New People Cinema holds film festival screenings at this time of the year. I caught a screening of Empty by Design, an indie film written & directed by an Asian female; part of Caamfest 2019. It was a really good film which I enjoyed seeing while seated on a plush red seat in the compact theater located in the lower level of the New People building in Japantown. The sound was excellent. Almost every seat has a good perspective of the screen. There was limited concession offerings such as beverages and sweets from the afternoon tea shop in the building's lobby. After the screening, I got a chance to hear a Q&A with the three main stars of the film and see them up close in the reception space just outside the screening room. One of the actors was Chris Pang, an actor that was in Crazy Rich Asian! A very fun experience! read more

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This place was a treat to be in for the CaamFest. Great venue to watch some entertainment. This located in the heart of Japantown. read more

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A truly independent theater, Viz Cinema (inside New People) features current and classic Japanese films. They recently had a Kurosawa film festival (I've always wanted to see his movies on the big screen and this is one of the few places you can). The lobby is stylish and modern with orange walls and the interior of the theater has a striking look with white rods on the ceiling and walls. Seats are comfy with arm rests and drink holders. The restrooms feature heated toilet seats with all sorts of buttons for extra cleansing (back, front, etc.). The snacks are hit and miss (green tea brownie didn't impress) and include cookies, sandwiches, popcorn (not freshly popped), fancy tea, and Blue Bottle Coffee. Sandwiches and bento boxes are 1/2 off after 5 PM. There are plenty of places to get good movie snacks in Japantown (I snacked on mochi balls on a stick from Kissako Tea. I also recommend getting a bag of Tohato Caramel Corn and some Hi-Chews). Tickets: $10 read more

New People Cinema - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

VIZ CINEMA (like NEW PEOPLE, they insist it's spelled w/ all caps) is a 143-seat underground cinema inside NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco, owned & operated by VIZ Pictures. Equipped w/ a cutting-edge HD digital projection & THX®-certified sound system, VIZ CINEMA's programming focuses on the latest & hottest films from Japan, as well as classics, favorites, documentaries & anime - making it the only venue of its kind in the United States. On August 15th, VIZ Pictures will celebrate the grand opening of its cinema w/ a special premiere screening of the first chapter of the 20th Century Boys live-action trilogy, directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, presented in partnership w/ Nippon Television. To welcome its first audience, VIZ Pictures is going to giveaway 10 free tickets to the premiere screening of 20th Century Boys 1: Beginning of the End, which has a limited run beginning 8/15. For a chance to win a free ticket, email your full name with "Tickets to 20th Century Boys 1 in the subject to info@vizcinema.com. The first 20th Century Boys film will continue playing at the theatre through 8/27, followed by a week-long showing of the second chapter of the trilogy, 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope. Additionally, as an unprecedented event in the Japanese film world, VIZ Cinema will host the world premiere of the third & final chapter, 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption on August 28th, presented simultaneously w/ the national release in Japan. Don't miss this exclusive engagement at VIZ Cinema! $10.00 General / $8.00 Matinee, Senior (62+), Child (-12) Viz CINEMA played trailers of Japanese films during the Grand Opening day. Santa's Yelper sez: "Finally, a theatre for Japanese anime & movies w/ THX quality sound! Yay!" read more

New People Cinema - The NEW PEOPLE Building under construction - Cinema Near Me - San Francisco, California

Opening August 15th..."...a 143-seat underground cinema inside NEW PEOPLE (http://www.yelp.com/biz/new-people-san-francisco) in San Francisco, owned and operated by VIZ Pictures. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, VIZ CINEMA's programming focuses on the latest and hottest films from Japan, as well as an incredible legacy of classics, favorites, documentaries and anime - making it the only venue of its kind in the United States." $10.00 General $8.00 Matinee, Senior (62+), Child (-12) How to get there (http://www.newpeopleworld.com/visit/). read more

