This place is not for the hoity toity! (Girls, leave your Coach purse at home, and opt for the Target one!) It's for the people looking to have a "character-filled" evening. I love a good deal, so I love this place! It's not dirty - it's just old. The theater is old stadium style seating that you definitely don't see anymore. They show fresh-out-of-the-box-office movies (most of which I haven't seen yet, so it's perfect). I think it was Tuesday night we went here, and they have a date night special, where it's like 2 admission tickets, popcorn, and a soda or something for $10. I mean seriously, how can you not love it?! When I'm in the mood to relax and have fun for cheap, seeing a movie at this theater is a great idea! read more

A nice and easy place to catch a film in between the movie's release and dvd. For $3, this place is a steal. I came here to watch Perks of Being a Wallflower, which I LOVED and Wreck It Ralph. I didn't have trouble finding a pair of seats both times, the staff was friendly, and I gave extra love for the theater playing an indie flick like Perks of Being a Wallflower. Props! We parked in the back, with a nominal fee, and street parking is readily available. read more

Annoyballs. Yes, it's extremely cheap. Yes, it's extremely difficult to watch a movie here. You know why? Because at $3 a ticket, high schoolers can afford a ticket. Avoid movie screenings in which high schoolers are apt to attend and you should be fine. read more

Not the best movie house to go to for atmosphere since there are tons of shrieking kids running around, rickety seats, and sticky floors but I give it 4 stars anyway coz hey I'm a sucker for a good deal! And a little grit in your popcorn (not literally) never killed anyone. Park in the back lot & flash the parking attendant your purtiest smile for free parking, or try your luck on the street but make sure to read the signs! (parking is free, the smile's for courtesy). Only $2 for a matinee & $3 for an evening show you ask? Better believe it! Now folks, you just can't beat that price! Not to mention that Wednesdays are "date night" @ the Regency which means you get 2 tix, 2 small bags of popcorn, and 2 small cups of pop for a whopping $10! If that's not a great example of bag for your buck I don't know what is... But wait! There's more! For an extra dollar they'll throw in a hot dog! And yes they are a dollar every night. This is a second run theatre so don't despair if you missed that flick all your friends have been talking about or are dying to see that bad movie you can't quite justify spending $15 on... if you are patient enough to wait, you can always catch it at the good ol' Regency! Tip: For my yelpers in the 818 & 747 areas, theres a Regency in North Hollywood too. Matinees & Evening tix are the same price, but the promotion at the Valley Plaza in Noho are $1.25 movies every Tu & Sun instead of "date night" hosted at the Rgency Pasadena. read more

For $3, this theatre is totally worth it. Crowd is a little rowdier, place is kinda dingey and dirty, sound/picture quality isn't great, but comon, it's $3. AND $1 hot dogs. What more can a girl ask for? read more

As good as it gets for a $3.00 movie Don't come here looking for the latest blockbuster favorites. Come here for movies that are probably for rent at a Blockbuster. Don't come here for overpriced popcorn. Come here for overcooked popcorn. This place is another Pasadena gem I have been a fan of since childhood. They used to have midnight showings of the classics (eg Back to the Future) but have since limited latest screenings to 10:30pm Movie selections include whatever is on it's last legs in the box office. But hey, it's $3 so stop complaining. Kristofer's Deal of the Day: Wednesdays get you TWO tickets, TWO drinks and TWO popcorns for $10. You're welcome. read more

The infamous $3 theater. Finding this place is like striking gold. No, it's not beautiful inside. No, the bathrooms don't have granite countertops with bathroom attendants to hand you towels. That's why it's $3...helllooo! Trust me, I'm a 5 star kind of girl but I can also get down with the 2 star places, especially when it only costs $3 ($2 before 6pm....$2!!!!) Movies generally come to this theater in that small window of time between leaving a regular theater & being available on DVD. Once inside the actually theater, the seats are pretty standard - no reclining, no big cushy la-z-boy type of chair. No frills basically. Bonus: T-Boyle's is right next door so you can grab a drink before/after (see, just like Arclight). There is also a parking lot behind the theater which is convenient since you will need to find street parking otherwise. If you want a cheap, fun night out, I recommend coming here. Definitely beats the $12-15 normal movie ticket prices. read more

