Globe Cinema

The Globe is an art house cinema. This means it’s where film buffs go to see movies that none of their friends have heard of. I am a big fan and supporter of this Cinema. It’s small, only has two theatres, it’s concession only takes cash but what it lacks in infrastructure it more than makes up for in programming. The Globe is a major supporter of the CIFF and a lot of its movies are played here. They show obscure independent films, docs, the classics, how could you not love this place if you are a film buff?
I’d give it a 5-​star rating if they accepted debit or credit at the concessions or, at least have an ATM.

I really don’t like going to movies, but going to the Globe makes it bearable for me. Great staff & good films! $ 5 Tuesday’s! no annoying ads to sit through & comfortable-​enough seats. Snacks are cash only & there’s no ATM! so come prepared with cash, or a flask & a granola bar in your purse!

My favourite movie theatre in town. Judging by recent programming, they have recommited to taking chances on bringing in interesting films. Some are flopsbut others are real gems that I appreciate the opportunity to see in a theatre with an audience. Love their partnerships with groups like Calgary Underground Film Festival, Night Terrors and Science in Cinema

As a big fan of movie theaters, the Globe simultaneously embodies and undermines the things I love about the industry.
On one hand, it’s nice to see a throwback to the older days of cinema where everything feels very antique and rustic… but surely, there’s a way to do that without having it feel unmaintained. I didn’t get the time warp effect of feeling like I’d stepped into a theater IN the 70s or 80s, more the feeling of stepping into something somebody just hasn’t felt the need to do anything with in those 30 – 40 years. While the notion of a cash-​only concession that deals in old fashioned sizes and containers that the big companies shirked a long time ago, big red curtains around the screen, and old fashioned neon-​style lights in the lobby may add to the period atmosphere, the comparatively small screen, worn out décor and seats that have seen better days made me eager to return to somewhere a bit more modern.
The staff also left quite a bit to be desired. Not only did they all exhibit the same «borderline between punk rock and hipster» style that tells me one guy got in here and hired all his friends (which is fine, this is also the vibe at one of my favorite bars in the city) but unfortunately, this time around, that seemed to come with the stereotypical attitude people expect to come with that style — in that most of them were standing around, doing little to nothing, and seemed to feel inconvenienced when asked for something. On a REALLY busy night there was one guy printing tickets while 4 (sometimes 5) people stood around behind the concession counter, having their own conversations, either oblivious, unconcerned, or possibly both. Even when I stepped right up to that counter, wallet in hand, clearly waiting to order something, not one of them even made eye contact with me, let alone asked if I needed anything, until I moved to one end of the counter and interrupted their conversation. Completely unprofessional.
But the biggest problem I had BY FAR was the lack of air conditioning. I went to see the opening showing of Snowpiercer, which was PACKED (no doubt due in large part to the great reviews the movie has recieved). I’d been wanting to see this movie for months, and I can scarcely remember what happened through the latter hour because I spent the entire time shifting around in my seat trying to get comfortable or whiping sweat off my forehead. One of the things I love about movie theaters is that they, typically, give you a nice cool, dark reprive during hot days in the summer. This place, however, you’d need a powerful vehicle and several lengths of rope to DRAG me back in there on a hot day. Movie theaters should never induce sweating and leave you feeling desperate for a shower when you finally walk out.
The Globe is a great idea poorly executed — which is a shame because the building itself has a lot of charm and promise, if only it were maintained a bit better and had a couple small modernizations (especially the air conditioning and screen size), and had a staff that cared about their jobs.

One of my favorite go to places for entertainment in Calgary. I simply love going to the movies. Blockbuster, Arthouse, comedy, drama, obscure independent I love them all and the Globe shows an awesome variety. With the demise of the Uptown this is the only independent downtown. Don’t get me wrong I love and support the Plaza too but it’s officially not downtown. Price is more reasonable on tickets and concessions than the big guys and matinees and Tuesdays are even better. Caught Snowpiercer last night and the theatre was almost full which was awesome. While it’s not my little secret it can’t stay open as my exclusive place so I’m glad when it’s busy! I check the listings weekly and this is a place that gets a big chunk on my entertainment $. Love to support the independents but don’t forget all the businesses hire locally and all need our support

I had no idea this even existed!
I am so glad a couple of friends asked us to come to this quaint, old theater to watch an underground film. I believe there is a film fest going on and it ends tomorrow.
We arrived 10 minutes before the show and there was not too bad of a line-​up surprisingly and there were ushers at the entrance letting you know where to wait, asking if you had tickets already, etc and staff were very relaxed and friendly!
The theater we were in was quite large and I found the seats to be comfortable enough.
They serve liquor here! Cash only for the concession stand but for the films you can pay cash or credit card.
No kiddies her. Everyone was respectful during the film (no annoying chatter or bright light from cell phones) and we really enjoyed our night out! I was not sure initially how it would go with a crowded space + liquor + people being quiet for 2 hours but it was fine!
The washrooms at the end of the night were plenty packed, only 3 stalls worth but it kept that old school feel of the place and the line went quickly.
My friend expressed concern about the fate of the theater, if they would be staying open in the future and I hope they do!
I would not say I am a regular or necessarily a fan of underground films but we really enjoyed doing something out of «our ordinary». We did not partake in the drinking on this night but next time we will plan for it and come earlier to enjoy!
I recommend it for date night!
(We watched The Machine, rated R) $ 10 per ticket.

