The Birmingham 8 is to put it lightly, a pain in the butt. Inconveniently nestled in Downtown Birmingham it will surely be, if you're a movie buff, the one theater in town that happens to see what you're looking forward to. The parking is in a structure and is not validated even if you bring a large group to a film. Many of the screens are teeny tiny and will question why you left the comfort of your home and huge flat screen (see some of the photos posted.) Few theaters have stadium style seating and the seats are old and worn out with little padding. It's clear this place has not had an update since the 1990s. I cannot believe they gutted the Palladium but not this place. The worst aspect of this theater is how paper thin the walls are. During "Only God Forgives" a loud reel of cartoon kids movie trailers blasted us from the neighboring theater during quiet, suspenseful sequences. This happened for twenty minutes and we were given passes when I complained to management. It happened again at a recent film I saw here and at this point I'm not even going to bother since I cashed the last passes in at the far superior Palladium which is long gone. Owners - look around you. There is TONS of competition from the renovated AMC theaters to the new MJR in Troy and Emagine in Royal Oak to the renovated Maple Theater. Even the Main Art is a better place to see a film with superior image and sound. You are giving people a second run, second rate experience for full ticket price. Only come to this theater if the movie you want to see is ONLY playing here and be prepared for how bad it is. read more

Charming is certainly a nice word for this place. Just like a small cottages with outhouses are charming. When you want to see a fringe movie, this is probably the only place around to see it. The selection of movies is nice, and the decor is very vintage, which is cool. They have probably the coolest Star Wars poster I've ever seen. The staff is typical movie theater staff; teenagers. They take the tickets and talk to each other and look down on you for seeing lame movies. Whatever, it's a living, as Flintsones dinosaurs would say. The theaters themselves are small. They seat maybe 100 people tops, and stadium seating does not exist. The sound for the movie I saw here recently was terrible. The left channel was completely gone. We wanted to complain, but I don't think the bassist for My Chemical Romance working the door would have cared. All in all, if you want to see a movie with subtitles, or one starring people you've never heard of, this theater's the place. Just don't expect luxury. read more

Really three and a half. The new renovations are nice. The chairs not quite as wide as palladium but nice. Note in theatre one unless you are in the center the angles are extreme which also effects the sounds And a small but frustrating note. The menu lists fountain and frozen drinks. In every other theatre around here this means frozen Coke frozen strawberry etc. Here they offer awful sugar laden drunks like blueberry and kiwi and watermelon not frozen Coke . And you don't know this because the drunk dispensers are hidden from the concession. Another family had the same issue. At least list what you serve Otherwise it's fine read more

I hate this theater but always find myself returning since they do get interesting films. Most of the theaters are small with one aisle, therefore you have to get up like five times per movie to let people relieve themselves. You also catch up on all your gossip here. The movie goers love to chat and they don't stop when the lights go out. Don't go unless you like cramped, broken, seats and if you are at all claustrophobic make sure you arrive early and sit in the aisle seat otherwise you will be experiencing your worst nightmare. One star for presenting independent films. Come on Illitches invest a little dough and make this a classy place! read more

Always enjoy going to the movies at this 8 screen theatre. I like the feel of the smaller theatres, although sometimes it ends up feeling a little bit cramped because it fills up. Parking structure right behind the theatre is super convenient - first 2 hrs free, $1/hr after that. Free parking on Sundays! read more

Lovely management (Tim). He promptly rectified an issue we had. I will be returning to this theatre when I'm in town and have already told my friends and family to visit here too. read more

Have not actually been to the theater but fyi the number above is for an automated ticket service. You can talk to a real person with the direct line 248-723-6230 Matinee pricing until 8pm! $5 read more

Old, Dirty & Expensive. A Weekday Movie will set you back $10 for an adult seat after 5pm Want to get a kiddie size popcorn & mini pop. $6.75! Seriously, Go up the street to the new movie theater. A Lot nicer and less expensive read more

Old school feel with new school seats. I have walked through this theatre probably 100+ times. But it wasn't until I moved to Birmingham, did I actually catch a movie here. While quirky, it's actually kind of neat. If you are lucky enough to be put into their largest theatre (I think theatre 1) you have stadium seating that is legit stadium seating! It's really cool and cozy when you get into the upper sections, I was impressed how it felt less than a theatre and more like a screening room in a basement, which was kind of cool. We have seen about 5 movies here in the last few months and always enjoyed the experience. Not as massive as emagine palladium, but enjoy the experience here! Would recommend coming here and giving it a shot. Probably the most comfy movie seats as well! read more

Small theatre with a cool, old school front. They tend to show movies on the older side - ones that have already been out for a few weeks. The prices are lower as well. Movie theatres themselves are tiny, so try to get there at least a little bit in advance to grab a good seat in the way back, or else you'll get stuck in the front half of the theatre, which is pretty much equivalent to the front row of a normal sized theatre. read more

Comfortable seating, friendly staff, and easy parking in the structure behind the theater. What more do you need?