I have been going here on average every other week for the last 5 years, and I have been spoiled rotten by this place. A $2 second-run movie theater is a rarity in this day and age, and the ones you do actually managed to find are often run-down, disappointing and depressing places to go catch a matinee. Not the Academy. The whole place is kept very clean, the seats are comfortable, the screens are good, the snacks are great (it's always satisfying to go somewhere that the popcorn costs more than the ticket, in a good way), and the employees are friendly and helpful. Even if the movie you're going to see is an awful train wreck that you're checking out with some friends solely to make fun of it, you never feel like you've wasted your money. The place gets a little crowded on weekends and evenings, but if you make sure to get there early or just go see a show if you have a break in the middle of the week it's a great experience. I try to take all my friends to catch a movie there every so often, I look forward to every visit. read more

I'm so glad that this place exists so that I can watch movies for 2-3$ but I absolutely hate their seating. I came here to watch the Tupac movie, "All Eyez on Me", which was the longest movie ever---and a very dry, static biopic of Tupac. Dang, I hated the Tupac movie! But that's another review for another type of website. The whole experience just made the seats more uncomfortable than they really are. I will come back here. I still really like this place. I'm just going to smuggle in my own seat cushions. read more

For the first time in a while I found myself stuck in Pasadena, so I decide to come to this $2 theater Ive been hearing about. In all my years on this earth I have never been so happy while purchasing movie tickets. After grabbing one for the showing of 21 Jump Street, I figured I spend all my extra cash at the concession stand. I was amazed at the low prices and ordered at least 7 items. Alex, the curly headed employee helping me at the time, suggested I order my meal in a combo to save some money. I accepted, and was even more satisfied by my decision to wander into this establishment. After thanking him for the help, I decided I would tip him for the nice work, but he had to respectfully refuse due to rules set by the company. I helped myself to the assortment of popcorn toppings the have available in the lobby then proceeded to my movie, although there popcorn is great enough to have alone. I walked in and seen Alex and another employee Karen picking up trash that previous viewers had left. They kindly asked me if I could wait outside while they cleaned up, to be fair I was 20 mins. early for the movie and from the look of the mess, 20 mins. seems like just enough time to tackle it. As I walked out, I heard Alex say, "give us about 4 mins sir, and we'll be done". Laughing from my observation I decided to time them, just to point out how long it really took. Surprisingly, as soon as my watch hit 4 mins, Alex came out with a sweaty smile, and allowed me in. I wanted to speak a few words with them before I sat but in a split second they were running back and forth taking orders, sweeping popcorn, while keeping a great attitude amongst them selves. They were some of the hardest workers Ive ever seen. The rest of the staff was on top of there orders, using techniques of teamwork effectively, and efficiently. When I walked into the theater, I got this pleasant scent of oranges, and the floors were cleaner than expected. In all it was a great movie, I surely had fun, and appreciated the outstanding service from a second run theater. I promise to return to this theater for great cheap tickets and great prices. read more

My self and family went to watch "US".... I loved everything about this movie theater..... p.s. had to walk upstairs to get to entrance and loved this little "adventure. 2nd. The theatre seats were "stadium style" "old school".... loved it. 3rd. Sound and picture quality was awesome. Kudos to staff AND owners on all these things and the "decore".... read more

$2 movies. $2 movies. $2 movies! How awesome is that? I came here with my friend to watch "Love & Other Drugs." I think it's awesome that they play somewhat recent movies here. And for just a couple of bucks. And just three if you come in the evening. My wallet is in love with this place. The food is a bit more expensive (although still cheaper than places like AMC), UNLESS you get their hot dogs. Their hot dogs are just $1 each! Granted, one is not very filling, but even if you have to get two, that's still only $2. The place is a bit small and the bathrooms are to be avoided (although they are not horrible) but the price is unbeatable. And there's free parking in the back! Even though the signs explicitly states it's not free. Confusing, yes, but great at deterring anyone who isn't going to the Regency from parking there. Brilliant. read more

