Had a wonderful time here on a matinee that only cost $10 on a Friday night! The popcorn is unrivaled and together with a soda the whole night only cost $21 pp. The theater was clean but cold - they could've turned up the heat! Overall, a wonderful experience on a Friday night out. read more

I've been twice now, both for events, and my experience was okay. Theater is clean enough but dated. Staff is semi friendly, but definitely doesn't give warm & fuzzies. Some technical difficulties with previews which we ended up watching three times (once with sound). It's also interesting to be able to order cake slices at a movie theater. read more

The popcorn is sooo good. And I love watching films with other people- it makes it such an immersive, joyful experience.

Messaged to ask about handicap accessible parking as well as access inside theater. Message was read & not responded to. Next day, their FaceBook page was updated with a post so messaged again & asked for info/help. No response, so wasn't able to attend special movie event. read more

My favorite movie theater. They always have a great selection of films. There are mainstream hits , but always some independent or artier films that no other theaters show. The concessions are fantastic and reasonably priced. They have Goobers, my go to movie candy. No other theater carries them any more. They also offer cake and coffee. There's a lot to love as a film fan! read more

My wife and I have been steady patrons of this theatre since the day it opened. However, under the new management the theatre keeps getting worse. The owner never responds to emails and the management seems to turn over every few months. Today I went to a 1:10 showing of a movie (the only daily showing). When I arrived I was informed that there was a technical problem in another theatre, so that movie was moved to the theatre I was going to. I was neither offered a comp ticket nor given any assurance the movie would be shown on other days. Since the new owner took over we have had similar issues at least 5 or 6 times. We have tried working with them repeatedly to resolve these issues and have gotten nowhere. read more

Tried to catch a movie at this venerated old movie establishment. The movie 'Napoleon' only played for 2-3 weeks. I saw it marked on the sign - but the next day the operator said it was not playing. Spectrum tries to assuage a lot of 'kiddie-based' films for the neighborhood. Anything that doesn't fit into that mold, gets yanked! Sorry state at the Spectrum Theater. Guess I will unload my money at Regal and IMAX, you losers. Review: 3 read more

This is the only theater in the area for me now. It's great to have a good theater in a walkable area. This place shows some older films as well as new releases. It's comfortable and local, not the plastic nowhere aesthetic of big cineplexes. They have local art on display and local baked goods at the concession counter. The popcorn is made with corn oil and real butter, not the flavacol chemical concoction at other places. My daughter even got a Huck Finn's voucher for three free rides with her children's ticket, another nice local connection. A true gem in the otherwise late stage capitalism wasteland. read more

Went here for the first time last night to see the dog film festival. I'm trying not to compare things to back home these days, but this theater reminded me of a lot of theaters I grew up going to and loving. It has a great selection of movies old, new, independent, art house, etc. My only complaint is there isn't a big selection of snacks. Just some candies and popcorn. But that's ok because there are tons of fabulous restaurants nearby to go to before the movie. read more

The good: 1. Tons of free parking in back with a security guard watching the lot! 2. Super nice people working here. Davi at the front counter is a real treat! 3. Real melted butter popcorn! 4. Special limited edition showings here. The bad: 1. Shows tons of age and not in a good way. 2. No free WiFi and it's difficult even getting a 3G signal here. 3. Ticket prices are too high for the quaility of this place. 4. No stadium seating. 5. Screens are small and seats are old. 6. Very few urinals/stalls for a theater with 8 screens. The 2 men's rooms had a total of 3 urinals and 2 stalls. That's pretty much it really. I'd return to see a special limited screening, but outside of that, I would definitely go elsewhere to a modern theatre with cuttting edge sound and typical modern amenities. read more

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Came here to see The Farewell today. This is a small, vintage-looking (slightly shabby) private theater with ample parking in the back. There are very efficient and friendly people working the ticket counters. We did not buy any food or drinks, but they seemed to have a nice selection of popcorn and snacks, and even slices of cake. If you're looking for reclining seats and a huge updated screen, don't come here. The seats were comfortable enough but the screen was pretty small and not what I'm used to. Even so, I wasn't watching a large scale production or anything so this place got the job done at a fairly reasonable price. It's also very clean here despite the building being so old. I thought it was a nice touch that they advertise local colleges/educational programs on the screen before previews start. read more