A couple of weeks ago, I randomly came across the movie showtimes for VIZ and found out they were playing one of my favorite Japanese film series. Score! Never mind the fact I had already watched all of them at home; being able to watch it in a real theater with the sound system and everything makes it all that much better. Plus, the fact that it's across the street from Nijiya doesn't hurt either - just another reason to sneak in there and buy some Japanese snacks/groceries. That's never a bad thing. Located in the basement of the New People store, it's a 143-seat theater that actually feels smaller than it is, but in a good way. There was only a handful of people when I went, so getting a good seat was no problem (though I worry that a lack of crowds might mean eventual closure and the loss of a good theater that plays Asian films). Sitting inside, it's got a cozy sort of aura but with the modern amenities you would find in a regular theater - stadium seating, a THX surround sound system, and (unfortunately) $10 tickets. And while it's a little unusual, I really liked their lighting set-up; different but kind of cool. The concession stand that you pass on the way down the stairs is pretty unique too. If anything, their menu is actually more like a coffee shop than a true theater stand, and they also offer some distinctly Asian snacks (curry popcorn anyone?) As for their movie schedule, I would recommend referencing their website for the showings rather than whatever internet listing you find. When I originally saw them on the Yahoo movies page, it just listed all of the movies and showtimes like they would at regular theaters. However, in this instance at least, they were actually playing the series film festival style, with one installment a night for that one week only. So at a glance, you wouldn't even know it was one movie a night, let alone in what order. I did notice though that they are going to play the Korean "Vengeance" series soon, so I'll get my crack at the Curry Popcorn when I go for that. read more

After walking past this place twice for the International Film Fest, I realized this place has a lot more to offer than just movies. Whether you want to lounge around in a cafe or check out cute Asian goods upstairs, this is a convenient place to hang out in J-town while waiting to watch a movie or meet up behind walls of glass. The ambiance is simple and clean with a high-tech feel. Parking is available on the street or in the garage across from the building. read more

A very nice venue to see very special films. It's right in Japantown. I think it is part of a business that markets Japanese made products and I think there are a number of shops in the building. I was with a group from Sausalito Village, group of seniors that is part of the National Village movement, a non profit organization that tries to provide services and events so Senior Citizens can age with fun and integrity while continuing to live in their own homes and apartments, whether owned or rented. Our Sausalito Village is sort of like having a Country Club. Lots of excursions and events. But I digress. I'm not sure if this venue always has films running or what the deal is because our group came out for just one film with a couple of shorts preceding it. We weren't there long enough to really look around and ask questions about how the theater ran. I recently saw a wonderful film there, "Lives Well Lived" about an interview of 40 people who are between 70 and 103 years old. It was at the Legacy Film Festival On Aging. A friend of mine, Dennis Banks a famous American Indian leader, rented the venue several years back for a private showing to his friends of a new film that I highly recommend everyone see, "A Good Day to Die" partly about his life but mostly about the totally unjust Genocide that continues to today to America's First People. It is something that is avoided in our school systems, in History classes from Grade school through Post Graduate level. It is a blight on the American cause and true Destiny to be a Light Unto the World. Until our Federal Government issues a Formal Apology to all American Indian Tribes, both Federally registered and non registered, our nation cannot fully fulfill it's Spiritual Purpose in the community of Nations. This is my sincere opinion and I will state this every place I get a chance. And I have absolutely no Indian blood in my genetic makeup. I intentionally digressed on that and do not apologize. Anyway, I believe that the venue can be rented for private showings. Oh yes, there was a fine looking coffee shop / restaurant on the premises but we had time constraints on our van service so we ended up at a place in Sausalito that I think has by far the best Pizza in Marin. Now you'll have to thumb through all my reviews to figure that out. "oh what arrogance!" read more

I came for a film festival a friend had a showing in. All good, I'll come back for events. The kawai (cute) culture upstairs dissuaded me from coming near this place before. read more

Nice little cinema in J-Town w good parking (garage), food (tea shop in entrance), and close to the mall

Viz Cinema is a hyper cool, mini cinema near Japan town. I saw the flick Eatrip, a meditative movie on food and its importance to life and one's culture. I'm getting the feeling this place is willing to show quirky and more diverse films than Landmark cinemas and Sundance Kabuki. While the film was interesting I found the environ of the cinema to be more intriguing. It was a perfect hideout for a rainy Sunday. We had the comfy theatre and its mod stadium seating to ourselves. The stylish, streaked lighting set a Tokyo mood while we pondered getting delicious wasabi popcorn. read more

I've only seen 2 films here so far (The People I've Slept With and recently Sayonara, Itsuka) but I'm already loving this place and fully intend on watching more in here. It is still fairly new which is probably why it is so clean but it's small, has comfortable pleather seats, friendly staff (always smiling!) and their restrooms have BIDETS. That's right, you read that correctly. BIDETS. Don't know what that is? Press the buttons next to your toilet and find out. read more

My favorite place to watch anime movies. The stores are cool, though I'm not really interested in any of the merchandise. I also have yet to try the tea cafe. Can't wait for the next anime! read more

