Nothing says "there's an elite class and then there's you" quite like the Letterman Digital Arts Center. I was one of many who received an invitation to the screening of a film in the lovely, immaculate on-site theatre. The screening was free as were pre-show food and drink. Underground parking was pricey (and the sole place to park) but some of us noticed that someone was validating parking that night and avoided paying $6/hour. The Letterman Digital Arts Center is not normally open to the public and that's really the sole reason for the 3-star rating. If it had anything besides the outdoor Yoda Fountain open to the public even occasionally it'd be a 5-star experience for the many fans of Star Wars. Unfortunately, all of that beautifully displayed and pristine memorabilia is open and accessible only to those with building access, presumably those blessed enough to work there. Yes, even an on-site gift shop chock full of Lucasfilm-related items is open only to those with access. The idea of such exclusivity (and a great movie theater) being accessible to so few in a city of residents who'd savor the experience just left me somewhat sour on the place, despite the free film. If you get the opportunity to come inside, do, absolutely. But until this becomes an experience open to all? Good luck seeing the riches contained within. read more

Letterman Digital Arts Center - There's a ton of Star Wars memorabilia on-site - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - San Francisco, California

Let me start by saying this building and the theater deserve 5 stars, but the problem is, nobody who isn't invited can get in to see it! The Center isn't open to the public even though there are so many fantastic things displayed there. It's a dream world for anyone who's into Star Wars. I loved being able to see so many wonderful characters from the movies, but I regretted being there without my grandkids by my side. Why can't they open this building at least once a month for the public to enjoy the displays? I was here for a movie preview. When I drove up, the security guard directed me to the parking structure underground. I saw that the charge for parking was $6; little did I know that it was $6 an hour! That "free" movie cost me (and a lot of unsuspecting others) $24 and it took forever to get out of the garage. Not happy! On the other hand, the movie was good and I got a lot of great pictures! read more

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I have yet to explore the seventeen acres of public park space that, together with six additional acres housing four "gold certified rating" energy efficient buildings, comprise the Letterman Digital Arts Center (which in turn houses Lucasfilm Ltd), located in one of my favorite inside-bay area getaways -- the Presidio of San Francisco. But, thanks to some fast ticket-nabbing skills on the part of my good bud, Dan B., I got to attend a benefit screening of Gus Van Sant's new film, Paranoid Park (which, unlike Presidio Park, is not a designated National Historic Landmark) in one of the Center's private theaters, and was able to enjoy a small piece of these beautifully and thoughtfully restored grounds. With the entire parking structure located underground one quickly notices the abundant greenery surrounding the buildings - or, rather, doesn't especially notice it since the design is in good continuity with everything around it. The 80% recycled building materials, sub-floor air delivery system, efficient Otis Gen II elevators (Otis Gen II - there's the next coveted Star Wars action figure right there) -- these features I failed to detect during my visit but the Darth Vader costume that greeted us in the lobby? THAT we noticed, and it didn't have to beg us for paired-up photo opportunities either! The staff was friendly and helpful from our point of entry to our exit, gracefully directing us to the right parking place, right elevator, right door and right floor before we had a chance to get lost. The gentleman who welcomed the audience and introduced the film had this to say, "This screening room will spoil you." And he was right. The audio-visual was top notch -- especially appreciated for a film which easily has the best soundtrack of the year. And then, during the Q&A that followed, when I snapped a picture of the director and my camera barked (yes, like a dog) because I forgot to turn off the operational effects, well, yeah, that sounded awesome too! A friend called on Sunday evening and asked me along to a screening of the 400th version of Blade Runner at the Grand Lake Theater, and I had to pass. No marks against that film, and no more than two marks against my neighborhood theater; this was just a one-film, one-theater weekend and it belonged to Paranoid Park at the LDAC. read more

Letterman Digital Arts Center - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - San Francisco, California

Every once in awhile a friend who will remain anonymous, that works in one of the non Lucas buildings of the Letterman Digital Arts Center, invites me and sometimes other over for lunch at the cafeteria, which overlooks the Golden Gate and the Palace of Fine Arts. That part is fantastic, but for this Star Wars freak, walking around the place is such a cool treat. Yesterday we got into that little den right behind the Yoda statue. Apparently the force was with us. read more

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Q: Where in San Francisco can you have a delicious, mostly organic, locally sourced meal under $10 with sweeping panoramic views that include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, Coit Tower and the TransAmerica pyramid? A: The Dining Commons at Letterman Digital Arts Center (you must, of course, work there, or know someone who does)! Offerings on my visit there included mushroom and organic red rice soup, herb marinated rock cod fillet over saffron rice pilaf, and a Diestel turkey and heirloom apple sandwich. It was difficult to choose what to eat as everything looked so good. And after lunch we toured the fitness center. Had a bacon cheeseburger at lunch? Work it off with a spin class after! Employees here have it good. Make friends with some of them so you too can sample the tasty possibilities! read more