My dissenting opinion is relatively minor. And I am going to hold the theater accountable to its patrons. Which is likely unfair. After seeing a wonderful and thought provoking movie, that did not have a tidy hollywood ending where everything wraps up neatly in the end, there was audible dissatisfaction from the majority of the audience. It's just a pet peeve of mine. I would like people to try and think. And I love movies that avoid hitting the audience over the head multiple times with the blunt instrument of its message/meaning/plot. People. It's not the movie. It's you. There. Whew. I said it. Feeling much better. That said, everything else was good. Parking, ticket prices, show times, concession stand treats, toilets, pre-show ads. And I appreciate it's not a chain. And wow, they apparently offer to hold your cell phone, answer it, and if it's truly an emergency, page you in the theater. That's a serious commitment to getting phones silenced. All the same, one rang during the movie, even though there were only about a dozen people there. Peh. On a side note, while I was waiting for the show to begin, I saw an ad for Northeastern Fine Jewelry. And that made me chuckle. read more

This theater is the best around this area because of the artsy/independent movies they play and the ambiance. Nothing like the spectrum for a movie and a delicious dessert; my favorites there is the carrot cake and the mint brownie. But it's all very good. The only theater around that has real butter popcorn and who can go there and not get some of that hah. I can't forget the hot chocolate but it was a warm day today so I had to pass on that one. Make a day of it and enjoy other neat mom and pop stores in the area if possible. read more

Spectrum 8 Theatres - The last night 11/17/15 - Cinema Near Me - Albany, New York

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The Spectrum is one of those old time theaters... is a locally owned, independent movie theater that has been in operation since 1983. They have homemade snacks & great popcorn... There is a shop next door that I think might be owned by the theater not sure that has great smoothie's also they have off street parking. They have movies there that you don't see everywhere, documentaries, foreign films etc. Just an all around great place. The movie Everest was great! read more

As good as it gets! This theater was a truly independent theater for a long time. Not too long ago, I believe it was purchased by a larger group but an extraordinary and smart one that allows its character to remain. The balance of indie and foreign films vs first run blockbusters is great. The popcorn has butter. Yes.... I said it. They have candy but also have delicious coffee, home baked cake and delicious brownies, with and without mint. A little dirty... yup. I think that adds to the indie charm. I love the mint brownie. One of the theaters is small. Very small - like twenty seats. I love it. It feels like a private showing but, many say its a bit weird. read more

Great movies great cake real butter on popcorn And an art gallery. The only thing that could improve it is a liquor license read more

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I've two minds when I walk into the Spectrum 8. My gut reaction is, "wow, what would this place be like if they hadn't subdivided it into the usual post-1970's warren of small and mid-sized screens, if there was just the one grand screen to watch?" but then I realize the answer is "it wouldn't be here anymore, because of the economics of movies not just in the post-VHS age but the post-DVD, gigantor home screen era." So, past that, we have the superbly friendly staff, the reasonable if not quite superior snack stand, and decent projection and seating considering it's not to modern stadium standards. And the selection of films here continues to be excellent; it still has the feel of a festival theater. I don't begrudge them showing the occasional blockbuster to pay the bills. It's far away from us that we only go for "destination" films anyway, and to that end you might go as well. read more

The Spectrum will receive the coveted fifth star when it begins offering its suburban patrons a Remedial Parallel Parking in an Urban Environment class. Living in the neighborhood, those patrons who choose to park on residential streets despite the ample parking provided by the Spectrum are amusing to watch as they clip side view mirrors and furtively scuttle from and to their cars, locking their doors as they leave this terribly dangerous no-man's land where no Manolo Blahnik-shod saint will ever dare to tread. read more

Came here to see "All is Lost", great movie. Snack bar was great, love their homemade brownie. Coffee was great too. Will definitely come back more often :) read more

Great local theater, cheap prices (tickets and concessions), rarely crowded, great Tuesday deals (All prices $7.50) What more could one want from their cinema? read more

Cute little place for movies! It's small-scale, but it has a very nice layout. The staff are friendly, and the kiosk had not only hot popcorn, but also cakes, brownies, and other sweet yummies. It's a walk-down movie theatre with entrance from the back, and it definitely gives a homely feel. Tip: There are drink holders in the seats in front of you! So put your drinks behind the people who sits in front of ya! read more

Is the Spectrum state of the art with rows and rows of comfortable reclining chairs? Absolutely not. What it IS though is a reminder of how enjoyable going to the movies can be when the theatre is not in a mall and there are not children running around all over the place. I enjoy few things more than being able to sit in an, usually, uncrowded, quiet space and watch a film accompanied by a huge and yummy mint brownie. The movie selections are superb, especially the ones that stray from the usual blockbusters, and the snack selection is unbeatable. It's also the closest movie theatre to my house, so why go elsewhere?! read more

