The theater was very clean. Staff was friendly and helpful. The theater was well proportioned. The sound was normal

Two stars for classic old theater, missing stars due to snarky counter staff and queue system. Buy ticket online, zoom right in, but wait, if you want popcorn go to back of the long slow line that has food and ticket buyers in the same line! So, arrive 20 minutes early or risk the movie starting while you linger in their inefficient system even after the online convenience fees.... read more

This was such a fun experience! Totally old school theater vibes. They have different discount days which is also fun! We went on a Sunday afternoon and weren't many people there so plenty of seats to pick from. We got a xl popcorn for $10 that comes with a free refill. The whole area and theater are definitely worth a try! read more

Del Oro Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Grass Valley, California

I love old theaters and this one is one of the cutest I've seen. It's very well preserved and has probably been open for at least 75 years. They even have a good assortment of movies for a small theater. The ticket booth at the front is the perfect retro touch as I remember when all theaters had that before the large multiplex theaters were created. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Del Oro Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Grass Valley, California

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What an amazing little theater here in grass Valley! A classic from 1942 with art deco style all around. Neat little historical gem to check out when you're in the area, or even better yet to see a film. Much of the interior is kept as original as with the art deco style and is worth checking out even if you're schedule is too full for a movie. read more

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The cutest little theater I've been to. The grass Valley locals know how to go in style. Nice art deco accents and I believe it's been there since 1942. A patron that was there that day said it was all the original furniture and design as well as underground tunnels! That was interesting! And the ticket price was only $10 for adults! read more

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Historic Movie Theater in Grass Valley CA Del Oro Theatre, located on Mill Street in Grass Valley, was built in 1942. It is the building painted gold with the art-deco neon spire, a landmark in downtown Grass Valley, it is iconic and has a lot of history in it. Don't expect to walk in to a modern megaplex theatre, this isn't a Cinemark. It reminded me of the Noyo Theatre in Willits and the Tower Theatre in Sacramento, also a 3-screen movie theater. I decided to watch a movie. There is a vintage theatre ticket booth just outside but tickets must be purchased inside. Immediately as I entered the doors is a small lobby. I walked in and purchased for one at the concession stand, $10 for a matinee show. My movie was at theatre 3. Once inside you must ascend the steep steps to get to the movie. There are no assigned seating. The seats were cushioned, comfortable enough. The theater underwent renovations in the 1970's but it still held some of its historic charms... a marquee, art-deco light fixtures, a fancy ceiling mural, phone booth, and a drinking fountain. I'm not sure where you park around here if all you came here for is to watch a movie. I came here on a whim, a little exploring in this quaint town. I've always liked the charm of an old theater... Review #3195 read more

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So great to be back in theatre that has endured and maintained a variety of entertainment in an Art Deco enchanting setting

A great piece of Grass Valley history to enjoy during a night out at the movies! Please bring your family and friends!!!

Lovely place. Friendly service. Gorgeous architectural details. Awesome neon sign. I'm glad some folks are keeping these few remaining classic movie theaters alive. read more

There's things I just love about the Del Oro - it's historic, in the middle of downtown Grass Valley, it's classic looking inside. Here's what I don't like about the Del Oro - the sound from the movie is HORRIBLE. I watched todayup , Fantastic Four and had a difficult time understanding the words spoken. I even turned up my hearing aids. 'Cmon, invest in a better sound system. It doesn't have to be like the super theaters with loud surround sound but why can't it be better? The other thing I didn't like about theater #2 is that the stairs to the seats are soooo steep! I'm 73 and I was extremely careful 'cause I didn't want to fall. Way too steep. I love watching movies in theater #1 - the big one but usually it's so empty in there. I really believe if the owners of these theaters invested in redecorating these theaters with roomier seats and better sound they would get more people to buy tickets. IMHO read more

Nice famoily outing near places to catch a bite to eat near by. Friendly and more reasonably priced.

