Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre has filled me with many great experiences and happy memories over the years… It is an old art house theatre that hosts unique events as well as foreign, artsy, alternative and documentary films. Calgary needs to hang onto these few funky old places of character that we have left. It is a treasure! :-) Thankyou Plaza Theatre! :-)

Before the era of major Cineplexes and IMAX theaters, your neighborhood cinema was the place to go when you wanted to catch a flick. Plaza is one of the last remaining relics of that time.
This charming little movie theater is located in Kensington. You won’t find your major blockbusters here, but the movies that they do show, usually fit the atmosphere and personality of the theater and its patrons.

I am a native Calgarian and have fond memories of many movie outings to the Plaza over the years, even before the emergence of the big box theatres. I had not been there for a number of years and a few evenings ago my husband and I took in an evening show at the Plaza. I am sorry to say that we were MOST disappointed. The show was slated to begin at 7 pm. We arrived at 6:45 to purchase tickets by which point the entire small lobby area was completely filled to capacity. It seemed curious to us that by 6:55 the doors to the theatre were still not open – we inquired at the ticket booth and were told the previous show was running late. In the meantime, the lobby area was becoming increasingly crowded to the point where people were squished in like sardines and it was ridiculously hot and difficult to breathe. Turned out that the previous show didn’t finish until around 7:20 at which point the people in the theatre exited THROUGH the lobby by pushing and shoving their way through the crowd, as opposed to the proper exits in the rear of the theatre.
Other than the person selling tickets and those in the concession stand, there was NO evidence of staff or management. At no point did anyone announce or apologize for the show running late. At no point was there any effort by any staff at ‘crowd control’, as in organizing some kind of reasonable lineup, given the circumstances, and creating an appropriate lane of sorts for the previous audience members to exit. Even discounting the inconvenience, the rudeness of the staff (by their absence) and the extreme discomfort of waiting (many of the waiting audience members were elderly), this situation was a HUGE safety hazard and completely unacceptable by any standards of safety and conduct. What a deplorable way to run a business. My husband, who is actually in the field of theatre management, was completely and totally disgusted. Even if this was an isolated incident, it was inexcusable. What a shame that what was once one of Calgary’s best independent theatres is so poorly managed and run. We shall not return.

The Plaza Theater is an independent theater located in the heart of Kensington. I enjoy that it plays alternative films that aren’t usually shown at the bigger chain theaters around town. It supports events like the Calgary International Film Festival and the Underground Film Festival. It’s a little old and run down, but it is able to pull it off in a positive, nostalgic kind of way.
The Plaza is also available to be rented out for private events. A friend of ours took advantage of this for his wife’s 30^th birthday. He arranged to have her favorite film played and somehow managed to keep it a secret that it was a private event that all of her friends & family were invited to. She was quite surprised when she walked into the theater to find it filled with people she knew!
It was definitely one of the better surprise parties I’ve been to. In addition to showing her favorite movie, her husband had gotten her family from the east coast to record a «Happy Birthday» message. He edited a bunch of pictures and these videos together to create an intro film that they showed before the movie. After the show, everyone stuck around for brithday cake and socialization in the lobby. It was a lot of fun, and a unique idea for a party.
Review #15 of Unilocal’s 30 Day Review Challenge 2012

I love independent art house theatres and I think Calgary needs more. Or at the very least, more theatres willing to show more foreign (non-​dubbed) and independent films.
The Plaza Theatre in Kensington is a staple in Calgary’s art house scene, by default if only because it’s one of two or so that are left in the city.
But admission is reasonable and so are the concessions and it’s in an easily accessible location by car, transit or bike. Hopefully they’ll be able to find the money to upgrade their projection systems to use digital as more and more movies are coming out in that format, but there’s nothing wrong with good old fashioned 35 mm films.
Be aware though that if you ever catch a movie during a massive hail storm, it sounds like rocks hitting a tin roof in there. I’m speaking from experience.
That said, as long as the Plaza continues to show quality films at reasonable prices, I will continue to frequent it.

If you’re looking to take in a movie at a theatre with the latest and greatest in high-​tech sound, lighting and visuals you should probably drive to the suburbs and go to a theatre with all those things.
Nope, The Plaza is all about character. It’s old (75 years I believe) and you can tell. But this is why The Plaza is so great– it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The whole operation is different and more laid back than pretty much any other theatre I’ve been to. The canteen is basic, but you can always get a big bag of buttery popcorn and a huge drink to enjoy the movie with. The washrooms are run down, but in a very fitting way.
The movies they show are sometimes obscure, sometimes old, but always interesting. They played the original Batman movie from 1966 (Adam West) a couple of weeks ago and I loved every minute of it. Of course they do play new movies, but they are open to playing pretty much anything that is entertaining and worthy of having a «legacy». You’ll never see 17 Again playing at The Plaza… I hope.
The layout, being a bit dated, can be a pain. The line for the canteen can reach the front door and beyond. The seats don’t have lumbar support or the ability to tilt for a more relaxing position.
Simply put this is for those who want to take in a movie and enjoy it– not for the flashy stuff that makes up the theatre, but for the movie itself. Call it nostalgia. Call it being stubborn. Whatever it is, The Plaza is a gem and a great place to take in a movie from time-​to-​time.