If I were to describe the Spectrum Theater in two words, they would be classic and cozy. I hadn't been here in years, because honestly, I forgot it existed. I moved back to New York from California about 8 years ago and have been annoyed with the ridiculous prices of Capital Region movie theaters ever since. So I've found myself avoiding movies unless they are an absolute must-see big screen blockbuster like Star Wars or The Avengers. Everything gets queued for streaming in the comfort of my own home, and then I spend the hard earned money I save on things that are actually worthy of it's value. Moving along, my friends and I were excited to see the new Absolutely Fabulous movie based off the 90's British sitcom, and The Spectrum was one of the only places in the area that we could see it (of course). Tickets were purchased for a reasonable price, and we headed over. As I entered the old school theater, it took me back to the 90's when I used to come here to see interesting independent films like Clerks by Kevin Smith. And then it all hit me like a rock to the head... Fair priced popcorn and drinks? Comfortable seating in a small theater where every seat is a pretty good one? Adults who shut off their cell phones and don't talk during the film? I even bumped into old friends I hadn't seen in years -- in the SAME movie?!?! I thought, what is this tomfoolery? Then I remembered where I was, The Spectrum Theater. One of the best places to watch movies in the Capital Region. A place that doesn't gouge their customers. A place where the employees don't act like mindless drones. A place where a more intellectual crowd gathers for modern cinema. A place where you can see classic films, foreign films, and blockbusters alike. And through that one awesome experience, it's now my favorite theater in the region. read more

Great little indie-style movie theater. Their concessions stand is old-fashioned and top notch. It's pretty much the Albany Capital District's ONLY option for indie movies, so it's a good thing they're pretty great. And they accept MoviePass now! read more

I have been going to the Spectrum since I was in high school and it was not affiliated with Landmark. When I moved back into the area a few years ago, I was worried that the charming little theater I grew to love in my youth had changed, but I am happy to say it has not. It is the best place to see fun independent and/or foreign films at a much more reasonable price than the big mall theaters! Also their concessions are reasonably priced and the popcorn is delicious and tastes like real popcorn. Additionally you can have hot coffee or tea, fresh, local baked goods, and I'm pretty sure they have ice cream bars too! The Spectrum is an Albany institution, and I can't wait to go back again! read more

Spectrum 8 is a great local movie theatre that shows local and indie movies and has great food. I always feel good going there and knowing I'm supporting a local business. It's definitely worth checking out if you haven't already. read more

My wife and I saw a movie last week at the Spectrum and used the parking lot in the rear of the theater. We were astonished to see that the exhaust system on the wall outside the theater was encrusted with what looks like mold. Unless this situation is addressed, neither my wife nor I will patronize the Spectrum due to the potential health hazard. The company that owns the Spectrum should address this situation. If it doesn't, the Albany Health Department should. read more

I'm proud to have been Yelp's First to Review the Spectrum almost eleven years ago. Now that the original owners have sold the business after 30 years, it's time for a re-review. The Spectrum is one of my sacred Capital Region places, and I'm sure it is for many other people. It's one of the things you just don't eff with. I go there, I use my union-discounted movie pass, get a mint brownie and a coffee, sit back and watch some prestige film. I don't want any of that to change. What's good: Anything that hasn't changed so far. That includes the staff, the concessions, the film selection, the local advertising, and thank heavens, the mint brownies. Time will tell how long all of these stay consistent. What sucks: The website - The old website projected the next few months of releases they would show. The new one website shows only a few titles, with no dates attached. No coming attraction papers - I enjoyed reading these slips before a movie, but again, since they're not telling you what they'll showing in the future, these slips are gone. Dumb ticket stubs - The classic cardboard stubs have so far been replaced with slips of paper. I'm going back and forth over whether to ding them a star over my Coming Attractions grumblings, but since in essence the movie-going experience hasn't changed, I'm going to leave them at 5 stars. Kudos! read more

The first time I came here was to see "Howl's Moving Castle" and I've been in love ever since. Who doesn't love the Spectrum? As Lai-Yee mentioned, *REAL MELTED BUTTER*. Still not good for you, but not as bad for you! Snack selection is much more "adult" (for lack of a better word), as is their movie selection. Also, great location! Spectrum + Ultraviolet Cafe + New World Bistro = Trifecta of Awesome. read more

