WORSE PLACE EVER. manager was SO rude. terrible customer service. i will not be going back

This is a small theater downtown with decent pricing for both matinee and evening shows. The website is easy to use for buying tickets, and the service fee isn't ridiculous. The popcorn could be fresher. But I suppose that can be hard to keep up with low attendance, and thus, low turnover. read more

This place is a joke. My daughter and I went to the last movie showing last night and she accidentally left behind her purse with a ton of valuables. When we arrived this morning to ask if any of the employees found it while cleaning they said no. So we asked to speak to a supervisor to see if he could pull the cameras. He said he could not do that. Wasn't helpful and super rude. Clearly it was probably an employee because there were no other showings for the night. Stay away from this place. Bunch of dishonest people. read more

This place smells so gross. Friendly staff but I think it's the carpet that smells like fungus and it stinks up the entire room.

So many flies crawling over the screen AND the projector so we could see them blur the movie. So distracting and gross

Ticket takers that are rude and impatient with customers. Managers that are rude to customers.

I made the mistake of using my camera flashlight to find my seats and got a look at the seats. They are absolutely filthy. Extremely soiled and stained. Really really dirty. All of them. Tried to forget about while watching the movie. But in all fairness pretty much all the movie theaters in Santa Barbara are run down and outdated but this one and fiesta 5 are the worst. The one by Costco is the nicest. I don't understand why we can't get one updated theater that's clean, has reclining comfortable clean seats and service. It's like the 1980s. read more

Old style movie theater. Hard to park here but upside is the street is a pedestal so nice place to stroll after your show.

Very unreasonable staff. Had a really negative experience due to poor customer service and the employees not understanding their own policies. Even after 3 different employees consulted each other, they could not come up with a definite answer and ultimately left me as the customer to be the one holding the bag. To top it off, this theater smells absolutely awful and is not as clean as other local theaters. Employees are just sitting around doing nothing, but the place is filthy. Definitely avoid this theater. Every other one in town is better. read more

We are in town for a lacrosse tournament and my daughter and I decided to go to a movie. We picked this theater because it was within walking distance of our hotel. Unfortunately, as the lights dimmed and the excitement was about to begin...the theater suddenly went dark and the emergency lights kicked on. The staff immediately reassured us that we were safe and that there was a power interruption and that things would be running shortly. Sadly, minutes ticked by and the staff came back to let us know the outage was affecting a large part of the area and offered vouchers. I was in a pickle. I purchased my tickets through Fandango, we were leaving town the next day and their site refuses refunds or credits after the movie start time...no exceptions (I should review them...boooo). We hung back for a few minutes while the staff dealt with safely walking all the customers out and I spoke with Elias who is the GM. He was extremely polite and apologetic. He too understood that working with Fandango was problematic and he offered to take my information and see if he, or the corporate office of the theater, could help. I left my information with hope, but no great expectations. Well today I got my socks blown off! I received an email from Elias and he is working with Fandango. He just needs my confirmation information from them to try and facilitate a refund. At this point, the ball is in Fandango's court! I am so impressed with Elias and the staff of Metro 4 Theatre in Santa Barbara. In this age of digital processing and service by text it was so refreshing to deal with a professional who cared about the company, the job and the customer. Speaking to someone who was willing to go the extra mile was such a wonderful experience. I am so thankful to Elias and his team and would recommend this little theater to anyone in the area. I am happy to give 5 starts on service alone!!!!!!!!!! read more

Great atmosphere with past decor and architecture. Perfect for rainy day's matinees. You can still watch movies for under $12. Perfect place for a first date; movie and many affordable dining. read more

Metropolitan Metro 4 Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Until they show movies after 9:00 I will stay home to watch movies. Some people actually work late. Who wants to "Rush Out" For some overpriced movie? Not I. This town tends to roll up the sidewalks at 9:00. The only way they will get it is to stop using their services. Works for me, anyway. read more

Long line at concession stand and only one attendant. Overall, seen 3 people manning the theater where they are showing avengers and John wick 3. The place is run down and poorly managed. They need better planning and more staff. Eventually the supervisor showed up. A bit too late. read more