The Plaza Theatre is a Calgary landmark. I love everything about this cinema — the outside façade, their eclectic and diverse film selection, and their popcorn is the best cinema snack in Calgary!
They’re one of only two places in the city that bring in a wide variety of independent and documentary films that you might nit have the opportunity to see otherwise. I spend so much time here each year during CIFF, but the film-​festing continues year round at this quaint little theatre.
Ideally located in the heart of Kensington, it couldn’t be easier to spend a perfect afternoon enjoying a leisurely lunch with friends before checking out an obscure foreign film, and then chatting about the nuances over coffee.
The Plaza’s annual Halloween showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a YYC institution, but their ever-​changing lineup of — often short-​run — films is always inspired.

I told myself that I should stop giving out so many 5 star reviews, but I can’t help this one because I love the Plaza! The last time I was here was for the Calgary International Film Festival a couple weeks ago. For the first time, I noticed that there are no cup holders. I tweeted about it. They replied and offer to have one of the staff hold my cup for me next time! Now THAT is customer service!

The Plaza Theatre is easily my favourite place to spend an entire afternoon. Not only am I a fan because their film selection is impeccable, but also because I am in love with their community involvement. I can’t even count the number of films or events I’ve attended at the Plaza.
All of the best films I’ve seen in theatres, I’ve seen at the Plaza.
I have also attended countless lectures and nerdfest’s here– «The Bicycle Thief» on 35 mm, a few consecutive weeks of Japanese films and lectures from my favourite film professor… as well as festivals such as CIFF, Fairytales… and most recently the People’s Poetry festival put on a double feature of «Ladies and Gentleman… Mr. Leonard Cohen,» and «Howl,» based on Allen Ginsberg’s epic. As a film nerd, and possessing a degree in English Lit, I have to say that The Plaza Theatre appeals to my senses in every way. Soon, they are also hosting an event in the first week of October which is a multi-​arts gala of Calgarian artists, musicians, poets, etc, called «Fragments,» which I am looking extremely forward to. Additionally, I attended a showing of «The Cove» last year in support of an animal conservation non profit. I also die of happiness whenever they decide to have a Coen brothers week or something of the like.
I just don’t have enough good things to say about the Plaza. It’s charming as all hell; from the old timey-​ness of its single theatre, to the bathrooms with posters plastered everywhere.
Plaza, je t’aime.

I absolutely love this place. The plaza is a classic independent theatre that exudes Calgary’s love for cinema, not to mention it’s old movie house smell is quite intoxicating. Much of my fondness for this place lies in it being the perfect way of ending some of my SAIT night classes. I mean theres no other way to cap off 2 hours of statistics than a documentary on the history and revival of «A Chorus Line».
The Plaza is definitely one of Calgary’s treasures and I am looking forward to the next time I’m in…
OHHHH SNAP!!! they are playing «Machete Maidens Unleashed» this weekend!!! WHO’S IN!!!

Leave it to a theater like the Plaza to have interesting posters that you excite the pop-​culture nerd in you as well as leave you in your tracks to reflect on the image before you. Leave to a theater like the Plaza to have said posters placed on top of the urinary stalls.
Spoiled by huge theaters I find that the seats are awkward. If you have to share treats, theres no cup holders for you to dump stuff on. Nothing more impressive than having to eat hand-​warmed M&Ms.
Its located in the bullseye of Kensington. One can continue a night of gallivanting after a movie without having to remobilize in your vehicle.
I also like the special events held here. I saw the premeire of Fubar II and I was blown away at how the Plaza is able to host one crazy party.
One request, please don’t take down the 7 samurai drawing at the door!

Oh, Plaza Theatre. Is there anything you don’t do?
The Plaza Theatre is a gem, and possibly the last in Calgary of a dying breed: the Independent Theatre. And the Plaza truly is an indy theatre, more so than the Globe or the Uptown (also great theatres, by the way). It is entirely possible that the Plaza alone is what gives Kensington much of its charm.
The Plaza seems to have redefined itself in the past few years by playing host more and more to a variety of cultural events. Personally I have attended the Fairy Tales Film Festival, the Midnight Film Festival, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Pages at the Plaza, and various other films. They also play host to the $ 100 Film Festival and the Calgary Film Festival.
The collaboration with Pages Books on Kensington is perhaps one of the more interesting and unique endeavours. Once a month the two neighbouring businesses present a discussion, debate, Q&A session, or what-​have-​you, by a Canadian author.
As others have commented, the seating is not the most comfortable, but all the other features more than make up for this in my opinion. The popcorn is great, staff are friendly, restrooms are clean, and admission prices are reasonable.
Bottom line, if you live here or are just «passing through», make sure to visit the Plaza. It is a one-​of-​a-​kind theatre in a city that has very few one-​of-​a-​kind venues.