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Another great place to watch non-mainstream movies in San Francisco. Located a block up from the Kabuki theater in Japantown you can do so much out here before coming to the theater to check out a film. The decor of Viz Cinema is pretty modern and awesome with a great cafe that serves some of the most delicious popcorn I have ever had in a movie theater. What kind of popcorn can this be you ask...it some delicious curry popcorn! An even bigger plus is the store upstairs with nothing but Viz products or kick back if you arrived a little to early to your films showtime. Came here during the SFIAAFF this year and saw the movie Ajumma! Great experience and would definitely come back to see more films. Oh, and the bathrooms are cool cause they got bidet's! America should have more of these. read more

This review is for the viz cinema/theater itself and not for any production or shows they host there. I did not enjoy the feature I watched here at the Asian American film festival, but I did enjoy the sound and theater seating. There are 143 seats in this theater and the side handles/arm rests go all the way up if needed. Seats are firm, stable, and very comfortable. The theater has a "fresh" and clean look to it. It is comfortable and not overcrowded. The disabled can take the elevator all the way down to the basement level where the theater is located at inside NEW PEOPLE. Overall, I had a pleasant experience as an audience inside the theater. New sound systems and comfortable seating. Convenient near multiple bus lines including MUNI 38, 2, and 1. Nearby parking lot with 1 hour validation (free) if you eat at Isobune inside the Japantown Mall. read more

This theater might be small, but where else can you see this kind of stuff? I've seen quite a few movies here (my fav so far was the live action DMC - Detroit Metal City!) and always enjoy myself. The theater is clean and unless its opening night of a big film, rarely crowded (which sucks for business, but its nice to have the theater almost to yourself). The concession stand is on the ground level and offers different types of fare that you would fine in a typical theater. The theater itself is downstairs, in the basement if you will. Additionally, there is a store (of course) where you can buy yourself a copy of the movie you just watched, no needing to track it down online. It's clean and so far the staff has always been friendly. I enjoy coming here, and to the New People Building over all. read more

This movie theater is a great art-house theater in Japantown. Funcheap had free passes to the Another Hole in the Head indie horror film festival, so I decided to go. I got passes to 2 movies, but ended up seeing one..and it was called Flora. Flora was a film set in the wilderness and there's a group of young students trying to survive, but one by one they start dying starting with the professor. This film was impressive and made me feel reaffirmed that film can be artistic and immersive. I saw Bladerunner 2049 recently and I did not care for it at all..but there are indie films like Flora that are awesome and inspiring. I liked the cinematography, acting, costumes, and seamlessness. It also had some elements of a period piece going back to 1929 in a fictional way. The director and lead actress did a Q and A at the end. The director said that the old-fashioned car used in the movie is 1 of 3 that exist in Canada...his extended family member owns it. I am happy I took a trip to this movie theater and thanks for hosting the Another Hole in the Head film festival. read more

I go there only for their classic Japaneses movies. They had curated movies for Ozu, Mizoguchi, Kobayashi and another samurai theme movies. My 5 star raving is mainly for the unique programming and the intimate feeling inside the theater. That's not it! They serve great coffee and pastries too! read more

Came here for the first time to check out Kizumonogatari Part 1 last weekend. My first experience here was not the greatest but now I know what to expect so I can tell I'll better enjoy myself next time around. The whole ambiance and decor of the place was very fitting and the seats were pretty darn comfortable--and clean to boot! However, I could not ignore the stench of straight body odor. The moment you step into the stairwell leading to the underground theatre, the stench of BO will hit you hard. I can't really say if the stench was preexisting since we arrived much later than majority of the audience. But, I will note that 90% of the audience were either prepubescent or teenage boys so that might have had something to do with it... Short people beware--make sure you get in line early since seating is first come, first served. This tip might seem super obvious because it should apply to any theatre but it's really worth noting due to the likelihood you'll need to read the English subtitles for foreign screenings. Normally, I don't mind sitting close to the screen but I didn't think about how it would adversely affect my ability to read the subtitles clearly. We sat maybe 6 rows from the front so they were fairly flat and I ending up having to arch my neck and peek between the heads of people sitting in front of me for an hour which was not very fun. Brownie points for the staff on not being haters and allowing us to bring in snacks. Actually, I'm not sure if there's a rule against bringing in outside food but I blatantly walked in with a grocery bag and they did not stop me to check it. Like a lot of the audience, we swung by Nijiya market across the street prior to the movie and picked up some very appropriate Japanese drinks and snacks. I didn't get a chance to check out the store upstairs nor did I know ahead of time that Crown and Crumpet Tea Shop opened up at this location either so I definitely want to come back soon to check them out. read more