Loved this little theater! On a business trip..wife and I decided to stop in after dinner. It was a Tuesday and must have been a promotion day but it was only $15 for both of us! Ordered popcorn and some candy, guys behind counter were nice and attentive. Liked it soo much we came back for another movie the next night :) ... not many people in attendance which we didn't mind, almost had the whole place to ourselves. read more

It doesn't look like much on the outside but The Metro 4 Theater on State St. has a lot to offer! It's 4 screening venues are excellent for film goers, the largest holding 500+ if my memory serves me right. Of all the multiplexes in Santa Barbara this theater is the only one that is used by The Santa Barbara International Film Festival and during the festival is it used non-stop. At last years festival I think I spent more time in the Metro 4 than I did in my own home. When I had my first film in SBIFF I was given a slot at the Metro 4 and was so happy that happened. Being my first film and only the second time it was shown publicly, I was slightly nervous. Before the screening I got to talking with the projectionist and he was really kind and helpful. It put me at ease to know my film was in good hands. Location-wise, The Metro 4 is an excellent place for "Dinner and a Movie". It's in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara so it truly is ideal for dinner, a movie and maybe some drinks afterwards. My recommendation would be Dargan's Irish Pub just a few doors down (for dinner before or drinks after, take you pick!). Also nearby are Rockin' Yogurt and Yogurtland if you feel like something cold and smooth after all the popcorn! Speaking of popcorn. OH BOY. It is always so good there. Don't be afraid to ask for some extra butter and if you get a large (with a free refill) you'll still have some in your hands when you're walking State St. two hours later. Quick tips: 1. The main restrooms at this are upstairs and it's kind of a tight fit but there are special needs restrooms in the lobby. 2. Each theater has a back exit that can give you quick access to the closest parking structure. read more

Metropolitan Metro 4 Theatre - Theater marquee on State St. - Cinema Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Living in L.A., I've become somewhat accustomed to the Arclights of the world. Metro 4 doesn't have the amenities of a large theater, but I'm happy to say that despite its humble exterior, the theater boasts stadium seating and a relatively nice inside. I also appreciate that the theater's matinee prices extend until 6 o'clock and that the regular prices aren't terribly high to begin with. I also love that Metro 4 still prints real tickets. I hate getting my movie tickets on receipt paper. read more

Fandango screwed up my movie's showtime and ticket and James, Max, and Julissa were kind and understanding enough to help me work something out with the ticket. Learned my lesson to stop going to Fandango for tickets, but I'll definitely come back here! read more

This theatre needs a major remodel/update. The seats are uncomfortable and do not fit someone over 6 ft.

Ive never had a problem prior to this but i just went with my boyfriend to see a rated r movie and they rejected us because he didn't have his wallet on him. We asked another couple if they would buy tickets with us and if they had their ids because the movie theatre asks. They agreed and helped us out and we bought tickets all together. The supervisor isaac was being really impatient with us when we were picking seats and then told us that one of of has to be 21 or over to buy more than one ticket. (Which ive never heard) Then as we were picking seats we picked seats separate then he told us we have to sit together so we all said okay. He then said "so you only want two tickets" then started removing the tickets. We were like what no? Anyways we ended up going into the theatre. My boyfriend went out to the concession stand like 10 minutes later and they said they were closed. My boyfriend noticed all the popcorn right there and asked if he could just get popcorn since they were just going to throw it away anyway but still said no. Also while we were watching the movie the supervisor isaac came in and looked directly at us. Super weird experience, ive never had a problem here before but oh well i probably wont be coming back if the customer service is like that. read more

Went yesterday afternoon to see, Bohemian Rhapsody, enjoyed it throughly. As for the theater, it's a bit dated & just a 4 plex. However, it was built in the late 1920's & other then bulldoz it down, there are many limitations, simply because it's a landmark. So all n all, turning it from a 1 show theater into what it now is, probably the best thing all around! read more

This is a really bad movie theater . I have seen blade runner and avengers endgame here and it totally ruined my experience for these movies. In Auditorium 3 the sound is too low and you hear everything from the auditorium playing something from the other end. If you sit at top the projector light is so bright! And to make things worse the projector screen had some marks on it so bright scenes are bad. I am a home cinema expert so apologies for picking on the smaller things. Go only if you really have to see the movie and if there are long lines at the other halls. read more