Like another reviewer, my first experience here was in January to see the Korean film "Secret Sunshine" with the SF Film Society. I found the lavishly hyped screening room to be unimpressive and a bit uncomfortable. read more

I took my Nephew here for his 16th birthday. The parking lot attendant was friendly and helpful. We were allowed to park for about 20 minutes. From reading previous reviews we knew that the lobby was not open to the public but we thought we would try for it anyway. The front desk girl asked us to leave but I begged her to stay and take a few pictures. I told her it was my nephews birthday and she agreed as long as it was just a few minutes. She was really friendly and started to chat with us about where we were from. Life size Bobba Fett and Darth Vader are AWESOME! Cool mini figurines of chewbacca and other characters were scattered on the bookshelves. It was a short but very sweet experience. Totally worth it! read more

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My favorite: - Cherry blossom trees with the red Digital Arts building as a backdrop. SoOoo...nice - Meadow ~ what a view...! - Starbucks ~ bathroom and snacks - Yoda fountain ~ the way the water sparkled when the wind blew it (twss?) - Ducks swimming in the fountain :) I did not like: - Dog poop. Not everyone was courteous enough to pick up their dogs droppings. I didn't step in any but...it smelled rank in one area... Please step lightly. read more

My 4 year old daughters a Star Wars fan so it was a must I take her when we were in the area. Its a lobby of cool things to see. They had a range of characters including a life sized darth vader. It wont take long to be in the lobby but you should def check out if your in the area as well as the yoda fountain out front. read more

Letterman Digital Arts Center - Many cool Star Wars things to see! - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came for the Yoda fountain but I noticed a lobby behind it so I decided to stick my nose on the glass door and peek in. Holy crap... I see a life size replica of Darth Vader and Boba Fett!! So, my buddy and I busted our way in to check it out and take pictures. Next to the replicas is a book shelf containing other Star Wars paraphernalia! Although, we were only allowed to park for 20 minutes in the lot, we were able to check out Yoda, the Star Wars lobby and the surrounding park area outside. What a sweet 20 minute stop!! read more

LDAC is a local pilgrimage any Star Wars geek must make. Sure, the buildings are artfully designed with great views, and the grounds and stream are gorgeous, and the location is pretty damn hard to beat, but when you walk past the Yoda fountain into the calming, high-end hotel-like lobby and find yourself in the presence of both the Darth Vader and Boba Fett costumes, among a million other Star Wars-related books, light saber props, and action figures of varying sizes... it's hard to get much more geek-tastic. But then, because you have a friend who works there, you walk past the lobby into the utterly top-notch theatre. Easily one of the best in the Bay Area, with very probably the best sound system and highest-end digital projector. (ever wish the floor shook when shit blows up? yeah. it shakes. a lot.) The only downsides? It's not very big, seating just under 300 people, and it's old school non-stadium seating, so you can occasionally get stuck with a head in your way. Oh, and the biggest downside? You've gotta know someone who works there to get in. But damn, what an amazing theatre, in a truly beautiful complex, all built as a monument to geeks. Ya gotta love it. read more

My first visit to LDAC was for the SF Film Society's screening of the Korean-language film, "Secret Sunshine." I should have been clued in that we'd get lost looking for the screening room when I couldn't find a googleable address for the LDAC. We got to Chestnut & Lyon, conferred with the posted map, and even asked directions of the Pres a Vi hostess (she had no clue). We roamed almost all of the Presidio grounds at night looking for the screening room (which we later discovered was a cushy, hushed, slight-feeling-of-entitlement place to see film). We walked past the cool nature/lawn area and peered inside the windows of various buildings at the Lucasfilm employees playing with their Star Wars action figures. Using our powers of deduction, we targeted a few buildings that we surmised to house the screening room, but we couldn't get in. We tried putting various body parts in front of the entry scanner thingy (fingers, asses, eyeballs, etc.) and whispered various codes ( i.e. "Chewbacca rocks!"), but alas, the doors would not open for us. Finally, the security guards, who tired of our vain attempts at entry, came out and pointed us in the right direction. We celebrated the success of our journey by frolicking in front of the Yoda fountain. read more