Great that The Globe is still running, and usually showing art-​house movies that you cannot find elsewhere in Calgary!
Only negatives would be that the seats are narrow/​uncomfortable, and too often the popcorn tastes stale/​funky.
Perhaps a renovation would be coming, especially since The Globe is part of a much larger chain now?!

I love this little theatre. It’s comfortable, they have good sound and decent screens, the staff is always polite and it’s never ridiculously busy. The seats are comfy, there’s tons of leg room, and if you can get a seat towards the middle/​back, there’s enough of a slope to the floor that you can see over the person in front of you. Best of all, they pick terrific films to show, high quality independents and international movies. The Globe’s my favourite place to head when I want a movie that’s a little different and will make me think!

Very friendly staff and such a wonderful time… totally worth going to this theater to avoid ignorant little kids that do not know how to act in a theater and enjoy whatever your seeing. We saw an older movie made in 2012 and it made that movie a whole lot better.
As a fellow reviewer said in their post, Nyssa R., I dont think you really know what your talking about. The Plaza is still up and running and the Globe is an independent. You should do your homework prior to posting reviews. After all people read reviews to judge a place and you have given this place an unfair review.

YAY! While Landmark Cinemas may have pulled out, the landlord of the building has descided to keep the cinema open as an art house movie theatre! This rocks!

Review #2 of Unilocal’s 30 Day Challenge 2012
The Globe cinema is obviously an older style cinema, and unfortunately it’s not an independently owned one, but you get the independent-​owned feel from it anyway, though it is sad that the Uptown and Plaza are no longer and I don’t believe there are any more independent theaters in Calgary at this point.
There are two concessions and two sets of bathrooms inside, one up the stairs, and one down the stairs. The seats are comfortable, but the cinema is not sloped extremely well so it’s one of those places where if you get a medium-​height person in front of you, you won’t be able to see that much. But like I said, the seats are comfortable, and if you get a side-​aisle seat right next to the aisle, you will have no trouble seeing the films!
The popcorn is yummy and the concession prices are reasonable. Also, they are one of the two theaters that support the Calgary International Film Festival, so they show lots of movies that are better than what you would see on the «big screen», which gives them an advantage over other theaters in the city.

With the demise of The Uptown, this is the last bastion for art house film lovers in the downtown core. Sure, the Cineplex in Eau Claire sometimes shows art house or indie flicks, but The Globe fills a niche in Calgary that I wish more theatres would cater to.
The theatre is owned by Landmark, and they’ve outsourced some of their advertising to Cineplex, so you can actually check out a good chunk of the Cineplex Pre-​Show here, which is ironic because the Cineplex location in Eau Claire doesn’t even show that at their theatres.
If you’re on a budget, the best times to visit are during the weekends and catching a matinée (you save about $ 2.50 or so on admission that way), or visiting on a Tuesday as for $ 0.99 more than general admission ($ 10), you can get a popcorn/​drink/​candy combo.
The Globe is on my list of theatres to check out every week whenever I’m in the mood for a film, because usually they’ve got quality stuff playing here. If you like films with a little bit more depth, give The Globe a try.

One of the best in cinema. Of the old school variety, cheap tickets, cheap popcorn and they show great films with a great crowd. And no half hour of t. v commercials before the film comes on. Just a few trailers and straight in. So throw a suit on, don yourself up and stroll downtown for something on the real Silver Screen.
PS only thing missing is a bar (see the Uptown)

I went here b/​c I got the hookups for tickets to the Calgary Underground Film Festival show. Doppleganger Paul, funny movie!
Anyways the last time I was here it was for a Bukowski film that I skipped school to watch. Yeah I’m old enough to admit I played hooky, now it’s on to the big boy stuff like binge drinking, chasing lost leggy women, and late-​night writing sprees, just like Bukowski.
The Globe has a weird entrance in that it has a really small lobby, you quickly buy your tickets and run into one of their theaters. For a seemingly small place, their theaters are quite large with seats that are slightly better than the plaza or the uptown.
Man I gotta get out to these places more to catch some good films. That very weekend I went they were showing a sushi doc that I really really wanted to see but didn’t get around to it: S
Anyone up for film hangs?