I love the ambiance and character of this lil theater, but have to admit that I'm spoiled by the luxuries of the big theaters. We were crammed like sardines in our lil itty bitty theater, for a first weekend viewing of Lincoln. There were limited upper floor seats. Thankfully we got there early enough to score three of them. It was so warm and there was very very little knee room (I'm not tall). I couldn't wait for the movie to be over so that I could move and stretch my legs. Perhaps because the theater was packed, I felt a bit claustrophobic. Tickets are $10. read more

This place is sooo cute!! The theatre was small, but nice and has been renovated, while keeping original lights. The seating was pleasant and sound was great. $5 for a matinee is A-OK in my book! Why only 3 stars? The staff was lackluster and borderline rude. Parking was difficult. Snacks were limited. read more

Birmingham 8 - How pretty! - Cinema Near Me - Birmingham, Michigan

This is a great theater! It has charm and character that you won't find at the Palladium :) (don't worry, not hating on the Palladium, it serves its own purpose). B'ham 8 has a good mix of movies, and the smaller size makes it feel more personal and intimate. You may choose to come here to see more art house type movies rather than the latest Marvel blockbuster, however. Given the smaller size and marked popularity of this theater, I would also strongly recommend arriving earlier than you do at your usual multiplex, as the theaters fill up fast. We have had problems with sold out shows many times. We have also had problems with not finding 2 or 3 seats together and having to refund or exchange our tickets, something the theater is usually quite helpful in doing. The attached parking lot at the side is very convenient. read more

I used to really enjoy coming to this theater. I remember coming here as a kid and seeing actual plays and I was very happy when the Ilitch family saved it and converted it for movie use. When it first opened, it was great. Sadly, like so many things, it has not adapted to the current market well. First, to me popcorn makes a movie. I do not like this trend of having the butter on the side for the customer to apply after the bag is full. How do you get butter throughout all of the popcorn?? That's where things are here. OK, I have learned to live with this. However when you are buttering popcorn that is clearly not fresh, it doesn't much matter when it is applied. The popcorn tasted like flavorless Styrofoam. Seriously gross. My chair in the theater was old. All of the padding was smashed and it just wasn't comfortable. Wow, I am beginning to sound like some old whining panzy! But how hard is it to create a decent movie experience?? The management of this theater needs to go to the Royal Oak Main or the Maple. That is how older little theaters are supposed to be run. By the way, the experience probably was worse than 2 stars but the movie Inside Out was so good that it probably bumped it a point. I highly recommend that movie. Just see it somewhere else. read more

This theater feels old and out of date. Recently saw a movie there with a large vertical black line on the screen. Mildly distracting, but no much more so than the old-style seating that is cramped and uncomfortable. Audio also sounds like 2-channel stereo, even though I'm sure it's standard Dolby digital. A display in the lobby promises new power recliners coming soon; perhaps I'll give this theater another chance when those are installed. But so many of the auditoriums are so small here - more like screening rooms - that they will accommodate 2 or 3 rows of recliners in the small space once installed. So... Not sure this place will make it, especially with the very upscale Emagine now operating the Palladium. One more thing; this theater plays a bunch of ads, even after the other trailers have played. Most theaters have the good sense to keep the commercial time to the segment before the posted start time of the movie. read more

7:45 movie, went to grab a white wine. No bartender. So manager steps in. Emptied the last of the bottle in my glass, not even 1/2 full. Thought he would open another one. Nope. Just took my card and asked if I would like to leave a tip. First of all your the manager, not a bartender. You sent him home early. Your job is to manage not ask for tips on less than satisfactory pours. read more

First of all the review will be based upon which theatre to get to watch ur movie in. Some on the lower level are renovated and are out of the world- reclining oversized leather seats with lots of leg space. The theatres which are not renovated are pretty standard- not my fav at all. The popcorns are always delicious and fragrant- I love the real buttered ones, though there is the option of olive oil ones if u really care. The drink selection is decent. And then there is New Hyde Park adjacent to it- with their amazing HH options! Can't go wrong! read more