There are a (double) handful of establishments I will miss greatly the day I finally decide to sever my LA ties. Some you will find in my (now 3) reviews and the others are just a hop skip away. Academy Cinemas of Pasadena takes a spot on that list, or hand if you will. Probably in the pinky position......of my right hand....just above the knuckle. My 'movie adventure days' always start out by perusing the movie selection currently on tap. And what a selection it is. We're not talkin' big ol' American blockbusters....that have as much plot and substance as a season of Power Rangers. Uh-uh. We're talking the good stuff....foreign, independent, and limited release type flicks. I've seen some of the best movies this year right there in lil archaically humble Academy Cinemas. You don't go there for the squishy theatre seats, know what I mean jellybean? It's got history. It's got character. It's been around the block more times than Heidi Fleiss. And it's all the better for it. For you high-brow movie goers....this might be a little too 1930s for you. No, seriously Lloyd....it's been there that long! For me, it's just what the doctor ordered. You are intrigued. Yes? But I haven't even gotten to the best part yet!! Are you ready?? I think you should sit down for this. Admission is $2. Mama say wha?! Hard to believe in this age of excess and inflated prices, but your eyes have not deceived you my friend. Go before 6 and you pay a whole 2 dollars. Go after 6 and you pay a whopping 3! Here's another little interesting factoid. The place is usually empty. Translation: A quiet and pleasant movie experience. What's that? I can't hear you? You say you had a lip-smacking, popcorn noshing, wannabe narrator, sniffly nosed son-of-a-jackal sitting behind you at the Arclight? : ( Looks like somebody could've used a little Academy. read more

To compare this to an AMC is just not fair. I came for their Wednesday date special; 2 tickets, 2 popcorns, and 2 drinks for $10 FLAT! SCORE! THIS is why you can't compare it to an AMC. They play movies that are no longer in theaters and at a super cheap price. Great for those looking for budget friendly activities! Just an FYI, I went Wednesday night for a 9:30 showing and parked behind the theater. It's a small lot and has a sign that says you must purchase a ticket but then there's a sign that says you don't need to- it's very misleading and confusing. Just to be safe, we asked the man at the ticket booth and he said that we didn't have to worry about it- parking is free. :) read more

Cheap tickets to see movies a while after their initial release date. I'm not in a rush to see most movies, and this place does me just fine. It's a small staff. It's a small establishment. However, they're pretty friendly here, and the seats are comfortable enough. What you will notice is the fact that when you sit down to your movie, the seating might be... well, crooked in comparison to the situation of the screen. Well, that would be because this is one of those theatres that used to just be one big screen before they divided everything up. Four rooms. It's sad when places have it done, but that is what happens in changing times. I recently came here to see Insomniac Cinema's midnight screening of "Adventures in Babysitting," and I had so much fun. Aside from the fact that you can get a varied and sometimes enthusiastic room of movie-viewers, if the projection goes wonky (as sometimes happens), the staff is somehow incredibly on the ball, knowing about the problem before you find them to tell them about it. It's a convenient location for bus riders, cheap if you're strapped for cash but want a movie, and the place has character. Old, slanted, stale character. Charming :) read more

I should admit something: I hate paying money for things. I go to the theater at the Paseo in Pasadena and I have to cough up eleven bucks fro both me and my wife just to see a P.O.S. like "What Happens in Vegas". Plus I have to by ice cream for her and it's just too much of a Goddamn hassle. Did I mention that theater is always full of obnoxious teenagers that all have more money than me? That's why I like the Academy. I've been going here since I was about twelve and I will still being going here in the future. I can see all the films I didn't really want to see in the theater. It's a great way to spend a date with someone you love if you both of your are broke off your ass. Sure, there are some homeless folks watching that Will Ferrell movie with you, but it's part of the experience. And yeah, you'll get a few families that take their six year olds to go see a film like The Stepfather, so you'll hear little kids screaming at the top of their lungs in fear, but anything is better than teenagers on a date. Oh, and the hot dogs are super duper cheap and are made in a machine called Lil' Diggity. No doubt! And if you go early enough, go to the cobbler place around the corner. It pleases my special lady to no end. Why are me and my wife broke all the time? I need to fix our stupid spending habits, but she says the problem is all mine. I don't spend $300 bucks on dog paintings from flea markets, but whatever, I can't even argue sometimes... read more

