high enough to make you sick to the stomach), to the moment you head back out - the overall experience couldn't be better.
As of tomorrow, chances are high, VERY HIGH, that you'll find me here. I'm comin' home baby. -
Review from Adrian P.
East York, ON
2/9/2010
I don't normally rave about big corporation movie houses but I have to give it up for Scotiabank today. I just saw a digital print of "The Godfather" as part of their "Great Digital Film Festival" and it was amazing.
I sincerely hope they continue doing events like this, and why not? Toronto has been steadily losing all of its independent, 2nd run movie theatres for years and it's almost impossible to see classic films on the big screen anymore.
There must be some kind of audience for popular classic films in this city of 3 million right?
Come on Cineplex, use your evil corporate powers for good once in a while and I won't cry myself to sleep about your $100 bags of popcorn anymore. -
Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/8/2008
This used to be your only big movie theatre option in the downtown core until the Yonge & Dundas AMC opened -- which is my new favourite place to see movies. Unfortunately, sometimes Famous Players gets the screening rights and then I have to trek over here...
This theatre is OK. I still call it the Paramount as most people do, and I still go there once in a while to see movies that I can't see elsewhere. It's pricey, just like everywhere else -- overpriced tickets and food that will make you cringe when you swipe your debit card.
But I have learned that their "Scene" card (which is totally free and you can sign up for online) is definitely a good way to save a bit of money if you see movies often enough. 10% off concession food, and you accumulate points which means free movies and snacks. I've already gotten free admission and popcorn once, and I don't really see movies that often.
Anyway, the one thing I wanted to warn everyone about is that teenagers LOVE this theatre. Any day that children are not at school, this place becomes a daycare, and there are kids loitering everywhere. Also for hot ticket IMAX shows, buy your tickets in advance and get there early -- there can be lineups and they do sell out (curse you, Dark Knight). But it's a great experience that's worth the extra effort.