This movie theater drastically needs a makeover, STAT. Here's why: Saturday night, 8:15 showing of the Hobbit. I want to see Smaug, dammit! We drive and drive and drive and drive trying to find free parking--whatever happened to free parking in downtown SB? Oh right, first 90 mins are free for the closest lot on Ortega St. They don't think about Smaug and how his movie goes on and on for 2+ hrs so I get charged $4.50 on my way out... but that's another review for downtown SB parking. We quickly buy our tickets, I get my overindulgent, over-priced, overly buttered movie theater popcorn. While my taste buds and stomach are satiated by the melted, buttery goodness, I almost walk past the auditorium. Because... guess what? This theater has...wait for it... wait for it... FOUR auditoriums squeezed next to each other! How the hell could someone even miss them? Just stuff yourself senseless with that buttery crack and I guarantee that you will also miss auditorium #4. We enter auditorium #4 and end up climbing over 3 people because the rows are only accessible on one side. Poor planning if emergency evacuation is needed. I get stuck on the end, next to the carpeted wall. And guess what? 1 hour into the movie, I fall asleep because the AC isn't working and I'm in toasty slumber until I'm rudely awaken by my seat cushion dropping. Yes, my chair malfunctioned. But I don't give a hoot because it's dark and I'm warm and I'm zzzzzz. I wake up again to see Smaug shaking off molten gold and look over to see my friends sweaty and stripped nearly to their undies because we're in some dark and warped oven that trembles to the resonance of Benedict Cumberbatch. I could have just written "this theater needs better layout, temperature control, seats that don't drop, and improved evacuation planning to be worth the extra $4.50 I paid for parking." But, I wanted to document that it's possible to be lulled to sleep by Smaug given the right circumstances. I recommend going to Goleta Camino Real Cinemas where they have free parking, AC, stadium seating, and exits on both sides! read more

Wifey and I decided to catch a movie here during our latest jaunt to Santa Barbara. We'd gone to the Fiesta 5 down the street once before (and liked it), and decided to give this one a try. Good choice! Don't let the 5 star rating I'm giving mislead you. This is no means an extravagant, grand theater. However - it pretty much gets everything right. The prices of the tickets and food were *very* reasonable; surprisingly so, for the area. The service was also very friendly. Eli, the person helping us at the concession stand was really great...double boxing our popcorn box to avoid butter stains on clothing and even giving us a small discount on our food because we had to wait for the hot dogs to finish cooking. How often do you see that? The theater itself is kinda like the TARDIS; i.e. bigger on the inside. From the front facade it doesn't look like its going to be very big...but the theaters themselves are surprisingly roomy. Couple this with comfy seats...good picture and sound...and clean restrooms and you can't go wrong at all. Highly recommend this spot when your near State Street and want to catch a movie. We'll certainly be back! read more

Adorable theater!! Small, not many screens, but so old fashioned and cute. Good service, clean, nice lighting and sound.

Watched "snatched" with my mother- great, hilarious movie. Popcorn was WAY too oily and salty, and atmosphere was too grimy for my liking. Better sticking with an AMC or something nicer like that in Santa Barbara. Even though this theater is on state street (you'd think it'd be nicer), it's not that good. read more

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Nice theater Came here to obviously enjoy a good cinematic advantage, and it was a success. The theater had nice seating, and a good assortment of snacks amd drinks. The movie was uninterrupted and the bathrooms seemed fairly clean. read more

Grubby. That pretty much says it all. The seats smell bad, they are kind of caked in dirt that looks like a plastic coating on the arm rest fabric. There was gum stuck in the cup holders all the way along the row we wanted to sit at, gross. (Gross that people did it in the first place, of course, but it sure didn't look like it had been done just that day, or even that week, so it should have been cleaned up.) The bathroom was filthy and one of the doors was so badly broken and wouldn't open all the way that it snapped back at me when I tried to open it and hit me pretty hard in the shoulder. The girl making the popcorn SNEEZED ALL OVER IT. I'm not exaggerating, she didn't even turn her head away. Gross. What's the point of seeing a movie in a gross, filthy environment when you could go to virtually any other theatre in town and sit in a relatively clean seat. read more

Cute theater and friendly staff. I like that the armrests go up or down.