DO NOT GO HERE AFTER DARK OR SEE THE LAST SHOW PLAYING....UNSAFE!!!!!! I just saw The HUNTSMAN with my husband on May 1st, 2016 at the last showing in theater 6. There were a nice couple in front of us with a 2 yr old and 3 men sitting behind us. During the movie, one of the guys kept kicking the back of my seat and laughing. After about an hour into the movie my husband leaned over and said, " honey cone sit on the other side of me''. So i mived to the left of my husband. Then the guy who was kicking my seat started making noises and naking fun of me. My husband and I ignored them. They would not stop. Then to try and get my attention, one of them jumped iver his seat and threw his popcorn at one of the men he was with. This hatassment continued until about 10:25pm i got up and left theater 6 to walk aro u nd to fine someone. I walked downstairs, around concessions, around the back, everywhere...i could not find an employee. I went back into the theater and sat down. I said nothing. Those men continued to make fun of me with very rude comments. When the show soon ended after that, my hubby and i waited for them to leave first to not have trouble. When they walked past my row, the one who kept kicking my seat started, turned and looked at me, abd started making comments to me and laughing at me. He then made a gesture towards me ...while my hubby sat there..... I told my husband to say nothing because there were 3 of them, 1 of him, and we did not want trouble. I literally had to hold my husband back he was so angry. After they walked out, we soon exited. We could hear them talking about me all the way down the sidewalk. I immediately got into our car and called the theater. I got through to a John who said he works part time as manager. I was very shaken up and told him the story. He was very dismissive and talked to me as if i was bothering him. He said he was busy doing paperwork in the office. I asked to speak to his supervisor. He said he would not be there until Tuesday. He took my name and number. I told him how upsetting it was to walk around the theater and find no one and that those guys, had i been alone, could have hurt me. He got upset with me and stated if i was going to be upset then he was done talking to me....he then hung up on me.... I WILL BE PURSUING THIS UNTIL THIS IS MADE RIGHT. JOHN HAD NO REASON TO HANG UP ON ME. I AM A HOSPICE NURSE AND HUSBAND AN ENGINEER. WE DO NOT MAKE TROUBLE. I WILL BE TALKING TO JOHNS SUPERVISOR. DO NOT GO HERE AT NIGHT....THERE IS NO SUPERVISION. I WILL NEVER LET ANY OF OUR 7 CHILDREN EVER GO THERE AGAIN AFTER THIS. They just lost a whole family that WILL NOT BE COMING BACK BECAUSE OF THE WAY JOHN TREATED ME AND THE LACK OF SUPERVISION WHEN I TRIED TO GET HELP. read more

Did you know that straight forward is the new complex? Simple is the new versatile? Clear cut the new comprehensive? No? In a life where I don't know how to completely use half the things around me; my phone, my computer, my boss' instructions... thank god for a place like The Birmingham 8 that just keeps it easy for me to go in and enjoy a movie. There's not a lot of thrill to this place, it's simple and straight forward and I like that about it. I would say that the theater we watched our movie in only housed probably 40 or 50 people and it was completely packed. It felt a little old school, where you'd go see the movie in high school the night it released and it'd sell out... not a seat to be had. We saw The Wrestler as this was the only place in the area showing that movie (if you haven't seen it.... DO) and there's a lot of crowd noise and loud moments and the sound in this theater is the best in metro Detroit. Crystal clear and many times I couldn't tell if the cheers were in the crowd or the movie! (the first would be AWESOME, the latter more plausible). The marquee with kids taking tickets in the window below it just can't be beat. Awesome job by this simple and clean theater and I'll be back for more! read more

I haven't been to this theatre in ages! I love the old school feel of it though.. it would be nice if they opened up the box office outside! I think they need to upgrade the snacks area.. the escalators were roped off but there is a staircase to go to the upstairs theatre.. walls are nicely decorated with classics which I loved seeing.. the theatre is smaller compared to all these AMCs etc but I like it! I found it surprisingly clean.. I just figured since it's been around so long it may not be in the best condition but it def took me by surprise!! The seats were comfortable as well.. I liked the old school charm of it at and I would love to see them upgrade a few more things while still giving you that charm! read more