Here's what you do: Stop by your run-down neighborhood black bagger - grab a couple of OE 40's, a handful of 25 cent airheads, and a few extra-long beef sticks - and head on over to the Spectrum with your newly acquired St. Rose friend from Connecticut that you met at the dog park (there is ample parking in the back lot and bike posts out front). Worried about the TSA-styled strip search found at most mega theaters? Don't. Confidently (or googly-eyed, if previously mentioned date has a Mini-schnauzer/basset hound mix) walk up to counter with your goodies in hand, purchase your late-90's-priced movie stubs, and head into the theater that is playing the ripest tomato out. Pick your seat, crack open your 40, and enjoy your new favorite Jacques Audiard French flick. It's easy keeping it gangster at The Spectrum. read more

Oh, Spectrum 8, how do I love thee? I love you more than any other movie theater I've ever been to, pretty much ever. Your large parking lot. Your selection of independent and main stream movies, your popcorn with real butter, clean bathrooms...what is not to love? And all the more lovable considering there are no other independent movie theaters from Albany to Saratoga that show more than one movie at a time. read more

I went to the spectrum recent;y to see slum-dog millionaire. I haven't been to any movie theater in at least 3 years. The last time I went was also to the spectrum, to see broke-back mountain. I'm the type of person who enjoys watching movies in the comfort of my own home. I just wait until it comes out on DVD. I think many people are like this. So, on the rare occasion that we do decide to venture out for a movie, it has to be a good experience. Spectrums sound is always great. I love their theater sound. The price was fair at $6.75 for an evening show. Their seats are old and uncomfortable. The drink holders are on the seat in front of you so each time you want a drink you have to lean forward, drink, lean forward again to put it back in the holder. That's annoying. Now to my biggest complaint... tonight the viewing room (theater 7 to be exact) smelled like 10,000 stinky feet coupled with stale perfume, faded cologne and peoples breath. I swear I could smell the breath of patrons from 3 or 4 shows ago. You walk through the door into the theater and get smacked with the stale smelly air like a sledgehammer to the head. About 30 minutes into the movie I walked out and asked the concession workers if they could turn on some ventilation in that theater. Surprisingly, they did but it was far too late as the smell just hung in the air. I would think the workers would realize how bad the theaters stink and turn on the ventilation BEFORE people have to complain. A day or 2 later I ended up with a pretty severe cold. I almost never get colds! I attribute it to the Spectrums lack of ventilation. They really need to hire an upholstery cleaning service to come in and clean all the old cloth seats, the walls and someone else to clean the floors. Sanitize the place so it smells clean. And, please leave the ventilation on ALL THE TIME. These kinds of annoyances are why most people just stay home to watch movies. I probably won't venture back to the movie theater for another 3 years. I know I'm not missing anything... except seeing the newest movies right when they are released. Big deal! Pros: Cool flicks u don't get anywhere else, quaint atmosphere, CHEAP TIX, not crowded, attentive staff, easy parking Cons: SMELLY! SMELLY! SMELLY! The whole just place feels old. Lack of ventilation read more

I love going to this theater, besides helping out a local business you can get fresh coffee, and a slice of cake with your movie? popcorn with REAL butter? a frozen fruit bar? yes please. While the prices for the concession are standard movie theater prices you get to enjoy it in a more comfortable seat, with a lot fewer people and a much better view. I enjoy that I can go to this theater right before a movie starts and not be concerned about seating. I also appreciate that if I do manage to get there with extra time that I can see flyers about local business that I may want to check out on the screen. You can't beat this movie going experience. Or the coffee next door that they are affiliated with that you can bring into the theater. bonus. read more

We started going to this theater for the following reasons: 1) Independently owned and operated 2) Showing both mainstream and independent films which rotate regularly. Also shows "Special Event" films (i.e. "The Kitchen") 3) Audience appreciates the ambiance and respectfully lets you enjoy the film unlike your mall crowds; no coughers or kickers! 4) Large parking lot with quick access in and out. 5) Employees are friendly and knowledgeable. 6) Inexpensive tickets and snack bar. 7) Close to independent restaurants, bars, and eateries. Why do we still continue to go regularly? 1)Same Reasons!!! read more