I did not see the whole Arts Center but I did get to see the Primer Theatre and that is what I'll be reviewing. A very fine theatre. Classic and cozy. I came here for a special screening at night and was told to park in the underground parking lot. Let me just say that the parking structure was very well lit and extremely clean. Very high ceilings. From the underground parking structure there are elevators that lead straight to the lobby. Very hotel-like and very convenient. The lobby is designed to look and feel like a classic home library. George put a lot of his favorite Star Wars replicas in glass cases for guests to view. Such replicas are the lightsabers, blasters, head bust artwork from his Star Wars movies. The most noticeable replicas are a life-sized Darth Vader and Boba Fett. I also really enjoyed the statue replica of the Empire State State Building with King Kong battling airplanes on top; one of his favorite movies. Some Lucasfilm awards are on display as well (ex: the MTV Movie Awards Golden Popcorn award from 2003). I loved all the movie posters displayed. That the lobby and hallways leading up to the theatre are filled with movie posters of films that inspired George Lucas himself. Classic films like Seven Samurai and Casablanca; sometimes blown up to fill half the wall. The theatre itself matches the theme of the library lobby, so you'll see dark wood walls and pillar like structures up entering. The acoustics of the theatre are made to maximize the sound and the screen is massive. The seating is classic style (non-stadium) but with more legroom, so be aware of that. The seat cushions are very comfortable and can recline back if you like. I was very relaxed with the headrest. I tried to check my phone before the movie started and noticed that there was no reception. I think its a personal feature so that no one will text or call during the featured film. There are also no snacks allowed in the theatre (which has its pros and cons). Overall though, its great way to prevent inside distractions and one of the perks of having a privately owned theater. I say just have a nice meal on your own time before entering the movie. Overall, its an amazing place to experience a movie. read more

Yoda still eludes me... some day... when I remember the cross street, I'll make my journey and find my way. UPDATE: I found Yoda! I gave some friends a tour of SF Presidio and one of the stops was visiting Yoda. My friend said to the guardshack person "I wanna see Yoda now", the guard was like "what?", my other friend riding shotgun in a nicer tone "We're here to see Yoda", the guard said "oh ok, come on in"... we laughed. Nice campus, view of Palace of Fine Arts. read more

I got to take a picture with the Darth Vader suit. Freaking awesome! And, because of family members being of "the guild", I can go see movies here around the Oscar buildup time. The theatre is amazing, mainly because of the sound system. It's really breathtaking (and I mean that in the literal bass-is-so-crazy-it-feels-like-it's-sucking-the-air-from-your-lungs kind of way). The actual architecture is beautiful and I love that they made it modern while seamlessly blending the buildings into the style of the existing Presidio structures. My hat off to you, George. read more

1. It's an entertaining place to work, people watch, grab some coffee and listen to the creek. 2. It's even more entertaining when tourists try to get in the front doors. 3. What's most entertaining is probably the Star Wars themed weddings that occur in the summertime underneath the veranda. 4. The theater here is pimp. Nothing else compares in the Bay Area (okay, maybe Pixar's. However Pixar's seats are hard, and the sound isn't as good. And it's smaller.) 5. If you're looking for Pres a Vi, most likely it's the OPPOSITE way. Acre's this way. :) 6. For a green building, let's get some hand dryers and get rid of the paper towels all together! read more

I walked around the front of the place the first time I was looking for Yoda and realized how beautiful the landscaping is. The day that I visited was a weekend so everything but the restaurant and Starbucks was closed. But there were people walking around, some lying on the grass, some picnicking on the benches and occasional kids playing near the water. But what was breath-taking were all the cherry blossoms (sorry, I'm a sucker for cherry blossoms) that were blooming. Oh, it was so picturesque! read more

Letterman Digital Arts Center - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - San Francisco, California

A must for all Star Wars Fans. All the little details would be greatly appreciated by any SW Fan. Guard was friendly when we asked to take a picture with Yoda, directed us to park in the free 20 minute parking right in front of the building and told us about visiting to lobby behind the fountain. The staff in the lobby was friendly and so were the guests or employees. Two of whom offered to take a picture of our family next to Christmas Yoda and their beautiful Christmas tree. Enjoyed the details, the books, the light sabers, and of course the life size Boba Fett & Darth Vader. Would definitely do it again! read more

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What can I say. I cant' even explain how dope this place is. I love peaking around through the windows, perv in' off the Star Wars items behind those very clean windows. The Cafe is a nice spot with an awesome view. I can't give this lace enough stars. MTFBWY...Rebel Scum read more

Finally, a new tidbit to add! The best movie theater in the city is at LDAC. Oscar screenings happen there, if that's an indicator. You have to know someone, but the sound is awesome. Not a place to see "Music and Lyrics," but if you've got a friend and a blockbuster you're willing to wait a week or two on, ask said friend to hook you up. read more

