Watched one of my favorite movies here! I loved the vibes & & staff! It was all so amazing ! read more

American Cinematheque - Cinema Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Invested $80 bucks in membership, hoping for at least a shot at Frankenstein and Knives Out "special screenings." They want people to believe these screenings sell out less than 2 minutes after announcement emails go out. I seriously doubt it. And of course no refund or partial refund. Might as well flush 80 bucks down the loo. Place also seems over run with dudebros working there. Greed Rules All. Wish I'd given this $ to Vidiots. They are nice. read more

Worst customer service ever. Fine print more important than patron satisfaction. It's better to watch old movies on YouTube than deal with people like this. read more

I love the Cinematheque. They show great movies. But so do lots of places in LA. We're lucky, we're living in a time when boutique cinema is really having a moment- Vidiots, the New Bev, the Vista, the Academy are showing great movies every night of the week. So with so many other great options, why is my first love, the place I' e been a member of for 20+ years, the OG film fan oasis falling behind? Their web site is AWFUL. Good luck getting anyone from the cinematheque on the phone. There's zero sense of community. Food and drink options are awful. If you go to the Cinematheque you'll have a really middling experience watching a really great movie. Members deserve better. read more

I hate to leave a negative review for these folks. I'm a member. And I've gone to films at both the Egyptian and Aero since Day One. (Ya, I'm old.) But I feel the need to call attention to what seems to be an issue. A pretty bad one. They cancel their movies. Not a few days before, I mean after the theater is already full! Earlier this summer, they showed Spaceballs in 70mm. Sold out theater. Halfway through the movie, the sound went out. The movie played with no sound for 10-15 minutes. Then the house lights came on and we all waited around while they tried to fix it. Finally, they told us they couldn't figure it out. So we were all given a refund or a chance to see it again on another day they scheduled. Went back there today, August 31. Was set to see Solaris. Theater is filled up, movie is set to start at 1pm. At 1:10pm, they announce it's cancelled. Again, due to technical issues. I understand it's a nonprofit. And something like this happening once...I get. But twice in a span of a couple months? Sure, we get refunds, but it's not about the money. We've given up our evening or afternoon to schlep all the way over to Hollywood, find parking, and brave the tourist/drug zombie wasteland that is present-day Hollywood. Folks, you need to get your act together. Close the Egyptian down for a couple months if need be to figure out what's wrong. Maybe partner up with the Academy, who screen flawless prints in their glorious theaters next to LACMA. (Sometimes, clearly, the same prints AC has.) Will amend the review if things improve. I already have tickets for 3-4 events this month so plenty of chance to evaluate. read more

If Yelp allowed half star increments I would rate 2.5 stars; the difference is split between 5 stars for film programming but 1 star for customer service. The AC is showing Fallen Angels by Wong Kar Wai: the screening page does not say whether the original or the director's cut will be shown. I sent an email asking which version would be screened, and they responded by telling me to look at the runtime to figure it out, or in other words they didn't answer my question and told me to do it myself. It is terrible customer service to not answer a customer question; even if the AC or intern who answered didn't know, just say you don't know yet. I responded by saying I didn't appreciate this evasion of an answer, that it was bad customer service, and they doubled down telling me to contact the distributor. I work at a movie theater and I always A: answer the question, or B: ask a higher up if I don't know the answer, or C: if no one knows yet tell them that but that we can get back to them soon. Abysmal customer service. read more

Very disillusioned, let down and disappointed with the manager of the Aero Theater in Santa Monica and the recent showing of Dr. Dolittle. The manager of the theater ( who is the main problem and reason for the problems there ) kept everyone waiting outside for 15 minutes after the movie was supposed to start and blamed it on the projectionist. There is no reason he couldnt have let the patrons in and get their seats. It was very cold that day in Santa Monica too. The two guest speakers sat in the back and were signing many autographs for, it appeared, America Cinematheque members ( or friends of the members who were standing by them ). At the end of the long ( but excellent ) Dr. Dolittle movie the stars spoke about the movie and were supposed to sign autographs for the loyal fans of the movie. A few people who got to the stars first were able to get their memorabilia signed but the stars were rushed off to a waiting car. Very disappointed in the manager of the Aero theather and how he handled this screening. Very ill planned and disorganized. read more

They regularly oversubscribe their events, so make sure you're actually guaranteed entry to whatever you're attending. Today they literally turned away 2/3 of people who had already been waiting in line for almost an hour. Otherwise, you've fought your way through overpriced parking, belligerent street people and throngs of tourists for nothing. read more