We saw Wakanda forever...long movie but WELL worth it! Good sound.. good popcorn. TIP...call in advance to see exactly which theater is playing at...tonight was in #1 with just a few steps and close to the bathroom and concession area which was great since I was with someone disabled. BTW... Free fill ups on popcorn for large or extra large popcorn! This is an old movie theater with a lot of character and in the heart of downtown Grass Valley! read more

Del Oro Theatre - Movie is clear on screen - Cinema Near Me - Grass Valley, California

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I love this classic movie palace. There are so few such places left. And the people really like what they are doing. That said I have had to stop seeing big action movies here because while the sound system is good it is not capable of playing cleanly without distortion at the loud levels action movies get played at here. Compare the recent Avatar 2 showings which were just on the good side of too loud and distorted with Guardians 3 where the volume was turned up just a bit too much -- to the point where the audio during the big action sequences displayed obvious audio clipping. So I will be back. The screen is big and bright. And the audio can be very good. But I'll have to be more selective about what blockbusters I choose to see here. read more

This theater is worth a visit just to admire the art deco architecture. The drinking fountain, the ceiling mural, the rounded walls and those bathrooms! The snack bar was well-stocked. The seats were slightly uncomfortable and the seats to the right are really on the side of the screen. Parking is limited in downtown Grass Valley. read more

I love this theater so much! It's one of the few things I miss about California. The theater is always well maintained and the staff is very nice. There was one experience I had at this theater that stands out above all the rest. In October of 2020, I reached out to the theater on Instagram and asked them if it was possible to rent out the theater for my birthday. Never in a million years could I have expected what happened next, they said yes!!! They let my family and I rent out the Big House and we watched the director's cut of Troy. The manager even opened the snack bar for us! It was an experience that I will never forget and one that I am eternally thankful for. THANK YOU DEL ORO THEATRE!!! read more

Great old theater. Lots of character and jewel in the downtown skyline. Service is good and a great location.

Look I'm a huge movie lover and would like to give this more. I'd say 3.5 is more accurate for me. Ok the large screen and vintage thetas is very cool. Here is what's not. It's located very very inconvenient for someone who lives here and wants to see movies. Out of town people probably don't care but yes there isn't any convenient parking and if you do park don't plan on arriving a few hours early to look around as most spots downtown only allow 3 hour parking limits. They do have the small assigned spots for the entire huge theatre. Sorry that's not enough and a joke. I'm also very disappointed with their show times. I've even contacted them asking them why they never show movies before noon, they responded with our customers don't need that. I call BS! This is a mostly senior community and I am sure they would draw a lot more people if they even attempted to show movies early in the day. I'm sure they would draw more audience then their 9-10pm showings. The seats for showings not in the main large vintage screen are also very very uncomfortable ! They give very small leg room, and why not an issue for me, require many steep steps up to find that very uncomfortable seat. I hope they will redo those seats sometime soon because lately I think I would rather skip my show if it's in those two theaters and wait for the large vintage screen. Anyway this would be my favorite if they offered earlier showtimes, nicer seats in all theaters, and any parking. I much prefer Sierra cinemas as they have ample parking and is much more convenient. If you live here this theater just doesn't cut it. read more

This is a delightful small town movie palace. Built in 1943, it features an Art Deco style. The theater, originally one screen, has been logically divided into three screens. The lower auditorium (Screen #2) has the original size screen and a fantastic wall painting. The upper balcony area was divided into two screens. During my visit, I watched a film in the big house. It had modern comfortable seats and a surround sound system. I did walk upstairs to see what the other screens were like. They are small but because of the elevation, it looked like you would not have a head blocking your view. I ordered a popcorn and it was fresh with real butter - quite tasty. read more

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Such a wonderful theater. I grew up going to this theater and the others as well but Del Oro has always been my favorite. I'm so glad that they've been able to come back from being closed for so long! Went and saw Free Guy this evening and I felt like a kid again. It was one of the best experiences I've had at that theater. Thank you Del Oro staff!!! read more

Real buttered popcorn, Art Deco theater, friendly service, firm seats and great sound system. I've found my new Mecca of movie bliss. I feel I've gone back in time to the 1940's when movies meant something, and the theater experience is almost as fun as the movie. Now if Hollywood can just go back to being as original as this place then my life will be complete! Oh, and those annoying pre-teen vampires with their FB/twitter smart phones attached to their lobes avoid this place like the plague for some reason - must be the holy water and garlic at the snack bar. Whatever the reason, definitely makes it a more enjoyable experience. read more

This place is the dopest of the dope honestly. The seats are super comfortable and everything rocks. I love the axe behind the snack bar sign. And that snackbar guy Simon. HOOOOLYYY MOLY IS HE HOT. read more

My favorite place to see a movie. I love the Art Deco stylings. Clean theater. Clean restroom. Friendly staff. Fresh popcorn.