Saw a movie here tonight. Friendly service, didn’t try the popcorn so I can’t comment on it. Clean bathrooms too (in a theatre? novel!).
Not a fan of the seating. Sat in the middle of the theatre and had the screen blocked by two not-​very-​tall ladies. Result was having to sit forward, which I did anyway because the movie was compelling, but ugh, neck strain. My companion, who is a head taller than me, had to sit forward as well.
Aside from that, I’m a fan :). Would come back for their events, movies and amiable service.

I want to give a plug for these guys.
I saw a movie there tonight and it started on time, there were NO COMMERCIALS, the popcorn was good, the service was friendly and the price was right.
Parking too was a snap; at street level and close by. Better yet, it’s in my corner of Calgary, in lovely Kensington. In particular I thought the sound system was superb for the documentary movie I saw, «Waiting for Superman». It’s a good movie by the way. If you haven’t been down to Kensington lately, a movie at the Plaza would be a good excuse to see what’s new in the area.

Everything that is great about Kensington can be summed up with The Plaza Theatre. Quaint, cheap, personal, with a great selection of movies.
Anytime I go to the movies, I always look at what is playing at The Plaza first. Although sometimes I feel like they play some movies for way too long. In February, «An Education» was there for an ENTIRE month. It is a great movie, we get it. But for a whole month? Come on!
The seats aren’t the comfiest, but that is part of the character.
Movies rarely cost over $ 10, so it is a great way of getting you out of the house and seeing a movie that you’ve maybe never even hear of!
And make sure you bring cash for the concession stand, you don’t want to not be able to have fresh popcorn while enjoying your movie, right?!
Afterwards, make sure you head over to Higher Ground for a glass of red wine or a warm latte.

I would like to put a personal shout out to the Plaza Theatre not as a Cinema per say but as a venue for non profit events. I haven’t actually seen a film here but it doesn’t matter, the theatre venue is offering our non profit group a couple of nights in May to show some cultural films at next to nothing.
This venue is in the heart of Kensington and the quaint and obvious character film venue will give our group the city exposure that it needs. Thanks so much your work in the community, the showing of obscure and independent films plus your loyalty to the local film scene here. This totally deserves a huge Unilocal recognition.

I recently went and saw a movie at The Plaza Theatre and I was pleasantly surprised.
Not only does The Plaza play movies that NO other theatre in the entire city plays, but it is also located beautifully in the heart of Kensington. The actual theatre itself is A LOT larger than I thought it would be (it’s HUGE) and it’s got beautiful portraits of old school actors/​actresses in it.
A movie is around $ 8-​$ 9 bucks for a late show on the weekend (pretty much the cheapest in town) and the staff is friendly.
The theatre isn’t PACKED and loud, but rather welcoming and intimate.
The ONLY reason the theatre loses a star is because the day I went, it smelt super funky. It smelt like sewage and that was a HUGE turnoff.
I’m hoping it was a one time deal, and I can guarantee I“ll be back again to double check that :)

One of the things that makes the Plaza Theatre so awesome is when they have their frequent cult film extravaganzas. The reason this is so neat is because some people actually dress up. I’m referring mostly to the couple of times I’ve seen Rocky Horror Picture Show here. It’s been quite an adventure.
If you’re like me, you like to experience a movie every now and then that hasn’t been completely Hollywood-​ized and actually gives you something to think about. The Plaza shows movies that aren’t main stream, but independent or foreign. It’s nice and refreshing to know there’s a place to go to watch something different.
The movie theatre itself is nothing to write home about. It’s pretty basic. The screen isn’t as giant as some of the other theatres, and the seats might not be as comfortable, but it’s still nice. They don’t have the largest concession either. You can get your popcorn and drink, and I think some candy.
It’s a nice place to go every now and then, but only when something really different and eye-​catching is playing. I do enjoy my time at this independent, unique theatre.

I love film. I am film-​obsessed, and I am a pretentious little bugger who often scoffs at Hollywood films and laments the death of the artform based on what is in wide release at the time. All of my friends are thankful that there is a place like the plaza in existence, so they can shove me down there and make me shut up for a few minutes. They bring the best and brightest of the film world that don’t get a wide release to Calgary, and I can’t exactly lament on the state of the world during those, now can I?!
This is the place to catch independent and foreign films. They are also a huge part of the film community, supporting Calgary’s International Film Festival and also the Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers. And they are also a big supporter of the surrounding area of Kensington.
However, and this is a big however: they do not have butter for their popcorn! I need the butter! It is an essential part of the film going experience!

Perhaps Calgary’s most artful art cinema the Plaza supports documentaries, independent, and foreign films. The tiny grubby lobby creates an interesting first impression and the washrooms are a bit scary but they only help create the ‘at the movies’ ambiance of a small historic theater. A regular hosting venue to the Calgary Film Festival and the place to catch midnight showings of cult classics like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the plaza is a great venue for an interesting night out.
Oh and try the popcorn, it’s great.