Friendly staff, vintage vibes overall neat theatre. Santa Barbara is one of the prettiest cities, so it's no wonder that even a simple theatre would carry that charm. You can count of them for having super fresh crispy popcorn, so good! Also bet that they'll have a clean facility, friendly staff and a selection of current films. Cute local spot right on State Street. Starbucks near by, ice cream shop, tons of restaurants and shops. read more

This is a nice little theater in downtown Santa Barbara. The front and lobby of the theater look super old so I thought the theaters would be the same. But it looks like they've remodeled the theaters because they're clean and modern with stadium seating. They are only 4 theaters so movies and showings are limited but I would recommend coming here if you're in the area. There's street parking if you can find it. Or there's a large public parking garage behind the theater but you have to pay. The theater doesn't validate but the first 75 minutes are free. read more

It's a special kind of hell when a movie theater allows people to bring babies into movies with them. Do you know how amazing it was to see Black Panther at 8:15pm (ended at 10:30pm) and listen to a baby crying?! Hint: I'm so annoyed I'm actually typing this review as I'm waiting for the end credit scene. This was literally the worst movie experience I've ever had and will never come back here. I would rather wait for a movie to come out on demand than to see a movie here ever again! read more

I enjoyed going to the movies in the simplicity and beauty of this place. Comfortable seating, wide screen, and clear sound.The movie I wanted to see was on limited release and this place had it: Thank you! Clean bathrooms, option to buy ticket from attendant or from kiosk and basic refreshments is all I needed. Prices cheaper than bigger mainstream chain theaters. Check out the bargain Tuesdays for specials on tickets prices for all ages. read more

Seen fast and furious 7 here, cool old school theater. The front door guy kinda of freaked out when my sons and I walked through the door looking for the ticket booth. He was like how can i help you homeboy? lol. anyways, the ticket booth was outside. Another guy came in behind me, the same door guy welcomed him with a good evening sir, may i take your ticket. The theater itself is small, the way i like it.. and inside to movie screen room the screens are ginormous. Cool place but like allot of businesses i review they need more diversity and workers to be culturally conscious. read more

Hands down the best movie theater in downtown Santa Barbara. Sure the Arlington has better ambiance and a bigger screen, but the Metro 4 has good sound, great seats and multiple screens. Besides, who ambiance does little once the lights go down and the movie starts. The seats even lean back a little and are configured in a "stadium" style (each row gets significantly higher) that leave your view of the screen completely free of all offending heads. It could have better sound and with only 4 screens the selection isn't so great, but if they are playing the movie you want to see then read more

Bottom line: A great local theater I have been going here since i was a kid. This is a great local theater that's been around for a long time. Some of the amenities show the theaters' age but none the less it's a great place to take in a movie. read more

THIS PLACE IS A JOKE!!!!! Me and my friend waited in like for 10 min while a boy who looked 17 years old made food and sold tickets to what looked like a line of 20 people out the door. Finally another employee realized the line was long and started to help out. The line moved faster and when we got to this employee, young girl with short short hair. When I asked for a ticket to the r rated movie she asked for my i.d (I'm 21 in 7 days) which I gave her, she sold me me the ticket but then my friend remembered she didn't have her i.d (we have birthdays a week apart). She denied a picture of the i.d I had on my phone and said I had to be at least 21 to buy her ticket. LITERALLY A JOKE! ME AND MY FRIEND LAUGHED OURSELVES OUT OF THERE! Never experienced something like this before. Never giving them my service ever again and we are regulars!!!!! If they had at least a supervisor around maybe things would have gotten right. Fucking joke!! read more

Old Hollywood feel movie theater. Not super clean but not full either. Family enjoyed a night at the movies in a classic movie feel.

Cleaner than most of the other theaters down state street! One of the managers helped me take my snacks in to my movie because they noticed I had my hands full, Very friendly staff! read more

This was my first visit to Metro 4 theatre, the ticket agent was very rude to the couple before my wife and I reached the window. His poor attitude and rude comments continued with us. I confronted his poor attitude and he stated "don't be rude". He got the manager who was also in a poor mood. I would never recommend this theatre to anybody. It lacks the friendliness and class associated with Santa Barbara. read more

Worst Movie theatre probably in California. Horrible service. Some older man who was cashier, RUDEST person I've met. Service was so bad I requested a refund and honestly never going back. So much bad attitude and horrible service. They don't even deserve the one star I gave them in this review. read more