This place is awesome for the price. It's old, and some of the seat placements feel like an after-thought, but movies are $3. Some seats are old as heck, and squeak like a witch being boiled in oil (Thank you Brian Regan), but just pick another seat. It's never crowded, and you can see a movie in a theater for $3! (If it's a hot summer day, I mean what else can you ask for?). I think Redbox almost costs that now. If that's too expensive for you, they also have "Date Night" Wednesdays. 2 tickets, 2 popcorns, 2 sodas for $10 (Granted, they are small popcorns and sodas, but whatever). Here's the crazy part, you don't even have to be on an actual date. I've gone with buddies before, and they still honored the deal. I think Matinees are even $2 sometimes. Food is theater quality. Popcorn, soda, hotdogs etc. and is perfectly fine. Bathrooms are old, so maybe if you have to go #2 that would be unpleasant, but it's $3 for a movie, so chill and maybe plan your dumps accordingly. *I feel grateful for this place because there are legit some families that can't afford the normal movie theaters (At $10-$15/ticket times 3-4-more people in the family), and this is nice option. My friend went and saw a family who couldn't afford the concessions, so he just whipped out the old credit card and bought everyone drinks.... for a total of $10. He was the hero and didn't have to ask for credit limit increase afterwards. Win win. This place isn't for everyone, so if you want ArcLight, that's perfectly cool, just go to ArcLight. It exists, right down the street. Academy did not displace ArcLight, and we live in a world where both can exist, and that's totally cool. read more

It's located 5 minutes walking distance from my work place so it's a convenient location especially when I am not willing to pay a higher price for movies that has low rating, sorry but that's the reason why i come here. It's super inexpensive. Old building- but clean. The chairs are not the most comfortable. The sound system is not the best and you can hear the movie playing next door.....yea I have experienced it. The cinemas in the second floor are bigger. They also have access to handicapped people which is great & highly appreciated. Customer service-mixed feelings. Some employees are great and for others you are just a business transaction. They don't even make eye contact with you, annoying but understandable. I don't think they have it easy. Parking lot in the back but be careful. There's a lot of people who had been robbed. read more

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Three bones to see a movie? No foolin'? Alright, I'm in. One dollah-dollah hot dogs...what more can you ask for? ANNNNDDDD it's stadium seating...wait, what? LOL. Okay, it's not the fanciest place on earth, but it gets the point across. I hear the Academy 6 has been around for many years, and it sure does look like it has been! If you want to see a movie on the big screen, when the movie is on it's last leg before going to DVD, it'll most likely be found at the Academy 6. Think floors are sticky in a movie theater? Wait till you go to this place. It'll be stuck to your shoes to the max! Want a cupholder for your Pepsi? If you're lucky, you'll get a seat that has a cupholder. I think it's only on every other arm rest. Speaking of armrest, would you like the armrest to be optional, and be able to be pushed back so that you can snuggle with your hunny? Not at this place. Not snuggle friendly. For three bones...what else do you expect? You get what you pay for. read more

During these hard times, I'm really really glad there's still a solid deal out there for entertainment. Yes, I know where I can get dirt cheap great food, but it's also nice to know I can still enjoy a movie or two w/o breaking the wallet. There are lots of these cheap theaters around, but I particularly like this one because it shows pretty recent movies. They have a sick deal I believe every Tuesday - two tickets, two popcorns, two drinks for $10 can't beat that! I got to see Meet the Morgans for only $2 a person w/my friend. This is also good for movies that you expect to be kinda crappy and you won't feel as guilty watching it because you're only paying $2. Standard rates for snacks and popcorn aren't bad either. One difference I've never seen before - they offer whitecastle burgers! hah! They're microwaved, yes, and they didn't microwave mine properly, but I still appreciate the different variety in snacks here. The popcorn was also pretty tasty AND They have a seasoning bar, that I was so upset I didn't see until after the movie :( seasonings included garlic parmesean, ranch, butter, etc yumm. Movie theater's not bad, no stadium seating obviously, but you get a good seat no matter where you are in the theater. Just make sure you close the curtain after you enter so you don't have that strip of light on the screen throughout the whole movie. for what it is, the place wasn't really that grimy.. at least I didn't notice it, which is a big plus. The one thing I did NOT like though were the bathrooms. They stunk BIG TIME. It smelled like someone peed in every toilet and they forgot to flush them for.. probably over two weeks.. it took me a bit to shake that gross smell off of me.. so go to the bathroom before or after the movie, and you'll be golden. read more