This Facility is just like the man himself!!! Top Notch, State of the Arts, moving the industry forward in time,,,to give us the best tool for our work. 3rd Coast Inc. is on board to shoot in the city, using Lucas's Skywalker Ranch ect. for our new Films. Thanks, for the Invite George!!! San Francisco, is a city, that holds the Movie Industry, in a serious balance...of Quality, and Talent available. It's a Professional's best option for the Modern Filmmaker!!! Reviewer: '' Eve St.Charles - Ceo - 3rd Coast Inc. Writer- Director '' WWW.3RDCOAST-PRODUCTIONS.COM read more

Not bad when a company adds 17 acres of public park to their corporate campus but thats what G. Lucas company did to its new Presidio digs. Check out all that lawn yes lots and lots of lawn hell w/ xeriscape here, there is even a make believe creek and pond, a touch of the Sierras in SF. The design is dated, to east coast style for Presidio CALIFORNIA, news flash, it doesnt rain here that much and not at all in the summer. Acres of lawn and full grown trees require loads of water. They had an oportunity to make a really progressive modern landscape instead they settled for tried and true, whose to blame? Neighborhood,probably. Same with the buildings, yawn. Great views (as long as your not facing those Presidio buildings on Steroids behind you) and nice attention to detail. Still the large park space makes a nice urban edge retreat. read more

The kids call this "The No Fun Park". No playing on the rocks. No going near the stream. No playing pooh-sticks in the stream. No riding scooters on the paths. The security guards say that there are signs prohibiting all these things, but what they actually say: "no swimming. No wading." Lucas has created great environments for kids both her and on screen. It's a pity they can't actually enjoy this one. read more

LOVE being a tenant here. The security system is annoying but the staff is incredible. LOVE IT.

I have this picture of the Yoda fountain on my desk. Everyone always asks me where I bought the postcard. But in actuality it's a picture that I took on a beautiful day in SF at the Letterman Digital Arts Center. It is a really awesome space to visit and walk around. Although there really isn't much to see unless you know someone who works there. Still, it would be a nice place to bring a picnic lunch, with it's well manicured lawns and lagoon. Did I mention the awesomeness of the Yoda fountain? That picture they have up doesn't quite do it justice. read more

Great theater, perfect for movie screenings. Stellar sound system (THX-optimized).

What I saw of the campus was just gorgeous. The grounds were immaculate. Views were sweeping! And now I learn there is an amazing hidden movie theater not open to the public!! No fair! read more

I love walking around here. The Presidio campus is beautiful. It is quiet and serene, hardly a soul to see when you hang out here. You can park it on the grass and eat lunch or meditate. A perfect place to spend a wonderful sunny day in solitude. So peaceful. read more

5 stars for the atmosphere - it's like a whole different city there. The gym is great too. -1 star for hmmmmm... Does no one at all find it creepy that the creek has a huge visible emergency shut off switch?! read more

Awesome place. Wish I worked here! The gift shop is heaven for us. We spent quite a lot of some of the merchandise. You have to know someone who works there to get you in as a guest. read more

This place is so awesome. I came here for a group study, and walking down that long hallway was so epic. It's exactly what you expect out of the new Mecca of Star Wars (and all LucasFilm related material) fans. The offices are loaded with Star Wars swag, gear, toys, posters, video games, etc. It was so freaking awesome!!! I want a job here so much!! GAR!! read more

The grounds of the Letterman Digital Arts Center are beautiful. Take the time to have a picnic or just hang out. There is a Starbucks in one of the buildings. It was fun to see the Yoda fountain. We snuck into a couple of the lobbies. There was a Darth Vadar statue in one of the lobbies, as well as many framed iconic movie posters. This is a business, so there is not admittance past the lobbies. It was fun to see the grounds. read more

I can only speak to the screening venue here, which rivals the one at Pixar. I went to a film preview at night, so wasn't able to explore the grounds, etc. that others mentioned in their reviews, but what I did see was amazing! First, let's just establish that if you're going to host a movie for a premiere or a benefit, do it the way they do it at Lucas: good signage, friendly staff who smile (but not in that useless, air-headed way), free underground parking, and nice mood lighting. And then, once you enter the lobby, it also helps to be greeted by Boba Fett and Darth Vader, of course. Then, finally, you treat your guests to the best audio-visual movie-going experience in a 400 mile radius. I swear I would've missed 40% of the soundtrack if we watched the film in any other venue in town. It's a curse though... sort of like eating Jeni's Gourmet Ice Cream, then knowing you have to go back to Double Rainbow after that. It's gonna be hard to be content at any other movie theater for a while now. read more