Okay so Rob & I have been here about 3 times now. It’s a little different from most theatres in the sense that you have to wait outside (like, on the sidewalk) for the manager to come unlock the doors about 15 minutes before the movie starts. He does that to keep street people from loitering, and in downtown, who could blame him? Anyways, the prices are super-​reasonable! On Tuesdays, they have a deal for only $ 10, you get popcorn and a drink included in the price, so they seem free :)
The only sad thing about the concession is that they no longer sell Nachos and & cheese, but that’s personal for me since I loooove nachos, and cannot eat popcorn.
The thing that really makes this theatre ‘alternative’, though, is the fact that they do not always show mainstream movies, but rather the ones that are more dramatic & meaningful, and often entrees into a film festival. They only have a couple of cinemas there too, so you won’t get lost & confused like in the gigantic theatres.
I definitely would go there again!

I love this cinema. A short jaunt from my house and it always plays unique movies. While the seats are not the most comfortable, for $ 10 I won’t complain, too much.

I’m not really a movie person. I do not watch a ton of movies as I find most to be predictable and not worth my time.
When I go to the theatre, I don’t want to sit in front of a ton of annoying teenagers all talking really loudly about how they can’t believe that Jessie broke up with Chris or recapping something unimportant that happened last night on the Bachelor. I want to watch my damn movie and then go have a glass of wine and chat about it with my friend afterwards.
The Globe is the kind of place that people go to WATCH GOOD MOVIES. It’s not the most comfortable seats, it doesn’t have a Pharaoh in the lobby, it won’t sell you a barrel of popcorn for $ 75.
If you actually want to go and watch a decent movie and you don’t need the Hollywood spectacle that too often accompanies a crappy movie, then the Globe is a good bet.

I am surprised by the face that I have never reviewed The Globe before. After a visit to The Globe Cinema this past weekend, I will attempt to write a review, and try not to let it be affected by the obnoxious trashy girls in the downstairs bathroom who didn’t know how to close the stall doors, and kept yelling «I’M NOT EVEN DRUNK THOUGH!» Ew.
One thing I will give The Globe, is that there is ample leg room in the theatres. Tonight, I sat down in my seat and felt very strange. I then realized it was because someone could walk down the aisle of seats, without anybody having to stand up or do the awkward side-​leg-​shuffle to let them through. For that, The Globe is oh-​kay.
However, I have always preferred the Uptown first and foremost, followed by the Plaza theatre when I want to see a film. I have always viewed The Globe as showing all the orphan films that its homie The Uptown doesn’t want; like the ones that are based off of Oprah’s Book Club books, or this one weirdo one I saw once about an arranged marriage, and a man who turns into a snake. Real weird. I have always found the features at The Uptown far superior.
Seeing as The Uptown is closed until further notice, and I was already downtown, I finally gave in and went to The Globe on Friday anyways, after being peer pressure by a friend. I hadn’t been since a film festival a few years ago. WHY WOULD I WHEN MY FAVOURITE THEATRE IS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET?! The theatre was relatively busy, and I couldn’t tell if it was because everyone was there to see a George Clooney movie, or because The Uptown is currently closed. Probably both, seeing as I guess those were my motives to be there as well. Even if NO ONE ELSE endorses my weird crush on George Clooney. :(

I love the Globe Theatre for the tiny lobby, the two theatres (one upstairs, one down), the small condiment stands and the piece of Calgary History and Indie Film love that it embodies. Is it tiny? Yeah, the theatres are small and only mildly comfortable. The popcorn still comes in human sized bags. The staff tend more toward film lover than disenfranchised teenager (though they have those too). I like that the Globe celebrates film by supporting the film festivals and bringing in some of the better independent film to Calgary.
It is so, so important for us to get more than just what Hollywood flings our way. The Globe was one of the central players in my development as a film lover.
Plus I saw Napolean Dynamite here before it got cool. Beat that! (End pretension)

When I see a movie, I like to see it in all its glory. I like a HUGE screen, I like comfy seats, I like leg room and I like the excitement of a big lobby, a huge concession area, and lots of movie-​going crowds.
For me, The Globe isn’t on my ‘Top 3′ theatres to frequent in Calgary. It’s the theatre you go to when you want to see the ‘interesting’ films, you know, the ones that don’t normally play at regular theatres. I still don’t love it though. To me, it’s tiny, it’s congested, and it’s dated.
I do go now and then when I want to catch an original film, and I did head over a couple of times during the Calgary Film Festival, but on a regular day, you wont catch me walking in or out.
It’s an okay theatre, but I’m not there unless it’s the ONLY place where my movie is playing :)