If you dont want to see a movie from Redbox on your tv but rather want the theater experience. ..come here... the movies are about 2 -5 months old from their initial release. ..but so worth it !!! Ill wait to pay $3 a pop and enjoy my movie on a big screen. .. I dont care about assigned reclining seats or bottle service in my lap...I just want to see the movie on a big screen!!! If you're cheap and you dont want to spend a lot on your date or you plain just dont have money....this is the place to go for movie watching. .. Even better deal on Wednesday nights .. read more

Holy Shitakes, Batman! $2?? Never had a problem here in regards to film sound or quality. Who cares if the floors are sticky? In the old days, that was just a given. read more

Cheap thrills for sure! Our friends told us about their $10 date night special- two movie tickets, two popcorn bags, and two drinks for any showing after 6pm on Wednesdays. We understand we won't be getting an AMC or iPic venue and that the movies are a bit dated but my husband and I are fans. We literally watched Suicide Squad about a month ago there and didn't feel bad at all about spending money on such an awful film. We're going to try and make this a weekly thing since it's so close to us! read more

I feel like people are reviewing the value of the cost of a movie at this theater instead of the theater itself but so be it... Since we all know it has cheap movies I'll give you the bad stuff: Sound kinda sucks, sometimes the print is not as crisp as at a normal theater, the hot dog i tried was inedible, and there's a musty smell to the whole place. Also the movies are about 3 weeks to a month behind new releases. The popcorn is decent and cheap and has a lot of optional powder toppings such as garlic, chocolate, cheddar, butter, etc. As a matter of fact, every concession item is super cheap. It's like you went back to the 80's...in more ways than one judging from the looks of things... Despite all that, it does feel good to come out of a movie theater knowing you got your money's worth! ;P Of course i'll be back. PS - i saw Inception: The IMAX Experience here for $3! ..... just kidding ;) read more

1. $2-3 movies ($2 matinees, $3 nights) for movies that were out 2-3 months ago 2. A couple blocks from my apartment 3. Popcorn at REASONABLE prices What more can you ask for? There are very very few movies that I could rationalize NEEDING to see the week they come out, knowing that this little gem is down the street from me. The only things to remember are to BRING CASH and don't bring outside foods because they check your bags. And also, don't bring first dates here because, well obviously, it doesn't look good to bargain hunt on your first date (after being with my bf for 9 years, we're thankfully was past this), and the place kinda smells like a wet dog.... sorry Academy 6! I love you except for the smell that's not so pleasant. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5. However, this won't prevent me from frequenting this place because... I guess I'm just cheap like that. read more

$2 movie tickets. =) Great seats and with a great movie (It's Complicated). read more

The thing I hate the most about regular movie theatres is they're always CROWDED. Full of noisy people chatting and laughing, checking their cell phones etc.. during the movie. Even worse is when you show up a little late only to find that the only seats left are in some odd corner way in the back right behind Robert fucking Wadlow. so what if this theater makes your date feel like a 2 dollar crack whore? (seriously, don't take a date here unless she's REALLY into you). if you're like me you'll appreciate being able to see a movie on the big screen before it's out on DVD for less than the cost of a rental!! So ultimately, I give this place 5 stars because it delivers exactly what I want, a big screen experience with good popcorn and centered comfortable seating. read more

$1 hot dog $3 popcorn $3 matinee okay I'm set! wow this place is great I have been going to this place for a over a year now... I just love this place... I dont care if they get movies after they have already been released at other theaters weeks before, I watch so many movies that i can't make it all of the ones I would like too because of scheduling and the ridiculous ticket prices have taken a strain on my wallet... BUT this place always comes in the clutch, when they put up a movie I wanted to watch weeks before.... I love how they mix it with the box office and low budget to foreign affairs... I enjoyed watching Let the Right One In read more

Cheap movies!!!!!!! Sure, you have to wait for the new releases, but I'm a busy enough girl that seeing a movie on premiere weekend isn't a must for me. The quality of the seats and audio/video leave something to be desired, if you want to compare them to the fancy theaters. But if you just like to spend less than $10 for a movie date with your honey, popcorn included, this is the place. Go on Sunday--otherwise you have to pay for parking. read more