Myself and either other friends went to see "Snowpiercer" at the Birmingham 8 on Saturday, 07/12/14. We were in theater 2. Immediately, during the pre-screening trailers, I could tell something was wrong with the audio. It was very difficult to hear dialog clearly, but I didn't want to say anything to anyone due to not wishing to subtract from my either other friends' and family members' experience. But of course, it was so bad that one of my brothers immediately noticed it at the start of the film, and ran out of the theater. He confronted the manager on duty, who informed him that "they've been refunding people when they complain." His response was that a restaurant doesn't put crap in their food and only refund people when they notice and complain about it--a humorous but somewhat accurate metaphor. I'm told that she got defensive and argued back with him--none of us received refunds. And let me tell you, I'm still trying to figure out what some of the dialog was supposed to be. There's absolutely NO bass in theater 2; if there were subwoofers there, they're likely all blown. And there must be at least a few midrange drivers or other horns blown out too as the dialog just varied SO much. Certainly, anytime the speech became quiet, it was incredibly difficult to hear. This was one of the worst playback experiences of any movie I'd ever had. The rest of the staff at Birmingham 8 were very nice at the counter, but that manager was rude, and there's no excuse for crappy playback in a Birmingham theater owned by Mike Ilitch's family. *Not saying it's the end of the world at all--just saying they should've fixed it a long time ago. It is highly unlikely that it has been a recent issue; the way the manager responded made it sound like it's been this way for a long time. Never going to this theater again. read more

I didn't enjoy the theater it's stinks man next to me was Flagyl and I had to get up and leave the movie I saw red sparrow what a terrible movie I can't believe it was even our violence blog and for no reason did not move the story forward I thought the theater had charm but it doesn't work read more

Cute and charming. Small theaters. Pricey non-matinee tickets. But I'm sure that's the standard for the area.

I can appreciate that this is the beginning of the evolution of the megaplax theater. Multiple viewings shoved into a smaller building is going to lend itself to some cramped seating but I'm not a fan of this place. It may be on the charming side and I like the marquis but ticket prices are still pretty steep at $10 for an adult evening show. Considering the lack of any updating, the fact that the escalators are rarely working (not that I mind the stairs) and the size of certain theaters, I think I prefer the megaplexes. To add insult to injury older movies run in their super tiny theaters with two rows of seating against the screen and four rows up top providing pretty limited seating that isn't so comfortable. A few minor improvements would go a long ways here but I only come here when showtimes aren't available elsewhere. I will say that the patrons here are pretty respectful of talking and texting during the show which I am thankful for. read more

Older. Quant. Convienent. The place has some character. Managers Tim and Karen treated us right. We felt comfortable here. We'll be back. read more

This is one of my favorite places to see a movie. I see there are a ton of complaints about the concession and the staff, but I haven't really ever had that experience. Although I also don't expect top notch white glove service from a teenager working at a movie theatre. :) I love the look and feel of this place, and it's WAAAAY quieter than the Palladium down the street, which I hate. Plus they usually have a great selection of movies. read more

This used to be my favorite movie theater. Went there last night and it seems the theater has no management....,the beautiful new theater luxury seating was filthy with popcorn grease....clearly not being cleaned properly between shows. The restroom was disgusting- toilet paper everywhere on the floor. What a shame this place is not being cared for.. so sad. read more

The smallest movie theater screens I've ever seen. Also you can't talk before movies start because the ads are blaring. read more

Birmingham 8 - This is taken in the BACK row - Cinema Near Me - Birmingham, Michigan

I really like this theatre. They play cooler movies than the Palladium, and they're practically connected to a parking garage ... even though it's the most ridiculously narrow garage ever and I duck if I'm in my parents SUV and wonder if we'll be able to leave. But seriously, it's a cool little art theater, and you can't beat the marquee out on Old Woodward. It's cool. read more

I agree with the other reviewers...this theater is sort of pointless. Especially with the Palladium right down the street. However, the pro's about this theater (and probably the reason why it is still surviving) is because of the independent films they show here. Now that Palladium has gotten a tad bit worse and filled with kids, I guess I would suggest Birmingham Theater for a cozy date. Trust me, because of the narrowness of the theater, it will be cozy! read more

Birmingham 8 - Cinema Near Me - Birmingham, Michigan

This is the older movie theater in Birmingham. It has 8 screens, and most of the theaters are small except for number 1. It is pretty big but the seating is divided into sections, so if your like me and like to sit at the top you might lose part of the screen depending on where you are. read more

Filthy.. unfortunately Been coming to this theater all my life Nice seating just dirty I won't stop coming just whoever owns isn't paying attention... sadly read more

Go during the day for a 5 buck flick! Love the old-timey feel and great location for a nice long walk afterwards to contemplate the great film you just saw! :) read more