A great place to hang. You walk in the door and they have a cafe that serves some good coffee. I walk downstairs to the theater. The whole place is nice - sleek interior and a spacious waiting area. Walking into the theater, it doesn't look too big at first but they can fit quite a few people. The seats are comfortable and I was able to watch a film without blockage of sight from those sitting in front of me. It was a good experience and it feels cozy inside. This place is a winner on my list. A great place to watch films. Look forward to watching some independent films here for the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival here in 3 weeks (March 10-20). Get your tickets early - movies sell out quickly. read more

To set your expectations, my review has NOTHING to do with the fact that I am a big fan of Japanese culture, especially animation. The facilities are clean and modern, with brightly colored art-work in the lobby. The theater had comfortable seats with raisable arm-rests. The screen and audio met my needs. The movie was crisp and easy to see from 2nd row 2 seats from the end. All audio was dynamic and clear without being overpowering. I know this is putting the cart before the horse, but they have the cleanest bathroom and coolest toilets I've ever used. Toilet has heated seats as well as water jets to help you clean. If a movie you want to see is playing there, it is a great environment. read more

Attended a showing of "You Don't Know Jack," (www.jacksoo.com) after being invited by the Director, Jeff Adachi who is also Public Defender of San Francisco. I wasn't aware that it was a event sponsored by "KIMOCHI" (Kimochi-inc.org), a Japanese American non-profit that feeds a lot of Asian American seniors besides others and other things (they are facing a budget cutback of $100K AND THEY FEED SENIORS so please support this group and their noble endeavors) but like anyway I was told when I arrived that it was a Donor and Volunteers Appreciation Event so they had some pretty good Japanese food and wine and these really cool nigiri sushi simulated rice krispy cookies (Suedy's Koo-ki Sushi:www.kookisushi.com) gratis, the Director was in attendance and did a fun Q&A afterwards ... the movie was a documentary about Jack Soo the Asian American "breakthrough" actor who starred in the original "Flower Drum Song," the tv series "Valentine's Day" and "Barney Miller" but the title of the documentary was highly "a pro pos" because I found myself thinking at various junctures of the well done movie, "Wow, I didn't know that ... how cool is that!" Because Jack Soo was hella cool and if you get a chance to see "You Don't Know Jack," I'd give that 5 stars too. But back to Viz ... neither of the other two prior reviewers mentioned that upstairs from the theatre is an Anime Art Gallery and Book Store and the other floor is Anime and "Harajuku" type fashions for all you Harjuku Fashionistas and Japanese Anime fetishists ... haha ... you get buy your babes Anime costumes/clothing to make Anime come alive! ("Okay babee, I want you to be a Japanese Catholic Schoolgirl tonight ...") Ahaha ~ but HOW COOL IS THAT to have Anime throughout the building and playing in a beautiful theater with GREAT FOOD that they get from the awesomely excellent "Delica" which also has a retail outlet in the SF Ferry Building, another one of my faves. Let's give Viz/them credit for providing the venue for a non-profit "KIMOCHI" event but let's also try and lend some support to KIMOCHI and let's also hats off to Jeff Adachi for his excellent documentary which incidentally was sponsored/produced/financed by the JCCCNC (JCCCNC.org) and Jeff Maruyama. Hats off to all. Especially if you are an Asian male and you noted how Hollywood in the 60's and prior, tended to portray Asian men in let's diplomatically say, "less than the best light." Or how about emasculated, servile (and I resent that) ... so did Jack Soo and now we know that Jack was doing his part back in the day to stand up against the adverse portrayals of Asians in American cinema BUT also: Jack Soo was COOL. Y'know ... I didn't know JACK but now I do a bit better and Jack, I'm drinking a toast to you and the two Jeffs that put their gumption and efforts to make it possible for me and you to know that about Jack ... We Didn't Know Jack ... but now we do ... and Jack and the Jeffs were all COOL. Kudos to the Jeffs who made it possible, Jack for being Jack and Viz for providing a very elegant, comfortable and cool venue ~ Terry says check it out ~ la. read more

LOVE this place. Reminds me of home actually. Well, the malls at home. Cafe on the main floor, second floor is mix media bookstore, third floor has super cute Baby store, japanese shoes, fourth floor is an art stop and underneath all these is the cinema. It's just one stop store. read more

Went to the SFFS screening of The Conversation. Nice seats, new theater smell, but no popcorn or any other concessions after the upstairs cafe closes at 7pm. Inconceivable! We went to the Kabuki for popcorn. No one seemed to care. read more