I support this place and everything it stands for. $1 hot dogs. $2 movies. They sell Goobers. And I love the powder flavoring (Jalepeno and cheese forever!!) that I douse over the not-always-fresh popcorn. It's a movie theater not a mass manufactured, big-box cineplex where I can drink a pink-colored cosmopolitan while watching Marley and Me. Love you Regency, don't ever change. read more

Man, I love this place. Went here last night, saw Dark Shadows with a couple friends. Movie was bleh. But I just love that on a Wednesday night you can pay $5 and see a movie, get a popcorn, and a soda. For only ONE DOLLAR more.. you can add a hot dog too! I can't even begin to tell you how happy this makes me, lol. For about half the price of a ticket ALONE at a nice theater, you can get the ticket plus a full meal! :) They even have lots of different seasonings you can add to your popcorn for free! Only downsides.. its small, you kind of have to slouch in your chair and look up to get the right angle for the movie screen, its always freezing inside the theaters for some reason, I don't get cell phone coverage in this place, parking is a TOTAL nightmare, and its kinda far from me. Let me tell you a little more about the parking. There is a small lot behind the theater that is free when there is no parking attendant on duty. Like late at night. But man, people are fucking crazy stupid here. I was trying to pull in (off the street, so I had right of way).. there is really only room for ONE car to be entering or exiting at a time, and cars were INSISTING on squishing by me while I was trying to come in. What the F? Some asshole actually gave me the finger. They were going the WRONG WAY in the parking lot, and they gave me the finger, haha. Freakin' idiots. Anyway. At least I was able to safely park in the lot, so that made me happy. But seriously. Be careful. Pasadena peeps are seriously insane when it comes to parking. read more

I LOVE this movie theater!! This has become one of my favorite outings in LA! I have always loved going to the movie theater to see films, but have not loved the major price increase in past years. Some theaters in LA charge as much as $20 something dollars to see a film and that seems ridiculous, not to mention the crazy prices for concessions. Regency Academy Cinemas provides an affordable way to see movies in a theater setting at incredibly reasonable prices and I'm so thankful. The Wednesday deal for $10 with concessions is a steal, not to mention the amazing matinee prices! This place really is a local gem and I hope they stay around forever. read more

This movie theatre is good in that it's cheap, but everything there reflects the price you pay. The carpet is gross, the theatre smells musty, and you can hear movies next door VERY easily through the walls. Trying to watch a scary movie and having the sounds of explosions from an action movie during the quiet, suspenseful scenes sort of ruins the mood. The food isn't expensive, but still not particularly cheap... $3-5 for a drink? Come on. I can get a 2 liter bottle for that price. Nevertheless, if you wanted to catch a movie and missed it in the actual theatres, this is a good second chance for minimal cost. I'd just smuggle in my own drink and/or snack next time. read more

$2-3 for a movie. Not much to complain about. Just a few quick notes. Wednesdays are date nights so $10 for 2 tickets, 2 drinks and 2 popcorn. Pretty darn good deal if you ask me. Tickets are $3 after 6pm. $1 hotdogs. Really not too shabby. The theater itself is very old. The inside looks like what i imagine x-rated theaters would look like. The walls are so thin that you can hear the movie playing in the next theater. The picture itself is of mediocre quality but once again, not complaining since it's a $3 movie. There's parking in the back. There's a sign that says it's $3 but if you're watching a movie here it's free. Just keep your ticket stub with you. The dude never asked for mine but just in case I guess. read more

My boyfriend and I only come here to watch movies in the theaters. For two people on a night viewing is just $6!! You can't get that anywhere, not even for one ticket. We don't get food here, but it is pretty well priced. If you buy the large popcorn, it comes with refills. Also, they have a "Date night Wednesday" for $10, you get two tickets, soda and hot dog. Who can complain about that? NO ONE. The movies they show are a month or a few behind. But it does get the job done, especially if you're like me...you know you want to see it and you know that watching it once is enough. This is the perfect theater for that. Note: The theater is old, some of the rooms the screen could be a bit higher than usual or off to the side. But this place is great! read more