Some people say that this place is haunted; I've never seen or heard any proof of this but I like the idea of a haunted movie theater, so I'll choose to believe in it. This place is pretty great. I love any place with Art Deco architecture still in tact and this theater fits the bill. Being new to this town, I like anything which reminds me of my old stomping grounds. Del Oro Theater is basically Tower Theater's twin sister. This is very comforting to me. They even smell the same and have the same old garish carpet. Love it! They do have midnight showings and the staff is always friendly but- Drum roll please: look kids, it's gratuitous gripe time! Yay! And today's gripe is: they don't play enough independent films. I'm sorry, but when a theater looks like Del Oro does, it's supposed to be an indie house. And that's that. One major bonus that almost makes up for the usually crappy blockbuster movies is that Bunce's Bar (DIVE EXTRAORDINAIRE) is conveniently located right across the street. I highly suggest tossing a few back here before stumbling over to the theater. By the time the movie is over you can drive home perfectly fine! read more

My home is now infested with bedbugs after viewing "The Lion King". There is no other possible source, and the bites began that very night. Movie theater seats are documented as bedbug vectors. The staff dismissed my complaint as "impossible". Beware! Furthermore, the owner asked for community donations to upgrade the sound system, claiming Metropolitan Opera would not allow its' productions to be displayed without it. Many of us made those donations, and now, where is the opera displayed? Sierra Theater on Main Street-with all the sound and ambiance of a shoe box, because a few people whined about parking. The Safeway parking lot is half a block from Del Oro. What a con job! read more

I love this theatre because it's just a really cool place. It's got history. It's Art Deco in design and hasn't really been updated, but I like that. It also has some secrets if you talk to those in the know. If you get a chance to watch a movie in the lower theatre, it's just gorgeous. read more

Iconic, well-established theatre in historic downtown Grass Valley. Gorgeous architecture and marquee, dating back to the golden age of cinema. You will feel immersed in the nostalgia in the main theatre especially, with a nod to the opulence of the era sporting richly colored fabrics, antique sconces, and wall frescoes. Mirrored glass behind the sweets and popcorn, in addition to the elegant red velvet stanchions, in the main lobby dazzles the senses! Vintage bathrooms are always clean with art nouveau styling and quirky, smaller/shorter than normal stalls. Staff are usually friendly and well-groomed. The outdoor ticket booth is a free standing structure, and the gold-framed outside movie posters give the entrance added authenticity. An excellent place to relax to see a picture and take in the sensory experience of another time and place, in more ways than one. Dying to see that wrap-around the building line again this year! read more

This theater is haunted...swear to Jesus...Its a beautiful building with a lot of history, and all of my pals who have worked here verify that it's haunted...just saying, it freaks me out a bit... Anyhow, aside from that, it's a great theater in Grass Valley, they do tend to show crappy, run-of-the-mill movies, almost like most radio stations play top 40 hits, but whatever, it's Grass Valley and they are in the money-making business, so you gotta be a tad bit lenient. They play midnight movies occasionally which is pretty sweet...cause not much else is going on in Grass Valley at midnight...unless your over 21. read more

Walk in and purchase 4 tickets for myself, 4, 6, and 8 year old. The cashier asks me if i am sure all i want is tickets, "and you are sure you don't want to buy consessions or anything?" I say no thank you. After he rips the tickets he says well "I have to search your backpack then". Search my backpack?! I have walked into that theature a thousand times with a backpack and now because this time I don't buy consessions they want to search me as punishment? I explain to the cashier I have water in my pack, as well as a change of cloths for the kid (if My youngest gets any water on him he freaks out and wants to change ). He says if I let him search it it will be fine. When did del oro theature become Homeland Security? Sure I get they want to sell their overpriced popcorn and what not, but i have never been asked to consent to a search. While i am sure some my disagree I do not do double standards. When i have come by myself with my pack, again with water in it, no hassle, when I walked into the other theature in town owned by the same company, with a bag of candy and water bottle in my hand, no hassel. but because I have kids who are askingbme to buy stuff for them they want to make a deal of it? Yea not ok with me. So I got my money back and left. We will go to auburn to see the movie and all movies from here on out. So yea, del oro is the backpack police and wants to search your stuff. (Or maybe that was just special for me and my 3 kids who were audibly asking me to buy popcorn, candy and sodas). But for me that was the last time I will ever step foot in one of the local theatures. The theatures in auburn are nicer, better, and not that much further. read more