American Cinematheque operates the Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Blvd, about 2 blocks from Highland Center which is on the corner of Hollywood and Highland. There is lot parking a block south of the theater. Street parking is tight, except on Sundays. American Cinematheque also operated the Aero Theater in Santa Monica. Operating as a non-profit, their ticket prices are lower than the multiplex chain theaters like the Chinese TCL's in the Highland Center. The seats at the Egyptian are old and not too comfortable. There is modified stadium seating, not as steep as true stadium seating. The refreshment stand has the usual selection. The bathrooms are very clean with plenty of paper towels and soap. AC runs a lot of classic films, including old black and whites. A couple of months ago I saw the Maltese Falcon with Bogart here. If you are an American Cinematheque member, you are invited to about 1 free new release film a month, usually before they hit the market, often with an informative Q and A afterwards. Most of the free screenings are for members only, but not all. As a not for profit theater, the workers are volunteers who truly enjoy doing their job so the atmosphere is mellow. These AC theaters attract true movie buffs so it is fun chatting with your fellow movie goers. The Egyptian Theater was built I believe in the 20's or 30's so it is a classic venue with an amazingly intricate, beautiful ceiling. The walls have been stripped of their original appointments and are kind bland. The outside courtyard has been restored; it is spacious and large enough to host receptions, which are always fun. Oh, I forgot to mention that AC hosts new foreign films, usually by country and sometimes by region like Europe. I am a huge fun and happy to be a member. A shout out to Andrew Crane, the membership manager, who does a fantastic job. He answers emails in a flash! read more

Terrific programming at the classically beautiful and restored Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Classic films, documentaries, interesting indies, foreign cinema, Q and A's with filmmakers, lectures, retrospectives of the work of important and forgotten artists... The not for profit American Cinematheque is a gift for lovers of the cinema. I've been there countless times since I moved to Los Angeles over a decade ago, but spent many hours of this past weekend experiencing the cinema of Michael Cimino, with his Oscar winning The Deer Hunter and the restored version of his notorious flop/ secret masterpiece Heaven's Gate unspooling before me on the big screen in a historic theater in the heart of Hollywood. What else can you ask for? If you can afford it, get a membership. It's worth it and you'll be supporting something important. read more

They have the best staff (and of course, wonderful programming). Everyone really cares about making the viewer's experience top notch, and the creative minds behind the scenes make all the difference to any organization. We have yet to go to the Egyptian Theatre, but the Aero is superb! read more

The American Cinematheque is a non profit organization, which operate from The Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood built in the 20's wonderful architecture and the Aero theatre on Montana in Santa Monica a hidden gem in Santa Monica, parking is easy, free parking on residential streets north of Montana and great places to eat nearby Fathers,s office ect ... when you become a member you get many free screenings showing docs. Indies, foreign films followed by often fascinating Q@A's. In December i just had two weeks of free screenings of Cinema Italian Style 2017 and this last week of watching the Golden Globe Foreign Language Nominees, wonderful cinema - a fabulous organization : the people working there love cinema and are volunteers. read more

With the purchase of this theatre by Netflix, the film selections drastically changed. Classic old films are now mostly shown at the Aero in Santa Monica. It really is a shame since it is on Hollywood Blvd. where so many great stars made appearances. Now, Netflix seems to really run the show. It was very disappointing. read more

I always try and volunteer with a charity before I make a serious commitment of time, energy or money. You can get a very accurate feel for a non-profit by how they treat their volunteer work force. My several experiences with AC have neither been very nice, nor empowering. Some of these involved crossover with "Outfest" the lgbtq cinema guild. Some long time, older AC people seem to resent "outside" volunteers and show it through bitterness, and passive agressive actions. The overall management of events, at the historic and elegant Egyptian Theatre are very disorganised. I also had to pay for expensive Hollywood parking, stand around for a long time "ushering" and then given a total "bum's rush goodbye." NO seat NO movie. NOTHING! PLEASE take some lessons from the AFI fest, TCM fest and the Palm Springs Film Festival, all of which I am involved with, and treat your volunteers with some respect, and appreciation. A recent study by the NPOA (non-profit organizations of America) clock a single volunteer hour at $24, this based on the diverse experience of said volunteers. read more

Cinematheque is as good as it gets if you're a film buff. Membership is totally worth it, their film selection, both classic and new release, is outstanding. It's always a great throwback experience seeing a film at the Egyptian, and the staff there and at the Aero couldn't be more welcoming. To top it off, the film prices are the best in town, even for non-members. As members, you also get invitations to free screenings, often including writers, directors and/or actors discussing the film afterward. Joining Cinematheque was the best choice we've made since moving here. read more