Came here to see an Gurren Lagann the Movie last night. The theater is small, quaint, comfortable and the screen is just the right size. The condiments on the other hand are lacking. They have curry popcorn which is good, but would be soooooo much better if they popped it fresh. And how about some sodas or something? And maybe some japanese candy? Do I have to walk across the street to Sundance and sneak my fresh popcorn in? Ugh. read more

What a neat little theater. I went here for the Taiwan film festival. Prior to the festival, I hadn't even heard of this place. It seems to be brand new. Get this... they have Blue Bottle inside their lobby. The theater room itself has comfortable seating, good sound, etc. read more

The staff is very nice and polite. Nice screens and sound. The seats are comfortable and spacious. I have been in many theaters and haven't had seat that recline so nicely. read more

I visited this theater for the first time this past weekend when I came here for the Naruto the Last Movie. I didn't know there was cinema at the basement level of the building. The interior design of the theater looked modern and neat, but the amount of seating was not that much. The seats were relatively comfortable and the screen was an appropriate size. Nothing amazing, just a simple theater at the bottom of a building. read more

I attended a screening at the new Viz Cinema on a week night. The auditorium is located in the basement of the New People development in Japan Town. It was a very pleasant experience and the projection was top notch. The trailers were a bit loud, but the feature's volume was fine. The auditorium is moderately sized and the seats firm but comfortable. Lighting is a bit harsh but it made reading before the show a breeze. The ticket taker at the door was very pleasant and welcoming. I appreciate their commitment to bringing Japanese film to San Francisco and look forward to seeing many more films there. read more

I just visited the new cinema and am excited to attend a movie. I just stopped in at the cafe and enjoyed a great cup of coffee with natural sugar and some deliciously made treats with a Japanese twist of Matcha, known to westerners as 'green tea'! Give it a shot. More human feel to the quality of product and services too. Thanks Viz snack shop! read more

SO glad I discovered Viz Cinema during a recent trip to Japantown. I've been to this mall numerous times but never ventured down below to the theater. Not only is The Viz cozy and modern, with super comfy seats, you can see movies here that you can't see anywhere else. All while feeling like you're in the best updated cave ever. I love it! read more

Love the theatre. Seven samurai was badass! Small cafe and store above.. It was a little difficult to find!

Great place. On another trip when the hubbs and I stayed at Hotel Kabuki we walked past this cinema and just stared in wonder at what it was exactly as we walked by. We walked past without taking a look. Flash forward a few months later and I ended up going to a screening of a film for the Taiwanese film festival there at the underground theater. It's nice and the director of the film was there as well which was a nice bonus. Tickets sell out quick! read more

A beautiful place to hang out at. The cafe is right there as one enters, walking downstairs to the theater. The place has nice, sleek interior and a spacious waiting area. Walking into the theater, the place is small. The seats are comfortable and I was able to watch a film without blockage of sight from those sitting in front of me, but feels a bit too cozy inside feeling the person in front is in your lap. read more

One of the few theatres that uses really tasty popcorn. Low price of admission. Comfortable theater with great surround sound.

I've been here quite a few times, most recently for Sega's presentation of Sonic 4 Episode 1 during the J-POP Summit. What a good time was had!! The theatre is incredibly beautiful and comfortable. The staff are INCREDIBLY nice -- really puts a smile on your face. I wish more movie theatres would base themselves off of this one. I'm going again this Sunday to watch Redline -- see you all there! read more

I see a lot of movies myself and go to many different theaters. This is a 150 seats small theater but so new and clean and very very comfortable. I see most of Japanese classic master piece films directed by Kurosawa, Ozu, Mizoguchi, Teshigawara, and so on and highest grade Japanese Anime here. The sound systems are also fascinating. All film and anime student should check. Those Japanese maestro film director are superior to the West's in many ways so you would be inspired about film making and life by those more than you expect. The restroom is very clean that is another plus. read more

Great job bring the movie mahou shoujo madoka magica 1st and 2nd over to San Francisco last year. I hope that the 3rd one will me shown in San Francisco too. read more

An awesome alternative to the Castro Theatre. Not quite as comfy or as atmospheric but still pretty great. It's in Japantown, so there's plenty to check out before and after going to a movie. Also, their popcorn is really good. I know, you're thinking how the hell can the popcorn be any better than your average place, but they actually have curry popcorn. And of course, the main attraction is the movies. Great place! read more

Nice, comfortable theater. And they show Japanese movies. And it's across the street from my house. And they have good coffee. And they sell curry popcorn. Heaven. read more