If you're a typical suburbanite whose idea of going to the movies is to worship in some big metroplex in a mall, the Spectrum 8 will seem like a strange and foreign place. First of all, the whole experience will be significantly cheaper. The metroplexes pay outrageous rents, so everything you buy from tickets to concession items will be at a premium price, compared to what you experience at the Spectrum. Second, at the metroplexes you get to pay again by being forced to watch endless commercials at earsplitting volume before the movie starts. Has it ever occurred to anyone that if the entire theatre stood up at once and hurled their mega-size cokes and popcorn containers at the projection windows, and kept doing it at every show. that these idiots would stop showing the mind-numbing commercials? But I digress -- at the Spectrum, there will be a few commercials too. But most of them will actually be for movies you find interesting -- assuming you're not looking for the latest moronic superhero turned robot (or is it robot turned superhero?) fare that passes as "cinema" for most Americans these days. Which brings me to my third and final point -- the spectrum really isn't "art cinema" as the term is used in New York or LA. But it's the closest thing we have, and as such is to be respected and nurtured. The typical movie shown at the Spectrum, compared to the typical movie shown at a megaplex, is like the difference between a bowl of candy and a satisfying three-course meal with dessert. In short, do your brain and your wallet a favor and try the Spectrum next time you want to see a movie. It's the healthy choice for a healthy mind. read more

such a wonderful part of the local flora and fauna. It has been here for a very long time and has not stopped being the excellent place i have heard that it always was (i spoke to some old timers that used to go here on dates for a dime. so sweet.). they offer a wonderful selection of movies, the best of mainstream, some really great independent flicks, foreign films, political commentary and other such entertaining items. and to accompany your entertainment is a lovely selection of yummy deserts, fresh popcorn with REAL butter and fresh hot coffee (and you can bring stuff in from the ultraviolet cafe as well if you like) and of course the required candy. the theater sizes are small but still great sound and comfy seats. and the prices are Much lower than the bigger theater they even have stuff to offer for kids quite often other than the awful canned pictures that are being shoved down their throats on tv. we saw Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away here as well as The Triplets of Belleville. I love this place. read more

I've been here a number of times and always enjoy it. It has a real "authentic" old-school cinema feel which is really lost on the larger big box theaters. Its nice to have a cozy feel that evokes nostalgic feelings of childhood movie-going experiences (not that i am that old....) And as everyone said, its locally owned! Fight the man, support locally owned businesses! read more

The best theater for 30 years running...nothing like an authentic movie theater, independent from the world of chain movie theaters... Popcorn, teas, and cakes....and cafes, restaurants and an ice cream parlor a few steps away.... Best night out in Albany! Delaware Ave! read more

Ahh, I love The Spectrum! It's definitely the best place to see a movie in the Capital Region. It's more affordable than the mall, especially if you go for a matinee or on Tuesday, when all seats are like $7.25, I think. They have great snacks, too--not just candy. You can get tasty cheesecake,carrot cake and other delectable treats which change almost daily. Another thing is that they play independent and foreign films, and I don't think there are any other places in Albany that regularly do that. Of course you can see some mainstream, popular movies too--but you can typically bypass the annoying SUNY Albany kids that are drunk and screaming, like at *cough* Crossgates. The crowd is usually pretty low key and respectful here, which makes watching the movie POSSIBLE, and enjoyable, ha. If you enjoy coffee, head over to Ultraviolet Cafe before the film and snag a caramel latte. You can thank me later. ;o) read more

One of my friends, who is also from my hometown, tells me that the Spectrum is *the* place to go in Albany if you want to see independent films. I'll just get this out of the way now, but this is where I have to dock a star. I give them MAJOR ENORMOUS props for being an independent theater, and I give them even more kudos for affordable concessions and large, comfy seats. But it really was sort of a downer to see quality films like Moon and Food Inc. on the marquee along with mainstream atrocities like Whip It and The Invention of Lying. I really, really, really, really, really wish that they'd take the notion of independent theater and really just run with it. But then again, I suppose you have to consider your audience. Tonight, I went to the premiere of "Against the Current," which was simply a haunting and brilliant film that was filmed down the Hudson. My friend and I were first shocked at the amount of elderly there (no offense), and then mortified by the kinds of questions they asked the director during Q&A ("This movie made me SO angry!", "But the bridges weren't in order!", "There was happy music at the end!", and the kicker, "Who was the actor driving the police boat?" only to find out that the guy was sitting right next to her, to which then everyone applauded his 10-second performance). I cannot judge a movie theater on perhaps its penchant for incredibly ignorant and uncomfortable Q&A sessions, but it does help me understand why they may not do independent exclusively...because people just don't "get it." /end rant In any case, the theater itself is very charming, and like I said, totally comfy unless you sit next to someone who insists on constantly jabbing you in the stomach with his elbow. The best part? There's a ton of parking in back. That's enough to make me a regular. At this point, I feel like I need to appreciate anything and everything in Albany that is not chain or mega-corporation, and on that stipulation alone, I will totally support and patronize the Spectrum. However, it would be excessively cool if more people "understood" that independent films don't always translate to happy endings, but instead often spur discussion through social commentary. And that's when you can head nextdoor to the Ultraviolet to chat over some espresso..... read more