How lucky are we to have such a place! Where cinema aficionados can watch the classics (both national and foreign) on the big screen for only $10 tickets. In the span of this week alone, the American Cinemateque has shown/will be showing "Gone with the Wind" and coming up as part of the Truffaut series "The Bride Wore Black" "Jules and Jim" "Shoot the Piano Player" and "The Last Metro" with Christmas classics playing throughout December. this place is a gem! I have seen here everything from Breakfast at Tiffany's to Fellini's 8 1/2, to Ben Hur, 2001: Space Odyssey and the original Solaris (not the version with George Clooney oh no!) and countless more! Living in Hollywood and not knowing about the Big Screen is like living in London and not knowing about the Big Ben. So get online and find out what's playing at the American Cinemateque. Pros: - Great movie selection (one of the most consistent and solid selections out there). - Tickets are only $10 (unless it's part of a film festival then prices vary) - Popcorn and soda are cheap (though i believe cash only) - bathrooms are huge and clean (meaning: Ladies you won't have to wait in line for a stall) - newly remodeled state of the art theater with amazing sound system - the theater is big and therefore, does not always sell out so you can often get a ticket at the door without having to pre-purchase online. Cons: - If you go on a weekend be prepared for Hollywood night traffic, stop and go, and lots of cops. - parking sucks. They do NOT validate for the Hollywood Highland parking structure so you would have to buy a snack somewhere that validates in order to get cheap parking, plus count on arriving extra early for the hassle of parking and walking 2-3 blocks. Otherwise you can park at any of the nearby lots which average about $10. Meters suck cause you have to run out of the theater mid-movie to recharge them, and you're better off paying $10 than a $60 parking ticket. - their website used to be a nightmare to navigate through and the new updated website, though a little easier, still not the best web developer, outdated and not very user friendly. - information for the showings at the Egyptian and the Aero have to be sought out, it's not always readily available and sometimes you really have to dig for the special special screening info. Though when you DO go, pick up a monthly calendar which are located in the front. Definitely my favorite place for movies in LA, i wish everything else (as far as getting there and parking, etc) wasn't such a pain in the ass! read more

Seems like an outstanding organization! I'm thinking about becoming a member. Last Night I went to a screening of a digitally remastered print of Sunset Boulevard, at the Egyptian theater. This screening was part of a Film Noir festival being put on by American Cinematheque. It was my first time at this theater, and I very much enjoyed it! Here are some thoughts/tips: *Parking is indeed challenging in this locale. The pay lots nearby seemed to all be charging $10 (this was a sat. night) *We found a metered spot very close to the theater, 4 hours max, 2$ an hour. *Bought tickets on Fandango, and still had to wait in line at the box office, but only for a minute. *the theater is large, but was almost completely filled by the time the film started (which was AT LEAST a half hour late, BTW) *This is the most quiet & respectful theater audience I've ever encountered. It was pin-drop quiet...so nice for a change! If you are the type that wants to text, loudly rustle bags & wrappers, or talk during the movie, DO NOT GO HERE. *seats are very comfortable. I have long legs and frequently my knees are killing me halfway through a movie, but I didn't have any problems here. *you know how some movie theaters are freezing and the AC is cranked up so high that you need a coat? Not this one...it was warm inside, no sweater needed. OK, I know this has turned into a review of the Egyptian theater, but American Cinematheque seems to have some wonderful programming and appears to be a first-class operation. They also have showings at the Aero theater. I'll update this review after I attend a few more screenings. read more

Beautiful architecture, food and drink nearby and good concessions, GREAT films, always. The people who run this place, really care about it, and they love movies. Shout-out especially to Margot Gerber. read more

I've been a member of American Cinematheque for many years (7 or 8). This is the place for retrospectives on great directors like Kubrick, Fellini, and Cluzot. Also lots of fun premiers with stars and directors interviewed. Go, for sure and get your membership too! read more

Yes, you can see classic films and excellent indies on the big screen in the middle of Hollywood. Just cool. Love this old school movie palace and the tech specs are top notch too. read more

I was recently invited to an event,thru the AFI, and they indicated several free screenings associated with the Hollywood Foreign Press--What I did not know is that they also invited the NFMLA, a group of people showcasing their first films, great--and sorry, their are some weirdos there this is thru Eventbrite--so I would assume "people off the street" are attending---so, in Hollywoods language this will be a "Cattle call" and stampede for the free breakfast: a bagel and coffee---big spenders--and lunch offers a sandwich---from subway? WOW and some moet champagne---if one is lucky to get in and stand in long lines--and there is no guarantee that one will get in--everyone has to signin and exit twice for each film, no thanks, I can have a gourmet sandwich at home, and open up a good bottle of champagne----They say they are non profit, and own the Egyptian Theatre which they bought from the city of LA for a dollar---want to become a member its $55 and up---and the senior tickets are $10.00 what a deal? not---the big Celebrity Gala is $650.00 with dinner--AFI and women in film offer better read more

This is one of my favorite non profits, benefits us all. If you love cinema, check it out. Events happen on the Westside too. I went to a screening they offered. It turned out to be the U.S premiere and it later won the Academy Award. read more