If your in the mood for a bit of nostalgia, why not take the drive up Hwy 49 to visit the Del Oro Theater. This is an older theater, newly renovated, (at least part way) with magnificent murals on the ceiling in the main theater. Just be sure you are in the main theater as the other 2 theaters do not have new seats and they can be quite painful after a two hour movie. Overall, the employees are all young kids, but overly friendly and they made sure our popcorn was freshly popped as to limit kernels (unless you're into that of course). The price is about average at around 9 dollars and the concession stand is the typical overpriced candy, drinks and popcorn, but that's what you can expect in a movie theater. Overall, the sound and picture were excellent and we will have to make the trip out there again if not for the nostalgia alone. read more

I love that they have a free water, cups and a popcorn topping section. It's a very small town theater! Not a lot of movie selections to pick from that's why 3 stars. read more

I had the pleasure of seeing a movie at the Del Oro yesterday afternoon. This theater is one of the things I love about visiting Mill street in the "old town" part of Grass Valley. It's a beautiful old building. (The women's room is really a relic from the past too.) Movie theaters just aren't made this way anymore. My daughter and I saw an afternoon movie with a medium size popcorn for under twenty dollars. The employees are always so friendly and welcoming. I definitely recommend this theater! read more

Great little movie theater. Makes you think of the old days when it was a big thing to go see a film. Great old place. I love going there for movies. Nice people. read more

Eh, its an okay theater. It is one of 3 movie theaters to choose from in Grass Valley, so options are limited. The Art Deco style is cute, the bathrooms are clean and they have most new releases, however, the sound is mediocre. Overall, its an average movie theater experience BUT the staff is unpleasant...... ESPECIALLY the manager woman.... she is mean! She is obviously unhappy with life! If you want to see a movie, avoid her and go to Auburn or Roseville! read more

Nice old movie theatre. It could use some updating on the surround sound, seats, and screen. The popcorn is good and the prices are reasonable. Assistant manager, Chris, was really nice and helpful when I needed a small box for one of my kids to eat their popcorn out of. The girl at the snack bar said that I would have to buy a complete kids meal to be able to get a small box. I had already bought a bunch of candy, drinks, and popcorn so I really didn't see why it was necessary to pay an additional $4.50. I asked to speak with a manager to see if there was any solution. I was more than willing to pay a couple of bucks but not full price. She told me that the manager was going to tell me the same thing. Well, Chris came over and I explained the issue and he gave me the box. Thank you so much Chris! I appreciate you helping me out in this situation so much! read more

Great little theater - saw a documentary here but didn't partake in any snacks since we'd just had dinner. The documentary was on the harmonica and afterwards some of the attendees were able to get up on stage and play if they wanted. Nice of the management. read more

Beautiful old theater. I wish they were all like this. Reading the other reviews, now I am really curious what some of the secrets are! Only problem is that the theater might upstage some of the movies, but that isn't the theater's fault. read more

Cool old theater, but they seem to only show action movies, the latest pop hit, and teen horror flicks. Great family oriented theater. Located in the heart of downtown Grass Valley. read more

I've been going here since the 80's. Beautiful theater than makes you feel like you have gone back in time. Anytime I'm in town I love to catch a flick here! read more

I got a nice response from management, which I wasn't sure was even going to happen. Generally speaking, they heard my complaint and have made up for it. It's nice to know that some companies do care about their customers (also surprising how many don't). In lieu of the response I got, I am adding another star, taking a step back and changing my perspective a bit.. maybe the snack guy was having a bad day, maybe he's just an all around rude person, either way, we move on with smiles on our faces. read more