I love love love this theater. It's not even 5 minutes from our house, and it's right across the street from the parking garage, which is free for the first 2 hours. Great vintage feel with an outside paying booth, but it doesn't look dilapidated and unkept. I've always found the staff to be very pleasant, in spite of dealing with the typical rude and entitled customer that frequents this theater because of the area where it is. Reasonable concession prices - I am always happy with a $2 decaf coffee :) I've been here three times and I've never encountered poor sound. It's a smaller more intimate theater that's quaint, friendly, and "easy" as opposed to huge overwhelming theaters in a strip-mall type parking lot where you have to deal with a gazillion people and drive somewhere else to eat afterward. read more

I had a terrible experience here. The management, a man I believe was named Nick, was incredibly rude to me and demanded for ID after he stormed up behind me. I cannot stress how terrible of an experience it was. true shame. read more

You have a beautiful theater indeed but the is the only reason I visit and I have lived her my entire . Can there be so.e engagement as you walk in the door? Possibly welcoming you when you enter the front door. Counter staff to busy chatting with each other. Business 101 it is so basic, treat people the sawway you want to be treated. Invite "me into you space and welcome me". Clearly this isn't the case. My comments are not meant to be disparaging, hopefully insightful. Regards, Paul read more

The reason I'm not rating this theater a 5 has nothing to do with the idea that it's "old." It has everything to do with the fact this is the ONLY theater that I've ever been to that has ever sold out. That has to do with the fact that many of the theaters are small. read more

I love that this theatre has been here for so long. They are located in a great area, right in the heart of downtown. The theatre is great if you are looking for kind employees, and a movie experience that isn't too crowded. They have even updates several of their rooms to have ultra comfortable seats. read more

I really do like Birmingham. It's just the people that annoy me. I'm sure that shocks you. My much better half and I decided to go to the movies. Out of the two closest theaters near me only one was playing our movie of choice, The Birmingham 8. I haven't been there in a while so I thought it would be good to see if they were keeping up after the gigantic Palladium Theater was built. The Birmingham 8 is a 1927 theater that was restored in 1996. It still has that classic theater feel (albeit on the faux side) even with the "I played halo till 3am yesterday" geek serving me popcorn. I have nothing against halo or geeks or the melding of them together like pimply faced virgin Reese's peanut butter cups. I just think they could give them a little bit more of a uniform to go with the Theaters feel. It's not the biggest theater but it still plays some major new releases as well as many independent films. The concession stand takes up much of the front lobby's room. So it can get a little cramped at times. The stairway to the theatres makes it feel much grander than a typical theater. The Theaters themselves are decorated in a classic 20's feel with some faux deco-esque touches. The seats are not extreme high end but they are comfy and clean. Again, they are not huge theaters. So they fill up fast. And it can get a little cramped at times. Ok, now on to the important points, the people. Apparently every 45 to 50 something couple in Birmingham went to this theater on this night to see our show. And they all knew each other. Seriously people this isn't church. Don't reach across me to shake hands with twenty other people around us. And as if that wasn't enough, they all had to carry on conversations over my better half and I. I really don't want to hear about how hard it is to find good help and your stupid dog fluffy's poop problem. Yes, that was really the conversation. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Then this couple sits next to me. The woman takes off her fur coat. It wasn't that cold out but I guess she needed to take the dog for a walk. I mean it makes sense really. Going to the movies? Wear jeans, a sweater and take your full length fur coat. Don't take this the wrong way. I'm not going to throw red paint on her. I'm an adult. I'm just going to roll my eyes, laugh and point. So this 5 going on 50 year old woman hangs this dog coat on the chair and sits on it. Ok, maybe it was one of those k mart blue light special fur coats that she didn't mind ruining. Ill let that slide. To my shock out from under her arm came this fuzzy pink purse. Yes I said pink and fuzzy. I guess I'm not up on the latest fashion couture. I missed the article in ELLE where they raved about pink fuzzy purses and ratty dog coats as a mach made in Versace heaven. I'm thinking we are getting closer to my K mart shopper though. So this woman sits down and opens her pink poodle purse. I was whispering to my better half about my day but had to stop. This woman pulled out cheese and little Mini me bottle of wine. Really? Come on, is Ashton Kutcher going to jump out and start laughing waving that stupid trucker cap around? And of course it would be really tacky to drink to drink from the lollipop gang bottle of wine. So this woman pulls out a plastic cup, much more tactful. The movie finally begins. It was not bad. The sound at this theater is good when poodle woman wasn't laughing at the wrong moments and whispering. The Birmingham 8 is an all around nice place to see a movie. It doesn't fill up with gaggles of teens and pre teens. Other theaters tend to become a sea little mop top hair cuts and punky tennis shoes. Please people stop breeding. read more