The value is unrivaled. For $3 or less you'll be entertained for at least a couple of hours. The film selection rotates every other week and they have a great $10 deal on Wednesday (2 tix, 2 popcorns, 2 drinks). It's not fancy but it's a pretty chill environment. Patrons are unassuming and the staff is helpful. Fans of films need to patronize places such as these or they will cease to exist. It may not be the best stadium seating or sound but you get to experience certain films the way they are meant to be seen: on the big screen with the lights off. Enjoy!! read more

This is a discount theater and I certainly don't expect the best quality for my $3. But I do expect for the movie to be properly displayed on the screen. I saw "Edge of Tomorrow" here Sunday and the image was at least a foot too low, with blank space on top of the screen and the bottom of the film cut off. It was extremely frustrating. And when I went out to ask the staff to fix it, the manager shrugged and said that the projector they have doesn't fit the screen properly. The operators of this theater should be embarassed that they can't perform the basic job of projecting a movie onto the center of a screen. Be wary of going here if you care about actually seeing all of the movie that you pay for. read more

I love this theater, how can you beat $3/2 movies!? This does come with some quirks though. Every now and then you'll find less than civilized people. I can't tell you how many times I'd go to see a show and some douche bag or several become rude and heckle throughout the movie. Like this one time, I show up early to a show and find my spot. The auditoriums in this theater have different layouts so I sit in very specific seats for sound quality and visual perception. So we're 15 minutes into the movie, this skinny kid decides it would be funny to stomp on the handicap platform a few times, I guess he was trying to impress his FAT ASS girlfriend. So these two finally sit down, loudly munching on their popcorn, just non stop chattering because his FAT ASS girlfriend had no idea what was going on, yeah, that's what happens when you show up 15 minutes late and have no idea who you're seeing! So yeah, come at your own risk, a $3 movie attracts certain personality types. read more

I was debating whether to give the Academy five stars (because that's how much I appreciate the place) or four (because it simply isn't a state-of-the-art first-run theater). I decided to go with five, on the philosophy that ratings are relative to the what the establishment is offering. After all, if the diner on the corner is an awesome diner, it doesn't deserve to be down-graded for not being a fancy restaurant, right? The bottom line: I rarely see a movie anywhere else. Indeed, if not for the Academy, I'd rarely see a movie at all. But for these prices, why not check out something different, or that got a mix of critical reviews but still sounds like it'd be fun, or that is technically a kids' movie? I've enjoyed a lot of movies there that I otherwise would probably never have gotten around to renting. My husband and I usually take advantage of the Wednesday Date Night special (two tickets, two small popcorns, and two small drinks for a grand total of $10). It makes for an easy night out that's fun and inexpensive (even with a box of candy and a hot dog or two). I've never experienced dirty seats or unpleasant smells. Every so often, the print will look a little worn, but never so much that it interferes with the content of the film. I'm not an audio connoisseur, but I can't recall ever having trouble hearing any of the soundtrack. The employees are friendly and professional, the toppings for the popcorn are a nice touch, and the Junior Mints are always fresh (i.e., the filling is creamy, rather than dried out) -- a big plus in my book. The place also has an interesting history. It was one big, 1709-seat theater when it was built in the 1920s; it wasn't until the '80s that it was split into six smaller ones. (The upstairs theaters are a little oddly shaped because they used to be part of the balcony.) Here's more about that, in case you're interested: https://sites.google.com/site/losangelesmoviepalaces/academy read more

I went to see a movie there a few weeks ago and had no idea about the prices or anything. All I knew was that they were playing The Fall and my friend and I were late! So when I asked for two tickets and the guy said "6 dollars" I thought he didn't hear me and counted just one ticket...which is still pretty damn cheap! But no he gave me TWO tickets. I kinda stood there staring at the tickets trying to politely tell him that he only charged me for one...but no he had charged me for two...that's 3 dollars a ticket. I was shocked, amazed...Iv'e never felt so many emotions at once. The theater itself isn't all that glamerous but its clean and in okay condition i guess. The bathroom is something straight out of the twilight zone though. But okay obviously they aren't going to be showing every single brand new movie...hence the cheap prices! Also they have date nights on wednesdays where you get 2 tickets 2 drinks and 2...either hot dogs or popcorn (not sure which) for 10 bucks! So awesome. read more